Local girls attend 'Women in Science' Conference
Shrewsbury - Hannah Hopkins, Lindsey Drohan and Mariah Boisvert watch as Jennifer McNaught, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidate at Tufts University, demonstrates performing a physical on Lily the dog during a workshop at the "Women in Science" Conference held at Oak Middle School April 5.

PHOTO/MARY PRITCHARD

Two hundred Westborough and Shrewsbury girls in grades six through eight were chosen by lottery to participate in the conference. Students from Al Humbra, Shrewsbury Montessori and St. Mary's School in Shrewsbury also participated. Each girl attended three hands-on workshops in fields such as aeronautical engineering, veterinary medicine, criminal justice science, marine biology, among others, and listened to presentations by women in math and science careers.

The planning team for the conference included State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, R-Shrewsbury, Sherwood Middle School Principal Jane Lizotte, Oak Middle School Principal Joe Sawyer, Gibbons Middle School Principal David Fredette, Mill Pond School Principal Reene Hatherly, and middle school science teachers Mette Schwartz and Lisa Greenwald.

The conference was sponsored by Seagate Technology, Fallon Community Health Plan, EMC, Penta Communications and Polito.