Activities

Throughout the year, Argonne National Laboratory's Women in Science and Technology program hosts or co-sponsors a number of programs to promote career development of women and to reach out to girls and young women.

Science Careers in Search of Women

Every year in the spring, high school women and their teachers and counselors from surrounding communities participate in the Science Careers in Search of Women Conference. The emphasis is on exploring opportunities and options for women choosing a career in science and engineering. A major theme is the discussion of what life is like when pursuing scientific professions. In addition, information on employment trends and educational requirements is presented. Speakers and panelists come from a variety of scientific disciplines. Ample time is allowed for participants to meet the speakers and learn firsthand about life's rewards for women in science. The 2008 edition marked SCSW’s 21st anniversary and was held on April 3.

Science Careers in Search of Women Founders Award

Established in 2007, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to mentoring women and to advancing women leadership and career opportunities in the sciences and engineering, because “The future depends on what we do in the present” (Gandhi).

Marion Thurnauer, Harold Myron, and Carol Reynolds were the recipients of the SCSW 2007 Founders Award. Maryka Bhattacharyya was the recipient of the 2008 SCSW Founders Award.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Middle school girls from the surrounding communities come to Argonne to participate in Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This event is held on the third Thursday in February each year, and is part of National Engineers Week. The focus of the day is to illustrate with interactive and hands-on presentations and tours the many aspects of engineering and how it can be a rewarding career for women. Students are paired with Argonne engineers and scientists who mentor them during the day and provide an opportunity for small-group conversation. Students also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers and thus find out that their interest in science and engineering is shared by many other girls their age.