Nyaruot Kier

How would you describe your college experience?

I was very excited just for the idea of going to college, but very nervous for the unknown; not necessarily fear. Growing up in poverty and the war-torn country of South Sudan, there was no such thing as planning for the future, let alone college for me and many other girls. Chances of evening finishing high school were very slim due to a high rate of girls getting married at an early age, war, and the lack of resources. During my college years, I was worried knowing that English is my second language, and how the language barriers could have been a roadblock in understanding the material being tough at the university level. As soon as I started at the university though, I met some incredible people, and some amazing African students who all were sharing similar fear as I was. We quickly became each other's support system, we studied together and helped one another out. My advisor was very helpful and understanding as I was going through the transitional period of both culture shock and the language barrier. I wasn’t always a talkative person, so I spend lots of time by myself and just quietly observe. I quickly found Joy in doing laboratory research and sharing my expertise with the incoming freshmen; I even did a summer research, studying butterflies in the field while I was pregnant with my first child.

When did you know that you wanted to major in a STEM discipline?

At an early age, I developed the love for sciences. Instead of playing with friends or getting involved in the typical childhood activities that kids partook in back home in South Sudan, I spent a lot of time secretly observing the missionary doctors and the hired native “scientist, health care administrators” administer drugs, reading lab results etc. in the hut-styled clinic. In primary school, I was very good in math and science so I decided to follow my love for these two subjects in high school, and did equally well during my undergraduate studies. I couldn’t think of anything else to study but a STEM field, so I just stick with it till the end.

What is the most rewarding thing that you do in your job as a STEM professional?

The most rewarding thing of my job is going to the retail stores and seeing our product being displayed. Currently, I work as a product development engineer at a nonwoven industry where I represent different segments ranging from higher performance wipes, critical cleaning, and facial sheet mask within the beauty care, personal care wipes, hygiene products, medical surgical gowns, drapes and masks. These products have been a huge part of my job in the last couple of months, especially personal protective equipment-(PPE), such as surgical face masks, NIOSH N95 respirator masks. This has been one effective way to eliminate viruses during this pandemic of covid-19.

What would you tell a middle or high school girl about careers in STEM?

Careers in STEM are rewarding, however it takes lots of hard work and dedication to be successful. STEM careers open many doors, and endless opportunities to work anywhere within the STEM field once you graduate with a bachelor degree. A graduate can seek a career in such diverse fields as chemical engineering, computer science, environmental science, formulation chemist, analytical chemist etc.

What should middle and high school girls be doing to prepare themselves for college and a STEM careers?

STEM fields are very diverse therefore very hard to decide a specific major right away. To be sufficient on your decision, do lots of research and self-study. Ask lots of questions if you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid. Do jobs shadowing with family and friends to give you a feel and understanding of your potential STEM major.

What career advice would you give to girls if you only have two minutes?

Explore your options and know that girls are just as capable as boys, girls can do anything boys can do. See your challenges and struggles as your own uniqueness to distinct you from everyone else. Most importantly, don’t let your challenges and struggles or even family and friends' negative opinions prevent you from seeking advancement in your career, but instead, use them as your opportunities to grow and tools to move you forward to success.