By Olivia Duffy
A new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Club launched at RCU in September 2024 to make science more accessible and enjoyable for all students.
Kaylee Gorial, a junior biology major, founded the club with guidance from Dr. Katheryn Cochrane, associate professor of math and science, to bring together aspiring scientists, medical professionals, and anyone interested in STEM.
Gorial said, "The STEM club's mission is to unite like-minded students and create a sense of community across campus. The club is “focused on forming relationships and providing an outlet for students” to share their passions and challenges. “We want to make science and pre-med easier, more accessible, and fun for everyone,” she said.
The club currently has a handful of active members, with the hope that more students will join as the club’s activities expand.
“We’re trying to create a space to support individuals interested in the STEM program by sharing stress and helping each other through it," Cochrane said. "It’s about building community and supporting each other” through their journeys.
While the club's focus is mostly on science-related majors, it welcomes all students from different academic backgrounds. “Everyone should know about science,” Gorial said.
The STEM club encourages all students to join regardless of their major, with no formal membership requirements other than showing up to the meetings. “It's a way to bring students from all different backgrounds together on campus and learn more about the world in which we live,” she said.
Meetings are currently held in RAC 202 on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Activities include hands-on experiments, organized events for fundraising, and coordinating trips to other campuses for science talks.
“We’re also coordinating volunteer opportunities, like a food drive with a local church,” Gorial said. The club recently organized a ‘soaps and sweets’ bake sale for Valentine’s Day where the participants sold an assortment of hand-made soaps and baked goods to help raise money for future club activities.
“Looking ahead, the club hopes to offer more events, such as guest speakers from science and medical fields, allowing students to network and gain insights into various careers," Cochrane said. “It’s a place to meet new people, develop deeper relationships, and learn from each other."
As the STEM Club continues to grow, its members hope to inspire more students to explore the world of science while building a strong and supportive community that extends beyond the classroom.
Students interested in joining the STEM Club can simply attend one of the upcoming meetings; no previous experience is required. After all, Gorial said the club’s goal is to make science fun and approachable.
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