Symposium Honors Women in Science

Scientific contributions by the fairer sex were on display at a symposium hosted by the Women in Science and Engineering Program at USC. The all-day symposium spotlighted the latest work by award-winning researchers around campus.

Speakers presented research on microtechnology, electrical and chemical engineering and magnetic fields. The symposium was hosted by WiSE, a progam by USC to increase the representation and success of women in science and engineering through a series of programs that enable women to thrive on professional and scientific levels.

For Megan Williams, a fifth-year graduate student in chemistry, having female role models encouraged her in her own scientific pursuits.

"I come to these for inspiration," Williams said. "When you have those moments like 'Why did I decide to do this?' you can come to events and realize if you stick through the tough times, you can acutally accomplish great things."

Candy Hwang, a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry, said despite the increasing presence of women in Ph.D. science programs, females remain underrepresented in tenured and high-level positions.

"It recognizes an important deficit in the sciences," Hwang said. "This is a small community that offers that support."

The symposium will close with a dinner honoring USC chemistry professor Hanna Reisler, the Lloyd Armstrong Chair of Science and Engineering.