2009 Program Session Information

Session 1 (10:15 - 10:45 am)

Crayons and Computers: Awesome Pictures of Mathematics

Annalisa Crannell, PhD

Professor of Mathematics, Franklin & Marshall College
SMC

It is easy to see, just by looking, that certain kinds of art are beautiful. But how can we "see" beautiful math just by looking? It would help if we could first understand the math that lies within various kinds of visual art. Dr. Crannell will lead us on an artistic mathematical tour through Spanish wall decorations (symmetry and tessellations) modern movie backdrops (fractal geometry) and especially renaissance perspective painting (similar triangles).

How I Became a Marine Biologist - You Can Do It Too!

Dominique Dagit, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Millersville University
SMC

Follow my career path from undergraduate to my current career. I will highlight specific exciting experiences as well as challenges and how to overcome them. I will also discuss international travel and the excitement of fieldwork.

The Science of Microbiology Behind Neosporin: How Potent is It?

Destiny Gilbert

QA Scientist, McNeil-PPC, Inc.
SMC

I am going to talk about the history of antibiotics and discuss performing assay testing on Neosporin products to determine potency of the product.

Hey, This Geophysics Stuff Really Works! (How We Can See Underground or Underwater Without Digging)

Felicia Bechtel

Geologist, Enviroscan, Inc.
SMC

Geophysics is the science of detecting targets underground or underwater (or behind walls) without digging or drilling- it is the earth science equivalent of medical radiology. We use geophysics to look for all sorts of things like utilities, containment plumes, dead bodies, shipwrecks, sinkholes, buried treasure, underground storage tanks or drums, and bedrock depths (to name a few) for engineers, environmental consultants, architects, homeowners, government and industry before they begin to drill or dig into the earth.

Software Soldiers: The Role of Modeling and Simulation in Our Nation's Defense

Meg Mello

Software Engineer, Johns Hopkins University
SMC

The speaker will discuss the importance of modeling and simulations in defense acquisition. Examples will demonstrate how software simulations are used to study and influence the design, implementation, and operation of technical systems for the United States Navy.

Session 2 (10:55 - 11:25 am)

Caterpillers, Kangaroos, Cats, and Cuttlefish: Animal Behavior is Great!

Jean Boal, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology, Millersville University
SMC

How do you combine a career in science with a love of animals? I will talk about how I went from a caterpillar-watcher to a cuttlefish scholar, and what is great about studying animals scientifically.

You're a Genetic What?... Genetic Counselor

Karen Cutti and Rachelle Gehr

Genetic Counselors, Lancaster General Women and Babies Hospital
SMC

Never heard of genetic counseling? Do you like to work with people, enjoy math and science and are looking for a career to combine all of these? Come to this presentation to learn what we do as genetic counselors and what is required to become a genetic counselor. Hear some sample cases and learn why we love our jobs!

This Place is a Zoo! Careers in the Zoo Field and How to Get Them!

Marina Haynes

Curator of Children’s Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo
SMC

Curious about what kinds of jobs you can get in the zoo field? This discussion will highlight the (surprisingly) wide range of zoo careers and provide information on the requirements and skills needed to obtain a job in this competitive field.

Nursing: Much More than Bandages and Band-Aids!

Jenny Monn

Nurse Practitioner, Millersville University
SMC

Nursing is a demanding career that is always in demand and the possibilities are endless! Registered Nurse, Operating Room, Emergency Room, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor's Office - all are just some of the possibilities. Come learn more about the various types of nursing, what is involved, and ask questions!

Building an American Legend: Harley Davidson Engineering

Kayla Redding

Manufacturing Engineer, Harley Davidson Motor Company
SMC

This presentation takes you through each process at Harley Davidson, demonstrating the roles of different engineers, also discussing what you would want to be a female engineer.

Session 3 (12:40 - 1:10 pm)

Chemistry - More than Bubbling Beakers

Stephanie Deppen

QA Scientist, McNeil-PPC, Inc.
SMC

My presentation will discuss quality control in an analytical chemistry laboratory in a pharmaceutical/consumer healthcare manufacturing facility. Discussion will include laboratory benchwork and other opportunities available to a chemist in this manufacturing environment.

Women in Physics

Natalia Dushkina, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physics, Millersville University
SMC

A mother of two and a PhD in Physics with 26 articles in professional journals and 20 participations in scientific conferences will share with you her experience of being a woman in physics. Plus a few funny stories from her six years experience in Japan.

Exciting Endeavors in Computer Science Careers

Stephanie Elzer, PhD and Nazli Mollah- Hardy, PhD

Associate Professor and Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Millersville University
SMC

Computer Science impacts our lives every day, and the career opportunities in Computer Science are broad and plentiful. However, it is an area in which women are greatly underrepresented. Why let the boys have all the fun? Computer Science is a profession that can be both rewarding and exciting. Come and find out more!

Cognitive Enhancement: "Pharming" for Grades or Plowing Yourself Under

Deborah Hartman

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Community Services Group
SMC

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a large caseload of general psychiatric patients, as well as those with addiction disorders. I am seeing young people "borrow" each other's medicine, sometimes to get better grades. Many adults are also looking for a quick fix to a fast-paced world. What does the science say?

"Nuclear" Does Not Have to be a Scary Word!

Paula Mancini

Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences
SMC

My presentation will be an overview of the career of nuclear medicine technology. It will include a general description of the field and the educational requirements (both at a high school and college level) needed to prepare for a job as a nuclear medicine technologist. We will also look at actual case studies to gain a better understanding of the role of a nuclear medicine technologist.

Session 4 (1:20 - 1:50 pm)

The Future of Respiratory Care

Cheryl Garner

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Lancaster Regional Medical Center
SMC

I will present an overview of respiratory care and the subspecialties within the career field. Demonstrations of various therapeutic modalities will be included.

Careers in Pharmaceuticals: Roles that Improve the Quality of Life for Others

Lori Gildea

Business Manager, AstraZeneca
SMC

The presentation is geared toward individuals interested in the Healthcare professions. Specifically, the presentation takes a look at the pharmaceutical industry, explores the contributions of the pharmaceuticals in improving patient health and quality of life, and culminates in a discussion on employment and career opportunities in this field.

Family Practice Medicine: What's My Diagnosis?

Julie Jones, MD

Family Physician, Manor Family Health
SMC

First I describe why I went into Family Practice, review patient lists from a typical day, present a short video examining patients and slides from a medical experience in India, and also give time for questions.

Eat Your Way to the Top!

Jennifer Schaefer

Nutritionist, Community Action Program
SMC

Do you like food? Do you like inspiring and teaching others? Then be a role model, be a nutritionist!

Man vs. Nature on our Barrier Island Playgrounds

Mary Ann Schlegel

Oceanographer, Lancaster County Parks
SMC

Most East Coast beaches are located on barrier islands. Most people, however, are unaware of the dynamic nature of these shifting islands. We will explore barrier islands from natural and human perspectives and ponder the future of our beloved summer playgrounds.