2 weeks Ago
Allyson Gilbert of Lewiston stands in front of the Niagara River along the United States and Canadian border in a photo taken last year. Submitted photo Allyson Gilbert, a Lewiston resident and Mt. Ararat High School teacher in Topsham, is no stranger to teaching abroad.
She previously taught students for a year in American Samoa. Now she hopes to take her research to Morocco to bring more science, technology, engineering and math education opportunities to girls there. She was recently awarded the Fulbright Scholarship by Unity Environmental University, where she received her master of professional studies in wildlife conservation and management.
She will use those funds to conduct research on ways in which Moroccan communities eliminate barriers for girls to pursue STEM education. Gilbert can trace her passion for teaching back to watching her own mother, who was a teacher and reading interventionist, find joy in helping struggling students succeed. Those moments set her on the path she is on now.
“Her happiness wasn’t just about his success — it was about knowing she had helped him reach his potential. That moment shaped my own dreams,” she said. “I didn’t just want to do something I loved — I wanted to make a meaningful impact, guiding students to see themselves as more than they thought they could be.
” What brought you to Unity Environmental University? My passion for education and environmental awareness led me to Unity Environmental University, where I saw an opportunity to merge both interests in a meaningful way. As an educator, I’ve always believed in connecting learning to real-world issues, and Unity’s focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns perfectly with that mission. I was drawn to its innovative approach to education — one that empowers students to tackle global challenges while staying deeply connected to their communities.
Why Morocco? Morocco is an important place to conduct research on empowering female students in STEM education because it sits at the intersection of tradition and progress, making it a compelling case study for educational equity. The country has made significant strides in improving access to education, particularly for girls, yet barriers still limit participation in STEM fields. With its diverse educational landscape — including urban schools with expanding STEM programs and rural areas where gender disparities remain more pronounced — Morocco provides a unique opportunity to study both challenges and effective strategies.
Additionally, Morocco’s growing investment in science, technology, and innovation makes it an ideal setting to explore how policy, community support and classroom practices can work together to create more inclusive STEM opportunities for female students. What aspects of what you learned at Unity do you hope to bring to students in Morocco? During my time in Morocco, I hope to learn how educators and communities support female students in STEM education. Morocco’s diverse educational landscape offers valuable insights into teaching methods, mentorship, and policies that influence female participation in STEM.
At Unity Environmental University, I gained an appreciation for experiential learning, interdisciplinary approaches and community-driven solutions, which will help me analyze these challenges from multiple perspectives. By immersing myself in Morocco’s evolving STEM education system, I hope to gain new insights that will shape my own teaching and advocacy for equity in STEM. What do you hope communities in Morocco get from your research? I hope that communities in Morocco gain actionable insights and inspiration from my research on empowering female students in STEM.
By learning from local educators, students, and stakeholders, I aim to highlight effective strategies and challenges that can inform future policies and classroom practices. I also want to foster cross-cultural exchanges, sharing ideas from my experiences at Unity and my own teaching background while learning from Morocco’s unique approaches. Ultimately, I hope my research contributes to ongoing efforts to create more inclusive, supportive environments where girls feel encouraged and equipped to pursue STEM fields with confidence.
Why is it important to have women in the STEM field? Having women in STEM is crucial for diversity, innovation and equity. Different perspectives lead to more creative solutions, and inclusive research better serves society’s needs. Representation inspires future generations, breaking down barriers and ensuring opportunities are based on talent, not gender.
A diverse STEM workforce drives economic growth and global progress, making inclusion not just fair, but essential. Do you see a positive future for girls and women in STEM? I see a positive future for girls and women in STEM — not just because progress is happening, but because inclusion is essential. Diverse perspectives drive innovation, making scientific and technological advancements more effective and equitable.
When women are included, research is more comprehensive, industries thrive and economic potential expands. While challenges remain, more programs, policies and role models are actively breaking down barriers and creating inclusive opportunities. Schools and organizations worldwide are investing in STEM education, mentorship and advocacy to support and empower young women.
As awareness grows and industries recognize the value of diversity, the path for women in STEM continues to expand. Investing in education, policy and representation is critical to building a future where women are not just present in STEM fields but also leading them. We believe it’s important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers.
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