Women and Science Day will be held Friday, February 29, in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room. About 300 middle and junior high school girls from throughout Central and Northern Wisconsin will learn about careers in science and technology from campus and noncampus women professionals. The focus of the day is to expose the girls to opportunities for careers in various science fields, according to Julie Hellweg of the UWSP Continuing Education Office.

Shelley Jansky, former UWSP student and biology professor, now a research geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Madison since 2004, will give the keynote address, "Feeding a Hungry World – Are You Up for the Challenge?" at 9:30 a.m. in the Dreyfus Center’s Laird Room. Jansky taught for 14 years at UWSP with classes ranging from introductory biology, genetics, plant genetics and horticulture. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UWSP and then went on to earn her doctorate in plant breeding and plant genetics at UW-Madison.

Following the address, each participant will have three timeslots to select one of 14 breakout sessions to attend throughout the day. They will receive hands-on instruction and explore and learn from women experts in their fields. Presenters will include UWSP faculty members as well as K-12 teachers and regional professionals. The students will have opportunities to learn about many content areas including biology, astronomy, chemistry, psychology, medical investigation, nursing, aerospace, rocket launching, natural resources and more. Sessions will be held throughout the day at the University Library, the Trainer Natural Resource Building, the Science Building, the College of Professional Studies Building, and at the Dreyfus University Center.

The event began in 1989 and is sponsored by the College of Letters and Science and UW-Extension. More information is on the Web at www.uwsp.edu/conted/women_science. Contact Julie Hellweg at (715) 346-3730 or at jhellweg@uwsp.edu.