Event Location
Strong Girls and Avid Bookshop present Shelli R. Johannes, author of Cece Loves Science, and a panel of local women who work in STEM. This family friendly event takes place Saturday, September 8, 2018, at our Prince Avenue location from 2-3pm. There is no admission charge.
PANELISTS:
- Shelli R. Johannes
- Kim Klonowski
- Barbara Del Castello
- Karen Sweeney Gerow
- Katiedid Langrock
- Julie A. Luft
- Katie Ehrlich
Shelli R. Johannes never warmed up to creepy crawly bugs, but she always loved zoology and biology. In fact, she can often be found on highways and country roads saving strays and other jaywalking critters, or volunteering with animal conservations groups like The Atlanta Zoo, The Dolphin Project, and animal rescue centers. Unfortunately, she learned early on that chemistry (a.k.a. cooking) was not her favorite science, often resulting in odd reactions and minor explosions. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, two kids, one bird, one fish, and two crazy-haired Doodles who, just like Einstein, all who seem to love fruit and dessert, but loathe veggies.
Growing up, every other word out of Kim Klonowski’s mouth was "Why" or "How.” Her mother was keenly aware that this meant I was likely destined for a STEM career. Knowing this, science and exploration were always encouraged: from microscopes to family field trips, to even a week at Space Camp. After getting her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, today her laboratory explores WHY humans are not protected long-term after flu infection or vaccination. The elusive answer gets her out of bed everyday.
Barbara Del Castello is a 3rd year PhD Student at the University of Georgia in the Genetics Department, studying the development of the immune system. She is also the current president of Women in Science, an organization promoting equality in STEM fields at UGA.
Karen Sweeney Gerow is the founder of Double Helix STEAM School. Her research centers on using spatial skills and the arts across the curriculum to boost STEM achievement.
Katiedid Langrock does not work in STEM; she is a TV show writer and creator with a passion for telling stories to girls that encourage curiosity, a love of learning and an uncompromising belief that they are capable of achieving beyond their wildest dreams. This mission led her to work with the nation's top female engineers and CIA operatives while developing Netflix original "Project Mc2" and a new, clever girl cartoon coming out in 2019. The world is at the fingertips of those curious and adventurous enough to dig deeper, learn and explore.
Julie A. Luft was a late arrival to science. Growing up, her mother wanted her to develop her artistic talent. Her turning point was in college, when she became involved in a research project that documented at how environments change after a forest fire. This resulted in a biology degree that gave her several options, including teaching middle school science. As a teacher, she decided to pursue a PhD in science education in order to understand how and why her students learned science or not. Twenty-five years later, she still teaches and she studies how teachers learn and teach science.
Katie Ehrlich is a professor of psychology at the University of Georgia. This job is a good fit for Katie because she likes thinking about (and asking people) why they do what they do. She studies how kids' experiences with family, friends, and other people shape their mental and physical health across the lifespan.
