Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Winston-Salem, NC Permit No. 69
Welcome to New Student Organization: Women in Science Laura Shashy (’09), Austin Hester (’09), and Kim Beam (’09)
Throughout history women have made significant scientific contributions to society, but historically they have been given less recognition and praise than their male counterparts. For many years, there was a considerable difference in the number of men and women with degrees in scientific fields—men holding the majority by far. Fortunately, this dissimilarity has moved towards equilibrium over the past century, with women making up approximately 41% of graduate students in science and engineering. However, only 26% of those holding science and engineering doctorates are women (*Hahm, 2004). Regard to former social norms has inspired women to work together and support each other in their careers and scholarly pursuits in order to break social barriers which previously held them back. Here at Wake Forest University, the organization Women in Science was reinstated during the 20062007 school year and works to encourage college women to pursue their interests in the fields of math and science. Women in Science is an organization formed to bring together female undergraduates interested in fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or computer science. The fellowship of Women in Science strengthens members by creating a network of women with similar interests to offer support and guidance as each student follows her own path. The group seeks to create an environment where each member can find a community of learning and friendship. We support our members and encourage pursuit in the sciences through scholarship opportunities, research stints, or highlighting talks and seminars on campus. Women in Science also supports community involvement through encouraging young children to pursue goals in science. Participating in a local science fair this semester allowed us to demonstrate basic scientific properties in three interactive and fun exhibits to elementary age children. Women in Science has also participated in Turtle Tug with Delta Zeta and sponsored a booth at KidsFest for handicapped children. Our organization works diligently to build bridges with both the Wake Forest campus and the Winston-Salem community. Now that Women in Science is officially chartered, we are able to focus plans for prospective events in the coming years. In the future, Women in Science hopes to provide more community service by partnering with local elementary, middle, and high schools to establish a tutoring program. We hope to recruit many new members at our booth during the activities fairs for incoming freshmen this spring. Women in Science is an organization created to benefit its members and the community alike. If you are interested in getting involved in Women in Science, contact current president Laura Shashy at shasln5@wfu.edu, Austin Hester at hestag5@wfu.edu , or Kim Beam at beamkn5@wfu.edu.
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*(Hahm, J-o. Data on Women in S&E.Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, NSF 2004
Minors (Continued from page 14) Lily Robinson (’07) is graduating cum laude with a major in Biology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. After graduation, Lily will be moving to Boston where she will do microbiology research at Massachusetts General Hospital. Christina Sirockman (’07) is graduating with a major in Political Science and minors in Sociology and WGS. Christina is a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society. She volunteers for Campus Kitchen and Ronald McDonald House. Christina likes to cook, travel, run, lift weights, play with her puppy “Tucker,” and spend time with her friends and family. Christina Stenhouse (’07) is graduating with a major in Health and Exercise Science and minors in French and WGS. Christina will be moving to Houston, TX, where she will be a member of Teach for America Corps. Tory Tevis (’07) is graduating magna cum laude with a major in History and minors in WGS and International Studies. Tory has been accepted into the Brethren Volunteer Service for placement in Central America, Northern Ireland, or Eastern Europe. News and Notes is published twice each year to report on Women’s and Gender Studies developments, including the next semester's course offerings, WGS student, alumnae/i and faculty activities, and short feature news articles. We welcome comments, suggestions, and address changes from all our readers. We particularly value our alumnae/i and encourage you to send news and/or articles. Please send your information to wgs@wfu.edu.