Dr. Victoria Nicholas Inspires Female Students at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill with STEM Presentation
This week, Dr. Victoria Nicholas, Associate Dean for STEM Faculty and Strategy at The Open University, visited Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, Southampton, to engage and inspire a group of female students about the exciting possibilities of pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
During her visit, Dr. Nicholas delivered an insightful and motivational presentation that highlighted her personal and professional journey, her role as a leader in STEM, and the importance of female representation in these fields. Drawing from her own experiences, Dr. Nicholas shared her educational journey, emphasizing resilience and adaptability, from navigating GCSEs and A-levels to building a successful academic career. She spoke candidly about overcoming challenges, including career breaks, and finding her passion in research and education.
The presentation underscored the critical need for more women in STEM fields, as current statistics show that only 15% of 12- to 14-year-old girls consider STEM careers. Dr. Nicholas encouraged the students to explore their potential, reminding them, “Why should men have all the influence?”
Students also learned about opportunities in higher education, including the unique benefits of studying at The Open University. Dr. Nicholas highlighted the institution’s flexible learning options, personalised tutor support, and the ability to balance earning and learning, making higher education accessible for a wide range of learners.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing students to explore further questions about STEM careers and higher education pathways. Dr. Nicholas expressed her hope that her story would resonate with the students, inspiring them to break barriers and achieve success in STEM disciplines. When asked about the visit, a student said: 'It made me realise that I could make a real difference in business or society by choosing to study Science. I feel really motivated by this talk.'
Assistant Principal Ms Jennie Cole said: “'A fantastic morning giving a real insight into the need and opportunity for more women to consider STEM careers.”