"Why Aren't More Women in Science?"

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Undergraduate Academies will present, "Why Aren't More Women in Science? Understanding and Addressing Current Causes of Underrepresentation" April 5 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre on UB's North Campus.

Keynote speaker Wendy M. Williams, PhD, professor in the Department of Human Development and director of the Cornell Institute for Women in Science, will discuss the career challenges that women face in science.

Esther S. Takeuchi, PhD, SUNY Distinguished and Greatbatch Professor of Advanced Power Sources at UB in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a winner of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and a 2011 National Inventors Hall of Fame inducteewill provide post-lecture remarks including reflections on her personal experiences as a woman in science.

The UB lecture is made possible by a grant that UB's Undergraduate Academies received this year from the SUNY Office of Diversity and Education Equity in order to support explorations in diversity and academic excellence. The grant supports the Academies' theme of gender and education, focusing on STEM skills (science, technology engineering and mathematics) and the representation, or lack thereof, of females and minorities in sciences.

"There's a lot happening and a lot of discussion about girls and women who are interested in science and how their interest may not be supported in different stages of their life," says Hadar Borden, administrative director for UB's Undergraduate Academies. "We thought it was important, as a research university with many staff and faculty who are women, to hold this lecture and have a conversation about this topic. "

As keynote speaker, Williams will discuss how universities can help women balance both a successful scientific career, and a family. She will explore factors affecting women's career advancement, like gender bias, ability differences, career preferences and lifestyle choices.

In 2009, Williams founded the Cornell Institute for Women in Science to enhance the careers of women scientists. She has authored nine books, conducted research on real-world intelligence and its social implications; she also leads a national education-outreach program, "Thinking Like a Scientist," to encourage underrepresented groups to pursue education and careers in science.

Takeuchi has earned 148 patents, more than any woman in the U.S., most of them related to her development of sophisticated power sources for implantable devices, now a booming multibillion-dollar business. She developed the battery that enabled implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), the leading therapy for treating serious cardiac arrhythmia, with more than 300,000 lifesaving devices implanted per year. There was no prior battery technology that could provide the essential energy needed to bring ICDs from concept to reality. Takeuchi was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Less than 5% of the NAE's membership is female.

"So many of the challenges facing the world today have a technological component," says James N. Jensen, PhD, academic director of the Research Exploration Academy and UB professor of civil, structural and environmental engineering. "To reach the best solutions, we need a diversity of opinions and backgrounds. There is no question that involving more women and girls in the sciences, mathematics and engineering would lead to richer and more inclusive approaches to technical problems.

"The Undergraduate Academies are thrilled to host Professors Williams and Takeuchi at this important event," he adds. "Their inspirational and thought-provoking message is a 'must-see' for the community. And the timing is perfect, because UB will recognize the achievements of all our undergraduate students at the Celebration of Academic Excellence on Wednesday."

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.