In 2015, the Da Vinci Science Center established the Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting aspiring young girls and female practicing STEM professionals. The Science Center offers a number of programs and events throughout the year to introduce students to STEM career pathways and to engage female STEM professionals and provide them the opportunities to network and support each other.
In 2017, the WISE Initiative garnered national attention and federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). With the support of a two-year grant from IMLS entitled, “Building a Community Ecosystem to Support Women in Science and Engineering,”
the Da Vinci Science Center is partnering with area colleges, universities, community organizations, and YOU, to identify how we can develop programs and services that address the needs of area women and girls and enhance the STEM learning ecosystem in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.
Please note that some of the below programs are delayed or on hold due to COVID-19. Updates will be posted as they become available.
Meet seven female professionals who shared their perspectives on working in STEM fields and the opportunities and challenges women face when pursuing a career in male-dominated fields. Watch the Forum any time here.
Women in Science & Engineering Career Connection Field Trip Days showcase STEM careers for women and girls.
Teachers gain valuable, real-world examples to take back to the classroom and try practical, hands-on activities that build students’ transferrable STEM skills and fulfill Career Education and Work standards.
Science Clubs at Da Vinci Science Center are all about having the most fun with science! Each meeting, participants will explore different sciences, tinker with modern technology, and build new skills that will help them navigate life in the 21st century.
Scouts earn badges, patches, pins, other scouting awards, or exclusive Da Vinci Science Center patches and badges.
The Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Network consists of current and aspiring STEM professionals seeking opportunities to network and support each other. The Da Vinci Science Center hosts regular networking and professional development events for this group.
With the support of a two-year grant from IMLS entitled “Building a Community Ecosystem to Support Women in Science and Engineering,” the Da Vinci Science Center is partnering with area colleges, universities, community organizations, and YOU, to identify how the community can develop programs and services that address the needs of area women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
The WISE Initiative is overseen by an Advisory Council made up of female representatives from area STEM corporations, colleges and universities, and organizations serving women and girls.
Co-Chairs
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Erin Armstrong | Associate Director, Sterilization, B. Braun Medical |
| Katy Worrilow, Ph.D. | Founder and CEO, LifeAire Systems |
Members
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Mary Armstrong, Ph.D. | Professor Women’s and Gender Studies and English, Lafayette College |
| Terry Capuano | Chief Operating Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network |
| Lin Erickson | Executive Director and CEO, Da Vinci Science Center |
| Bonnie Hall | VP of Global Quality and Continuous Improvement, Crayola |
| Rachel Hayden | VP and Chief Information Officer, Just Born, Inc. |
| Stephanie Hnatiw | Executive Director, YWCA of Bethlehem |
| Kristen Jellison, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lehigh University |
| Joy Karnas, Ph.D. | Chair, Director of Biological Sciences, Professor/Director, Genetic Engineering, Cedar Crest College |
| Maureen Maier | Vice President of Girl Experience & Property, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Tamala Mallett Moore, MD. MBA, ABFP | Sr. Director Global Pharmacovigilance, Sanofi |
| Megan McGovern | VGIGP, Manufacturing & Engineering – Product, Mack Trucks |
| Darlene Pors | Senior HVAC & Plumbing CAD Designer, HT Lyons |
| Kelly Rindock | Vice President – Wealth Management, Steel Valley Investment Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. |
| Susan Schierwagen | VP of Couplings Fittings and Fire Suppression, Victaulic |
| Jean Vincent | VP Product Line Advanced Polyurethanes, Evonik Corporation |
The Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning science center that has connected science to life and lives to science since 1992.
8 months 3 weeks ago
We're just one month away from the deadline to apply for our Hall of Fame Awards. Five high school students with a passion for science will be awarded $2,000 scholarships. Three educators who inspire enthusiasm for science will be awarded a free classroom program or field trip for their students, valued up to $1,000. To apply for the awards or nominate an educator, visit davincisciencecenter.org.
8 months 3 weeks ago
Ice Cream Wars is only one week away! We can't wait to taste all of the unique flavors that each team creates! Join us on Saturday, Jan. 4 and vote for your favorite. Who will become the Ice Cream Wars 12 champion? Learn more at bit.ly/2EJo98Y.
8 months 4 weeks ago
Christmas may be winding down, but the fun is only beginning at Da Vinci Science Center! We have BubbleMania! shows every day from Dec. 26-Dec. 31. Don't miss your chance to see how the ordinary soap bubble can become something EXTRAORDINARY! More information on show times and tickets available at bit.ly/2raDJXH.
9 months 1 day ago
Do you know a high school student who is uncommonly creative and passionate about science? How about a teacher who can inspire enthusiasm for science with innovative approaches? Da Vinci Science Center is looking for applications for the Hall of Fame Awards, where students are awarded $2,000 scholarships and educators receive high-quality classroom programs or a field trip for their students, valued up to $1,000. Applications are due by Jan. 27. For more information, visit davincisciencecenter.org.
9 months 3 days ago
Ice Cream Wars 12 is right around the corner! On Saturday, Jan. 4, come taste 9 different ice cream flavors made using liquid nitrogen! Vote for your favorite and help us crown the Ice Cream Wars 12 champion! Will B104 hold their title for the third year in a row? We can't wait to find out! bit.ly/2EJo98Y
9 months 1 week ago
A few of our STEAM Team Traveling Science Educators had a blast last week when they brought one of our Science Celebrations, STEAM Fest, to the Boys & Girls Club of Easton. You can learn more about our Traveling Science programs at www.davincisciencecenter.org/traveling-science/.
9 months 1 week ago
Teams are hard at work preparing for Ice Cream Wars 12 on Saturday, Jan. 4. Come sample all nine flavors and vote on your favorite!
9 months 2 weeks ago
Have you seen BubbleMania! yet? If not, good news! Casey Carle, professional bubbleologist, will be here all weekend long! We're even open EARLY on Sunday (10:30 a.m.) to bring you even more show times! Don't miss your chance to witness how the ordinary soap bubble can turn into something extraordinary! Learn more at bit.ly/2raDJXH.
9 months 2 weeks ago
With more than 100 types of arthritis out there, finding the best treatment can be tricky. Dr. Matthew Brown will provide a good overview on how to prevent, treat, and manage arthritis during Senior Science Monday this Monday, Dec. 9 from 1-2 p.m. Senior Science Mondays are presented by St. Luke's University Health Network. Learn more at bit.ly/2J1D5l6.
9 months 3 weeks ago
What if the Da Vinci Science Center didn’t exist?
Jane and her grandkids are sure glad it does. “If the Da Vinci Science Center didn’t exist, the kids wouldn’t have these opportunities to gain greater knowledge of science. Every parent wants to give their children the opportunity to achieve at their highest levels. By experiencing science at this level, kids are more encouraged, excited, and interested in STEAM fields.”
Join Jane and her family in supporting the Da Vinci Science Center tomorrow at 8 a.m. $10 can bring science to life for one under-served student. With Facebook’s #GivingTuesday match, $10 becomes $20 and one under-served student becomes two!
To learn more about how your support makes a difference, visit davincisciencecenter.org/annualfund.
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D: 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103
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