As science evolves, so does Idaho

My name is Brandi Bilaski and I am a freshman at the University of Idaho, studying microbiology. As a junior in high school, I was fortunate to participate in the Women in Math and Science program hosted by the University of Idaho in Post Falls. A few of my friends and I worked with University of Idaho scientists to analyze water samples from the Spokane River and learned how to run chemical and electrical tests to create a water quality profile of different locations along the river. I grew up near the Spokane River, swimming in the St. Joe with my friends, so this exercise really hit home for me.

The Upward Bound program helped bring my friends and me to the Women in Math and Science program. We were four of more than 200 tenth grade girls from Northern Idaho schools invited to attend the event. We were chosen because of our high ISAT scores in math and because we had shown an interest and aptitude in math and science. The Upward Bound Math Science program mission is to provide innovative and challenging learning in the areas of science and math. The program also supports high school participants in realizing their potential to succeed in college and explore their world.

I came to the University of Idaho to study medical technology, and pursue my dream of becoming a lab technician. The Women in Math and Science program proved to me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, whether it’s sports, making my own way in college or excelling at math and science. It was great to see other successful women doing what they loved - things that I would love to do myself. I see the math and science field filled with people that are passionate about finding solutions to the challenges that face our world. To be taught by some passionate women scientists was an experience that helped bring me to the University of Idaho.

Hear more from Brandi about her experience with the Women in Science Program: