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Melissa Goering, Science Operations Officer, and Mike Weiland, Senior Forecaster, lead a meteorology workshop at the 2007 Women in Science Conference at the University of Wyoming.

The eighth annual Women in Science Conference was held on May 8, 2007 on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, Wyoming.  The Women in Science Conference is designed to allow young women in grades 7 through 12 to learn first-hand about careers in science, mathematics, and technology from accomplished professional women.  WFO Cheyenne personnel have participated in every conference since the initial conference in 2000.

The results of an international science and mathematics study conducted in 2000 indicated that “children in the United States were among the leaders in the 4^th grade assessment, but by high school graduation, they were almost last.”  Part of the problem is that many girls and young women in junior and senior high school lose interest in science and technological careers.  Making connections with people, especially women, who are accomplished in mathematics or science related occupations is one of the best ways to promote student aspirations and achievements.

At this years conference, Melissa Goering and Mike Weiland lead two 45 minute workshops which taught young women about atmospheric stability, how to use a sling psychrometer to calculate temperature and dew points, and methods to identify different types of clouds.

Other WFO Cheyenne participants included Meteorologist in Charge, John Eise, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, John Griffith, Senior Forecaster, Jim Hatten, Journeyman Forecasters, Steve Rubin and Mike Sowko, Administrative Support Assistant, Connie Hopkins, Information Technology Officer, Ray Gomez and Electronics Technician, Bill Cronin.