Student Presentation on Lives and Contributions of Women and Minority Scientists

Presenters

• Veronica Mansuri
• Lynn Swan
• Amelia Waite

ABSTRACT

A short video on important inventions by women and minorities will be shown. A history of pioneer women and minorities in science was presented. Several inventors and their contributions were discussed in terms of how vital they are to science and our lives. One example of an invention would be the technology that made a new type of filament made light bulbs more inexpensive to make.

Several other important discoveries in physics, medicine, and other field were analyzed. Some of these were the following: the discovery of coriester, the role of the pituitary gland, discoveries of radioactive material, designing of nuclear shell model, discoveries of comets, mathematical theories, and others. The relative significance of each one and their impact on their field was weighted and discussed. The authors of these discoveries will be introduced to the class. The fact that these very important discoveries were accomplished by women and people of color was stressed and explored.

The lives and work of women Nobel Prize winners in science was presented. Some current contributions to science by women and ethnic minorities were also considered.

The assigned reading included several compilations of biographies of women and minority scientists. Through the knowledge acquired with these readings, a "Profile of a Scientist" was developed following the group discussion and consultation. The importance of this aspect of the presentation resided in the identification of patterns. Do any exist? Are there any common attributes and/or experiences that make an individual successful in science and engineering fields?

Readings

1. ** Read Chapter on Chien-Shiung Wu in McGrayne, S.B., (1993). Nobel Prize Women in Science. New York, N.Y.: A Birch Lane Press Book
2. ** Read one of:
   • Interview with Salome Waelsh
   • Interview with Adrea Dupree
   • Interview with Sandra Panem
   from Zuckerman, H., Cole, J.R., & Bruner. J. T. (1991). Outer Circle. New York, N.Y. : W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
3. Read one of
   • P. 37 W. Lena Austin
   • p. 54 Aida Casiano-Colon
   • p. 63 Yvonne Y. Clark
   • p. Patricia L Eng
   And one of:
   • p. 257 Vivian Loftness
   • p. 272 Luz J. Martines-Miranda
   • p. 285 Olga Victoria Taller
   • P 399 Judith R. Vergun
   From Ambrose, S.A., Dunkle, K.L., Lazarus, B.B., Nair, I., & Harkus, D.A. (1997). Journeys of Women in Science ad Engineering No Universal Constants. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press

The first two are currently on reserve in the library. On Friday the group of presenters will distribute the copies of the two short biographies from the Ambrose et al book.

Every person should end up reading four readings.

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