Research & Outreach

CityLab

For young women

Science scholarship resources

Many scholarships are specifically for women; the sites below are just a sampling of the resources available to you.

Be sure to check application deadline: many scholarships must be submitted a year before you plan to start college.

 

Considering a career in science?

Preparing for college

While it’s hard to know what you want to do years from now, it's important that you take the right classes in middle and high school as preparation for college and your career in science.

Classes that require more problem solving and less memorization give you a better shot at engineering and science. High-school and early-college students interested in science and engineering should

  • Take as many classes in math, physics, chemistry, biology and physiology, as possible;
  • Seek out laboratory experience and search for classes that require you to solve open-ended questions.

 

Salaries

Think about going green!  The rising demand for alternative fuel sources will require scientists from many fields of study.  Demand for skilled workers throughout the science sector will increase also.  

Salaries are usually higher for jobs in demand:  

  • Engineers: $45,000–$150,000
  • Environmental Scientists: $35,000–$100,000
  • Microbiologists: $40,000–$110,000
  • Atmospheric Scientists: $40,000–$120,000
  • Chemists: $40,000–$100,000
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists: $50,000–$150,000
  • Mathematicians: $50,000–$125,000

In other words, science and science-related careers pay well.  Women scientists are few, so young women like you have a place in the job market. What's more, the US needs more scientists who are American.

Your dream career is out there, but only if you prepare yourself now by taking the right classes.

 

Find out more

 

The beauty of science

Homemade lotions are a fun and luxurious way to soften your skin, while putting some principles of science to use.

Basic lotion recipe

 

Think about it

Microwave 3/4 cup of oil (olive, coconut, palm, or castor), 2 tsp.  stearic acid, and 1 tsp. emulsifying wax, until melted.

In a separate bowl (preferably with a pour spout), microwave 1/2 cup distilled water and 1/2 tsp. borax, until it's boiling hot.

Slowly whip the oil mixture into water mixture with a hand blender. Keep mixing until it's fairly cool.

At this point, you can add vitamin e oil, a little color, a fragrance, or essential oil.
 

 
  • Which oil works best? Are they all the same?
  • What is stearic acid and what does it do?
  • What does an emulsifier do?
  • Why does the water need to be boiling hot?
  • What kinds of microorganisms and bacteria might these be?
  • How does a preservative work?
  • Why is it important to keep food products away from the lotion-making utensils?

When the lotion seems well mixed, funnel it into bottles. If you make more than one scent, use colored caps or labels to differentiate them.

If it will take more than month to use the lotion, add a touch of Germaben II or Liquipar Optima. Homemade lotions tend to form microbes and harmful bacteria after a few months without a preservative.

Reserve the bowls and measuring spoons and cups you use for lotions for only that and not cooking. After a few hours, when the lotion has cooled and thickened, it's ready.

Crèmes

Use the basic lotion recipe above, but increase the oil to 90% and decrease the water to 10%. When heating the oil mixture, add a bit of beeswax. (Beeswax is not necessary, but it produces a frothy crème.) As with lotion, use a touch of Germaben II to prevent  the growth of microbes.

L'Oreal Foundation and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) present:

Young Women in Science

Inspirational stories from young women just starting their science careers.

Contact Us: CityLab@wsu.edu, 509-358-7635, Academic Center, Ste 503.
Mailing: PO Box 1495, Spokane WA 99210-1495. Shipping: 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane WA 99202