Women in Science on the Air: Recent Episodes
WAMC
The Women In Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ON THE AIR! website is an audio resource for young girls, young women, parents, educators, guidance counselors, researchers, organizational leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about the past, present and future role of women in science and technology education and careers.
Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCI-VIS) is a weeklong camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, that helps middle and high school students who are blind or who have low vision to learn about space and space-related technology.
Anneliese DeVyldere is an honors student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a school she learned about while attending Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCI-VIS). Anneliese attended the camp three times during high school and says the experience was transformative. SCI-VIS helped her to develop leadership skills and to discover her interest in aerospace engineering.
Dr. Angela Lee Foreman is an assistant professor of biology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). She is also an instructor at TechGirlz, a summer camp at RIT/NTID for young girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. In addition to science-based skills, Dr. Foreman teaches the campers to speak up for themselves.
TechGirlz is a weeklong summer camp at the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY, for middle school girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The camp uses hands-on activities to make STEM subjects fun and interesting.
MIND Alliance is designed to increase interest in STEM fields among minority students with disabilities, and helps them transition into STEM-based academic programs and careers. The program emphasizes cultural sensitivity, while offering tutoring, mentoring, internships, and career assessment and counseling. And through field trips and hands-on activities, students in the program learn that science can be fun and interesting.
The DO-IT program at the University of Washington aims to increase the success of people with disabilities in college and careers. AccessSTEM, a project within DO-IT, works directly with high schools and colleges in the Seattle, WA area to assist students with the transition to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics academic programs and employment.
Patricia Walsh is a successful computer scientist. However, there was a time during college when she struggled with her grades and questioned her education choices. She credits a role model and the AccessSTEM program with helping her get to where she is today.
The University of Maryland's award-winning program that attracts and keeps young women interested in high-technology and computer science throughout college and beyond. Brian Shields reports.
A look at the current status of women in mathematics and what efforts some women mathematicians are doing to promote interest among girls and young women in pursuing math careers. Jim Horne reports.
MentorNet is a web-based national electronic mentoring network for undergraduate and graduate women students in engineering and science, linking students with industry and research professionals. Allison Dunne reports.
Top liberal arts colleges for women are actively seeking to redress the science gender gaps and have formed the Women's College Coalition to network universities across the U.S. to enhance women's educational opportunities. Pat Bradley reports.
(370?-415 C.E.). Today's students can thank this 4th century mathematician for making geometry courses easier to understand.
Successful women in the information technology industry are mentoring younger women to encourage them to connect with people and computers. Greg Dahlmann reports.
Find out how some top colleges are retaining women professors in their science and engineering departments and improving diversity and learning. Allison Dunne reports.
(1711-1778). This Italian mother of 12 became the first female professor of physics. She also successfully petitioned her university employer for more responsibility and a higher salary.
This collaboration of several organizations from Washington and Oregon is committed to motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics despite roadblocks created by the media. Phyllis Fletcher reports.
How innovative people and programs in Europe and the U.S. are working to lead more girls and young women into future careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Glenn Busby reports.
(1716-1774). Anna was an artist who sculpted detailed anatomical models out of wax that were used in medical schools for centuries to come.
(1718-1799). This brilliant daughter of Italian nobility spoke five languages, wrote the first books on abstract geometry, and dreamed of being a nun.
Missed National Engineers Week? Several of today's most important women scientists and engineers discuss the topics debated during this week including Girls and Technology: New Educational Opportunities. Glenn Busby reports.
Meet Karen Hitchcock, she is the Principal and Vice Chancellor of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Meet Marcella Cabrera, she is the Creative Manager of VUP Creative Services, for Mattel, Empire, Conspiracy, Misc Kids.
Meet Julie Spicer England, she is the Vice President of Worldwide ASP Computer Imaging Systems at Texas instruments.
Meet Sue Husari, she is a Regional Fire Management Officer for the National Park Service.
Meet Darlene Solomon, she is the Research and Development Manager at Agilent Technologies.
