SYMPOSIUM ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE CONTINUES TRADITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 1999

Fairbanks, Alaska - Women scientists have made their mark at the University of Alaska Fairbanks since the school opened its doors. Seventy five years ago, noted naturalist Margaret Murie was the second person to graduate from UAF- the first woman and sole member of the class of 1924. Murie went on to found the Wilderness Society with her biologist husband, Olaus. Just one year after Murie received her degree, UAF welcomed its first graduate student, Thelma Bruce. Bruce became a blueberry biologist, studying the practical applications of botany to increase berry yields. The tradition of providing a solid foundation for women pursuing careers in science is still strong at UAF today.

The accomplishments of past and current female students will be recognized at the Symposium on Women in Science April 8 - 9 on the UAF campus. The symposium will include a panel discussion on balancing family and professional responsibilities Friday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. in room 201 of the Natural Sciences Facility. Panelists will offer different viewpoints on family and careers, an issue that seems to be a major concern for young scientists, according to moderator Joan Braddock, an associate professor with UAF's Institute of Arctic biology and a noted researcher in the area of bioremediation. Panel members include UAF Chancellor Joan Wadlow, visiting research Assistant Professor Felicia Smith from the University of New Mexico, UAF Provost Paul Reichardt and Geophysical Institute System Manager Shari George.

The panel will address discussions on gender issues in scientific fields that began last semester at UAF when National Science Foundation Director Rita Colwell visited Fairbanks during the Arctic Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference. Colwell is the first woman to head the $3.5 billion national science agency.

According to Braddock, biology dictates that the greater burden of balancing a family with a career generally still falls on women. At UAF, one of the top 100 publicly funded science institutions in the nation, Braddock says that opportunities are available that might not otherwise be offered at other schools. Those include more openings on committees, chances to provide input in hiring processes and the development of a biology course that discusses the history and methodology of women in science.

On Friday after the panel discussion, this year's recipient of the Brina Kessel Medal for Excellence in Science will be announced. The award, given to an outstanding UAF senior, honors a professor of zoology who has been with UAF since 1959 and will retire this spring from her position as curator of ornithology at the UA Museum of the North. In addition to Friday's panel discussion, the symposium will feature a special seminar by visiting research assistant professor Felicia Smith. Her lecture entitled "Warme macht Zwerge-the Influence of Temperature on Mammalian Evolution" takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8 in the Schaible Auditorium.

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CONTACT: Associate Professor Joan Braddock, Institute of Arctic Biology, at 907-474-7991, or Jillian Swope, University Relations, at 907-474-7778.

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