By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A firestorm of controversy erupted last year when a Harvard University president suggested that women's abilities in math and science are genetically inferior.
But the outrage gave rise to some important questions: Are women taking their place in high demand science careers? If not, why? And, what can be done to balance the gender equation in science?
WBFO's Joyce Kryszak conducted a little research of her own to find some of those answers. She takes us now into a science lab at North Tonawanda high school where students are getting to the heart of the matter.
Biology teacher Gary Lachut knows just about every way there is to skin a cat. He's been teaching students science at North Tonawanda high school for 25 years.
This anatomy and physiology class is one of his most popular. Despite the rigorous curriculum - and grisly lab work - students are on a waiting list to get in.
But the most surprising part? Lachut said girls outnumber boys in his class at least two to one.
The stench of formaldehyde hangs heavy in the air. But there were no weak knees among the dozen young ladies here who are dressed in lab coats and goggles dissecting cat specimens. This reporter maybe. But not these future doctors, sports therapists, and surgeons.
Those are just a few of the career goals mentioned by these juniors and seniors. And they are serious about learning how.
Most say they've always loved science. But when asked about science careers, such as physics and engineering? The passion quickly evaporates. That attitude mirrors a federal study that found women since the 1960's gaining in life science related fields, while progress in engineering careers still lags far behind men. But why?
17 year-old Lindsey Philips said she has a couple friends who are into physics. But she says that is not for her.
That hands-on element was important to the other girls as well. Some say they believe boys are just better at the math and tech-related sciences. But they believe there are other factors too.
16 year-old Ellie King said kids are influenced by the limited way television portrays women in science careers.
The seeming lack of drama in engineering careers could have a lot to do with why girls are shying away. Evidence is just down the hall in the physics classroom.
In this room, lined with books on the mystery of numbers and physics theory, it is very quiet. And on this day there is only one girl among the small group of students.
Teacher Larrry Hiller said he tries just about everything to recruit girls. And the ratio of boys to girls is better here than at most high schools - about fifty-fifty. But he said it is hard to change ingrained ideas.
The girl in this class said breaking stereotypes is exactly why she wanted to be an engineer. Yes, wanted - past tense.
17 year-old Jessica Utzig said it seemed like a cool idea before she took physics. But now she's thinking maybe she'd rather be a doctor. Still, Utzig said she has no way of knowing if she would enjoy being an engineer. She doesn't really know what they do alll day.
She and other science-minded girls should hang out for awhile with Elizabeth Casciani - if they can keep up.
Casciani has been an engineer for 30 years. And she is the first female Vice President of Operations for Praxair. Casiani oversees about 800 employees around the world and a myriad of design projects.
Casciani said her job is anything but boring. In fact, she said it is fun. And she will have a tough time deciding to retire one day.
That will not be happening too soon. Casciani said she still has plenty she wants to do. Bringing more women into the field and mentoring them along is at the top of her list.
She recently talked with a group of girls and their parents at a tech-savvy conference held at SUNY Buffalo.
Casciani tells them engineers make good money. And, according to Casciani, there are more jobs out there than they can fill, particularly for women.
Still, Casciani acknowledges that engineering isn't for everyone, regardless of gender.
Educators and mentors agree that the best way for girls to know is to start exploring the idea and taking a diversity of science classes early.
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