SEAS lures applicants

Engineering is generally perceived as a male-dominated field with little appeal or room for women. A program called 'Women in Technology Day' aims to change that stereotype. The day was planned to give women who applied to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences a chance to meet female faculty and students, as well as get a feel for what Engineering at the University was all about. The event was organized by the Engineering School's undergraduate admissions office and the Society of Women Engineers. The day began with a campus tour. Following that students attended a luncheon at the Faculty Club where representatives spoke about majors in Material Science, Bioengineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. After lunch the students got a chance to see the Engineering facilities and speak to various professors. The number of female matriculants in SEAS has almost doubled from forty-seven in 1978 to ninety-three in 1991. Associate Professor of Computer and Information Science Bonnie Lynn Webber said that seeing female Engineering faculty and undergraduates was important for women who are prospective students because it showed them that this was no longer a man's field. "The stereotype must change," Webber said. "All over the world, in Europe and America, even in Japan, people are realizing that there just aren't enough men to meet the demand for highly skilled engineers. Thus women are given the opportunity to prove their worth, thereby helping to change attitudes and biases." Webber said she that women have always had the technical and creative skills to match men in engineering, but many face obstacles. "Because we live in a traditionally male-dominated society, women are often discouraged to take the kind of intellectual risks which are necessary in engineering," Webber said. "This is a problem which can keep female engineers from achieving their potential." Society of Women Engineers president and Systems Engineering Senior Brenda Lee explained that this was just one of several activities offered by SWE. The group also organizes career workshops and will host SWE's Northeast regional conference in November. Mary Andrews, an applicant from Richborough, Pennsylvania, said she found the day very helpful. "One of the things that appealed to me was the fact that Penn offers so many options, both in SEAS and other schools, and today really illustrated that aspect," she said. Andrews added that she does not fear working in a traditionally male-oriented field. "I think times are changing and there will be plenty of room for women. Besides, I really don't see myself being dominated. I like to be the dominant one," Andrews said.