“If you're a woman considering a STEM degree at FSC--my advice is to absolutely go for it.” 

Aliyah Adnan Khan, ‘26, a Farmingdale State College (FSC) applied mathematics and applied psychology major, shares her positive experience as a dual degree student.  

“FSC has been incredibly supportive of my journey in STEM,” she added of the acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. “Additionally, as a woman in STEM, I’ve seen firsthand how Farmingdale fosters a supportive environment, especially through the academic programs and student clubs I'm a part of.” 

FSC’s first alumna
Across campus, FSC students applaud the College’s continued contributions, equity, and community building for women in STEM. In fact, FSC’s long history of celebrating women in these critical fields began with its first graduating class. Then the New York State School of Agriculture at Farmingdale, Long Island, FSC’s first alumna, Kathryn “Kate” Freeman, graduated in 1919 and went on to work as a ranch superintendent and landscape architect, according to College archives.  

“As a woman in STEM at FSC, I have only ever felt supported, and that my ideas and efforts are welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated,” said Kelly Parsley, ’29, a dual architecture and horticulture major. 

Olha Sorych, ’25, a computer science major, appreciates the mentorship and networking opportunities she receives through the Supporting Women in Computing (SWIC) club, which recently facilitated her attendance at two of largest women in technology conferences in the world.  

“In fields like computer science and other STEM disciplines, building industry connections is crucial—they can open doors and even change the trajectory of your career,” she said. 

“Additionally, FSC’s Computer Systems Department actively works to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech, and that has been incredibly inspiring to me,” she added. “It’s a positive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and confidence.” 

Support and opportunity
“Almost half of our faculty mentors this past year at SURI were women with many of those professors being from STEM fields,” Allie McGlone, FSC’s Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program academic counselor, said as she reflected on the College’s successful Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) initiative. The undergraduate research opportunity, which runs annually from June to August, divides student participants into multiple faulty-led research cohorts, where they study a range of community-focused topics, including health science, green engineering, and machine learning. 

“The opportunities given to students through SURI, especially for women in STEM, are vital,” said Lauren Varagnolo, ‘26, a dual bioscience and applied psychology major, who learned new cryosectioning techniques at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories. “The experience and knowledge I gained wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for FSC.” 

“I strongly feel that FSC is a supportive environment for Women in STEM,” agreed Kinza Yasmeen, 25’, bioscience major and president of FSC’s Biology Club. “FSC is a wonderful place for women's 

achievement. Not only in the Biology Department, but all around campus you see women in jobs of authority. Wonderful role models who you see are so happy with their careers and a work-life balance.” 

For Trecel Dandrade, '28, a duel architectural engineering and civil engineering major, being a woman in STEM “is not an easy route,” but she builds confidence and a sense of empowerment through the “never-ending support” at FSC, including its job fairs, career development, and research programs.  

“[These programs] promote the future success for women students pursuing STEM fields,” she said. “This gives women a better shot of taking initiative and having experience in a leadership position.” 

“One of the best parts of FSC is the one-on-one support provided by advisors, who work closely with us to help us navigate our academic and professional careers,” agreed Elizabeth Cintron, ‘26, a science, technology, and society major. “The focus on inclusion and support here ensures that we have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed.” 

Future leaders in STEM
“We look forward to continuing to encourage and motivate young female students to pursue these fields,” said McGlone. “For women students, I think it is crucial to get involved in research experiences early to continue showing and normalizing that the world of research is truly for everyone. This is especially true when navigating STEM spaces, because women in STEM are only going to continue thriving and it is important to increase awareness that we need to continue closing this gap.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1970, women made up 38% of all U.S. workers but only 8% of STEM workers. By 2019, women made up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and the proportion of women in STEM had increased to 27%. 

At FSC, employment outcomes for female baccalaureate graduates in STEM fields are on the rise as well with 75% of women employed full or part-time and 61% employed in a job related to their earned degree, according to FSC’s most recent six-month graduation survey. In addition, the College's STEM Diversity Summit annually encourages local high school and middle school students to grow into STEM careers.

“Looking ahead, I would like to grow to be a role model for other women and little girls,” said Yasmeen, who plans to pursue a degree in medicine. “I want to be that doctor that hears her female patients and makes them feel safe.” 

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