'Women in Science' event draws ASU’s STEM majors to Tucson

Students majoring in science, engineering, statistics and information systems at Arizona State University will converge on Tucson next week for a “Women in Science” event hosted by two global innovators in the medical and security and defense industries – Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Ventana), a Member of the Roche Group, and Raytheon Missile Systems.

The event is scheduled for 4 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 20, at Ventana headquarters in Oro Valley, north of Tucson.

Designed to be an evening where ASU students can network, meet mentors and learn about internship and full-time employment opportunities, Women in Science is open to STEM majors in any year of study, including men. Registered students will be transported to and from ASU’s Tempe and Polytechnic campuses on chartered buses; dinner will be provided by Ventana.

“This innovative alliance between ASU and these widely respected technology leaders helps fulfill their need for young idea generators and our commitment to student success,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “Particularly in the critically important STEM fields, a local partnership that links ASU’s culture of knowledge enterprise with math and science career opportunities underscores the role of universities in our global development community.”

Students eligible for the event include those majoring in all science and engineering programs at ASU – including those in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and College of Technology & Innovation. Also, students majoring in statistics and information systems in ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business were invited. The students were contacted through 36 student organizations and by faculty who lead the targeted academic units.

The idea of collaborating to bring ASU’s STEM students to Tucson was suggested last fall in a discussion about talent development in the Sun Corridor attended by Crow and the Tucson-based companies.

"We are very pleased to welcome ASU and Raytheon WISE guests to the Ventana Tucson campus where they will glimpse first-hand, from scientific leaders, a day in the life of a biotech professional,” said Mara G. Aspinall, president and CEO of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. “We hope this experience spurs added enthusiasm and direction for their future careers."

"Raytheon Missile Systems and Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. share the vision of inspiring students – from college age to elementary – to choose careers in math and science,” said Raytheon’s engineering deputy, Laura J. McGill. “Events such as Women in Science offer industry the opportunity to showcase the many exciting STEM-related careers that are available today."