All Invited to USU International Women and Girls in Science Day Event Friday, Feb. 10

Can you name three world-changing discoveries by women scientists? Do you wonder if science is a viable and enriching path for women? Do you have questions about careers in science?

All are invited to Utah State University’s celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the Taggart Student Center Big Blue Room on the Logan campus.

“This is an opportunity to hear stories of women’s paths to becoming scientists, to get a close-up look at what some of these scientists are doing at Utah State, to build camaraderie and to have fun,” says gathering organizer Maria J. Rodriguez, associate professor in USU’s Department of Physics and faculty adviser of the Women and Minorities in Physics group, “All are welcome.”

The event’s activities will begin with the panel discussion, “How Did I Become a Scientist?” at 3 p.m. featuring panelists Michelle Baker, dean of USU’s College of Science and professor in the Department of Biology and USU Ecology Center; Heloisia Rutigliano, associate professor in USU’s Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, and Rodriguez.

At 4 p.m., celebration attendees are invited to network and enjoy STEM games and hot chocolate.

At 5 p.m., attendees are invited to a STEM career paths panel discussion, featuring advice from USU scientists, followed by a question-and-answer session.

In addition to USU Women and Minorities in Physics, campus entities and organizations supporting the gathering include the College of Science, the Department of Physics, USU Gravitational Theory Group, the USU Student Chapter of the Society of Women in Engineering, USU Women in Science, the Department of Geosciences and Department of Biology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committees, the Huntsman School of Business and Space Dynamics Laboratory.

For more information about the Feb. 10 gathering, visit the USU International Day of Women and Girls in Science website.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held annually on February 11, is a worldwide observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2015, to promote full and equal access and participation of females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The 2023 theme for the 8th annual international observance is “I.D.E.A.S.: Innovate, Demonstrate, Elevate, Advance, Sustain — Bringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development.”