2018 BHSU WIS Program

2018 Women in Science Conference March 5, 2018 Black Hills State University Welcome to the first annual Women in Science Conference at Black Hills State University! This conference is a free, one-day career-learning workshop designed to provide young women with hands-on opportunities to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). By showcasing exciting careers and positive role models we hope to encourage students to take math and science courses during middle and high school and eventually pursue a STEM related career. Today, you will attend the keynote address, followed by breakout sessions with women who have successful careers in STEM. You will also receive a free lunch and visit the exhibit hall. Hosted by Black Hills State University and the BHSU Women in STEM Student Organization

Keynote Speaker Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak is a professor of volcanology at Idaho State University. She is a leader in the FINESSE, BASALT, and SUBSEA NASA research projects, using volcanoes on Earth to understand the Moon, Mars, and Enceladus and whether they could have supported life. She has worked on or visited active volcanoes in 7 different countries. When she’s not chasing volcanoes or pretending to be an astronaut, she likes to read, play with her dogs, and run long distance. The keynote address is sponsored by a grant from the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium.

Conference Schedule Time Activity 8:00 - 8:45 Parking & Registration 9:00 - 9:05 Welcome Dr. Katrina Jensen 9:05 - 9:30 Associate Professor of Chemistry Black Hills State University 9:45 - 10:15 Keynote Address 10:25 - 10:55 Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak 11:05 - 11:35 Professor of Volcanology 11:45 - 12:15 Idaho State University 12:25 - 12:55 Session 1 1:05 - 1:35 Session 2 1:45 - 2:30 Session 3 (or Lunch) Session 4 (or Lunch) Session 5 (or Lunch) Session 6 Session 7 Schools Attending Atall School, Union Center, SD Belle Fourche Middle School, Belle Fourche, SD Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Junior High School, Eagle Butte, SD Harding County Middle School, Buffalo, SD Lead-Deadwood Middle School, Lead, SD Newcastle Middle School, Newcastle, WY Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, SD St. Thomas More Middle School, Rapid City, SD Sturgis Williams Middle School, Sturgis, SD Upton Middle School, Upton, SD

Kari Bennett, DC, Chiropractor Health Source Chiropractic BS Human Sciences, University of Nebraska-Kearney Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Science University “Ergonomics is how the environment you are in affects your body. Starting good habits with proper ergonomics early can help prevent muscle spasm, pain, and spinal degeneration as we age.” Molly Brown, Vice President of Energy Production GenPro Energy Solutions BA Economics, New York University MBA Quantitative Economics, Mills College “The path you start out on doesn’t necessarily end up leading to the place you think. Be open and receptive to new ideas and new things.” Monica Bugbee, Fossil Preparator The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD BS Archaeological Science, Pennsylvania State University MS Student in Cultural Resources Management Archaeology, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota “Work hard, learn from your mistakes, but most importantly: don’t forget to have fun and appreciate the wonders of the world around you!” Sandra Burns, Business Owner, Chemical & Petroleum Engineer Project Solutions, Inc BS, Chemical & Petroleum Refining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines “Try for the hardest classes or the most challenging career. That way you will know what you are capable of doing and it may take you to some exciting places.”

Corey Christianson, Exhibits and Curations Coordinator The Journey Museum and Learning Center BA History and English, University of South Dakota MA Museum Studies, University of Oklahoma “As cliché as it sounds, follow your dreams. If you know what you want to be when you grow up – if it is your dream, your passion, your need to do that one career – then do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.” Deena Davis, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Rapid City Regional Hospital BS Nursing, SDSU MS Nursing, Mount Marty College Brigham Young said “You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation.” Let’s thank the women before us by succeeding, helping each other succeed, and leading the way for future generations. Abigail Domagall, PhD, Associate Professor of Geology Black Hills State University BS Geological Science, University of Leeds, UK MS, Geology (Volcanology), University at Buffalo, NY, PhD, Geology (Volcanology), University at Buffalo, NY “Get involved and take as many opportunities that come your way as possible. Take opportunities to work shadow, to check out universities and their programs, to get to know your teachers or professors, and later, to participate in research, and go to conferences.