Meet Kellie-Bea Cooper, a Digital Animator and Owner of The Better Mousetrap a small animation studio and school.
Meet Kathryn Born, she is a Medical Illustrator for numerous textbooks, journals, films you name it.
Meet Kathy Cashman, she is a Volcanologist and Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Oregon.
Meet Sherita Cesar, Vice President of Subscriber Network Services at Scientific-Atlanta.
Meet Maya Tolstoy, she is a Marine Seismologist and Geophysicist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.
Meet Danielle Walker, Manager at the Semiconductor Technology Lab for General Electric.
Meet Melanie Stiassny, Curator in Department of Ichthyology, at The American Museum of Natural History.
Meet Elaine Tuomanen, Chair of Infections Disease at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Meet Branda Miller, Media Artist, Activist, and Educator, at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
Meet Heidi Newberg, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
Meet Ann Helmus, Neuropsychologist at NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children & Adolescents)in Newton, MA.
Meet Colleen Gino, Manager of the Schenectady Planetarium in Schenectady, NY and Observatory Manager, at Union College also in Schenectady.
Meet Janice Huff, works for NBC channel 4 in New York City and on MSNBC as a meteorologist.
Meet Cheryl Bergman, of the Lockheed Martin Corporation specializing in Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services, and Space Systems.
Meet Jeanette Berringer, Zoo keeper at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island.
Meet Dr. Annette Von Jouanne, she is an Electrical Engineer and Professor, at Oregon State University.
Meet Donna Lee Shirley, Author of 'Managing Martians' and Assistant Dean of Engineering Advanced Program Development, at the University of Oklahoma.
Meet Mary Manhein, Director of Louisiana State University Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Lab.
Meet Shira Billet and Dora Sosnowik, winners of the Siemens Foundation Student Scientists Scholarship.
The hit Broadway play 'Proof' explores what is perceived to be a rare breed: the female mathematician.
In this 'sonic postcard' marine biologist Veronica Kemmler, director of the Green Girls Ecology Camp gives us a tour.
Two of our nations top physicists look at why and what is being done to attract and maintain more women in physics.
Penn State's Women in Engineering program is exploring the success and impact of STEM programs.
a San Jose California children's museum is helping pave the way for science and math conversations between parents and their daughters.
Educators in rural communities in the Appalachians are 'moving mountains' to open doors to the sciences for young women.
The number of women in engineering in the U.S. continues to increase...slowly but surely.
One program at The University of Maryland School of Engineering, allows young college women to participate with hands-on research projects.
Researchers are taking a look at why African American women are still a rarity in computer science.
Getting more girls and young women to consider careers in engineering is the goal of the program: WECAN (Women's Engineers Changing Attitudes Now).
Jennifer Ellsworth Audio Diary- Could Fusion Help Solve the Fuel Crisis? - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Part 1
Tracy Drain Audio Diary: Part 1 of 3- The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
MESA: Math, Engineering, Science Achievement- Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, California.
The River Program: St. Margaret's School For Girls places a special emphasis on science education in Tappahannock, Virginia.
Jennifer Ellsworth Audio Diary- Could Fusion Help Solve the Fuel Crisis? - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Part 2
People outside of New York City are probably unaware of this remarkable public school in East Harlem.
Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program for High School Girls: Girls on the Trail of Biodiversity, Northampton, Massachusetts
In part 2, women scientists tell us their own stories, including how they may have been impacted by role models along their academic and professional career paths. Glenn Busby reports.
Top liberal arts colleges for women are actively seeking to redress the science gender gaps and have formed the Women's College Coalition to network universities across the U.S. to enhance women's educational opportunities. Pat Bradley reports.
Two years ago, The Young Women's Leadership Foundation took a group of science students to the Mississippi Delta. That research won them the Young Science Achievers Award.
Missed National Engineers Week? Several of today's most important women scientists and engineers discuss the topics debated during this week including Girls and Technology: New Educational Opportunities. Glenn Busby reports.
