The Department of Mathematics Hosts a Panel of Successful Female Mathematicians |
Mathematics Department Hosts Panel of Female Mathematicians
The Mathematics Department hosted a Panel of Female Mathematicians on November 28. Nearly 150 college students and approximately 50 Mount Saint Dominic Academy students attended the lecture. The aim of the presentation was to introduce female students (along with male students) to successful businesswomen who had majored in mathematics. Students had the opportunity to learn about career opportunities available to math majors. They also heard firsthand how mathematics is applied or used in many different fields and careers.
The four speakers represented different fields and career paths. Claire Cooney is a systems analyst at Verizons; Mary Lou Alter is a Solution Partner for the business and technology consulting firm BusinessEdge; Kathleen Yarrington is the Director of Treasury Operations for Verizon and Eileen Poiani is the Vice President & Dean of Student Affairs at Saint Peter's College. Each speaker had majored in mathematics. Each shared the role mathematics played in her career.
Caldwell College' s Assistant Professor of Mathematics Patricia Garruto said the Mathematics Department at Caldwell College strongly believes that female students need more exposure to successful female businesswomen who use mathematics. "Research has shown that although women have the ability to succeed in mathematics, their educational and career choices are frequently made in areas other than mathematics. These four presenters are ideal role models for female students who are thinking of pursuing mathematical occupations," said Garruto. She said that the interaction with these female businesswomen could enlighten and inspire students to choose mathematics as a possible college major or minor.
The program offered students the chance to learn how math is applied in the workplace and gave both the college and high school students an opportunity to participate together in a campus-wide event.