Apply now to summer biology academy for girls

April 8, 2016

Fisheries scientists like Christine Woll work side by side with participants in the BRIGHT Girls academy.

A free summer academy focused on the biology and habitat of salmon is taking applications from girls entering grades nine through 12 in fall 2016.

At the academy, girls will explore questions like "how do animals choose where to live" and "how do people affect rivers and the animals that live there?"

The two-week academy is funded by the National Science Foundation and organized by Laura Carsten Conner, a research assistant professor of science education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Building on the girls' interest in biology, the BRIGHT Girls program will branch out to new areas such as global positioning systems and habitat mapping. Participants will work with scientists (mostly female) to explore the biology and habitat of salmon. Girls will go out on the river in waders and boats to take samples and measurements. They will ask questions about the features that make rivers good or poor habitat for salmon, such as cover and predators. They'll also work in computer and wet labs to explore elements of salmon habitat and life history. Girls will receive career mentoring from female scientists.

The camp will take place in Fairbanks from May 30-June 10 (with the weekend off) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Applications are due on April 15. Visit www.brightgirlsak.org to apply or to get more information.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Laura Carsten Conner, 907-474-6950, ldconner@alaska.edu