Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session with University of Lethbridge professor Dr. Jennifer Mather as she discusses the status of women in science.

Women in Science: Why are there Relatively Few?

Date:                     Thursday, March 8, 2018
Time:                     12 - 1:30 pm
Location:              Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Cost:                      $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required

Although much of the world’s scientific research has been done by women, science is arguably still dominated by men, even though a sizable number of women enter the science and engineering fields. Their work however, is seldom recognized in a meaningful way and numerous women leave the profession before they become well established. Why is this still happening in 2018?

Women do not enter or do not thrive in careers in science and engineering, not just because babies get in the way (although they do), but because women often are made and seen to be unimportant. It is generally a fact that women are paid less to do the same work, asked to do less valued jobs even if they are well qualified, seen as unpleasant if they voice their opinion at meetings, and talked over when they do speak up.

Systemic barriers are slow to change, but what will it take before any measurable improvements are achieved for women in science?  The speaker will contend that female scientists still face a tough road ahead, but that if we all work at it, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Speaker:               Dr. Jennifer Mather

Dr. Mather was born in Victoria, BC, where she developed her fascination for sea animals. She holds a BSc in Biology from UBC, an MSc in Biology from Florida State University, and a PhD in Psychology from Brandeis University, after which she earned a University Research Fellowship and worked as a Research Assistant Professor at Western University for five years.

Dr. Mather has been at the University of Lethbridge since 1985, where she currently works as a Professor of Psychology, researching octopus behaviour. Beyond this research interest, Dr. Mather's work is also concerned with women in science (having been involved in activism and teaching on gender issues), non-standard university teaching, human-animal interactions and invertebrate welfare.

Moderator:         Krysty Munns

For more information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA website.