'Perceptions of Scientists' Lecture is Wednesday, March 17

SALISBURY, MD---“When you think of a scientist, whom do you picture?” asks Dr. Kimberly Hunter, a biological science professor at Salisbury University. Then she gives an intriguing answer: “It’s probably not a woman.” Today, women in science are attempting to change the public’s impression of what a scientist is. As part of SU’s celebration of Women’s History Month, Hunter and Dr. Starlin Weaver of the Education Department present a joint lecture “Perceptions of Scientists” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, in Henson Science Building Room 103. Science loses many female students in the middle and high school grades, leading to the perception that science is a predominately male field, Hunter said. However, in what is a growing trend nationwide, SU’s Biological Sciences Department employs more females than males. During the lecture, presenters focus on some of the leading female scientists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Nobel Prize-winning geneticist Barbara McClintock. A discussion follows. Sponsored by the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology, the lecture is free and the public is cordially invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.