November 04, 2010

Event explores careers for women in science, math

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill -- Young women can explore careers involving science and mathematics by attending an event this month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The annual “Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics Conference” is set for Saturday, Nov. 13, at the SIUC Student Center. The event provides girls in grades 5-9 with hands-on workshops designed to increase their awareness of careers in these areas.

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.

This year marks the 20th time that SIUC will host the conference, which 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.

The event, organized by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Science, also will feature more than 30 professionals from SIUC, surrounding community colleges and private companies who will volunteer their time to lead workshops. The 22 scheduled workshops will focus on career exploration and also provide opportunities for participants to have positive experiences with math and science.

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 $10, with each participant attending three hands-on workshops. Lunch is also included. Advance registration forms can be found at http://www.math.siu.edu/eyh/eyh-page.html by clicking on the “Registration” heading in the left column. You can also send an email to eyh@math.siu.edu.

Registration 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.