International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Former Astronaut Janet Kavandi to Speak at MOAS

By Cathy Padilla

February 11, 2024 is a day to honor and celebrate women’s significant achievements in science and place a much-needed focus on girls entering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognizes that a significant gender gap in science has persisted at all levels of STEM disciplines throughout history. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on science, technology, and innovation recognizing that equal access to, and participation in, science, technology, and innovation for women and girls of all ages was essential for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2015, the UNGA established the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is celebrated in the United States to encourage gender equality and ensure equal access and participation for women and girls in STEM.

One local celebration will take place on February 10 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach. The fifth year MOAS is participating in the national celebration, the event will host an inspiring group of women from various disciplines to highlight the amazing achievements, accomplishments, and work that is being done in all areas of science. There will be guest speakers in the Lohman Planetarium, as well as presenters, vendors, and demonstrations throughout the Museum. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Janet Kavandi, former NASA Astronaut and President of Sierra Space.

Seating for guest lectures is limited and is first come, first served. The event is free for members of the museum or with paid museum admission. Free for children ages 17 and under. For more information, visit MOAS.

FIVE WOMEN IN SCIENCE TO HONOR

1. ​Katherine Johnson

   ​From the movie "Hidden Figures" fame, Johnson was a mathematician calculating orbital mechanics for NASA and was critical to the first crewed spaceflight.

2. ​Lillian Gilbreth

   Considered to be the first industrial/organizational psychologist and “America’s first lady of engineering”, Gilbreth was also one of the first American female engineers to earn a Ph.D. and the first female engineering professor at Purdue University.

3. ​Ruth Benerito

   ​Ruth Benerito was an American chemist and inventor who held 55 patents; her most notable invention was wash and wear cotton fabrics.

4. ​Edith Clarke

   During her career with General Electric in the 1920s, Clarke became the first American woman professionally employed as an electrical engineer as well as the first female electrical engineering professor in the country.

5. Rachel Carson

   ​Carson’s book, "Silent Spring", brought attention to the use of pesticides in America which led to changes in pesticide policies and, through enhanced conservationism, ultimately led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency.