By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Zain Abhari, a research assistant and PhD candidate in the Bergmann Lab of the Physics Department at UW-Madison, will be the keynote speaker at the eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (September 29, 2025) – The American Association of University Women (AAUW)-Sheboygan Branch will hold its eighth annual Girls STEM Day Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Sheboygan South High School, located at 1240 Washington Ave. in Sheboygan, Wis.

Established in 2017, the Girls STEM Day Conference connects sixth- through ninth-grade girls with the various applications of STEM by highlighting the core fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The conference, which runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., beginning with check-in from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., features nine unique STEM-inspired sessions, along with a presentation on X-rays, lasers, and optics by keynote speaker Zain Abhari from 8:15 to 9 a.m.

Abhari studies ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and nonlinear optics as a research assistant and PhD candidate in the Bergmann Lab of the Physics Department at UW-Madison. Her work focuses on developing new ways to probe femtosecond and attosecond dynamics, using both tabletop setups and large-scale facilities. She has conducted experiments at a variety of international facilities across the globe.

The eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of nine available 45-minute STEM learning sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

This year’s STEM sessions cover a broad array of topics including: architectural design (Architecture – Designed Awareness presented by Anne Blanke, Samantha Lee, Sydney Goetsch, Taylor Kadletz and Macey Mentink of Abacus Architects), robotics (Robotic Surgery presented by Dr. Jessica Leszcynski of Prevea Health), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Bovine Hide presented by Dr. Ellen Hooker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture veterinarian), forensic science (Crime Scene Investigation presented by Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department Detective Tyler Wuestenhagen), applied chemistry (Chemistry Escape presented by Bree Lybbert of UW-Green Bay), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color: “Huedunit” presented by Megan Doege, Megan Sprenger, Samantha Kraft and Shari McWilliams), emergency medicine and nursing health care (Blood and Body Works by Aurora Regional EMS Community Educator Jean Zemke), role of pigs in human medicine (Medical Devices Made from Pig presented by Aubrey Doherty Johnsonville Sustainable Swine Resources) and food science (The Amazing Science of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich presented by Dave Taylor of Sargento Cheese).

Over the past seven years, the AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference has granted area girls a rare opportunity to learn directly from STEM field experts and experience the wonderful world of STEM through various hands-on activities.

“We began this program to encourage girls in the middle grades to pursue their interests and skills in STEM areas,” AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Lori Bryne said. “Our presenters are women who are successful in their STEM fields. We also like to have a keynote speaker who can be a role model for girls. The girls who attend are always enthusiastic, and many come back again.”

The eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies.

Checks should be made out to the AAUW Wisconsin Foundation.

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 31.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Bemis Manufacturing, HC Denison Co., Feingold Family Foundation, Frank G. & Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Masters Gallery Foods, Northland Plastics, Richco Structures, Rockline Inc., Saco AEI Polymer, Satori, and The Vollrath Company.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Dolcye Johnson, Laura Lienau, Old World Wisconsin Sausage Inc., and Z Spot Espresso & Coffee.

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity by empowering women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

“Many Sheboygan County businesses and foundations have donated to make this Girls STEM Day Conference happen,” Bryne said. “We really appreciate our donors because they help us grow and expand our program.

The AAUW-Sheboygan Branch grants scholarships each year to non-traditional women students.

To register or for more information on the AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference, visit https://aauw-106470.square.site/ or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Lori Bryne by phone at 920-458-9224 or via email at loribryne@yahoo.com.