For seventh grader Asteroid Amara, this year marks an exciting milestone in her Sisters in STEM (SIS) experience as she takes on the role of Big SIS. Her involvement with SIS began in 2021, when she joined the program as a curious fourth grader. Designed for girls in grades 4 through 6, SIS is a free weekly afterschool program that offers hands-on lessons in science, giving participants a unique space to explore STEM fields and broaden their horizons.
Amara, a proud student at Central Middle School in Reading, has cultivated a deep passion for science through SIS, particularly her fascination with the human body. She discovered the program during a summer session, which sparked her interest in the exclusive opportunities SIS provides for girls. “Having this chance to learn about science in a club with just girls and our friends excited me,” she shares. “It’s not something you see often — because people usually think of scientists as men.”
Now as a Big SIS, Amara relishes the chance to mentor younger girls in the program. She finds it rewarding to guide them while revisiting experiments she once enjoyed herself. “I love redoing experiments and changing what I did before, and it’s amazing to see new girls experience the same excitement I felt when I first joined,” she says. “At school, I’m just like everyone else. But here, they look up to me, and that feels really special.”
Amara’s favorite moments in SIS include hands-on projects and field trips that bring science to life. Among the most memorable experiences were trips to Drexel University College of Medicine in Wyomissing, where she learned about pregnancy, the human body, and how babies grow. “The baby robot project was incredible — it was fascinating to see how nursing students practice and study,” she recalls.
Guest speakers also make SIS unforgettable. Amara fondly remembers special effects makeup artist Kyle Owens, whose presentation blended creativity with STEM principles. Kyle introduced the girls to the chemistry behind creating prosthetics for films, demonstrating how materials are selected and tools are calibrated for realism. She even guided participants in using airbrush machines on paper “face” templates, providing a hands-on exploration of science and engineering in a field often overlooked. “It showed me how STEM applies to creative industries like makeup artistry — it was so cool and educational,” Amara says.
Reflecting on her early days in the program, Amara admits feeling nervous at first. “I’m an anxious person and not the best speaker. I was scared there would be too many people or even adults,” she says. Her advice to girls who might feel similarly? “Just do it — you never know how it’s going to be. SIS has helped me learn more about myself and how to interact with others.”
Amara credits Solar System Sarah, the SIS program’s director, as a major influence in her journey. “Sarah feels more like a friend than a teacher. She listens to us, knows us individually, and always makes learning fun,” she says.
Through SIS, Amara has gained more than scientific knowledge — she has learned about herself and grown as a person. “I didn’t realize just how many types of scientists there are. SIS helped me branch out and learn about fields like space science, while also teaching me to be the best version of myself not just here, but with everybody I interact with and with everything I do,” she explains. One cherished tradition is singing along to “Girl on Fire” during Solar System Sarah’s fire demonstration, a highlight at the end of each session that embodies confidence and empowerment.
Looking ahead, Amara is excited to see SIS continue to evolve and expand. “It’s amazing to look back at where we started in 2021, when it was just Sarah, to now with interns and guest speakers. The program keeps growing and changing, and I hope someday there’s a science club where everyone can enjoy science like we do in SIS,” she says.
For Amara, SIS is more than a club — it’s a place to discover science, build confidence, and inspire curiosity. As she begins her journey as a Big SIS, her excitement for the future is matched only by her passion for empowering others to explore the wonders of STEM.
