By Kristie Schiefer
Assistant News Editor
In an attempt to spark female interest in technology, the Department of Computer Science will hold its 11th annual Girls Day from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. on Nov. 10 for girls in grades six through eight from local area schools.
According to Dalton Hunkins, Computer Science professor, Girls Day started in 2002 by Suzanne Watson, a retired computer science lecturer. Watson read about the decreased interest in the sciences among middle school aged girls and was assisted by Hunkins to create a day to promote technology, and, in particular, computer technology. Hunkins has now taken over leadership of the program, according to an Oct. 11 university news release.
Through a series of workshops presented by women who are professionals in the technological world, students will have the opportunity to learn about robots, animation, video game design and web page creation, creating visuals from photos and video editing, according to a university news release.
“The event provides an opportunity for the girls to participate in hands-on workshops covering a variety of computer technologies,” Hunkins said. “The most important feature is the workshop presenters are women professionals in the technology world. The girls will be interacting with women and, in turn, the ladies act as role models for the girls.”
Graduates of St. Bonaventure who will be presenting workshops are Kristin Keenan (education, ’02), Angela Wood (computer science, ’09), Denise Goodman (computer science and mathematics, ’90), Barbara McNally (computer science, ’93), Angela Colomaio, School of Business adjunct professor; Lauren Matz, associate professor of English; and Barbara Snyderman (computer science, ’93).
Other presenters are senior computer science and mathematics major Jen Dempsey and Karla Bright of the University’s Technology Services department, according to a university news release.
The seven workshops will also be run concurrently, according to Hunkins.
“The event workshops are held in six campus computer labs and one class room. There are also opening and closing sessions held in the Walsh Amphitheater,” he said.
The program will end with a panel discussion where girls can ask whatever questions they have about the field and how the presenters became interested in working with technology, according to a university news release.
The goal of the program is to show these girls that there is no reason for computer science to be a male-dominated industry and that women have as much reason to be interested in technology as men organizers said, according to a university news release.
“Hopefully the event will meet its goal and the girls will come away from the event with a greater interest in computer technology,” Hunkins said.
schiefkm10@bonaventure.edu
