Girls Conference highlights careers in Math and Science from MWSU Campus Watch on Vimeo.

Seventy-five girls from high schools across Wichita Falls were reminded of the key roles women play in science and industry at the 13th annual Math, Science and U Girls’ Conference, a conference designed to show high school girls job possibilities in science, math and technology.

The conference hosted by female faculty and staff of the College of Math and Science.

Michelle Knox, conference co-chair, said that staff and facilitators aim to show the participants that it is okay to be interested in math and science.

Knox added that this is a critical age for young girls she said, “They being introduced to the stereotype that girls aren’t good in math or science, but we are trying to show them role-models.”

The participants engaged in different sessions throughout the day. With workshops ranging from  medical imaging to  engineering. Where the girls created toy cars out of household items including: CD’s, a mousetrap and rubber bands.

The highlight of the day was a presentation by Kristi Carlucci, director of education at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City.

Carlucci explained even as a child she was always interested in science, but sometimes got discouraged by the views of others. However her passion for paleontology, and a few helpful professors, gave her the tools she needed to get to where she is today.

According to Catherine Stringfellow, chair of the conference, this is the message they are trying to convey to the participants.

Stringfellow said, the girls are used to seeing teachers, so we get people that are actually working in the field and can share their experiences.