The University of Maryland's award-winning program that attracts and keeps young women interested in high-technology and computer science throughout college and beyond. Brian Shields reports.
Part 1 highlights studies that show the importance of introducing young women and girls to science, math, and technology early on in their education, and the important role of parents. Glenn Busby reports.
Successful women in the information technology industry are mentoring younger women to encourage them to connect with people and computers. Greg Dahlmann reports.
MentorNet is a web-based national electronic mentoring network for undergraduate and graduate women students in engineering and science, linking students with industry and research professionals. Allison Dunne reports.
Several distinguished women in science share their personal stories of how they came to be in their chosen fields, and the role models that influenced them. Glenn Busby reports.
A look at the current status of women in mathematics and what efforts some women mathematicians are doing to promote interest among girls and young women in pursuing math careers. Jim Horne reports.
How innovative people and programs in Europe and the U.S. are working to lead more girls and young women into future careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Glenn Busby reports.
This collaboration of several organizations from Washington and Oregon is committed to motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics despite roadblocks created by the media. Phyllis Fletcher reports.
Tracy Drain Audio Diary: Part 2 of 3 - The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
An innovative program for female African American science students at Mt. Holyoke College in Mt. Holyoke, Massachusetts, offering peer mentoring, tutoring, and workshops to increase academic and career success. Kelly Wilkinson reports.
Tracy Drain Audio Diary: Part 3 of 3 - The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Jennifer Ellsworth Audio Diary- Could Fusion Help Solve the Fuel Crisis? - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Part 3
Find out how some top colleges are retaining women professors in their science and engineering departments and improving diversity and learning. Allison Dunne reports.
(1907-1964) This biologist and environmental crusader always wanted to be a writer, but a college biology class changed the course of her life, and some say, the course of our planet.
(b. 1936) This microbiologist reduced cholera by half in Bangladesh and rose to head the National Science Foundation.
(1878-1968) This brilliant physicist indirectly contributed to the creation of the world's first atomic bomb, but was not happy to see her work used in the service of death and destruction.
(1878-1972) Immortalized in the film, 'Cheaper By the Dozen', this industrial engineer and mother of twelve is known as the first lady of engineering.
(Late 1800s- Early 1900s) These women painstakingly performed complex calculations needed to process data. Their work helped determine the positions and composition of stars.
(1922-1998) She proved the need for clean air regulation, and is known as the Mother of Modern Toxicology.
(b. 1935) She earned her the title 'Her Deepness' by walking twelve hundred and fifty feet under water and went on to develop marine technologies like submersible Rovers, helping scientists reach greater depths than ever before.
(1914-2000) She helped develop 'Frequency Hopping", a kind of spread spectrum technology, which is a basis for how our cell phones, traffic controllers, pagers and wireless internet work.
(b. 1946) She became the first black woman to obtain a PhD from MIT, earn a doctorate in physics and made history as the first African American woman to lead a national research university.
(1867-1934) She became the first woman in France to obtain a doctorate and won two Nobel Prizes.
(1866-1943) She gained fame as an author and illustrator, but also became a prize sheep farmer, and a conservationist.
(1864-1922) She worked to establish 'nature rooms' in every New York City school. However, rather than bringing nature to the city's children she set out to bring the city's children to more nature!
(1850-1891) She was awarded the prestigious Prix Bordin by The French Academy of Sciences for her work on motion.
(1859?-1905) She developed her own X-RAY equipment and became known as the finest radiographer in the world.
(1869-1970) This pioneer in industrial medicine was Harvard's first female professor and was honored as a prominent "man of science".
(1818-1889) She was made the nations first female astronomy professor at Vassar Women's college.
(fl. 1st. Cent. BCE/CE) This Alchemist used chemical engineering to invent a popular household tool still used in today's kitchens.
(1875-1948). Some scholars say this unknown Serbian woman contributed to the Theory of Relativity.
Mary Kies (1752-1837). Mary invented a method of weaving straw with silk. It proved to be a cost-effective way to make bonnets used by women working in fields.
