Photos Courtesy of Marilyn Bagshaw

 

The San Diego Chapter of the Association for Women in Science celebrated the accomplishments of young women in science at the biennial Scholarship Gala at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park, on May 6, 2010. Sherry Seethaler, Ph.D., science writer and educator at the University of California, San Diego was the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Seethaler writes for the weekly science column in the San Diego Union-Tribune and is the author of two books—Curious Folks Ask, an anthology of her science columns,and Lies, Damned Lies, and Science, a set of tools to help people make sense of the science they encounter in their daily lives. The overall theme of the AWIS 2010 Scholarship Gala matched the mission of the Fleet Science Center, to "inspire lifelong learning by furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.” Dr. Seethaler’s passions about communicating science to the public and instilling scientific curiosity in young people was also a very fitting inspiration for the nearly 80 AWIS members and supporters who attended the event.

 

Seethaler kept the audience enthralled during her lively presentation with her good humor and passion for science and science education as she shared her life experiences and also discussed her two books. She advised parents and young scientists that the key to understanding science is learning how to critically evaluate and question what you read, and not necessarily memorize facts. An important skill is learning how to distill the vast scientific information available online. Seethaler is working towards improving science education in California to reflect these principles. She mentioned that there is progress toward this goal at the local level throughout California but the challenge is how to expand this across the country. Seethaler also provided some career advice, stating, "A fork in the road is not a failure". She explained the path by which she ended up in her current occupation and the joy she felt after publishing her first book and inspired Gala guests to follow their passions and desires especially if one is unhappy in their current position.

 

The AWIS Scholarship Program encourages aspiring female scientists by awarding scholarships to outstanding women students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics institutes of higher learning in San Diego County. This year, the program received a record number of applications, and awarded scholarships to 8 very ambitious and talented undergraduate and graduate students. (Put a link to the Scholarship Program page).

 

Guests at the Gala were treated to a delightful evening of networking and exploring the innovative exhibits at the Fleet including "Look! Touch! Listen!", “Block Busters", and the “Gallery of Illusions and Perceptions”. A new addition to the Scholarship Gala was a book signing by Dr. Seethaler, where she continued to inspire guests with her passion for her two books Lies, Damned Lies, and Science (FT Press Science, 2009), and Curious Folks Ask (FT Press Science, 2010).

 

Thank you to the members of the Gala Committee (Anita Iyer, chair; Irene Ch’en (Public Relations and Corporate Sponsorship rep); Jessie Chu (Facilities and Registration); Danielle Krebs-Gretener (Registration), Kristina Henthorn (Website and Program), Chandra Theesfeld (Speaker, Program, Scholarship rep) for all of your hard work, which culminated in this very inspiring evening.

 

 

 

Join us for the next Gala in 2012!!