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As part of Science Month, the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) participated in the event “Women Engineers in Action: Workshop, Experiment, and Science,” reaffirming its commitment to promoting female participation in mathematics and creating spaces for learning and inspiration so that more girls and young women are encouraged to pursue studies in science and engineering.
More than 160 students from different municipalities of the region took part in the activity organized by the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) of the University of Chile. During the event, participants learned about the faculty’s academic programs, special admission pathways for women, and toured the Beauchef 850 and 851 buildings, ending with hands-on experiences in various laboratories.
The initiative is part of the FCFM’s ongoing effort to increase female representation in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). “If we expected the percentage of women to rise naturally, the pace was far too slow—we wouldn’t achieve the change we wanted, even in a hundred years. That’s why, as a faculty, we decided to take concrete action and be more proactive,” said Prof. Marcela Munizaga, Vice Dean of the FCFM.
From the CMM, researchers Helena Montenegro Maggio, from the Education Lab, and Hanne Van Den Bosch, principal researcher at the center, shared their experiences with the students, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in breaking stereotypes and fostering early interest in scientific careers.
“These activities are essential to show that mathematics and science are diverse fields open to everyone. When girls see women leading projects or conducting research, they realize they can do it too. At CMMEdu, we want to contribute to that inspiration by connecting education, science, and mathematics in an approachable and meaningful way,” said Helena Montenegro Maggio.
Meanwhile, Hanne Van Den Bosch, who studies mathematical physics and partial differential equations, highlighted the opportunity to interact with motivated students: “I think it’s important to show that mathematics is much broader than what one imagines at school. Here, there are enormous challenges but also plenty of room for creativity, teamwork, imagination, and discovering the beauty and diversity of mathematical applications.”
The enthusiasm of the participants reflected the impact of the event. Kimberly Morales, a high school student at the Bicentennial Center of Excellence in Huechuraba, shared: “I loved seeing how these spaces include women in science and mathematics. We’re often underrepresented in these fields, and these events allow us to grow and feel like we belong.”
“Women Engineers in Action” continues to establish itself as a key initiative for promoting women’s participation in STEM careers, strengthening the collaboration between the FCFM and centers of excellence such as the CMM, united in their commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive scientific community.
Written by Cintia Beltrán, CMM Communications
Images courtesy of the FCFM, University of Chile
Posted on Oct 8, 2025 in News
