The Subcommittee on Energy of the House Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology held a hearing on "Careers for Women
in Science and Technology" on Thursday, May 12th.
The following is a description of the hearing and a witness list:
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     This hearing is the first in a series of hearings to be held
by the Subcommittee on the subject of Women in Science and
Technology.  The purpose of this hearing is to recognize women
who have pursued and succeeded in scientific and technical
careers.  This hearing does not focus on the problems that women
face throughout the educational system and in the workplace,
although these problems are very real.  Women make up 45% of the
U.S. workforce, but they account for only 16% of employed
scientists and engineers.  On average women earn less than men,
even if they have the same experience and credentials.  Women
have difficulty advancing their careers, and often face
discrimination.
     Despite these statistics, all of the news is not bad.  The
purpose of this hearing is to step back and to affirm that
despite these hardships, women can and do choose this route and
succeed.  The witnesses at this hearing bear testimony to that
fact.  They are a diverse group and have found success in a
variety of science and technology-related careers, including
private sector companies, the government, and academics.  They
serve as role models, forging a path for other women to follow.
     The hearing will also involve a number of young women from
local middle schools and high schools who will participate in the
hearing as "members for a day" and will join in discussions with
invited witnesses.

Discussion with invited witnesses will focus on:

--  Individual stories of success
--  What made you go into science?  Into your particular field?
--  How do you think that being a woman has affected your career?
--  What advice or recommendations do you have for women
    embarking on a science or engineering career?
--  Is there a pattern to the way these successful women have
    overcome obstacles that can serve as a model to other women?
--  Other questions posed by our student visitors
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                          Witness List

                  Beverly K. Hartline, Ph.D.
            Associate Director and Project Manager
         Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility
                    Newport News, Virginia

                      Jacqueline W. Sales
                           President
           Hazardous and Medical Waste Services Inc.
                    Silver Spring, Maryland

                    Shannon W. Lucid, Ph.D.
                        NASA Astronaut
                     Johnson Space Center
                        Houston, Texas

                        Sandra Jenkins
                        Science Teacher
                  Stuart Hobson Middle School
                       Washington, D.C.

                     F. Suzanne Jenniches
                        General Manager
               Imaging and Data Systems Division
                   Electronic Systems Group
               Westinghouse Electric Corporation
                      Baltimore, Maryland

                     DeLois Powell, Ph.D.
                Assistant Professor of Biology
             University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
                    Princess Anne, Maryland

                        Patricia L. Eng
                  Senior Operations Engineer
                Human Factors Assessment Branch
                 Nuclear Regulatory Commission
                       Washington, D.C.

                   Saundra H. Oyewole, Ph.D.
                     Professor of Biology
                 Director of Biology Programs
                        Trinity College
                       Washington, D.C.
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Those wanting more information may contact the Subcommittee at
(202) 225-8056 or use the Committee's e-mail address
housesst@hr.house.gov.