2009 Conference
The 3rd Annual Rapid City Women in Science conference was originally scheduled for March 10th, but held on March 13th due to stormy weather. The purpose of the event was to help young ladies realize the need to take advanced math and science classes in high school and to consider degrees and careers in science fields. The conference was a success despite a lot of last minute major changes.
About 350 middle and high school girls attended of the 650 who signed up. They were from Rapid City, Pine Ridge, Lead, Deadwood, Lusk, Hot Springs, Wall and Enning. We had 36 speakers share information about their careers during 30 minute sessions throughout the day. Their professions included radiography, wildlife biology, meteorology, geology, botany, engineering, forensics, archaeology, silviculture, veterinary, photogrammetry, paleontology, entomology, GIS, occupational therapy, fire & fuels, pharmacy and cave cartography.
The day began with a prerecorded session of our keynote speaker, Jill Tietjen, who is an author, speaker, and electrical engineer. She is one of the top historians in the country on scientific and technical women.
Throughout the day attendees rotated through exhibitors that had lots of hands on activities. They included BH Institute of Geological Research, BH National Forest, BHSU Wildlife Forensics, Fugro Horizons, Journey Museum, National Weather Service, Mammoth Site, Museum of Geology at SDSM&T, Pennington County Natural Resources, and SDSM&T Women in Science and Engineering.
The day wrapped up with drawings for copies of Jill’s book, Her Story that were donated by one of our committee members.
We had over 30 volunteers who we would like to extend a big thank you to. The day ran very smoothly because of them!
Our deepest appreciation and thanks go to all of our sponsors who helped make an impact in these young women’s lives. The event was made possible through the monetary support of SD Epscor, the National Science Foundation, SD Space Grant Consortium, Black Hills Power Diversity Council, Black Hills Surgery Center, Dakota Radiology, Fugro Horizon’s Inc., Jane Barnes (alumni), Proctor and Gamble, J. Scull Construction, Neurosurgical & Spinal Surgery Association, Pete Lien & Sons, Rapid Precious Metals, RESPEC, Skyline Engineering, Zonta District 12 of the Black Hills and Spearfish, West River Electric Association, Inc., SDSM&T Dean of Science and other anonymous sponsors. SD School of Mines & Technology graciously allowed us to use their campus. The Little Print Shop, Ponderosa Sportswear and Alternative Fuel Coffee Shop provided in-kind donations.
2009 committee members included Nancy Anderson-Smith with SD School of Mines and Technology, Kelly Whitaker with the National Weather Service, Amy Ballard with Black Hills National Forest, Marilyn Montgomery with Skyline Engineering, Linda Foster with Ferber Engineering and Dan Bergey with Black Hills State University.
Pictures of the conference can be viewed at http://sites.google.com/site/rapidcitywomeninscience/