Women and Science Symposium to be held Oct. 9

How do you juggle walking among the treetops with raising children? How much does gender still limit women’s place in major scientific research? How can more women be recruited into engineering?

The issues facing women in science – professional, scientific and ethical – are the focus of Women and Science, a symposium taking place at 7:30-9:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the On Wisconsin room of the Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.

The free public event is sponsored by the UW–Madison Center for the Humanities, Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute, and Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program.

Alison Wylie, a professor of philosophy at Washington University, St. Louis, will speak on “The Gender of Science: Chilly Climate Issues for Women in Science.” Her talk examines a recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology study that demonstrated continuing gender discrimination in the sciences, often manifesting itself not as overt marginalization of women but rather in far more subtle ways. While some found the study’s results startling, Wylie will put this survey in the context of previous research demonstrating similar patterns, and address, more broadly, the question of why the gender of science matters to science.

Margaret Lowman, is a well-known biologist perhaps best known for her work on and in tree canopies. She pioneered efforts to access and map forest canopies, using ropes, walkways, cranes and even hot-air balloons. Her talk, “Life in the Treetops: Balancing a Scientific Career with Family,” relates how she has balanced her path-breaking scientific research with a family life and children.

Eleanor Baum, dean of engineering, Cooper Union, New York City, will give the talk, “The New Face of the Engineer.” She will discuss the need for diversity in the engineering work force and the challenges in achieving this diversity. Baum will address the desired attributes for engineers of the future and the impact these expectations will have on recruiting people into the profession.

Caitilyn Allen, associate professor of plant pathology and women’s studies, UW–Madison, will moderate the session.