By Chloe A. Kiser, Syracuse University
Today the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global reminder of the vital role women play in scientific and technological advancement. First proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2015, the day highlights both progress and gender equality in STEM fields worldwide.
Eleven years later, Syracuse Florence is marking the occasion by spotlighting three students who are gaining hands-on STEM experience through internships in Italy. For aspiring physician Lilly Ragusa, the path to STEM was shaped by personal experience as a patient. She recalls the impact of doctors who took time to connect, communicate clearly, and involve her in her own care. “I value being someone who can help a child feel safe,” Lilly says. “I believe strongly in giving children a sense of autonomy and making sure they understand what is happening— because the patient is the child, not just the parent.” That commitment led Lilly to neuroscience research. While in Florence, she is interning at the CNR Institute of
Neuroscience, focusing on autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
To Rachel Bosson, STEM represents the power to create solutions that can make a meaningful difference. “I like being able to create something that can solve a lot of problems in the world,” she shares. Rachel credits her father as an early mentor who introduced her to projects that sparked curiosity and made science feel fun. An industrial engineering major, Rachel’s internship in Florence involves working on the Ariel project, a space telescope, collaborating with a team at the University of Florence to design and manufacture parts for the telescope’s mounting.
Caitlyn Jordan has discovered the transformative power of mentorship during her cybersecurity internship with Alessandro Valassina while in Florence. Originally a computer science major, Caitlyn found her passion in Information Management and Technology with a concentration in Information Security after exploring the iSchool and meeting supportive mentors. “Mentorship has been central to helping me find my path,” Caitlyn reflects. “From high school teachers to Syracuse professors, and now Mr. Valassina, each mentor has guided me toward opportunities that align with my interests and strengths.” Her internship has provided hands-on experience and cultural perspective, allowing her to collaborate on lecture
presentations in Italian and apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Caitlyn shares that she has learned how to thrive in collaborative environments, leverage guidance effectively, and gain confidence in her technical skills.
Together, these Syracuse Florence students exemplify how global experiences, mentorship, and a passion for discovery empower women in STEM on a daily basis.