Liz Fayer, EdD, Biology Instructor Black Hills State University BS Biology, Northeastern Illinois University MS Biology, Northeastern Illinois University Teacher Certification, Biology, Northeastern Illinois University EdS, Curriculum & Instruction, USD EdD, Curriculum & Instruction, USD “My father was an immigrant to the US and did not speak English when he arrived and never completed high school due to WWII. My mother completed high school, but never thought about going to college. From these very humble beginnings, a science education has given me so much and can do the same for you!” Shelley Goodrich, CPA Senior Manager Ketel Thorstenson, LLP BS Accounting, BHSU MS Accounting, University of Wyoming Marci Heine, Physical Therapist Spearfish Regional Hospital BS, South Dakota State University Master of Physical Therapy Degree, USD Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, USD “When thinking about careers related to science, it doesn’t have to be looking into microscopes or wearing goggles when watching explosions. A career in science is just observing, asking questions, then watching to see if something changes. Every day I observe a person’s movements. I may watch how a shoulder is moving. I manipulate variables by giving exercise, provide training or a treatment. I then recheck shoulder movement to see if there is a change. I am making observations, manipulating variables, and analyzing my results.”

Colleen Hurley, Meteorologist, Multimedia Journalist KOTA TV, Gray Television Inc. BS Meteorology, Plymouth State University “Be open to the many different sciences. If you’re like me and don’t like biology, for example, it doesn’t mean you don’t like science as a whole. You might find your niche in chemistry, oceanography, etc.” Katrina Hutchinson, Senior Soil Scientist USDA-NRCS Soil Science Division BS in Bioenvironmental Sciences with an Environmental Soil Science Minor, Texas A&M University MS in Soil Science, Texas A&M University “Do what you love and don’t ever take the easy path. Don’t hurry into a degree or a career field; take time to investigate and learn what you truly want to do. Explore and take risks. Ultimately you are the one who has to live with the decisions you make in life so do what makes you happy, not what makes your parents or friends happy.” Libbey Jensen, Biology Instructor Black Hills State University, Rapid City BS Biology, BHSU MS Biomedical Engineering, SDSM&T “Hold yourself to the highest standards because you are capable of reaching them. Always be proud of your accomplishments and never give up on your dreams and goals.”

Deb Kuehn, Certified Neonatal & Family Nurse Practioner Rapid City Regional Hospital, Black Hills Pediatrics and Neonatology BA Nursing and Psychology, Augustana College MSN Perinatal Nursing, Indiana University Certificate - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, SDSU Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner, SDSU “Follow your heart’s desire and shoot for the stars. You can do anything you want, but it usually will take time and perseverance.” Deborah Liddick, Assistant Director of Facilities and Sustainability Black Hills State University BS Mathematics, Wilkes University MS Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University MS National Recourse Strategy, National Defense University “With a STEM degree, you might find yourself working in a mostly male dominated career field but always remember you don’t have to present yourself as “one of the boys” to succeed, you should trust your brain and be a confident woman.” Brooke Long, PhD Student, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant South Dakota School of Mines & Technology BS Geology, Texas Christian University MS Paleontology, SDSM&T “It doesn't matter what your background is; when you love what you do and work hard at reaching the goals you have set for yourself, success will follow and will not seem like work.”

Raeann Mettler, Biology Instructor Black Hills State University BS Biology, BHSU MS Integrative Genomics, BHSU PhD Candidate, University of Freiburg, Germany “There are amazing opportunities to get involved with science, technology, engineering, and math right here in the Black Hills and within the state of South Dakota. I also encourage young women to consider studying abroad at some point; spending 3 years in Germany for my PhD has proven to be a rewarding decision in my own life.” Brianna Mount, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physics Black Hills State University BS, Physics and Mathematics, University of Idaho PhD, Physics, Florida State University “Curiosity is one of the most important ingredients for a career in science. If you’re curious and have a good imagination, you can always learn the rest if you work hard enough. ‘When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.’-Walt Disney Rebecca Newton, Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Land Management BS Wildlife Biology, Minor Fine Arts, University of Montana MS Wildlife Biology, University of Montana “Look at failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is more important to learn how to use the resources around you than it is to try to know everything.”

Joanne Noyes, Environmental Scientist, Hydrologist South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Geological Survey Program BA Geology, University of Minnesota, Morris MS Geology, SDSM&T Petroleum Remediator license and Professional Engineering license “Find your passion, even if it is an outrageous dream and pursue it with all your heart. If you love what you do, you will have fun and make money doing it. Education is also essential. No matter what career you choose, education is not just something you check off once you graduate.” Susan Sanders, Warning Coordination Meteorologist National Weather Service BS Atmospheric Science, University of Michigan Masters in Public Administration, University of Nebraska “Don’t be afraid to go to new places or do new things!” Alberta Settle, South Zone Engineer Black Hills National Forest BS Geology, University of Colorado, Boulder MS Geology, SDSM&T MS Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering Emphasis, University of Nevada, Reno “Find something you are passionate about and pursue that. Don’t be afraid to change your path. It’s okay to be undecided, but having a strong foundation in science and math opens possibilities.”

