Workshop offers ideas for careers in science for women

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

It’s anyone’s guess how much forensics technology will evolve over the next 10 to 15 years, but if things go according to plan for Francine Hazy, criminals might have more to worry about.

“I’d like to be a forensics scientist,” the Canfield Village Middle School sixth-grader said. “This was definitely fun to try, and it gives you a lot of information.”

Francine was referring to a session that was part of Saturday’s 13th annual Women in Science & Engineering Career Workshop at Youngstown State University.

She was one of an estimated 80 female students in grades six through 12 from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana county schools who participated in a variety of gatherings that had applications in math, technology and science.

Francine, who came with her father, John, said her interest in the six-hour event was piqued after her science teacher, Linda Mazias, passed out brochures.

The seminar, designed to expose the youngsters to career opportunities in science and technology, gave them opportunities to engage in laboratory demonstrations and hands-on activities.

With names such as “Things that Squish and Smell Good,” the seven sessions allowed the students to work individually and collectively on chemistry experiments, crime-scene processing and fingerprinting, and with a bioengineering computer-software program.

Forensics also was a favorite for Kerrisha Lebert, an East High School sophomore.

“What amazed me the most was the fingerprinting with iron and dust,” explained Lebert, who’s now considering a career in the field. “It opened my eyes that technology today is really good and cool.”

Lebert’s goals after high school include attending an art school in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to study graphic design, continuing her education to become an entrepreneur and opening shelters to help those who are homeless.

Even with all of that, however, a career in science could still fit on her plate, Lebert said.

In the forensics session, participants worked with traditional fluorescent as well as magnetic dusting powder, both of which are used mainly to lift fingerprints, noted Rob Wardle, director of YSU’s forensics science program.

One type is generally for extracting prints from nonporous surfaces such as glass and mirrors; the other does the same on porous surfaces, Wardle explained.

“The contrast [between the surface and light] is what you’re looking for,” he said, adding that an alternate light source can also be applied to enhance the process.

Wardle said the activity was selected to “give them a peek into the world of what forensics science is all about.”

Also helping was his graduate assistant, Ashley Kilmer, who’s working on her master’s degree in criminal justice.

Though some students were deepening their appreciation for fingerprints’ unique ridges and grooves, others were using a computer program to connect parts on a simulated human body.

As an introduction to biomechanics, the software demonstrated the differences between hinge and ball-and-socket joints, as well as the range of motion associated with each.

Hinge joints include the elbow and knee; the shoulder is an example of a ball-and-socket, noted Dr. Hazel Marie, a YSU assistant professor of mechanical engineering and the event‘s keynote speaker.

In addition to providing a better understanding of how joints work, the program also has the ability to elevate students’ understanding of kinetics as well as how and why, for example, prosthetic limbs are made, Marie explained, adding that it’s required for freshman engineering students.

Even though women have made inroads into the predominately male-oriented areas of science and technology, some still feel intimidated and face issues unique to them, such as finding day-care services for their children, said Diana Fagan, a YSU biology professor and event coordinator.

Nevertheless, plenty of career choices are possible, so it’s advisable to check online, she noted, adding that mentors also are available for the girls to talk to.

“If you say, ‘Why?’ a lot, then engineering and science are probably for you,” Fagan told her young audience. “In science, there are a million different directions you can go in.”

The workshop also included panel discussions on civil engineers, physiologists, animal-care technicians, chemists, physical-therapy and planetarium instructors.