Mariana Garrido, a PhD student in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science under Professor Fiona Hunter, spends countless hours researching mosquitos and vector borne diseases. Her work, and that of other female scientists at Brock University, are being recognized in correlation with International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Women in the scientific community contribute compelling and life-changing research globally every day, but the United Nations (UN) estimates that less the 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are female. In order to achieve full and equal access to science for women and girls while also achieving gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls, the UN General Assembly declared every February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Science is addressing the need for more women in science while recognizing the remarkable female faculty and students within the Faculty with the Women in Science event, spearheaded by Garrido.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Pond Inlet, 10 guest speakers comprised of five professors and five graduate students will discuss their research and rewarding career paths. Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to meet in intimate groups to discuss science at Brock and address questions undergraduate students have about their own academic and career trajectories.

The event will provide the opportunity to hear unique stories and connect undergraduate students with their peers and mentors.

Garrido hopes the event will “remind younger girls and women that they can go on to become professors and researchers at universities,” while also learning how to navigate challenges, such as pursuing graduate studies, and overcome barriers. Elena Genkin, Graduate Administrative Coordinator for the Faculty, will be at the event to answer any questions students may have about pursuing graduate studies at Brock.

Seven of Dean Ejaz Ahmed’s last 10 PhD students, and all three of his current master’s students, are female.

“Women in our Faculty contribute a tremendous amount of top level research to science,” said Ahmed. “I’m consistently impressed by the work our students produce.”

The Feb. 11 event, which will include free snacks and light beverages, is open to all Brock students, faculty and staff members, as well as to anyone in the public.