Women in science expert Sally Gregory Kohlstedt to deliver Distinguished Women Scholars Lecture

Contacts:

Jeff Falk, University News Service, 612-626-1720

Peg Lonnquist, Women’s Center, 612-625-9837

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (9/12/2011)—Nationally recognized history of science expert Sally Gregory Kohlstedt will deliver the University of Minnesota's annual Ada Comstock Distinguished Women Scholars Lecture at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs Cowles Auditorium.

Professor Kohlstedt's lecture "Uncovering the Past, Charting the Future: The Rise of Women in Science” argues that while women have always engaged in science, opportunities have never been more evident than they are today. The long tradition of women doing science reveals both obstacles and some remarkable successes. But what does their participation mean beyond equity? Does having women in science in any way change scientific practice? Offering some tantalizing clues from history, Kohlstedt will lead the audience to ponder these questions: Has feminism changed science practice? Do women select distinct career paths? Are women’s science ambitions and abilities allowed to flourish today? What do current practices mean for the future?

Kohlstedt is an earth sciences professor and a professor of the History of Science and Technology within the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. At the national level, she has been president of her professional association, the History of Science Society, and served for five years on the Board of Directors of the largest scientific society in the country, the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her most recent book, Teaching Children Science: Hands-On Nature Study, 1890-1930, demonstrates that it was innovative women teachers who introduced science into the public schools in the early twentieth century.

The Ada Comstock Distinguished Women Scholars Lecture and Award was established to honor the scholarly accomplishments and leadership of women faculty at the University of Minnesota. In addition to the award and public lecture, the awardee is presented with a selection of art created by a Minnesota woman artist. The award’s namesake, Ada Louise Comstock, was a University professor who advocated for women’s education, was the first dean of women at UMN, and became president of Radcliffe College in 1923. The Women's Center, a unit of the Office for Equity and Diversity, advances equity for women students, staff, faculty and alumnae across identities.

For information, visit www.umn.edu/women.