My name is Mariem El-Kady, and I am a junior at Alexandria STEM School in Egypt. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the TechGirls 2024 scholarship, participating in a transformative summer exchange program designed to empower young women (ages 15-17) to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This blog shares my incredible journey through TechGirls, highlighting the experiences that shaped my passion for STEM.

In Washington DC. at the start of the program

Studying Bioinformatics in Virginia Tech

I began my TechGirls experience at Virginia Tech, where I participated in an intensive 40-hour bioinformatics training program. This hands-on training was not only enlightening but also pivotal in developing my skills in a rapidly growing field. During my time there, I collaborated with fellow participants on a research project that focused on molecular docking related to Alzheimer's disease. Our collective efforts culminated in a research paper, which I am proud to share here. This project allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, deepening my understanding of bioinformatics.

In the university, we also had many activities like cultural day, POD olympiad, and our forever cherished POD Huddles.

Community Immersion in Ohio

After Virginia, I travelled to Ohio, where I stayed with a host family for a week. This experience enriched my understanding of American culture and provided a unique perspective on everyday life in the U.S. During my time in Ohio, I had the opportunity to job shadow at Kaleidoscope Innovation. This immersive experience allowed me to explore various departments, including research, industrial design, marketing, HR, and engineering. I gained valuable insights into how different functions work together to bring innovative ideas to life, and it sparked my interest in the intersection of technology and design.

Exploring Key Institutions in Washington, D.C.

The final leg of my journey took me to Washington, D.C., where I visited key institutions that play a vital role in shaping policies and advancing technology. I had the privilege of exploring the U.S. Department of State, where we had the chance to do our capstone presentation. Additionally, I went to the NASA Goddard Space Center, where I was further immersed in groundbreaking research and technology related to space exploration. The visit reinforced my desire to contribute to scientific advancements that can benefit society.

Giving Back Through Mentorship

Inspired by my experiences, I initiated a graduation project back home where I trained 50 students from various countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, and Jordan, in research, bioinformatics, and AI skills. Collaborating with my fellow TechGirl, Hadil El Basri, we aimed to empower others with the knowledge and skills we had gained.

Application Tips: Show Your Uniqueness

The application phase consisted of an online application and an interview for the top 15 applicants, with only three being chosen each year. My advice to anyone applying is to be spontaneous and to clearly express why you want to share your culture with others while learning about theirs. TechGirls is all about uniqueness; let your individuality shine through!

Application Tips: Show Your Uniqueness

Reflecting on my application for TechGirls, I believe several key factors contributed to my acceptance. While prestigious awards can certainly bolster an application, I found that TechGirls values passion, commitment, and potential. My application showcased my dedication to bioinformatics and my active involvement in various STEM-related projects, which resonated with the selection committee.

Key Honours and Extracurricular Achievements:

National finalist in the International Informatics Olympiad in teams
First place internationally in the Junior Academy Spring Challenge
Founder of WatSec, an initiative focused on sustainable water management
Active participant in over 15 scientific research projects, including collaborations with NASA scientists
Fifth place internationally in Global teen business competition

I also want to emphasise that TechGirls does not require applicants to have extensive or prestigious accolades as believed. For instance, I became an ISEF finalist shortly after my interview, and my first publication occurred just a month after my acceptance. These experiences were not part of my application or interviews that led me to acceptance, it also highlights that growth and achievement can happen even after the application process.

Also, in my interview, I noticed the focus wasn’t on my academic achievements, but on my community projects like WatSec, which was a novel natural filtration system that I implemented along with my teammates in a village in Mozambique, and electronic management systems implemented in 6 different countries in the Middle east, Europe, and Asia.

After returning from the U.S., I applied for the Outstanding Alumnae/i Award from the U.S. Embassy, where I presented my publications and public work in STEM. To my surprise and immense pride, I won the STEM Award, making me the youngest winner in the award’s age range of 16-66. This recognition further fueled my passion for making a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.

Cherishing Our Time Together

Finally, TechGirls was not just an academic or exchange opportunity; it was a month where we lived as a family, cherishing our moments together. The bonds we formed and the experiences we shared will last a lifetime.