Female physics students from Illinois Wesleyan University recently participated in a conference at Fermilab, a renowned national laboratory specializing in high-energy particle physics. The Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics aims to empower women and gender minorities pursuing physics by offering opportunities to attend professional conferences, gain insights into graduate school and career paths, and network with peers at different academic stages.
The nine IWU students who attended the conference come from diverse academic backgrounds, including majors in chemistry, philosophy, art, mathematics, business, computer science, and physics. Their participation in the conference provided them with exposure to leading women and gender minorities in physics, reinforcing their own identities as physicists and contributing significantly to their academic journey.
According to Professor Narendra Jaggi, the Chair of Physics at IWU, the conference plays a crucial role in retaining female physics students by showcasing successful role models in the field. The event featured lab tours, engaging talks by distinguished physicists like Nobel Prize winner Andrea Ghez and Fermilab scientist Young-Kee Kim, a poster presentation, a career fair, and parallel sessions covering various physics topics.
Wanda Lindquist, a physics and mathematics major at IWU, highlighted the impact of the conference, especially the opportunity to interact with Fermilab scientists and witness cutting-edge technology in physics research. She emphasized the inspiration gained from observing passionate scientists at work and experiencing firsthand the advanced facilities at Fermilab.
Lindquist, who previously attended the conference as a first-year student at Argonne National Laboratory, expressed her motivation to pursue further studies in STEM fields. She emphasized the significance of early exposure to engaging scientific activities for retaining and nurturing a diverse cohort of physics students, particularly women in physics.
Encouraging the involvement of first-year physics students in such events is crucial for developing their interest and confidence in the field, Lindquist explained. The exposure to leading physicists, lab tours, and interactive sessions at the Fermilab conference not only broadened their perspectives but also inspired them to pursue exciting opportunities in physics and related disciplines.
As the landscape of physics continues to evolve, initiatives like the CU*iP conference play a vital role in promoting diversity and representation in the field. By providing a platform for undergraduate women and gender minorities to engage with industry experts, explore cutting-edge research, and build a supportive community, such events contribute significantly to shaping the future of physics and empowering the next generation of physicists.
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