Stories this week at Wake Forest

ATTRACTING STUDENTS TO SCIENCE AND MATH

Twenty-two Parkland High School students will be at Wake Forest on Nov. 4 for a special science and math program. “We want to encourage them and provide role models for women and minority students,” said Leah McCoy, an associate professor of education who is helping coordinate the event. McCoy, an expert on science and math education, said a low number of women and minorities pursue science and math careers. At 9:30 a.m., each high school student, along with a Wake Forest student, will research via the Internet a remarkable woman who has excelled in the area of science or math. Beginning at 11 a.m., the Parkland students will explain why their individual is the most remarkable through some kind of creative presentation, such as making up a song. All activities will be in Tribble Hall. The students are participants of a special program funded by the National Science Foundation at Parkland.

SOCIAL IMPACT OF PICKING GENETIC TRAITS AND OTHER ISSUES

The often controversial and difficult questions surrounding DNA research will be the focus of “Genetic Enhancement: Social Values and Personal Autonomy in the 21st Century,” a symposium on Nov. 6 at Wake Forest. The free and public symposium will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium. During the symposium, scientists, physicians and legal scholars will tackle such issues as using genetic technology to fight and prevent disease and to pick physical traits in children. The symposium is part of the university’s yearlong celebration, “Science and Technology: The Next Millennium.” Members of the public can register or receive more information by calling the Wake Forest Law Review office at 336-758-5439. Contact the News Service to arrange interviews with symposium speakers.

URBAN SPRAWL FOCUS OF LAW SCHOOL, SIERRA CLUB EVENT

“Smart Growth in the Triad,” a seminar to address urban development issues, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the Worrell Professional Center, Room 1312. The event is sponsored by the Environmental Law Society at the Wake Forest School of Law and the Sierra Club. A $10 registration fee is required for lunch. To register, call 336-758-5724.

DEBATE ON CREATION VS. EVOLUTION

The origins of life will be the subject of “Creation vs. Evolution: A Public Debate” on Nov. 11. The debate will feature Charles Liebert, founder of the Piedmont Association for Creation Education and Research (PACER), and Massimo Pigliucci, a scientist and professor with the University of Tennessee. The free and public event will begin at 7 p.m. in Benson University Center, Room 401. Bill J. Leonard, dean of the Wake Forest School of Divinity, will moderate the event. The debate is part of Wake Forest’s yearlong celebration, “Science and Technology: The Next Millennium.” The event is also sponsored by the Triad Area Skeptics Club (TASC). For more information, call 336-758-4994 or visit www.wfu.edu/~ecarlson/tasc/events/debate.html.

HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU

Check the Wake Forest University News Service Web site for up-to-date information and news stories. The site provides answers to frequently-asked questions about Wake Forest, links to archived news releases, photographs, and information on the latest breaking news story. A list of expert sources from the faculty are available in the online, searchable Source Guide. “The site is an important tool for journalists who quickly need to download a photograph, audio file or news release,” said Julie Leonard, a media relations officer and coordinator of the site. The site is updated daily and located at www.wfu.edu/wfunews.

Categories: Admissions, Events, Research, Speakers, University Announcement