By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (September 17, 2026) – The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Sheboygan Branch will host its ninth annual Girls STEM Day Conference on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sheboygan South High School, 1240 Washington Ave., Sheboygan, Wis.

Since debuting in 2017, the Girls STEM Day Conference has engaged sixth- through ninth-grade girls by highlighting science, technology, engineering, and math through a wide range of STEM applications.

The conference, which runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and opens with check-in from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., features 11 unique STEM-inspired sessions, along with a keynote speech from Wisconsin State Climatology Office Climate Outreach Specialist Amanda Latham from 8:15 to 9 a.m.

Latham, who grew up in rural Minnesota and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in atmospheric and oceanic science, worked as a TV meteorologist before joining the Wisconsin State Climatology Office. As a climate research specialist, she works to help Wisconsinites understand weather and climate challenges.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of 11 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, and Taylor Kadletz 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 presented by Megan Doege, Megan Sprenger, Samantha Kraft and Shari McWilliams), emergency medicine and nursing health care (Emergency! Presented by Dr. Erin McGlynn, Dr. Cassandra Hardy, Adrian Blaha, and Karen Warner of Aurora Medical Health Care), food science (The Amazing Science of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich presented by Dave Taylor of Sargento Cheese), the science of hydroponics (Grow Fresh Produce Hydroponically presented by Howards Grove High School teacher Makayla Malone and Howards Grove FFA participants), environmental consulting (Dirty Jobs: Sneak Preview into Environmental Consulting presented by engineer Kelsey Bird, hydrogeologist Kendyl Hass, engineer Olivia Stellpflug, and engineer Brianna Kober of Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental), and roller coaster and rocket design (Rockets and Roller Coasters presented by Bill Dirienze of UW-Green Bay).

New for 2026 is a session for parents following the keynote speaker, featuring a panel discussion on pursuing careers in STEM. Professionals from higher education and other STEM fields will answer questions and share insights about educational pathways, career opportunities, and industry and professional experiences.

Parents interested in attending should sign up for the parent session during registration.

Over the past eight years, the AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference has given area girls a rare opportunity to learn directly from STEM experts and experience the wonderful world of STEM through a variety of 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 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. 30.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Bemis Manufacturing, Fehr Graham, Feingold Family Foundation, Frank G. & Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Masters Gallery Foods, Rockline Inc., SACO AEI Polymer, and Satori Cheese.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Laura Lienau, Nikki Lorenz, Valerie Murrenus Pilmaier, Old World Wisconsin Sausage Inc., Sargento Cheese, 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://aauwsheboyganstem.org 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.

Completed registration forms and checks can be mailed to Steve Hangartner at AAUW Sheboygan STEM, 5116 Wild Meadow Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53083-1972.