Award-winning program introduces girls to careers in science

By Laura Hancock | Media and Publications Writer
lhancock@eou.edu

La Grande, Oregon – Eastern Oregon University will host 100 students in grades 6-8 for the fourth annual Girls in Science program on Saturday, Nov. 5, in Badgley Science Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/Eastern Oregon University
student and chemistry major Lauren Rathbone, center,
assists participants in determining the caloric content
of a peanut during last year's Girls in Science event at
EOU. The theme of the program last year was health
and wellness. This year the girls with study forensic
science.

Every year the program has a different theme. This year the girls will learn all about crime scene investigations as they delve into “Ms. Pringle’s Deadly Party: Who Killed the Mystery Guest?”

They will use chemistry, biology, anthropology, forensic science, multimedia and computer science to solve the crime.

“The program is really special because it is specifically geared toward building confidence in young women and getting them to think about becoming a scientist in an environment that is not competitive,” said Anna Cavinato, professor of chemistry at EOU.

Cavinato is the chair of the Women Chemists Committee of the Richland, Wa., chapter of the American Chemical Society. The Committee received a ChemLuminary Award from the American Chemical Society for Outstanding Outreach to Girls and Young Women through the Girls in Science program. Cavinato attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C. on August 30. The award was given for last year’s program, which focused on health and wellness.

The collaborative effort between EOU, the Northeast Oregon Area Health Education Center (NEOAHEC), and the Richland, Wa., chapter of the American Chemical Society, has made the program successful. Students from schools throughout eastern Oregon travel to La Grande for the only science program of its kind in the area geared specifically for girls.

Others helping with the program this year are Karen Antell, associate professor of biology, Linda Jerofke, assistant professor of anthropology, Michael Puls, assistant professor of mathematics, Richard Croft, associate professor of computer science and multimedia, Frederick Pratter, assistant professor of computer science, Sandy Ryman, NEOAHEC director, Heather Stanhope, placement coordinator for the College of Education and Marla Johnson, assistant professor of education. In addition, at least 40 volunteers including other faculty members, staff and students will help with setting up and running the event.