What do the elements polonium and radium, the first computer algorithm and the first direct evidence of dark matter all have in common?\u00a0 They were all discovered by outstanding female scientists.<\/p>\n
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 while also achieving gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls, the UN General Assembly declared every Feb. 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.<\/p>\n
To recognizing the remarkable female faculty and students within the Brock community, an event is being held virtually on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
Brock’s second annual Women in Science event will feature 11 guest speakers from a wide array of scientific disciplines who will discuss their research and rewarding career paths. In addition to inspirational presentations, the event will include virtual breakout groups that will allow attendees to discuss science at Brock and address questions undergraduate students have about their own academic and career trajectories.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want the event to show women that there is a path for them to become professors and researchers at universities,\u201d said Mariana Garrido, a PhD student in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science who spearheaded the Women in Science event in 2020. \u201cHearing the success stories from our speakers and graduate students may inspire the next wave of women scientists to help change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jolia Custodio, a second-year\u00a0Biological Sciences student, recalls her experience at last year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first Women in Science event left a strong impression on me,\u201d she said. \u201cTo witness a supportive and uplifting community of women partaking in science was so wholesome and wonderful to see,\u00a0and I made new friends along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faculty of Mathematics and Science Dean Ejaz Ahmed emphasized the importance of encouraging science\u2019s next generation of female greats.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout women scientists, many of our most important scientific advancements would remain undiscovered. They bring a different perspective to the scientific world,\u201d he said. \u201cOur Faculty must continue to make women scientists feel welcome and supported. Gender balance and diversity is an important pillar of the Faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Six of Ahmed\u2019s last nine PhD students, and all four of his current master\u2019s students, are female.<\/p>\n