[498] ‘MTSU On the Record’ examines ‘Women and Science’ then and now

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Sexism in the sciences and the history of women scientists who persevered against prejudice and professional jealousy are the topics on the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with chemistry professor Judith Iriarte-Gross will air from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, and from 6 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, July 1, on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

Iriarte-Gross will revive a class titled “Symposium in Women’s Studies: Women and Science” for the fall 2018 semester. It will include contributions of women to various scientific fields and exploration of the workplace climate, including stereotypes, bias and sexual harassment.

The professor recalled what she learned from speakers at a symposium at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting in March in New Orleans.

“A woman chemist said to me, ‘It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t be safe at a conference with other chemists,’” Iriarte-Gross said. “Another said that the shame of being involved in a harassment situation is quite overwhelming. You don’t want anybody to know because you think that they will wonder, ‘How can a smart woman ever get into a situation like that?’”

Iriarte-Gross is an American Chemistry Society fellow, director of MTSU’s Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Center, faculty adviser for Women in Science and Engineering and creator of Tennessee’s first Expanding Your Horizons event for girls interested in science.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.