Learning about skin health, acne, and sun protection, oh my

Erica Aukerman, BS, and the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Dermatology Student Interest Group collaborated with Girls’ STEM Institute to teach them about their skin.

Erica's story

The goal of Girls’ STEM Institute is to provide young ladies of color an opportunity to engage with STEM concepts in an environment that supports their academic, emotional, and social development. We had a group of about 40 young girls ranging from late elementary school to high school. They had a blast learning more about skin anatomy, skin health, acne, sun protection, etc.

Our time together revolved around lessons on important skin-related topics and fun activities, such as creating skin models and making bracelets with UV-sensitive beads. We had a group of volunteers from Indiana University School of Medicine’s Dermatology Student Interest Group help administer the activities, and they loved getting to know the girls.

We also used this time to discuss our paths to medical school and interests in dermatology given the program's emphasis on exposing the girls to STEM careers. We were impressed by how much the girls learned in such a short time and how engaged they were throughout. It went so well that we’re now discussing a continued partnership and leading similar sessions at their after-school programs.

Thank you AAD for funding this initiative and making this experience possible.

The group applied their newfound skin knowledge by participating in an art project creating skin models.

Another fun activity for the group was making bracelets with UV-sensitive beads.