Middle school girls discover the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math at USF Sarasota-Manatee summit
SARASOTA, FL (June 2, 2009) – What do “green” vehicles, crime scene
investigations, and storm predictions have in common?
All three will be presented as topics of interest to a group of more than 60 middle school girls at the 2009
USF Girls STEM Summit at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on Saturday, June 20.
STEM disciplines, more commonly known as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are historically fields
dominated by men. USF Sarasota-Manatee, and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) would like to
change that.
Girls at the event ranging in age from 11 to 13 will have the opportunity to participate in a DNA study, build
moving vehicles using limited materials, and explore and touch undersea critters with Mote Marine Laboratory’s
Mobile Aquarium Unit.
The event will feature a keynote speaker and several breakout sessions. Keynote speaker for the event will be
Dr. Ellen Prager, a well-respected marine scientist and author, widely recognized for her expertise and
ability to bring science to the laymen. She is the chief scientist for the Aquarius Reef Base program in Key
Largo, Florida, which includes the world’s only undersea research station.
Dr. Prager has built a national reputation as a scientist and spokesperson on earth and ocean science issues
and is a sought after expert by the media. She has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News,
CBS Early Show and News, CNN American Morning, and Larry King Live. Dr. Prager was also featured in an ABC
News Special “Planet Earth,” Miami’s NBC EcoWatch Coral Crisis, and has been in shows for the Discovery
Channel.
Breakout sessions will include the following topics of interest:
• “Careers in Marine Science - A Lot More than Manatees and Dolphins,” by Pamela Hallock Muller, Ph.D.,
professor at the College of Marine Science, University of South Florida in Tampa.
• “Research and the Research Process,” by Fawn Ngo Mitchell, visiting faculty in the College of Arts and
Sciences at USF Sarasota-Manatee with a specialty in Criminology and Law.
• “New Faces of Engineering – How Women are Changing the Industry,” by Paula R. Wiggins, P.E., Transportation
Planning Manager for Sarasota County
• “Math is Cool!” by Donna Clarke, former state House Representative and government and environmental policy
consultant
• “Are You Smarter than a Fourth Grade Boy?” by Dr. Sunita Lodwig, USF Sarasota-Manatee Information Technology
faculty and Anne Marie Young, vice president of Sales and Marketing for TechHouse
“We have engaged the participation of many middle schools in Sarasota and Manatee Counties as well as
organizations such as Girls, Inc, Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County, the Boys and Girls Club of
Sarasota County, Just For Girls, and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida to bring together girls who have a
desire to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Valerie Connors, Summit chair. “In
order for women to move toward equity, we need to reduce the barriers they face in these fields so they can
reach their full potential and gain the respect they deserve.”
For more information about the event, please contact Valerie Connors at vconnors@mail.usf.edu.
