CU scientist becomes STEM superhero for kids
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University of Colorado researcher Alison Banwell and her coloring book page. Photo: Courtesy of CU Boulder
A University of Colorado research scientist is featured as a coloring book superhero, joining a cast of women reshaping the future of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Why it matters: Putting women front and center in fields with notable gender gaps gives young girls a powerful visual cue: You belong here.
Driving the news: Alison Banwell, a glaciologist at CU Boulder's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), is one of 25 women featured in Kathy Kale Nelson's "STEM Super Stars: Women of Today Changing The World."
- Banwell's page is inspired by a real photo of her working in Antarctica — though illustrator Nelson couldn't resist adding a few curious penguins cheering her on.
- The book is available now and designed for kids ages 3-12.
Behind the scenes: Nelson also hosts "Ordinarily Extraordinary," a podcast highlighting women in STEM. She first became interested in glaciology after a 2022 trip to Antarctica, which led to her finding Banwell for an episode of the podcast.
- "After deciding to create the coloring book about three years ago, I knew I wanted to have Ali be a part of the book," Nelson told Axios Boulder.
- Banwell, who's back in Antarctica for research, told Axios Boulder she hopes the book "sparks curiosity and confidence" in young girls.
Between the lines: Nelson wants young kids flipping (and coloring) through the pages to see possibilities.
- "I want them to remember that they saw pictures of women doing these jobs and think, 'Hey, that might be interesting, or I could do that,'" Nelson said.
- Banwell knows firsthand what visible role models can help achieve; her mother studied engineering. "Her confidence in maths and physics, subjects not always 'cool' for girls, helped shape mine."
- She also credits her aunt, who took her climbing and hiking in the U.K. mountains. She "sparked my curiosity about how glaciers once shaped those landscapes," Banwell told us.