Women in STEM: Heather Crew, Computer Science

Heather Crew is pursuing her degree in Computer Science degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Here she shares a little about her career and the inspiration behind it.

What is your specific area of STEM?
Computer Science

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls? 
I study how algorithms work and how to create things like games and tools through computers.

What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field? 
Aptitude for problem solving and understanding of patterns. Also, perseverance in the face of difficulty or challenges.

What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
Nothing! I thought I wanted to work in the humanities before I got to college.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
I took an intro to programming class my first semester on campus and fell in love.

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
Making games, online trackers, and fun ways to communicate with people around the world.

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
Believe that you can do it, not because anyone is telling you to -- but because you actually can!
 
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Thank you for contributing, Heather!

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