A group of volunteers from Naval Air Station Patuxent River joined other professional women, April 18, to participate in Women+Math, a one-day event of workshops, presentations and discussions designed to inform female middle and high school students about a variety of math-oriented careers.

The annual event, held at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) LaPlata campus, was founded 10 years ago by Sandra Poinsett, CSM professor of mathematics, physics and engineering.

"About 12 years ago, I was teaching a calculus class and noticed three girls out of 30," Poinsett said. "When I was in college, I was also in the minority, just a few girls in a calculus class of 200-plus. But it shouldn't be that way; it should be more like 50/50."

Poinsett decided to do something about it and pursued funding to begin Women+Math.

"The goal was to expose young girls to the opportunities available if they get involved with math," she explained. "We're not saying they have to go into a math field, but we want to let them know that, if they do, there are a lot of opportunities in whatever direction they decide to pursue."

The program has been successful over the years.

"We now have about 20 presenters and up to 150 girls attend," Poinsett said. "There's been huge growth in the last few years; partially because there's been an emphasis in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, and more people are aware that girls have just as much talent and ability."

Katie Day, NAVAIR cost analyst, has a degree in civil engineering and has been a presenter at the program for the past five years.

"I enjoy teaching the girls about my particular subject," she said. "It's important to let them know that math and science subjects open up an entire world, especially when they graduate from college."

Day discussed what civil engineering is and assigned a group project that included building a bridge out of toothpicks, marshmallows and gumdrops.

"I explained certain basics to them - like how a triangle is more stable than a square - and asked them how to incorporate triangles vs. squares into their bridge design. It gets them thinking, teaches teamwork and they have to use problem solving skills," she said. "It's fun and the girls always love it."

Poinsett said each presenter served as a role model for the young women in attendance.

"It's great for the girls to see successful women in these non-traditionally female roles," she said. "For a long time, these professions were dominated by men and there's no reason why a young girl shouldn't pursue that type of career."

Day had some advice to share.

"I want to tell parents to keep encouraging their daughters' interest in these subjects as they grow up, and I would tell young women who are interested to 'go for it,'" she emphasized. "There are endless possibilities out there. If you can dream it, you can achieve it."

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