According to recent research findings from the University of Texas at Austin, having academically high-performing, same-sex friends can determine whether girls choose to take advanced math and science courses. These findings were put into practice this past year at a new all-girls middle school.
Anna Morandi Manzolini (1716-1774). Anna was an artist who sculpted detailed anatomical models out of wax that were used in medical schools for centuries to come.
Mary Walker(1832-1919). She was a surgeon in the Civil War, and the first and only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Grace Hopper (1906-1992). Grace was a pioneering computer scientist and Navy Admiral. She invented the compiler, the first program to translate computer programming language.
Laura Bassi (1711-1778). This Italian mother of 12 became the first female professor of physics. She also successfully petitioned her university employer for more responsibility and a higher salary.
Frances Gabe (b.1915). Hate housework? Invent your way out of it! Frances Gabe did. She invented the self-cleaning house.
Stephanie Kwolek (b.1923). She dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and later, a doctor. Stephanie didn't exactly do either, but the clothing she helped make saves lives. She is the chemist who invented Kevlar, the material used in bullet-proof vests.
Theo Colburn is a professor of zoology and environmental health analyst. She is best known for her studies on the harmful effects of certain man-made chemicals on animals.
Gertrude Elion (1918-1999). As a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and pharmacologist, Gertrude helped develop drugs to treat leukemia and arthritis, and prevent organ rejection.
Helen Taussig (1898-1986). Helen was almost deaf, so she diagnosed heart conditions by listening with her fingers. She eventually solved the mystery of blue baby syndrome.
May Edward Chinn (1896-1980). May was the first African American woman to graduate from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. She practiced medicine in Harlem for 50 years.
Edith Quimby (1891-1982). As a pioneer in radiology, Edith helped physicians determine more precise doses of radiation needed for cancer treatment with the fewest side effects.
Elizabeth Lee Hazen (1885-1975) and Rachel Fuller Brown (1908-1980). Elizabeth was a microbiologist and Rachel was a chemist. Their collaboration led to a vaccine for pneumonia and one of the first effective antifungal medications.
Lillie Rosa Minoka Hill (1876-1952). This daughter of a Mohawk Indian woman and a Quaker doctor ran a kitchen clinic out of her Wisconsin farmhouse for 47 years.
Sara Josephine Baker (1873-1945). Dr. Joe was the first woman to earn a doctorate in public health from New York University. She spent her career working to improve health care for the poor.
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910-1994). While chemists around the world were trying to identify the composition of penicillin, Dorothy amazed them all by using x-rays to determine its structure.
Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910). The first woman to earn a medical degree, Elizabeth was rejected from 29 medical schools before being accepted. She graduated at the top of her class.
Mary Somerville (1780-1872). With almost no formal education, Mary became the most accomplished science writer of her time. The term scientist was coined to describe her.
Maria Agnesi (1718-1799). This brilliant daughter of Italian nobility spoke five languages, wrote the first books on abstract geometry, and dreamed of being a nun.
Marie Lavoisier (1758-1836). An arranged marriage led her to an unexpected role in the history of chemistry. As a laboratory assistant, translator, and scientific illustrator, Marie was instrumental in her husband's discoveries in chemistry.
Emmy Noether (1882-1935). She went into the family business as a young girl, but Emmy soon surpassed her father and her brothers as a mathematician, proving concepts behind Einstein's theory of relativity.
Alice Evans (1881-1975). She began her career trying to make cheese taste better, but her research eventually led to laws mandating the pasteurization of milk.
Ellen Churchill Semple (1863-1932). Ellen was an influential geographer. She was among the first to write about the ways the natural environment impacted the course of human history.
Emily Roebling (1843-1903). Much of the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge was directed by the architect's daughter-in-law, Emily.
Theano (6th century). Students of algebra are familiar with the Golden Mean, but they may not know who discovered it. Many think it was Pythagoras, but some scholars believe it may have been his wife, Theano.
