Women in Technology and Science
By Meredith J. Sorensen
Middle school can be difficult for girls. Whereas girls and boys tend to perform equally well in math and science throughout their elementary education, studies suggest that, upon reaching middle school, many girls become intimidated by those subjects. They submit to the stereotype that "boys are better" at math and science and turn their attention to other fields of study.
Girls at Lexington’s Maury River Middle School need not feel this intimidation. Dr. Mimi Elrod (who still serves as the organization’s faculty advisor) and Erin Kraal (’99) established the Women in Technology and Science (WITS) program in 1996 for Washington and Lee women to help young teenage girls sustain and expand their interest in science. Through this program, 36 middle school girls (12 each from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades) come to campus periodically to participate in workshops that expose them to a variety of science-related concepts.
The University women involved in WITS plan workshops in their specific areas of study, ranging from chemistry to journalism to psychology. They usually adapt labs from their own science classes. This not only exposes the girls to advanced lab techniques, equipment, and concepts, it also benefits the university students. "The program has done a lot for the women on campus because it helps them focus on presenting to others what they do. That certainly will help as they get into graduate school or into their professions," Elrod said.
Indeed, the original members of WITS graduated in 1999, taking their experience to new locations. Consequently, the group opened the year under new leadership for the first time in its four-year history. "Taking control of the program has not been the smoothest of transitions. It was difficult to pick up where Erin Kraal left off. However, I believe that the current members of WITS are doing an exemplary job. The faculty has also eased this transition by being extremely helpful in offering ideas for labs and finding equipment for our use. I believe that we have a stronger and more committed group of members than we have had any year before, which will allow us to succeed. Erin provided us with a strong foundation, and now I believe we are building on that foundation to become even stronger," co-chairwoman Kristin Hazard (’01) said.
The W&L students’ belief in the purpose of WITS hints at a promising future for the program as well. "Since middle school is often the age when girls lose interest in math and science, I really enjoy showing these girls the benefits of science-related studies. Through WITS they see first-hand the opportunities available to women interested in the sciences," Veronica Griffith (’02) said.
The WITS members get involved with hopes of making a difference. "It is fun to think that exposing middle school girls to opportunities in the science field might spark their imaginations and influence their futures," Katie Frizzell (’02) said.
Although some of the middle school girls do not ultimately envision themselves in scientific careers, the WITS experience encourages them to value education in general. "No doubt it has done wonders for the girls who are involved in it. Just being on a campus and being around college-age women is a wonderful thing for them. University women involved in WITS tell them what college is like and serve as wonderful role models. They are probably doing more for these girls than they can imagine," Elrod said.
Many of the university women in WITS are honored to be considered role models. In turn, the middle school school girls often serve as an inspiration to them. "The joy of seeing the girls having fun and learning at the same time makes this program special to me," Shabboo Hosseini (’02) said.
The program’s influence extends beyond those who are directly involved. "I think it does a lot for the University in general in that the town here can see that that university really is interested in the community. It helps bridge that town-gown gap," Elrod said.
With approximately 10 labs planned for the 1999-2000 school year, the members of WITS hope to continue making a difference.