GEMS@Purdue announces partnership with Sensory Spectrum
Students participate in hands-on STEM activities during GEMS at Purdue Day, hosted by Purdue University College of Education, March 2019. (Photo: Purdue University)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana – Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) at Purdue University announced on Wednesday, September 29 the formation of a new partnership with Sensory Spectrum, a leader in the field of product and consumer research.
The partnership will support cultivating interest in and exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields by young girls and women.
Started in 1994 by Purdue University alumna Laura Reasoner Jones (1973), GEMS clubs encourage students, especially girls, to pursue education and careers in STEM fields, particularly technology, engineering, and related high-paying, entrepreneurial enterprises. GEMS clubs strive to ensure that a child sees themselves as a change agent or a problem-solver, a possible technology entrepreneur, engineer, or a scientist, and as a person who makes a difference.
In 2018, administration of GEMS was transferred to Purdue’s College of Education and the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST), supporting and increasing efforts to grow participation of women in STEM, while providing opportunities for STEM education, math education, science education, and elementary education teachers to gain valuable professional experience within the GEMS program.
Gail Vance Civille, Sensory Spectrum Founder and President
Sensory Spectrum is a woman-owned and primarily women-operated business. Their mission is to generate high quality sensory information for insight and action-based decision making by linking consumer and product understanding; creating and extending sensory methodology; and educating and empowering people with integrity, collaboration, and a sense of fun.
“Our team of food scientists, social scientists, statisticians, computer experts, and more love what we do and have always enjoyed helping others find their spark,” said Sensory Spectrum Founder and President, Gail Vance Civille (left). “We know that fostering an interest in STEM fields starts at an early age and how important it is to encourage and support girls as they develop into young women ready to enter the workforce.”
As part of the education initiative in the new partnership, Sensory Spectrum will meet virtually with GEMS chapters.
Learn more about GEMS@Purdue: https://gems.education.purdue.edu/home/stem-clubs-for-girls/
Learn more about Sensory Spectrum: https://www.sensoryspectrum.com/