Lately, women have been making a push to be more included in disciplines that were traditionally dominated by men, like engineering and technology. Two recent stories have showcased this drive.

Mattel just announced Barbie’s 125th and 126th careers. The toy company, based in El Segundo, California, let voters choose the 125th career of the versatile doll. The winner was News Anchor Barbie, but when votes poured in from all over the world for Computer Engineer Barbie, Mattel couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use this as Barbie’s 126th career. Mattel designers worked with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to produce a doll that has a binary code design on her shirt and a laptop—pink, of course. The doll also comes with a special code that unlocks career-themed content online.

Another step taken to promote engineering and computer careers to young females is through the Girl Scouts. The University of Maine hosted girls from various troupes to teach them about opportunities in electrical and computer engineering. Though not for a merit badge, the day allowed the girls to consider future careers in the field.

Read more about women in engineering and technology at GraduatingEngineer.com.

While taking an iPhone application course last fall, two computer engineering students, Sunny Dhillon and Fei Li, created UC Davis Mobile, a smartphone app designed for University of California Davis students and staff.

Among other things, using the app, students and staff can access the school’s email portal, find out when their team is playing, read the school paper and check when the next Unitrans bus will arrive.

According to Ken Joy, one of two professors who teach the iPhone application course on campus, the app has already been downloaded 2,000 times and plans to add more features are in the works this semester.

Read the complete article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2010/02/01/daily65.html

Learn more about computer engineering at www.GraduatingEngineer.com

For young women and girls interested in STEM subjects and careers, learning about science, technology, engineering and math opportunities can be as simple as doing an internet search.

According to today’s educational advice column in the Detroit Free Press, using a search phrase like, “science and math summer enrichment,” plus your town, is a great first step when looking to enhance your STEM credentials.

More specifically, the American Association of University Women (http://www.aauw.org/education/ngcp/NGCPresources.cfm) provide numerous resources for STEM-interested girls and young women and be sure to look into local Expanding Your Horizons (expandingyourhorizons.org) activities.

To learn more about women in STEM fields, visit GraduatingEngineer.com and for more young women and girls STEM resources, read our article, Bridging the Gap: Programs for girls in science and engineering.

This week, New York Times readers have the opportunity to interact with Colonel John R. Boulé II in a sort of comment box Q&A. Join the discussion or just peruse the comment section if you’re curious about Mr. Boulé, his command of the New York District of the Army Corps of Engineers or USACE’s various projects in the New York area.

Image: Brooklyn Bridge Panorama by Philipp Klinger.

Learn more about careers in the Army Corps of Engineers at GraduatingEngineer.com.

Through their solar suitcases, the We Care Solar Club of Elk Grove, California is reaching out to the developing world.

Hal Aronson and his wife, Dr. Laura Stachel launched the solar suitcase program through their charity Women’s Emergency Communication and Reliable Energy. When high school engineering teacher, Tim McDougal attended a “solar schoolhouse” given by Aronson, he was convinced the suitcases would be a perfect engineering project for his class.

In turn, the students, hoping to make a difference, have taken on fund raising in addition to suitcase construction. They have raised money for and built two suitcases so far. The first will be sent to the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico next week.

Teacher, McDougal hopes to see the program in all Elk Grove schools next year and Dr. Stachel said a group of students in Colorado is also planning to join the project.

Photo by: Randall Benton / rbenton@sacbee.com

Learn more about the Elk Grove students and the solar suitcases: http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/2316027.html

www.GraduatingEngineer.com