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Tackling GENDER IMBALANCE MISSION DISCOVERY WEEK PRESENTED THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO LAUNCH AYRSHIRE CONNECTS - A MENTORING NETWORK FOR FEMALE STUDENTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) Ayrshire Connects will provide female STEM students the opportunity to connect with each other, with students in other colleges and universities, with senior pupils in secondary schools across Ayrshire, and to employers and women in the industry sectors they aspire to enter. Vice Principal Jackie Galbraith chaired the packed launch event, with Sarah Murray, NASA’s Assistant Chief of EVA, Robotics & Crew Systems, delivering the keynote speech. Jackie explained why the College is committed to supporting this network and encouraging more females to take up a career in STEM. Holly Bates, new Student President, introduced the ‘#ThisAyrshireGirlCan’ film which highlighted the great work of our former and current female STEM students. SARAH MURRAY, NASA’S ASSISTANT CHIEF OF EVA, ROBOTICS & CREW SYSTEMS WITH AYRSHIRE CONNECTS STUDENTS Sarah delivered an engaging and inspirational talk to students and employers about her life, her education and her impressive NASA career, before taking part in a Q&A session. The magazine of Ayrshire College 11