Whitehead's A Girl’s Guide to Understanding Life Science

As a young girl growing up in Chicago, Whitehead Institute Member and 2010 National Medal of Science winner Susan Lindquist became smitten with science when her fifth-grade teacher asked the class: “What is life?”

Fascinated, Lindquist could think of nothing she wanted to do more than study the biological sciences. Her early experiences brought home for Lindquist the idea that with the right kind of teaching and mentoring, young girls can be inspired to pursue careers in science. She soon became a strong supporter of science education and a believer in proactive efforts to attract women into science.

With her support and dedication, A Girl’s Guide to Understanding Life Science was born. This one-day workshop, designed for rising 7^th and 8^th grade girls, provides an introduction to the world of basic biology. Through hands-on activities, laboratory demonstrations, and interactions with female scientists, students learn first-hand how researchers are answering some of today’s most challenging questions.