By Lauren Gaines (LA ’20)
Photo of Piper Stevens
At this unprecedented moment in history, the importance of problem-solving and innovation with community and collective good in mind is not lost on Piper Stevens, a senior studying chemical engineering with a minor in math.
“The discoveries happening in science and technology right now will impact the entire population,” remarked Stevens. “The people conducting research in environmental technology, gene engineering, artificial intelligence, and so many more areas of interest will shape how these technologies alter our global landscape.”
For Stevens, the discovery and implementation of novel technologies and the fight for gender representation and equity in the sciences are movements that must be closely aligned with one another or either to be successful.
“Personally, I have worked on teams composed entirely of male coworkers, and I have felt apprehension when speaking up and sharing ideas in such environments,” recounted Stevens. “It has been researched and proven that diversity cultivates innovation. This is something I agree with both objectively, reading the research, and from my own personal experiences.”
Stevens’ experiences as an undergraduate range from learning about the biological and chemical pathways that help our bodies keep us alive in the chemical engineering course “Applied Biochemistry” with Dr. W.T. Godbey, to conducting National Science Foundation-funded research assessing contamination levels of recycled sand for Glass Half Full NOLA, a local nonprofit founded by Tulane alumni that turns recycled glass from the community into sand for coastal restoration. Her understanding of the need for diverse teams in the fields of science and technology also led Stevens to participate in Newcomb Institute’s Digital Research Internship program for three years under the tutelage of Dr. Jacquelyne Howard, administrative assistant professor of technology and women’s history.
“The most effective tool for me to feel comfortable in STEM as a woman has been engagement in a community of others facing similar experiences,”explained Stevens. “It was great to work to develop digital tools for Tulane faculty and on things like my resume, interview skills, and LinkedIn with my teammates. Ultimately, I really feel like the experience has helped me as I prepare to graduate and move into the professional world.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Piper Stevens is also a member of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Theta Tau, Tulane’s professional engineering fraternity, and Tau Beta Pi, the honors engineering society. Sheis a DJ on a weekly radio show with WTUL,Tulane’s community-run radio station, and she teaches swim lessons with Swim4Success, an organization that provides free swim instruction for economically disadvantaged families in the New Orleans community.