The Women in Science Conference
Talks About the Research Program
By Katie Zivley, Co-Editor-in-Chief
On November 4, the past, present, and future of women in science was the topic discussed by numerous professors within the College of Arts and Science at The Women in Science Conference.
This is the second year that The Women in Science Conference has taken place at Lynn University, and this year helped to inspire many young individuals to take that step into their science careers. The event, hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with Lynn Admission and the Center for Social Impact, consisted of middle school, high school and current Lynn University students and parents, totaling 30 female attendees looking to make an impact in the field of science.
“Events like this are so important for the cultural shift that needs to happen for women to not just enter into science fields but also to stay there,” said Dr. Lecher, a Lynn associate professor specializing in natural and applied sciences. “That’s something that Lynn has shown much support towards, especially with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality, which goes along with so much else that we’ve done on campus.”
Along with professors in the College of Arts and Science, there were about six current students who displayed their research and data on specific studies. Not only were there incredible Lynn students who were a part of this conference, but Lynn faculty women scientists were in charge and helped put together this important event.
“This is the second time I’ve attended the Women in Science Conference,” said Khelia Gihozo, a 2nd year graduate student in the research program studying plants. “I attended the first one, but I didn’t get to present, so this time, I got to present my work.”
Both Dr. Cassandra Korte and Dr. Erica Doctor embed a research project into their class requirements so that students, women, and minorities who might not have the resources or may feel scared to talk to somebody about joining a research laboratory the ability to do research.
“I wanted to help people, that’s why I got into forensic science,” said Dr. Doctor, an associate professor specializing in chemistry and forensics. “I came to Lynn, and I wanted to help future students, so a lot of the work I do today is about helping future students get involved in research who may not be able to.”
This year’s event was a great success as the engagement was high from the community, students off campus, and other areas. The Women in Science Conference is expected to become an annual event that engages and inspires both established and aspiring women scholars and practitioners in the sciences.
