On April 5, Millersville University will host the Women in Mathematics, Science and Technology Conference (WMSTC), with an expected attendance of nearly 200 young women from regional educational institutions. This initiative aims to promote awareness and interest in careers related to mathematics and the sciences.

Participation Details

Middle and high schools across Lancaster County and neighboring regions are invited to select four female students, accompanied by a teacher or advisor, to represent their institutions at this enriching event. The selection process is systematically managed through the science and mathematics faculty at each participating school.

Conference Objectives

The primary goal of the WMST Conference is to inspire young women to explore educational and career opportunities within the STEM fields. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage with accomplished female professionals who have made significant strides in scientific, mathematical, and technological careers.

Keynote Address

The conference will feature a keynote address by Dr. Nicky Fox, the director of the heliophysics division at NASA Headquarters. Her discussion, titled “What’s New and Good Under the Sun,” will shed light on contemporary advancements in science. Dr. Fox’s impressive background includes serving as the chief scientist for heliophysics at the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University, and her work on significant NASA projects like the Parker Solar Probe. Dr. Fox holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a doctorate in space and atmospheric physics from Imperial College, London.

Role Models and Sessions

Following the keynote presentation, attendees can look forward to various sessions highlighting personal experiences and insights from women in STEM fields. The entire event, including the keynote and luncheon, will take place in the Student Memorial Center and the Bolger Conference Center in Gordinier Hall.

Conference Sponsorship

This educational initiative is sponsored by Millersville University, the Hazeltine family, and Phoenix Contact, Inc. Dr. Nazli Hardy, the chair of the conference and an associate professor of computer science at Millersville, noted, “The success of the conference is largely due to the conference committee, especially Mrs. Marianne Frantz, the conference administrator, who put in hours of work over several months for the culmination of a most successful and impactful annual conference.”