Douglass College orientation tools: a pickax and some rocks Program aims to steer more women toward science Archived article from Sep 6, 2004 By Patricia Lamiell

Credit: Nick Romanenko Anaila Shakur, pictured far left, and Sophie Sy dig into rock outcroppings near Route 18 in New Brunswick, looking for clues of prehistoric climate changes. (Behind them is Rachell Victor.) They were among the 35 first-year Douglass College students who took part in the weeklong orientation for Project SUPER, a four-year program that encourages women to seek careers in science and engineering. Project SUPER (“Science for Undergraduates: A Program for Excellence in Research”) introduces the women to hands-on research before their first year at Douglass and provides a range of support, including mentoring and research opportunities. Jacqueline D. Heads, director of undergraduate programs at the Douglass Project, said that while the percentage of students with science and engineering degrees has grown significantly in recent years at the college, women remain underrepresented in these fields. “We still need these programs to help young women envision themselves as scientists and engineers. We work with them on their self-esteem, as well as their academic pursuits, to show them that they can pursue studies and careers in these fields -- and that there are many opportunities available to them.” As part of the orientation, the students also took part in demonstrations of lab work in biochemistry, information processing, engineering, genetics, math, pharmacy and environmental science.

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