By Breana Krotz
Many children read stories about scientists in white lab coats and safety goggles carefully pouring contents from test tubes into various concoctions. But as many of them envision what that scientist looks like, the image of a man appears in their head. Ohio University is trying to broaden that perception for middle and high school students through exposure.
Ohio University will host the 25th Annual Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program today. Female students in grades six through 11 will be given the opportunity to explore careers in the sciences, learn about various professions and meet women in the field.
The program began with the need for students to realize the opportunity a career in the sciences could create and provide students with role models in a field that is typically male dominated.
After 40 years of teaching at Ohio University, James Tong, Ohio University professor emeritus and WISE program director wanted to create a program that made a difference and challenged students to look at an area that typically wasn't thought of for females. The program brings together both students and professionals to form a community outreach program that benefits students, while recognizing professionals for their achievement and experience in the field.
Nearly 600 students and teachers, from mostly southeastern and central Ohio, will flock to the University to take part in the event. The number of attendees has grown dramatically over time with each year's success. The first year the program was created 50 students and teachers attended.
"Our first year we had a really small amount of students and teachers attend, but now we only allow 600 students and teachers to register. We have to turn people away because we don't have the accommodations for more," Tong said.
Students will participate in a program packed with speaker presentations and demonstrations highlighting a number of professions. Some topics include: artificial intelligence-making computers smarter, careers in archeology, forensic chemistry, women in psychology and electrical engineering.
With more than 35 speakers, the majority of volunteers will be Ohio University faculty with expertise in a variety of fields. A veterinarian, coroner and professionals from the United States Air Force and Environmental Protection Agency will also be participating in the program.
"I wouldn't be able to put on the program without the cooperation of all the volunteers. Without them all of this wouldn't be possible," Tong said.
Breana Krotz is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing.
