Women in Science is a free one-day career learning conference designed to provide
middle school youth with engaging opportunities to learn about careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), held on Black Hills State University
Spearfish campus. Students from school districts located in western South Dakota and
eastern Wyoming, particularly in the Black Hills regions, will spend the day with
science professionals who share their passion for STEM fields and their journey into
their career field. This event is open to all seventh-grade students to explore the
sciences, with a dedicated focus on elevating opportunities and encouragement for
young women interested in STEM.
The format of the conference begins with a warm welcome, an introduction to the BHSU
campus, and a keynote speaker presentation. Following the shared morning event, groups
of 20 students will be guided to attend sessions throughout the day where they participate
in engaging and hands-on activities with individual speakers and visit the exhibit
hall, which showcases companies, organizations, and initiatives in STEM, offering
student attendees insights into educational and career pathways. Speakers will present
in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Geology, Health Care, Mathematics,
Environmental Science, Sustainability, Technology, and other STEM career opportunities.
By showcasing positive role models in these science and math fields, we hope to encourage
students to take similarly focused science and math tracks through middle and high
school and eventually pursue an engaging and successful STEM career.
A free lunch will be provided to all students, teachers, and chaperones at the BHSU
dining hall in the student union.
If you have questions about the Women in Science event at BHSU, please contact Dr. Katrina Jensen.