September 28, 2011

Young women to explore careers in science, math

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- An event next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will help young women explore careers in science and mathematics.

The annual “Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics” conference is set for Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Student Center.  The 21st annual event provides girls in grades 5-9 with workshops, networking and hands-on experiences aimed at increasing their awareness of careers in such areas as science, technology and engineering.


Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the “Expanding Your Horizons” event. For more information, contact co-chairs Mary Wright or Kathleen Pericak-Spector in the Department of Mathematics at 618/453-5302.


The event also provides young women with opportunities to meet and interact with role models who are active in math- and science-related careers. Organizers expect up to 150 participants this year, along with teachers and parents from throughout Southern Illinois.

Organized by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Science, the conference also will feature more than 30 professionals from the University, surrounding community colleges and private companies donating their time to lead workshops. The 20 workshops will focus on career exploration and also provide opportunities for participants to have positive experiences with math and science.

Each participant will attend three hands-on workshops. Lunch is also included in the price of the ticket. This year’s workshop lineup includes subjects such as architecture, aviation, biological sciences, chemistry, forestry, geology, math, medicine, physics, physical fitness and plant biology.

Tickets for the event are $8 with advance online registration or $15 with online registration after Oct. 3.  Mail-in registration is $10 before Oct. 3 and $17 after. 

Online and mail-in registration forms can be found at http://www.math.siu.edu/EYH/eyh-page.html.

Check-in runs 8:45-9:15 a.m. the day of the event. The program begins at 9:15 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.

Co-chairs of the event are Mary Wright and Kathleen Pericak-Spector, professors of mathematics.  For more information call 618/453-5302.