The girls took part in interactive workshops as part of the day's activities.

Girls inspired to consider a career in science

More than fifty girls from schools around the South West visited the Streatham Campus to learn about the exciting range of studies and careers open to them in science and technology.

The Women in Science and Engineering event allowed pupils from year 9 and year 12 to explore higher education and employment opportunities, and interact with female academic and research staff from a range of disciplines. Female students are currently underrepresented in science subjects around the country, and Exeter is one of several universities working to promote opportunities for women working and studying in these subjects.

Keynote speaker Dr Sarah Flanagan from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry gave pupils a fascinating insight into her research into the genetics of neonatal diabetes.

The day also included interactive activities and demonstrations in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and the College of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Pupils built model cars and tested their aerodynamic properties using wind tunnels in one of our labs. They also had a chance to learn about the revolutionary technology of graphene, analyse environmental samples in a microscopy workshop, and interact with a ‘chatbot’, a machine that aims to maintain a conversation. Information was available on our undergraduate degree programmes, including the new BSc/MSc Natural Sciences undergraduate programme launching in 2013.

The event concluded with a ‘speed networking’ session with female representatives from academia and industry. Academic and research staff from Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Biosciences and Psychology were on hand to chat to the girls about their careers, along with two Exeter alumnae now working at the Met Office and South West Water.

Dr Zena Wood, College outreach co-ordinator, said: “It was great to see so many girls here at the university who wanted to find out what science is really about. The event was a real opportunity for pupils not only to interact with the subjects, but also to meet female scientists at different stages of their careers.”

This week at the University of Exeter, two prominent women in science will receive honorary degrees: Professor Dame Athene Donald DBE FRS and Cynthia Carroll. Dame Athene Donald focuses on soft matter and biological physics and has played a key role in establishing the Athena SWAN Charter, which is committed to gender equality in science. Cynthia Carroll, who has been Chief Executive of global mining company Anglo American plc since 2007, will receive an honorary degree at the University’s Cornwall Campus Graduation.

Date: 18 July 2012

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