Gender in math, science and engineering: Stanford researchers discuss the evidence

In response to Harvard President Lawrence Summers' recent suggestion that women may lack "innate ability" in math and science, Stanford's Institute for Research on Women and Gender (IRWG) and the Faculty Women's Forum are sponsoring a panel discussion on Friday, Feb. 4, to discuss new evidence related to the controversy. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Building 320 (Geology Corner), Room 105. University scholars will focus on inequities in institutions of higher learning, teaching environments that encourage women in engineering and math, how gender analysis can bring new insights to science, and psychological differences in brain processing between men and women.

Forum participants will include:

Jo Boaler, an international expert on mathematics and gender. Boaler is an associate professor of mathematics education and an IRWG faculty advisory board member.

Ruth O'Hara, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. O'Hara is an expert on the integration of psychological, biological and genetic approaches to understanding cognitive function.

Londa Schiebinger, the Barbara D. Finberg Director of IRWG and a professor of history of science. Schiebinger is an international expert on gender in science.

Sheri Sheppard, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and an IRWG faculty advisory board member. Sheppard studies how individuals acquire the abilities to engage successfully in engineering.

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