Leveraging STEM as a powerful tool for change and development — Elizabeth Ameke

Moreover, I saw the broader field of STEM as a powerful tool for change and development, and I wanted to be a part of the narrative that drives that change, especially in Ghana. — Elizabeth Ameke

The SWIS Africa team was inspired by the great things Elizabeth is doing in the STEM space. We arranged an interview with her to learn more about her passion and encourage other women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

SWIS Africa: Kindly give us a brief autobiography of yourself?

Elizabeth: I am Elizabeth Ameke, an Aerospace Engineer, and a dedicated advocate for STEM. My academic journey commenced at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Presently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Beyond my academic pursuits, I lead various initiatives aimed at nurturing STEM interest. My platforms, namely STEMClever.org, focus on providing high school students with training in coding, hands-on science experiments, and innovative challenges to become adept problem-solvers. Additionally, I host the “What’s Your Story STEM” podcast, which spotlights the remarkable achievements of women in STEM, serving as a source of inspiration for young girls in Ghana.

SWIS Africa: What initially sparked your interest in STEM, and how did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

Elizabeth: I’ve always been fascinated by the sky and the idea of flight and curious about how things work. Aerospace presented a blend of complexities and innovations that captured my attention. This dream was fueled by my early exposure to science and mathematics, and it continued to inspire me throughout my educational journey. Moreover, I saw the broader field of STEM as a powerful tool for change and development, and I wanted to be a part of the narrative that drives that change, especially in Ghana.

SWIS Africa: As an African woman in STEM, what challenges did you encounter when starting your career in STEM, and how did you overcome them to remain successful in the field?

Elizabeth: I’d rather say I have been fortunate to have a very supportive family and Women Engineers who have mentored me all the way through. There were hard times though when my capabilities were questioned simply because I had to combine academics with various leadership roles. However, these challenges fueled my determination to break barriers, not just for myself, but for other aspiring female engineers in Africa.

SWIS Africa: Could you share an experience where your STEM skills were instrumental in making a difference or solving a significant problem?

Elizabeth: Certainly! Allow me to shed more light on the work we undertake at STEMClever.org. My engineering background, with its emphasis on problem-solving, ignited my recognition of the critical need to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real-world industry. This realization was crystallized during my tenure as a Safety Officer with PassionAir, one of Ghana’s domestic airlines. I came to appreciate the value of equipping students with problem-solving skills right from the beginning of their educational journey.

Over the span of just one year, STEMClever.org has reached over 450 students nationwide, effectively transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of innovation and inspiration. Our achievements include the development of an intuitive Student Typing Tutor called SUPER TYPE MASTER, the procurement of more than 150 science sets to facilitate hands-on science experiments in schools, and the provision of comprehensive training in Coding (Python Programming), Arduino Programming, and Web Development for students.

Moreover, we successfully organized the 2023 INNOVATION CHALLENGE, where 45 elementary school students not only created their own websites but also pitched their innovative ideas. Currently, the organization is actively engaged in developing Robotic kits that will enhance the learning experience for students in our programs.

SWIS Africa: Can you describe a mentor or role model who has played a significant role in shaping your STEM career, and how did they inspire you?

Elizabeth: While there have been many who have inspired me, two of my most influential role models are my Dad who strives to be the very best at what he does and Her Excellency Judge Rtd. Akua Kuenyehia, a Ghanaian academic and lawyer who served as judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from 2003 to 2015. Her achievements in law and her dedication to empowering women truly resonates with me. She demonstrates that with determination and perseverance, one can excel in any field. The unwavering support of her foundation, the Akua Kuenyehia Foundation for my journey, as evidenced by my scholarship from the Women In Engineering, Ghana Institution of Engineers Fund, has been a driving force behind my aspirations.

SWIS Africa: Have you encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about women in STEM, and how do you think we can challenge and change them?

Elizabeth: Certainly! Stereotypes have indeed existed, but I refuse to allow them to shape my identity or impact my actions. Instead, I choose to acknowledge them as challenges, motivating me to demonstrate my worth in every situation. It’s essential to recognize that, to some extent, we all harbor unconscious biases, but the key lies in acknowledging them, redoubling our efforts, and implementing our own strategies to shift the prevailing narrative.

SWIS Africa: What are some of the goals you desire to achieve in the nearest future as a woman in STEM?

Elizabeth: I aspire to persist in my advocacy for children, with a particular focus on girls in STEM. Through the growth and expansion of initiatives like STEMClever.org, my objective is to extend our reach to a broader audience of students in Ghana and throughout Africa, providing them with essential skills in AI, Programming, and Robotics. Additionally, I am keen on advancing my research pursuits in Aerospace Engineering, driven by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and making meaningful contributions to the global body of knowledge in this field.

SWIS Africa: What are your thoughts on encouraging and retaining more females in STEM fields, from early education to professional development stages?

Elizabeth: We should continue to inspire girls, as they often shape their aspirations based on what they observe. I am a staunch advocate for this cause, and I firmly believe that we are making progress. I deeply appreciate the ongoing efforts led by women in STEM, from workshops to webinars and the continuous awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging more women to join these fields. My heartfelt applause goes out to all the women and teachers in our schools and across diverse platforms who are driving this positive change.

SWIS Africa: What advice would you give to young women who are considering studying or pursuing a career in STEM?

Elizabeth: To every young lady contemplating a study or career in STEM, I say, “Go for it, girl! Believe in yourself; if you’re determined, you can accomplish anything. We truly need your unique perspectives. Don’t hesitate to seek help, always be curious, ask questions, and connect with accomplished women in the sector you’re passionate about. LinkedIn is an excellent platform to initiate those connections.

SWIS Africa: Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey and words of wisdom with us, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: You’re welcome. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story.

Linkedin: Elizabeth Ameke

Website: https://www.elizabethameke.com/

SWIS Africa is an initiative focused on celebrating and shaping women in STEM in Africa. You can learn more about us by visting our website using this link.