New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Ocean Explorium announces the fifth annual program aimed at promoting the “STEM” fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to girls and young women. Beginning in early March, the Girls Interested in Real Life Science (GIRLS) after-school program will run for ten weeks, giving the Leading Señoritas of Roosevelt Middle School/Northstar Learning Centers an immersive, intensive learning experience. The GIRLS program is made possible through the generosity of the Women’s Philanthropy Initiative – a special program of the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
New this year, a single speaker will share her experiences, from studying science to finding a career. On Wednesday, March 12, Heather Marshall, a University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology Graduate Student, will talk about her recently completed voyage with the research vessel OCEARCH to the Galapagos Islands. A marine biologist specializing in the study of sharks, Ms. Marshall is also co-founder and resident scientist for the Gills Club, a group that works to connect girls with female marine biologists in the field.
According to Ocean Explorium Executive Director Abbey Spargo, “We are extremely pleased to be able to run the GIRLS after-school program for a longer period of time and incredibly grateful to the Women’s Fund for their support of the 2014 GIRLS Program. This additional focus makes the GIRLS after-school program a richer, more in-depth experience. While we are only offering one evening event for the public, we are certain that Heather Marshall’s talk on her shark research will be well-received. Through her work with OCEARCH, Ms. Marshall has been able to work with sharks and other large marine fish in ways that most scientists cannot access. This is particularly impressive since Ms. Marshall is still a graduate student and has many more years to conduct cutting-edge shark research. We look forward to sharing her experiences and passion with the young people in our community.”
The presentation by Ms. Marshall is free and open to the public. Learners of all ages are encouraged to attend, especially middle and high school students and their families. Doors will open at 6:00 PM on March 12, with a special OCEARCH Science on a Sphere® program at 6:15PM. The talk will begin at 6:30 PM.
The Science on a Sphere® is generously provided by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
