HERVision

For the Gender Equity in STEM Challenge, my solution HERVisions seeks to address the issue of limited role models. It is important that girls especially in grades 6-8 feel represented and empowered. One of the best ways is for girls to identify and interact with diverse role models and mentors in the STEM field. However, these opportunities are rare due to the absence of role models being portrayed in books, movies, and classrooms. This problem is widespread across the United States. 

HERVision is an AI-powered website that allows students to interact with female STEM professionals. Students can virtually "chat" with these role models (living or dead) about their careers, research projects, and lives outside of STEM. 

HERVision is unique for several reasons. First of all, information is presented in a conversational style through an AI-driven chatbot. This is more engaging for the students than existing solutions like the digital/museum exhibition. Due to the AI technology that it incorporates, more personalized guidance can be provided for the students based on the person he or she is interacting with. Finally, HERVision makes mentorship more accessible as students can ask their role models questions without that person being physically present. 

At HERVision, students will have the option to choose from a variety of STEM professionals. This will open a chat for the student where he or she can ask questions about the professional’s career and research. In the future, we are hoping to develop an option where students can create an account and bookmark chats. 

HERVision targets students in grades 6th-8th (middle school level). By having these "chats" with these role models, students can gain insight and inspiration about the possibilities to make an impact in the STEM field. Students can also develop realistic expectations about what it is like to pursue a STEM career. An educational tool like HERVision would be a great supplement for classroom and parent-driven instruction. 

HERVision is a project produced by the Agraj Seva Kendra Organization where I serve as a Youth Lead. We are hoping to develop and test this solution in the upcoming weeks with our youth network, which is composed of 50+ students across the U.S. While the goal is to mainly aid female students, we will be releasing the solution to male students as well. It is part of our mission to ensure that both girls and boys learn and value female STEM role models. 

Ultimately, through a conversational and interactive experience, HERVision aims to boost and maintain engagement among middle school girls in STEM careers, innovation, and industries. It is critical that every girl feels represented and empowered to pursue her dreams.

I am a female high school student who is passionate about computer science and STEM Education. Due to the lack of role models who I could identify with, I initially felt imposter syndrome while taking STEM classes and interning at prestigious labs. I soon came to realize that imposter syndrome is a widespread issue for thousands of girls. My first hand perspective positions me to deliver a solution that appeals to the girls—-as I was in their shoes not too long ago. 

In addition, I have dedicated over 4000+ hours towards organizing coding camps, workshops, and global STEM Conferences for students from 24+ countries. Through these experiences, I have directly worked with girls and students of color to understand some of the barriers that hinder them from pursuing a path in STEM. 

Finally, my team consists of over 50+ students and diversity advocates (Grades 6th-12th)  who are ready to support the implementation of this project. These students will assist and advise the development and expansion of the app. Unlike most current solutions or non-profits, HERVision directly engages the communities we are trying to impact through a “by students, for students” approach. 

Our biggest challenge is technical. As students will interact with an AI that represents STEM professionals, we would appreciate guidance on how to ensure that the AI is presenting information in the most understandable and ethical way possible. Through engaging with SOLVE’s network, we hope to develop strategies so that students can engage in positive and meaningful conversations with the HERVision platform. We are also seeking help for outreach and marketing as we want this tool to be shared with middle school educators and parents. 

As a team Lead, I am deeply connected to the communities that the project are based in. As a high school student, I am always working with students, so I understand their needs.