WISE celebrates anniversary with lecture

By Krista Gullo

Daily Staff Reporter

The Women in Discovery Symposium celebrated famous female scientist Marie Curie in a daylong event featuring a panel discussion and lectures given by distinguished women scientists and authors. The lectures focused on historical and contemporary issues encountered by women in science.

"It was a great opportunity to talk about these issues and decide what we can do next to help women enter the field and be successful" said Cinda Davis, director of Women in Science and Engineering.

The symposium is one in a series of events this month, including lectures and educational activities, celebrating Women's History Month. The symposium also marked the 20th anniversary celebration of WISE.

The special events are concurrent with an exhibit, "The Legacy of Marie Curie: 100 Years of Scientific Innovation," featuring Nobel-laureate Marie Curie and other prominent women in nuclear sciences. Organizers expect more than 2,000 middle and high school students to visit during the month.

Since much of Women's History Month focuses on the celebration of Marie Curie, the symposium recognized women making current contributions to science.

"We wanted to have a day where the accomplishments of other women were celebrated" said Mary Brake, a coordinator of the symposium and associate professor in nuclear engineering and radiological sciences.

Lecture topics included Lise Meitner and the discovery of nuclear fission, the women of the Manhattan Project, the apparent glass ceiling for women in science and the thrill of discovery.

"Role Models are so important - and these women are certainly great role models" said Susan Burke, director of the Women in Engineering Office.

Nicole Horst, a senior at the Flint-based General Motors Institute, said she found it interesting that not many women participate in electrical engineering and physics. Horst said that the lack of support and mentors for women in science perpetuates the lack of women in science.

"Science and engineering does need diversity including minorities and women," Davis said.

The Marie Curie exhibit will be at the University's Media Union Gallery until Nov. 3, and is open Monday through Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday noon p.m. to 8 p.m.; and weekends 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All events are free to the public.

Additional information is available at the Curie Celebration Website at www.ners.engin.umich.edu/specialevent/curie.

JUSTIN FITZPATRICK/Daily

Scientist and Executive Officer of the American Physical Society Judy Franz following her speech on women in science at the Michigan League yesterday.