Dr. Harshini Mukundan, an #IfThenSheCan ambassador, microbiologist, and team leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Her work focuses on developing diagnostics of infectious diseases. She leads and participates in projects aimed at developing rapid detection and diagnostics assays for breast cancer, influenza, toxic panels, and others. In addition to her research, she mentors the future minds of science and advocates for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Courtesy photo
STEM News:
DALLAS — Designed to activate a culture shift among young girls by inspiring them to pursue STEM careers, Lyda Hill Philanthropies®’ IF/THEN® Initiative presents ‘#IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit’, a monumental exhibit of the most women statues ever assembled in one location.
This first-of-its-kind, life-sized statue exhibit of more than 120 AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors hailing from more than 40 states will be free to the public and debuts at Dallas’ NorthPark Center today through October.
“Our unwavering commitment to creating this exhibit emanates from the deep belief that ‘IF she can see it, THEN she can be it,” Nicole Small said, CEO of Lyda Hill Philanthropies® and co-founder of the IF/THEN® Initiative. “As everyone emerges from the pandemic and contemplates the future, we want to showcase what is possible for young girls in the field of STEM by providing a diverse and powerful representation of women thriving in STEM careers.”
#IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit celebrates the contributions of more than 120 AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors, contemporary female STEM professionals and role models from across the country, including microbiologist Dr. Harshini Mukundan, a team leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She designs universal diagnostics to rapidly identify all infections.
#IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit features interactive elements, including audio and video of each Ambassador’s personal story. The AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors participated in individual, full-body scans at Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science in October 2019. Using unique technology called the Twinstant Mobile Full Body 3D Scanner, each woman’s full-length silhouette was 3D printed into a life-sized statue.
The largest scale 3D printing project of its kind was inspired by a study, commissioned by former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios in which her initial research of publicly accessible statues in the top ten U.S. cities plus Washington D.C. and San Francisco concluded that less than half a dozen statues of real American women exist outdoors in main parks or downtowns.
ABOUT IF/THEN®
IF/THEN® is part of Lyda Hill Philanthropies®’ commitment to fund game-changing advancements in science and nature. IF/THEN® seeks to further advance women in STEM by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. Rooted in a firm belief that there is no better time to highlight positive and successful female professional role models, IF/THEN® is designed to activate a culture shift among young girls to open their eyes to STEM careers by: (1) funding and elevating women in STEM as role models, (2) convening cross-sector partners in entertainment, fashion, sports, business, and academia to illuminate the importance of STEM everywhere, and (3) inspiring girls with better portrayals of women in STEM through media and learning experiences to pique their interest in STEM careers. To learn more, visit www.ifthenshecan.org or follow IF/THEN® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
ABOUT LYDA HILL PHILANTHROPIES®
Lyda Hill Philanthropies® encompasses the charitable giving of founder Lyda Hill and includes her foundation and personal philanthropy. As one of its priorities, Lyda Hill Philanthropies® funds transformational advances in science and nature. To learn more, visit https://www.
ABOUT NORTHPARK CENTER
NorthPark Center is the preeminent shopping center in the Southwest and one of the finest shopping experiences in the world with more than 200 stores and restaurants, including more than 60 market exclusives. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, NorthPark offers an unparalleled collection of luxury boutiques set amid internationally acclaimed 20th and 21st century art, award-winning architecture, and extraordinary landscaping—as well as a 1.4-acre garden, CenterPark, and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, AMC NorthPark 15. NorthPark consistently ranks as one of the top five performing shopping centers in the United States and is North Texas’ number one visitor destination. NorthPark is conveniently located 7 miles from downtown Dallas and 35 miles from Fort Worth.