Women in Science Speak: Fresh Perspectives, Powerful Stories

Celebrate Women in Science and Technology at Hood College on February 7th

Jan 23, 2025

By Mason Cavalier

Three accomplished women in science and technology will share their personal and professional journeys during the fourth annual Women in STEM Speak event, Friday, Feb. 7 at Hood College.

In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Women in STEM Speak celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields. The event is a collaboration between Hood, Woman to Woman Mentoring, Inc., and Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., operator of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL).

This year’s event introduces a TED Talk-inspired format. Presenters include Sylvia Sanni-Thomas, quality control manager for the Vaccine Clinical Materials Program at FNL, Leah King, a laboratory supervisor of the Forensic Chemistry Unit at Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory, and Rebekah Collogan, engineering vice president at Phoenix Mecano. Beth Baseler, a mentor with Woman to Woman Mentoring who retired two years ago from her clinical trials management director role at FNL, will serve as moderator.

Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. The event will conclude with a discussion featuring all three participants, providing a platform for deeper dialogue and collective insights.

“Support and advocacy for women in STEM, particularly as leaders, is critical to making discoveries ultimately benefiting human health and society in general,” said Ethan Dmitrovsky, M.D., president of Leidos Biomedical Research and FNL director. “We are grateful for opportunities such as this to highlight their accomplishments and inspire others.”

The event will be held at the Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall, with doors opening at 9 a.m. Talks will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m., followed by an in-person networking opportunity from 11 to 11:30 a.m. A virtual option will be available for those unable to attend in person.

To learn more and to register for Women in Science Speak, please visit the event website.