Mia Dahncke

George Mason University

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"I am focused on breaking down barriers toward STEM for young girls since they often are not as readily exposed to the sciences as part of their upbringing."

MY STORY

My name is Mia Dahncke, I am an incoming freshman at George Mason University. This past
June, I graduated from Langley High School in McLean, Virginia with an honors diploma and a
3.8 GPA. Within my four years of high school I have developed a passion for chemistry, physics,
and math. I took 9 Advanced Placement, 2 Dual Enrollment, and multiple honors classes.

I enjoyed the challenge that I was given in each of my classes and look forward to continuing to
expand my education and experiences toward a degree in Bachelor of Sciences, Mechanical
Engineering degree.

Ultimately, I wish to work in the aerospace industry and more specifically working with rockets and space technology. I plan to further build on my undergraduate degree Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering. I really enjoy STEM coursework and shared that interest with 50 young girls as part of my Girl Scout Gold Award by educating them about chemistry to raise interest and break down barriers to STEM which I found very rewarding. Specifically, I was focused on breaking down barriers toward STEM for young girls since they
often are not as readily exposed to the sciences as part of their upbringing.

In addition, I speak two foreign languages, Latvian and German, which I learned via language classes taking on the weekends as well as in class. I truly value different cultures and ways of thinking as well as
working together toward a common goal. No where did I learn more about this than as captain of the
Girls Langley Crew Varsity Team this past season.

I am very driven to advance my education and am extremely motivated to fulfill my personal and
academic goals. My education plays an important role in my life and
helps me find my passions as well as my people. I hope to pursue my dream within the world of STEM.

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