Wednesday, February 13, 2008

'Expanding Your Horizons' conference

Argen Duncan El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

Have you ever though of becoming a rocket scientist, young lady? Do you know what jobs you could get in biology?

The Expanding Your Horizons science, math and engineering conference, coming in March, gives girls in sixth through 12th grades a chance to learn where they could go and what they could do in those career fields. Their parents have an opportunity to learn about financing their daughters' educations, college entrance requirements and college freshman programs.

Socorro, Magdalena and Alamo Navajo Reservation often send representatives.

The event is set for Saturday, March 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Participation costs $5 per person.

Registration is due March 1 for groups of 10 or more, and March 5 for smaller groups and individuals.

"Because we are so isolated, a lot of times students don't know all the career options out there for them in math, science and engineering; and this gives them a taste of what you can do in math, science and engineering," said Cheryl Pulaski, New Mexico Tech director of advancement and member of the conference committee.

Many girls who are interested in medicine want to go into pediatrics, she said. They don't know they can also treat cancer, do radiology, have a family practice or conduct research.

In the 1980s, Pulaski said, women started entering science fields. However, their numbers in these areas have begun to decrease in recent years.

The conference begins with keynote speaker Betsy James, an author and illustrator. She is to give a talk entitled "Oh Yuck, Mom!: Growing Up with a Mad Scientist."

Then, girls and parents will separate.

Students go to three workshops. They have a choice of subjects ranging from space travel and building robots to developing a company and zoo animals.

"And the variety is endless," Pulaski said.

Tech Associate Professor of Biology Rebecca Reiss is scheduled to present workshops on DNA and crime scene investigation.

Adults attend three workshops and have University of New Mexico laboratory tours.

Pulaski said the presentations give parents an idea of what to expect, especially since they may not have completed their bachelor's degrees. They need to understand how higher education works and why some high school courses are important, she continued.

"We are still looking for adult presenters," Pulaski said.

When she was in sixth grade, Pulaski attended a similar conference. It interested her in science because she saw what she could do in the field and thought the labs and hands-on work were "cool." She majored in science in college.

"Women in science just don't wear white lab coats," Pulaski said. "They wear many hats."

The conference exposes the girls to women who are wives and mothers, as well as scientists, doctors and engineers.

Student fees include materials and a mid-morning snack. Both adults and students must pre-register.

The New Mexico Network for Women in Science and Engineering is presenting the conference, and has done so in Albuquerque for 29 years.

Registration forms are available from sixth- through 12th-grade teachers, or online at www.nmnwse.org/ceyh/ceyh.html. For more information, contact Sandrea Gonzales at 505-277-3716 or send an e-mail to sandrea@unm.edu.

Groups are asked to contact Beulah Woodfin by e-mail to bwoodfin@unm.edu.

aduncan@dchieftain.com

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