On February 19, the Ocean Institute in Dana Point hosted a girls-only science conference for middle school students from Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties, and another one will be held in March.
The institute has been engaged in an 11-year effort to interest middle and high school girls in the various aspects of ocean science via workshops and hands-on training. The Sea Explorer, the Ocean Institute’s research vessel, was the site of many of the event’s presentations, with the rest held in the institute’s labs.
With the assistance of postcard printing services, the many things the girls were able to see during the presentations, as well as the career options, could serve as souvenirs.
At the February event, eight female scientists were on hand to educate the girls about the career opportunities in marine ecology, deep sea science, biochemistry, and oceanography. The scientist in attendance came from a variety of institutions, among which were UCLA, Algalita Marine Research and Education, and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
According to the institute’s director of environmental programs, Karen Jhawar, part of the purpose behind the conferences is to allow the girls to see that scientists come from diverse backgrounds and that they were once just like them.
Another Girls in Ocean Science will be held on March 19, this time for high school girls. The cost of the program will be $49.50.
