Professional Women in Science Encourage Students at Naugatuck Valley Community College

Waterbury, Conn. – The Math and Science Division at Naugatuck Valley Community College has invited eleven accomplished female scientists to speak with students at a “Women in Science Seminar” on Tuesday, October 28.

The half day event will be held from 9:30-12:45 p.m. in Room E440 of Ekstrom Hall, Naugatuck Valley Community College. Topics include “chemistry yesterday and tomorrow,” “biomedical opportunities” and “unique careers.”

“With the need for scientific work and research stretching into more and more aspects of our lives, it is important to encourage our students to pursue careers in science,” said Dr. Bonnie Simon, academic division director of math and science. “Due to its predominately male history, science can be intimidating for women. It’s our mission with this forum to show our female students how successful they can be.”

Keynote speakers include:

• Carla Achebe, medicinal chemist, Cheminpharma
• Dr. Iona Black, research scientist, Yale University, department of chemistry
• Dorottya Blaho, graduate student, Yale University, department of molecular biophysics and biochemistry
• Danielle Campfield, genetic counselor, Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Program
• Mary DeRome, senior scientist, Artificial Cell Technologies
• Dr. Betty Lane Faber, entomologist, United State Department of Agriculture
• Dr. Diona Koerner, professor emeriti, Marymount College of Fordham University, department of biochemistry
• Kaitlin McCorkmick, associate scientist, Pfizer Global Research and Development
• Alison Varghese, research scientist, Pfizer Inc.
• Dr. Grace Wong, founder, Actokine Therapeutics; Student Vision
• Dr. Angela Przech, forensic scientist, Connecticut State Police Forensic Laboratory

This seminar was made possible by an endowment from Gloria and J. Lawrence Pond, professors emeriti, and is supported by the college’s Carl Perkins Grant and a grant from the New Haven section of the American Chemical Society.