Every year, Girls & Science provides an exciting opportunity for young girls to engage with women in STEM, try out hands-on activities and imagine a future in science, technology, engineering and math. Hosted by the Museum in partnership with CBS Colorado and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, this event creates a dynamic space where curiosity meets inspiration.
Reserve your spot: Girls & Science event
This year’s event kicks off with an evening full of exploration, learning, and fun. From 4-8 p.m., participants can meet mentors, take part in interactive STEM experiences and discover the many possibilities a career in science can offer. The Museum will remain open until 9 p.m., ensuring plenty of time for families to enjoy the exhibits and activities.
One of the inspiring mentors at Girls & Science is Emmy Dawson, an anthropological archaeologist at the Museum. Emmy’s work focuses on researching and analyzing the Museum’s anthropological and archaeological collections, particularly textiles from the Americas.
Read on to learn more about Emmy and her journey in science, anthropology and archaeology.
Meet Girls & Science Mentor Emmy Dawson
Emmy Dawson taking a sediment core in a wetland at El Rancho de las Golondrinas Museum near Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo/ Jeff Dawson)
What do you do at the Museum?
I am an anthropological archaeologist, with specializations in historical and environmental archaeology. My job is to research and write about DMNS’s anthropological and archaeological collections. Currently, I am working on analyzing textiles from North, South and Central America in the museum’s collection.
I analyze textiles using a variety of methods. First, working with the textile conservator, I conduct a visual analysis of the textiles. Basically, we are trying to see what we can learn just by looking at the textiles. Can we tell if they were made with plant or animal fibers? Natural or synthetic dyes? Was it worn or used by someone in the past? Was it repaired?
Next, we look at textiles using a variety of imaging techniques. For example, we might look at a thread under a microscope to see if we can learn more about it. Or we might take photos of textiles using infrared or ultraviolet light to see if we can begin identifying dye ingredients.
I also use analysis methods like stable isotopes to try to understand where various materials in the textiles come from. For instance, we have many textiles from Peru. By examining the ratio of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in llama wool, we can learn if the fibers were produced in the highlands or lowland areas of Peru.
Tell me a bit about how you came to this role. When did you find your calling?
In terms of when I found my calling, I have always been interested in archaeology, anthropology and science. My mom is a botanist (my dad is an ecologist) and I used to do fieldwork with her as a kid. Some of my earliest memories are looking for plants at various field sites in the US Southwest.
I grew up in Denver and came to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science a lot. My parents used to bring me to Museum as a kid for Egyptian Study Society meetings and other archaeology and anthropology-related events. Additionally, I was a teen volunteer at the museum in the old ATOM program. I remember thinking it would be really cool if I could work here someday. I was lucky that my position opened up just as I was finishing my PhD.
Emmy Dawson excavating at Dixon, New Mexico with Sarah Reed. (Photo courtesy of Emmy Dawson)
Were there any significant challenges you overcame on the way?
Research can have a lot of road bumps. I was working on my dissertation during COVID, and all of the labs at UT closed. It was hard not to feel stuck because I didn’t know when I would be able to finish my lab work. I developed a regular study/writing group to help keep my project moving forward.
Why are you excited for Girls & Science?
I love teaching and look forward to meeting all the participants. This is a great opportunity to help girls learn about all of the possible futures they can have in various scientific fields. I think it is very important for kids to be able to imagine themselves in different roles when they are adults. Meeting a bunch of scientists and making a personal connection with them is a great way to help kids imagine themselves in these kinds of jobs.
Join Us for Girls & Science!
Girls & Science is an amazing opportunity for girls to try out different science careers and connect with female mentors. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
Girls & Science is all about showing girls that if they can see it, they can dream it — and BE it! By connecting with women mentors in STEM, participants can ask questions, gain inspiration and explore exciting career paths in science.
This free event is made possible by our generous supporters and sponsors. Registration is encouraged — sign up today and don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!