Math and natural sciences departments to celebrate women and girls in science

Wake Forest math and natural sciences departments are hosting a campus-wide event for students, faculty and staff to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11.

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields and many face significant gender-related challenges. 

The event is organized and sponsored by the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Wake Forest’s Center for Functional Materials as well as the Wake Forest undergraduate Women in STEM group. 

The event begins at 4 p.m. with a screening of the film Picture a Scientist in Olin Physical Lab. The film is a Tribeca Film Festival 2020 Official Selection that explores bias in science fields of study. Small group discussions and a reception on the rooftop (penthouse) of the Olin Physical Laboratory will follow. 

Students from all academic disciplines are welcome. All gender identities and expressions are welcome and encouraged to attend.