Jean Fan (BIG)

Envisioning a Place in Science

Jean Fan, a PhD student in Medical Sciences studying bioinformatics and integrative genomics, is a statistician, computer scientist, and founder of CuSTEMized, a nonprofit initiative that encourages young girls’ interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through personalized books designed to help girls envision themselves as active participants in STEM fields. Fan illustrated and co-wrote The Little Book of Big Dreams, a customizable book made possible by web-based software. This colorful picture book, written in rhyme, recently won a prestigious Moonbeam Spirit Award for encouraging exploration. “When we empower our girls with the confidence and STEM skills to create tools for their community,” Fan says, “they will change the world.”