IQC to host aspiring young female scientists

Catherine Holloway had very few female role models in science when she was growing up, which is why the IQC student hopes to become a one for the next generation of aspiring female scientists.

On April 22, Holloway and several female colleagues will host a special event at IQC for the Waterloo chapter of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS).

Approximately 20 girls between the ages of 7 and 16, along with their mothers, will spend the afternoon immersed in scientific chats, hands-on experimental demos and lab tours.  

The goal, Holloway says, is to encourage young women to pursue careers in scientific fields that have traditionally been male-dominated.

"It's important for girls to have role models in science from an early age," said Holloway, a master's student at IQC. "I hope this kind of experience will inspire them."

The CAGIS visit to IQC will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Institute for Quantum Computing. The event is open to girls and parents not yet members of CAGIS, but they are asked to contact the organization at kwgagis@hotmail.com.

Learn more at the CAGIS website.