Everything Nac

The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Sciences and Mathematics will host its fourth annual Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show noon Tuesday, April 17, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for a gallery walk poster presentation highlighting STEM research accomplishments by SFA students and faculty.

The luncheon and style show is a scholarship fundraising event benefiting students committed to the advancement of women pursuing STEM degrees at SFA.

“The SFA Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show is not necessarily for women but about women – women who choose challenging majors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Having female role models, along with male and female mentors, is key in encouraging young women to pursue and persist in STEM fields.”

During the luncheon, Elijah White Jr., vice president of geoscience for ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, will speak about the need for the advancement and support of women in STEM.

The style show will follow with fashions provided by The Town House and Miller’s Point. To highlight the importance of having men support women in these disciplines, selected men will escort female role models during the show.

“Because women still remain in the minority in STEM fields, the event is especially pertinent,” Childs said. “Women need to see themselves in the story. They want to know how what they are doing benefits others.”

Last year’s event provided six students with $5,000 scholarships.

“We strive to demonstrate each year during the Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show that with style and grace women are leaning in and taking a seat at the table,” Childs said.

The deadline for reservations is Friday, April 13. Tickets are $40 each or $300 for a table of eight. For more information about the event or to make a reservation, call (936) 468-2805 or email kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.

By Joanna Armstrong, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University was one of the most represented institutions at the Texas American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting with 50 students attending.

SFA students from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science presented research, networked with industry professionals and participated in a quiz bowl competition. Research by several SFA students was published in the conference proceedings by the International Journal of Exercise Science. Faculty members Drs. James Rowe and Dustin Joubert supervised the students’ research. Drs. Eric Jones and Jeff Forsse also attended and helped organize the student trip.

Seniors Caitlin Hogan of Wylie and David Buckley of Bullard and junior Zach Gin of Allen presented research at the meeting. Hogan, who was a finalist in the meeting’s undergraduate poster competition, presented her study on the impact of aquatic exercise versus land treadmill exercise on ambulatory blood pressure.

“It meant a lot to me to be able to present. It allowed me to develop professional skills necessary for my future career,” Hogan said. “It was exciting seeing all of my hard work come to fruition and to see that others were interested in the work I did.”

Likewise, Buckley said discussing his research, which compared a variety of exercise tests to a person’s maximum capacity of oxygen consumption, was the highlight of his trip.

“Being able to present my research means so much to me,” Buckley said. “I want to one day become an exercise physiology professor and do research, so this was a great opportunity for me to get my feet wet in the world of research.”

Gin’s research, conducted with SFA student Jonus Rodriguez, focused on the validity and reliability of a cycle ergometer commonly used by coaches and athletes for exercise testing and training. Gin also participated in the quiz bowl that covered a variety of topics, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise testing and prescription.

“This was the first year I competed and represented the university, and I am excited to hopefully do it again next year,” Gin said. “This was a fun way to test what I know about exercise physiology and compete against other universities in Texas.”

By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.