VOLUME 12, NO. 2     JANUARY 1999

"Science Rocks!"

ast summer 30 girls spent two weeks at Camp REACH, WPI's innovative program designed to interest them in careers in science and engineering. Denise Nicoletti, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Chrysanthe Demetry, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, along with teachers from Worcester and WPI and students from the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science at Worcester, guided the girls through such activities as solving a mystery using forensics, designing a soundproof meeting space, figuring out the best way to store bulky equipment, conducting an accessibility survey of the campus, exploring how different variables affect our ability to harness the sun, and learning the science of sandcastles.

The campers, all of whom entered seventh grade this year, suffered through homesickness, bonded with new friends, and got to know successful professional women with careers in science or technology.

"If you were to go into engineering you would have so many choices," said a wide-eyed Nicolette Schlichting of Sterling, Mass., who was impressed by her teachers. "Their jobs are so interesting, because 50 years ago only men could be engineers." Schlichting, who said she's always loved to draw, is attracted to two disciplines: architecture and structural engineering. "Structural engineers make sure things stay up; architects make things that are cool."

Mary Kate Toomey of Worcester said camp was fun once everyone realized they all felt the same about being away from home. Many of the girls planned to keep in touch after they returned to their own schools and most were really sad that it ended, she said. Bouncy and self-confident, Toomey loves science and feels she can choose any career she wishes. "In the future women scientists will dominate the world. Science rocks!"