WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsTeen girls take an interest in science

Teen girls take an interest in science

by Jessica Sirls

STEVENS POINT (WAOW) --  For some, choosing a career path is a no-brainer, but for others it can be a bit more challenging.

8th grader Melanie Daas has had her eyes behind a microscope and set on a science career for as long she can remember.

Daas says, "I would maybe like to be a nurse or a doctor, pediatrics probably, or I would like to work with animals in some way because that's really interesting."

That's why she's at Women in Science Day at UW Stevens Point, to explore her options in the field she already loves.

Event coordinator Julie Hellweg says, "The purpose is that they'll know that there are different opportunities that they can get by studying math and science and that the career opportunities are endless."

Scientists and college volunteers are giving teenage girls lessons in physics, chemistry and biology, but they're also encouraging them to break through that glass ceiling.

Daas says, "I think it's really cool how this is showing how not only men but women can also be part of the sciences."

Hellweg says, "I think that there are some pre-conceived notions that math and science are hard for women.  I think that showing these young girls that there are careers that you can do and there are ways of making through it by studying some of those things works."

It was also a chance to show young women how science and math can be used in unexpected ways, like when shopping at the grocery store or working out at the gym.

Students say the lessons are opening them up to new and brighter possibilities.

Daas says, "It just kind of gives you an exploration on what else there is."

This is the 18th year the college has hosted the event.

Eight local high schools participated.

Online Reporter: Jessica Sirls