Women In Science Event Encourages Science Careers Mount Marty College holds an annual conference for eighthgrade girls designed to increase their interest in science and technology careers. The Women in Science event offers a keynote speaker followed by several breakout sessions and exhibits to allow the girls a hands-on learning experience. Tamara K. Pease, Ph.D. was a presenter of a breakout session on fingerprinting techniques and careers in forensic science. The Forensic Science Program Director at Mount Marty College teaches Forensic Science classes, serves as the Director of the Radiologic Technology program and is a Chemistry professor at the college. This is her fourth year as a presenter for the event. Lisa K. Bonneau, Ph.D. is Mount Marty’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Adjunct Professor of Biology. She is co-chair of the committee that 22vHERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 organizes and arranges speakers for the event. The October event usually draws over 250 8th grade young women and caps at 275 attendees. This year they had 267 girls, 20 teachers, 38 exhibitors and 20 presenters attend. Pease remembers her reaction to the first conference she attended. “Wow! That is a lot of energy and potential for the future. It’s amazing when you realize how much potential exists in the young women in South Dakota and Nebraska,” she states. Bonneau adds, “What a great idea! That is the perfect age to get girls excited about science!” She explains that there are so many aspects of science: health, fish and wildlife, soils, math and engineering that girls can enjoy and become excited about pursuing.