U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Greene donated a large Lego model of NASA’s Mars Rover to the University’s School of Architecture and Engineering today. Rabat International, at the opening of a conference at the university on women and educational opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
This conference coincides with “Women’s History Month” in the United States. It includes a panel of Moroccan women who work in fields typically dominated by men, such as technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and science. The panelists are former participants of US government exchange programs – including TechWomen, TechGirls and Space Camp – focusing on STEM fields.
Over the past decade, nearly 1,500 Moroccan women and girls, ages 15 to 35, have participated in U.S. government-funded STEM exchange and national programs.
“By working together, Morocco and the United States can successfully promote equal access to science, technology, and engineering education for young women,” said Chargé d’Affaires. Greene. “This is the key to increasing the participation of women in the economies of our countries. »
NASA’s Mars Rover “Curiosity” model – made from 110,000 Lego pieces – was a centerpiece of the exhibition held last year at the National Library in Rabat on the bicentenary of the American Legation in Tangier, the first American diplomatic mission in Morocco and a symbol of more than 200 years of friendship between our two countries.
Kamal Oudrhiri, a Moroccan-American NASA scientist, played an important role in the development of the current “Curiosity Mars Rover” as well as in the Mars exploration program launched by NASA in July 2020. This Lego model of the rover represents the historic and deep ties between the United States and Morocco, especially in education and scientific research and development.
Today’s conference at the International University of Rabat also includes information sessions on United States government exchange programs, including Fulbright scholarships, study abroad opportunities through the through EducationUSA, as well as the cultural programs of Dar America, our cultural center in Casablanca.