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W.I.S.E. Tours Pepsico Facility
From US Science Chair Janet Jochem:
Women in STEM Education (W.I.S.E) is a new Upper School club this year at St. Luke’s. The club aims to offer opportunities for girls interested in science to share ideas, hear from STEM professionals, establish mentor relationships, and experience science in action through field trips.
On November 10, six SLS students and I visited the Pepsico Research and Design Facility in Valhalla, NY to tour the labs and production plant. After a presentation about the Pepsico product line, we toured a variety of labs to learn about product development and testing. Several chemists discussed the science of developing beverages for a wide demographic and how the unique chemical composition yields a specific flavor and taste. They spoke of their efforts to tailor beverages’ nutrition and appeal so that the products will be successful in various international markets. In order to provide a hands-on example of this process, we were invited to make our own sodas and give a presentation about our brand. Everyone gained a better appreciation and understanding of the complexity of the science and marketing that goes into Pepsico’s product development. We want to thank SLS parent John Adams for helping make this special experience possible.
W.I.S.E. is always on the lookout for opportunities to experience STEM in action. If you know of an opportunity to visit a STEM workplace or to hear from a STEM professional, please contact us at jochemj@stlukesct.org.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
