According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women hold fewer than 25 percent of STEM jobs. As the new chairman of the board for Arizona Science Center, Barbara Lockwood hopes to change that statistic, by inspiring young women and girls with her leadership.
When asked how she plans to inspire Arizona young women and girls to explore a STEM career path, she says “It’s all about seeing a real life example… about encouraging women to step out and have confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world through science.”
Although she liked math and science from a young age, Lockwood says what really clinched it was a great high school physics teacher who connected her with his friend, a chemical engineer.
“I toured a chemical plant where he worked and knew exactly what I wanted to do in (the) 11th grade,” she said.
Currently vice president of regulation for Arizona Public Service (APS), Lockwood began her career at DuPont in chemical engineering and management roles. She then spent a number of years in environmental consulting before joining APS in 1999.
Lockwood says she is excited about the many new programs and exhibits at the Arizona Science Center that push the boundaries with new engaging science experiences that inspire the youth. In addition, she is looking forward to supporting the expansion of the rural schools program, sponsored by the APS Foundation, which brings STEM experiential learning to classrooms around the state.
“This is the first time we will have a woman scientist as the chairman of our board, and that is very exciting! Barbara led the board in creating the Center’s strategic roadmap. In addition, we are deeply appreciative of the longstanding support from the APS Foundation and APS for our programs that support teacher professional development in rural Arizona and deliver science education to underserved youth throughout the state,” said Arizona Science Center president and CEO Chevy Humphrey. Lockwood has served as a board member since 2010.
“APS and the APS Foundation have a long history of partnering with numerous nonprofit organizations in Arizona, particularly those that deliver hands-on STEM programs to students,” said Lockwood. “Arizona Science Center supports the need to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists who will continue to deliver clean, reliable and affordable power for Arizona and the US.”
