Washburn University Biology Department Will Host 18th Women in Science Day Oct. 5

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Biology Department will host the 18^th annual Women in Science Day for girls in the seventh grade 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. This year 330 young women will be on campus for a day of labs, networking 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 University. "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 21 different labs, including extracting DNA, using forensics to solve crimes, compounding medicine like pharmacists, learning to manage household finances, using simple computer coding to solve a puzzle, making their own mini-weather conditions, investigating sources of water contamination and building structures safely. Partners from across the Washburn campus, as well as the Topeka community, including Advisors Excel, American Women of Geosciences, the Colmery O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Water Office, National Weather Service, Stormont Vail Health, Terracon, University of Kansas and U. S. Geological Survey will coordinate these labs.

Three women from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will deliver this year's keynote address. Mandy Stone, Michaelah Wilson and Diana Restrepo-Osorio will talk about their different roles at the agency. They will present at 9:30 - 10:05 a.m. in Washburn Rooms A and B in the Memorial Union.

Participating schools include all Topeka 501 middle schools, Shawnee Heights middle school, Waubunsee Junior High, Christ the King, Mater Dei, St. Matthew's, two middle schools from the Washburn Rural school district and several homeschool programs/students.

The event is sponsored by Washburn University, including Chartwells Dining Services, Washburn Memorial Union, Washburn College of Arts & Sciences, Ichabod Shop, Biology Club and Chemistry Club. Advisors Excel is a co-sponsor.

-30-