Lilavati (12th century). A noted Indian mathematician wrote a book used to teach algebra called Lilavati (or Leelavati). The book was named after his daughter who was also an excellent mathematician.
Data shows that fewer African American women than white women in STEM college programs are continuing on to graduate school. To figure out why this disparity exists, one researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is examining undergraduate African American students' perceptions of graduate education in STEM disciplines.
Dr. Penny Hammrich is researching and designing a program to attract young women to science. She does this by mixing science learning up with something fun...sports!
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are examining the role that language plays in young girls' confidence in their mathematic abilities.
Women are less likely to seek careers in computer science than almost any other scientific job. A team of researchers at Stanford University is trying to determine why this is the case and what schools can do to try and improve programs to encourage more women to stay in computer sciences.
Recent research offers a strong indication of the types of interventions that benefit girls' choices of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics...STEM careers. Although exposure to science throughout the K thru 12 curriculum is crucial, the middle school years appear to be the most pivotal time for girls.
The National Science Foundation has released its latest Science and Engineering Indicators report. It listed 50 colleges and universities awarding the most degrees to African-Americans in science and engineering. Of course there's Spelman, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell. But also in that mix of top schools, is Norfolk State University.
While Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to grow, they are often the least understood and least studied institutions in higher education. But that's changing at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Fewer young adults are training for technical careers. Women, especially, are opting out. Dr. Lecia Barker wants to change that.
This 19th century Caribbean nurse overcame racial prejudice to serve in the Crimean war, where wounded soldiers dubbed her "The Mother of the Army". Part of the HER-STORY: Then radio series.
This woman spent her life pretending to be a man so she could practice medicine and earned the highest rank a doctor could achieve in the British Army.
Part of the Powerful Signals Radio Series. MIT Grad student Jennifer Ellsworth is working on the nation's newest approach to nuclear fusion. This audio diary reveals what life is like for a graduate student doing this type of work.
Listen as an alumni of the New York City Chapter of Girls Inc shares her experiences from the program.
Part of the Powerful Signals Radio Series. MIT Grad student Jennifer Ellsworth is working on the nation's newest approach to nuclear fusion. This audio diary reveals what life is like for a graduate student doing this type of work.
St. Margaret's School for Girls places a special emphasis on science education.The girl's school has formulated special programs that offer students a real chance to enjoy science and succeed at it.
Part of the Powerful Signals Radio Series. Harbor Seal populations in the Gulf of Alaska have declined 63-85% since the mid 1970s. Follow Dr. Lori Polasek's work on land and sea, in an effort to help save the harbor seals.
Harbor Seal populations in the Gulf of Alaska have declined 63-85% since the mid 1970s. Follow Dr. Lori Polasek's work on land and sea, in an effort to help save the harbor seals.
At Manual Arts High School in South Central Los Angeles, girls at this science academy are building robots and competing in science bowls all the time.
Find out about The Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island which developed a special physics-first curriculum that is giving girls a comprehensive exposure to science and physics.
Find out about the unique after school girls technology club run by volunteers from Ohio State University's Women in Technology group...and OSU's TWICE (The Women in Computer Engineering) program.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Follow Tracy Drain, a systems engineer for the orbiter project, on the journey to launch and beyond..
MIT Grad student Jennifer Ellsworth is working on the nation's newest approach to nuclear fusion. This audio diary reveals what life is like for a graduate student doing this type of work.
Harbor Seal populations in the Gulf of Alaska have declined 63-85% since the mid 1970s. Follow Dr. Lori Polasek's work on land and sea, in an effort to help save the harbor seals.
Included in Powerful Signals Radio Series. EDGE hopes to encourage academically talented young women to pursue engineering studies in college.
Included in Powerful Signals Radio Series. Techbridge offers a bridge between middle school and high school and is designed to encourage girls in science, engineering and technology.
Included in Powerful Signals Radio Series. Enter Smith College's Summer Science and Engineering Program for High School Girls.