Jill Pipher, director of ICERM, took part in a panel of distinguished Rhode Islanders to discuss the importance of STEM education and skills in professional development. The discussion was part of a celebration of National Women’s History Month hosted by Sen. Jack Reed. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” Other panelists were Hannah Chung, chief creative officer of Sproutel; Mary Wohlgemuth, technical director of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport; Adriana Dawson, executive director of Small Business Development Center; and Ellen Ford, president and CEO of People’s Credit Union. Pipher, along with Susan Gerbi, professor of biology at Brown, are among 18 women nationwide to named National Women’s History Month honorees.