Oklahoma Christian University will host its first STEMinar lecture March 23, featuring Mary Sue Moore speaking on the subject of “Christian Women in STEM.”
Senior mechanical engineering student and secretary of Society of Women Engineers Marina Pendleton was one of the students who helped organize this event. Pendleton said STEMinar is a way for students to gain understanding and insight from an expert in the STEM field. Pendleton also said this event is not exclusively for science majors.
“The STEMinar is for anyone who wants to gain awareness of current issues in the workplace and be more prepared for their careers after graduation,” Pendleton said. “It discusses issues relevant in contemporary cultures such as women and minority groups in the STEM field.“
Byron Newberry, the dean of College of Engineering and Computer Science, said he believes many educational experiences must be outside of the classroom.
“Mrs. Moore will offer a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing diversity in the STEM disciplines,” Newberry said. “As one of the far-too-few Christian women in computer science, I pray she will serve to inspire our students, women and men alike, to step-up to the challenges in our society and professions today.”
Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Debra Wood said she identifies with many of the problems Moore faced and will speak about during her presentation.
“As one of few women in the computer science field in her career, she has been a true groundbreaker for those of us who have followed her lead,” Wood said. “As women in STEM fields, we are deeply indebted toward Mrs. Moore and those like her, we would not be where we are today without their perseverance and bravery.
Wood said she thinks it is extremely important for young women in STEM to hear first-hand stories from women such as Moore.
“[Women] need to understand where we have been, where we are at today so that they can be prepared to write their own future,” Wood said.. “I believe Mrs. Moore will be an inspiration for all of us.”
“As one of few women in the computer science field in her career, she has been a true groundbreaker for those of us who have followed her lead,” Wood said. “As women in STEM fields, we are deeply indebted toward Mrs. Moore and those like her, we would not be where we are today without their perseverance and bravery.
Administrative Assistant for the Dean of the College of Engineering Kelly Cox said equality and integration in the work force is important for both men and women.
“As Christians, we need to consider that equality in the workplace is for men and women,” Cox said. “Not only are women in STEM sparse, but also men in humanities. These fields should be able to provide equal opportunities and feel safe in each discipline.”
The event will be free, ethos approved and open to all audiences. Preceding the lecture, there will be a small Q&A with Moore, Josh and Amanda Nichols, Byron Newberry, Alice Mankin and Candace Owens.
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