October 22, 2009
Event explores careers for women in science, math
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Science and mathematics hold many possibilities for young women, and faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale want to help them explore those opportunities during an event set for next month.
The 19th annual “Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics” conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, aimed at girls in grades 5 through 9, provides participants with hands-on workshops focused on science, math, technology and engineering.
Organizers want to increase girls’ awareness of career opportunities in such areas, while providing contacts and role models who work in related careers.
Two faculty members from the SIUC Department of Mathematics, Mary H. Wright, professor and distinguished teacher, and Kathleen Pericak-Spector, professor, are co-chairing the event. They expect up to 200 participants from Southern Illinois, along with a number of their teachers and parents to attend.
Along with those participants, about 30 professionals from SIUC, community colleges and private companies will volunteer their time to plan and lead 20 workshops during the daylong conference, which will help the young women to explore careers.
The day starts with registration from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m., followed by the workshops. Each participant will attend three workshops during the day. Workshops topics include everything from
audiology,
aviation
and anatomy
to food science, forensic science and forestry to veterinarian medicine and zoology, among many others.
Lunch is included in the conference registration.
The cost of the program is $10 per student. Organizers encourage early registration, as enrollment is limited.
For more information, call 618/453-5302 or go to http://www.math.siu.edu/eyh/EYH-Page.html.