Women in Science Day 2025

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Biology Department will host the 17^th annual Women in Science Day for girls in the seventh grade 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. This year 270 young women will be on campus for a day of experiments, comradery and a quiz show. Women in Science Day is free for students; however, students must have previously registered.

"Studies indicate girls perform as well as boys in math and science throughout elementary school but begin to lose interest in such courses in junior high and high school," said Dr. Susan Bjerke, associate professor of biology, Washburn University. "This event is designed to demonstrate the practical applications in everyday life of science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

During Women in Science Day, students can choose from 16 different labs, including the science behind CPR, coding and psychological science. Partners from across the Washburn campus, as well as the Topeka community, including Stormont Vail Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Water Office, University of Kansas, American Women of Geosciences, the Colmery O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Advisors Excel and the United States Department of Agriculture, will coordinate these labs.

Professional female scientists will conduct presentations throughout the day. Kelly Farlow, the vice president of transportation engineering at Professional Engineering Consultants, will give the keynote address at 9:30 a.m.

This year students from Shawnee Heights Middle School, Washburn Rural Middle School, St. Matthews, Wabaunsee Junior High School, Southwest Middle School, Christ the King, Mater Dei, Most Pure of Heart Mary, Perry Lecompton, Corpis Christi Catholic School and homeschoolers from Topeka and Lawrence will be on campus for Women in Science Day.

The event is sponsored by Washburn University, including Chartwells Dining Services, Washburn Memorial Union, Washburn College of Arts & Sciences, Ichabod Shop, Biology Club and Chemistry Club. Co-sponsors include Advisors Excel, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Water Office, Terracon, Washburn Alumni Association & Foundation, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and University of Kansas Association for Women Geoscientists.

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Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with nearly 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's campus on Topeka's west side or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

For further information, contact: Joy Bailes Director of Internal Communications and Brand ManagementTelephone: (785) 670-2153 Cell: (785) 230-1648 Email: [email protected]