Frequently Asked Questions

Girls* in Science is accepting applications for summer 2023 beginning on April 1. The application can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/N6tZBQc3kP

Girls* in Science programs run from Monday - Thursday, for 2 weeks, from 9:30 - 3:30. Specific program dates change each summer. 

Staff will be available for participant drop-off from 9:15 - 9:40 and for pick-up from 3:20 - 3:45. If you need to drop off or pick up your child outside of these times, please contact the program director by emailing klanedegraaf@fontbonne.edu in advance.

We are committed to provide opportunities to all who are interested in science. We encourage participation, especially, of those who may not excel in traditional classrooms but who are inquisitive, curious, and who may thrive in non-traditional learning environments.

It is because of this commitment that we do not use a "first come, first served" approach to enrollment. Instead, we open the application for at least one week, and participants are selected randomly once the application closes. We believe that this approach is fair and provides the greatest opportunity for participation.

Home base for Girls* in Science is the Lane-deGraaf Lab, located on the third floor of Fontbonne University's Anheuser-Busch Hall, located at 6800 Wydown Blvd in St. Louis, MO. 

Each program is different, but the programs will spend most of their time in labs on AB Hall's third floor and in the green spaces on campus. Participants will be with a counselor at all times. 

Because we will be working in laboratories, participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes for every program. Flip-flops, crocs, and/or sandals of any variety are not allowed at any point during Girls* in Science. Kids without proper footwear will not be able to participate in any activities.

Proper protective equipment (lab coats, safety goggles, gloves) will also need to be worn for much of the program, but these will be provided.

Participants should plan to bring their lunch from home. While we encourage participants to bring water bottles, no food or drink is allowed in the labs. On a related note, campus vending machines are not accessible to participants during the programs.

Cell phones are allowed, although we ask that the use of them be limited to before and after activities and during lunch. It is not safe to use (or have out) cell phones when working with potentially dangerous chemicals and/or infectious materials in the lab. Safety is paramount, and having your child's attention focused on the task at hand is the first step in having a safe, fun experience.

Tablets and books are not needed and should be left at home.

During Girls* in Science, participants may be found in a number of areas around campus but are most frequently found in 1 of 3 laboratories on the third floor of AB Hall. To reach program staff during program hours, you can call the Lane-deGraaf lab at 314.719.3626. You can also call (314.889.1438) or email Dr. Lane-deGraaf (klanedegraaf@fontbonne.edu) directly.

In case of an emergency, Girls* in Science staff can also be reached by calling Fontbonne University's Public Safety Office (314.599.2947), who can find us anywhere on grounds.