Sisters in Science: Meet Lucia and Maria Vina Lopez

“It’s the happiest time of the week.”

That’s how Lucia and Maria Vina Lopez

describe the two hours every Friday afternoon they spend at the Amigos School in Cambridge as volunteers with Science Club for Girls. The two sisters beam with pride as they talk about guiding kindergarten and first grade girls in hands-on projects that bring science to life. “It's a time for the girls to dream big and experiment,” Lucia says. The students also find out that science can be fun. One example: they were challenged to build a DNA helix using colored candies and toothpicks. “We asked them, ‘Why are those different colors? How does that help the body read this information?’ They are so curious already!”

Lucia and Maria grew up in Galicia, Spain in a family that encouraged education, and they see Science Club for Girls as a way to share their love of learning. A physicist by training, Lucia is pursuing her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, where she develops AI models that accelerate the discovery of new molecules and materials, transforming how we design medicines and energy technologies. Maria is a PhD student at Harvard Medical School studying women’s health changes across lifespan to advance diagnostics and treatments through a deeper understanding of female biology.

Both sisters had volunteered before and were eager to find an opportunity in Cambridge, but it had to fit their interests and busy schedules. Science Club for Girls organizes the curriculum and supplies, is conveniently located, and gives them a chance to connect with the community. Maria explains, “If you care about science, which we do, and if you care about giving women access, which we do, this is one of the ways you can do it. It's very powerful. It really does a lot for you in terms of hope and feeling like you’re investing in the future.”

Science Club for Girls is the brainchild of two Cambridge moms who envisioned a free

afterschool program for girls that would spark interest and build confidence in STEM fields where women have been traditionally underrepresented. It’s been going strong for more than 30 years using a model that brings together young learners, junior mentors, and adult mentors.

Lucia and Maria lead projects that explore biology, archaeology, engineering, architecture, and more. They are both in awe of the girls they mentor. “They never give up,” Maria says, “They truly don't think there is an unsolvable problem.” Lucia echoes her admiration. “They like reimagining the world [and] this is exactly what science is. It's not just knowledge that you have, but it's how you use the knowledge to make the world better.”

Thanks to Lucia, Maria, SCFG, and CV volunteer writer Molly O'Brien for this profile. Click here to learn more about Science Club for Girls and how to get involved.

You can help Cambridge Volunteers connect more volunteers like Lucia and Maria with the local nonprofits who need them! Make a contribution today at www.cambridgevolunteers.org/donate.