Meet Fernanda Sulantay
Fernanda Sulantay graduated with a Honors Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Connecticut. She is currently a PhD student at Yale University. In her spare time, Fernanda likes content creation, reading, playing with her son, swimming, and makeup & fashion.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I have always loved math and science. When I was in middle school, I used to do algebra problems just for fun. Then when I was in high school, my friends would ask me for help in math and science courses and I enjoy explaining the concepts to them. It was amazing how I could use science to make sense of nature’s miracles. As an inquisitive individual, I was always asking why. Why is the sky blue? Why do the planets orbit around the sun? Why do lakes freeze only on the top when it is cold? Why do objects fall to the ground when there is no other force exerted on them? Every explanation involved chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, and that is why I wanted to study them, to feed my curiosity. One time I watched a movie called “Flightplan” where the protagonist was an aerospace engineer. I found her character so strong and impressive and right there I decided I wanted to be an engineer.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
STEM is cool, period. Working in a STEM field is interesting because you are always learning, advancing, and innovating. My days are not monotonous, the work is always challenging so I’m never bored. I love my job because I get to help people in developing countries like where I’m from so I’m very passionate about it.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
First, I would like to clarify that being STEM doesn’t mean you have to look like a “nerd” (the ones portrayed in movies). You can be whoever you are, express yourself through your style, and still work in STEM. My advice to you is to dream big – stretch your goals as Elon Musk advises. Work hard but have fun along the way! I never stopped having fun, I just had to become more organized and productive. GIRLS WE NEED YOU! We want more girls in STEM so if you want to join STEM just do it, we are waiting for you.