Melissa Smith, Service Hydrologist NOAA National Weather Service BS Atmospheric Science, Iowa State University “Take lots of math, science, and computer classes. The more variety, the better since many employers prefer to hire people with diverse backgrounds and training.” Ann Slaughter, Vice President – Strategic Telecommunications Accounts TEOCO Corporation, retired BA Mathematics and German, Middlebury College MS Biostatistics, Harvard University “Be curious and always learning. Do what you love and you will always love what you do!” Silvia Trentz, Educator Journey Museum and Learning Center BA, BHSU MS, SDSU “Did you know that some countries do not allow or expect girls to go to school? It is an unfortunate fact, and the truth is, education benefits the self and society as a whole. Therefore, set your course and stay in school, make life choices through an educated mind.” Logan Stone, Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist Medtronic, Inc BS Animal Science, Iowa State University MS Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics and Medical Devices, Northeastern University “Ensure you work hard in everything you do and take every opportunity to experience something new. Pursue your passion in STEM and the world will be at your fingertips.”

Dawn Warren, EdD RN, USD Nursing Rapid City Director and Faculty University of South Dakota, Department of Nursing BS Nursing, South Dakota State University MS Nursing Education, South Dakota State University Doctor of Education, University of South Dakota “A formal college education is one of the best investments you can make in your life, and is possible for anyone who is willing to work hard and never give up. Careers in the sciences, technology, and health care are in high demand, with nursing being one of the greatest. Registered nurses make excellent wages, have a wide variety of areas they can work in, and are well respected by all.” Kari Webb, Science Education Specialist Sanford Underground Research Facility BS Chemistry, USD Master of Arts, Education Policy and Leadership, University of Iowa “The world around you is more than just an open book…it’s an “all-hands” adventure! Scientist explore by actively engaging with the earth, the seas, the skis, the outrageously enormous and the indescribably tiny. Join the adventure!” Kara Weigel, Physical Therapist Regional Health BS Biology, Augustana University MS Physical Therapy, Baylor University Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Baylor University “Set long term and short-term goals for yourself and share them with people that will help you make a plan to reach those goals. You shouldn’t choose not to do something because you are afraid of failing, failure is okay, that is how we grow and learn.”

Tyra Wheeler, Senior Paramedic Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital AS, Palomar College State Fire Marshall Fire Academy, Allan Hancock College Paramedic Studies, EMSTA “Right thinking does not lead to right actions, but right actions lead to right thinking.” Kelly Whitaker, Information Technology Office National Weather Service BS Computer Science, State University of New York MS Technology Management, SDSM&T AD Paralegal Studies, Community College of the Air Force “You will learn much more from your failures than successes.” Gaby Wolff, Water and Wastewater Utilities Operator City of Spearfish AS General Studies, BHSU BS Student Environmental Economics and Policy, Oregon State University “Take every opportunity to grow. Whether in school or in extracurricular activities, from friends or role models; always make your best attempt to learn everything you can especially when the lessons are free.”

Exhibitors BHSU Admissions BHSU Center for American Indian Studies BHSU WestCore BHSU Women in STEM Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons Jackson Dental Mammoth Site of Hot Springs National Weather Service Regional Health Spearfish Hospital Pharmacy Regional Health Spearfish Medical Imaging Sanford Laboratory South Dakota State University Nursing Program South Dakota Space Grant Consortium United States Department of Agriculture – National Resource Conservation Service United States Geological Survey University of South Dakota Nursing Program Zonta Club of Spearfish

Organizing Committee Katrina Jensen, PhD Associate Professor of Chemistry, BHSU Cynthia Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of Biology, BHSU Abigail Domagall, PhD Associate Professor of Geology, BHSU Holly Downing, PhD Professor of Biology, BHSU Liz Fayer, EdD Biology Instructor, BHSU Oxana Gorbatenko Researcher, BHSU Madison Jilek BHSU Student, President of Women in STEM Naveen Malik BHSU Graduate Student Vice President of Women in STEM Sandra Marker, PhD Associate Professor of Sociology, BHSU Raeann Mettler Biology Instructor, BHSU Brianna Mount, PhD Assistant Professor of Physics, BHSU Peggy Norris, PhD Education & Outreach Deputy Director, SURF Petrika Peters Sustainability Coordinator, BHSU Bethany Reman BHSU Graduate Student Jill Trimble Mathematics Lecturer, BHSU

Sponsors Platinum Level ($3,000 +) Gold Level ($1,000 - $2,999) BHSU Admissions BHSU College of Business and Natural Sciences BHSU School of Natural Sciences Bronze Level ($200 - $499) Dr. Kathryn Johnson Additional Support