Washburn University Biology Department Will Host 16th Women in Science Day Oct. 15

    Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Biology Department will host the 16^th annual Women in Science Day for girls in the seventh grade 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. This year 275 young women will be on campus for a day of experiments, comradery and a quiz show. Women in Science Day is free for students; however, students must have previously registered.

    “Studies indicate girls perform as well as boys in math and science throughout elementary school but begin to lose interest in such courses in junior high and high school,” said Dr. Susan Bjerke, associate professor of biology, Washburn.  “This event is designed to demonstrate the practical applications in everyday life of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

    During Women in Science Day, students can choose from 17 different labs, including building a volcano, writing computer code, forensic analysis, isolating DNA from strawberries, walking through the water cycle and mixing pharmaceutical compounds. Partners from across the Washburn campus, as well as the Topeka community, including Stormont Vail Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Water Office, University of Kansas, American Women of Geosciences, the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, Advisors Excel and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will coordinate these labs.  

    Professional female scientists will conduct presentations throughout the day. Dr. Erin Petro, state public health veterinarian with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will give the keynote address to all participants at 9:30 a.m.

    The event is sponsored by Washburn University, including Chartwells Dining Services, Washburn Memorial Union, Washburn College of Arts and Sciences, Ichabod Shop, Biology Club and Chemistry Club.  Co-sponsors include Advisors Excel, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Water Office, Capitol Federal, National Weather Service, Washburn Alumni Association and Foundation, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and KU Association for Women Geoscientists.

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