The Bearded Lady Project film screening and discussion

Western Michigan University – in collaboration with Iowa State University, Michigan Technological University and North Dakota State University – is hosting a virtual film and panel discussion to enhance awareness of gender bias and continued lack of diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This virtual event will take place on Thursday, February 25 beginning at 6 p.m. ET. A screening of the film, “The Bearded Lady Project: Challenging the Face of Science," will be followed by a panel discussion.

"The Bearded Lady Project: Challenging the Face of Science" is a short documentary film that demonstrates the competencies and passions of female paleontologists and how this unfair, gendered stereotype can be easily diminished with the donning of a beard. How, with some well-placed facial hair, any female scientist can be perceived as equally rugged, tough and determined. With insights into the benefits of scientific careers for women, a glimpse at professional role models, and a positive dose of wit, the Bearded Lady Project is invested in changing the face of science, and encouraging a new generation of women to focus on a career in this eld of study.

Watch trailer Learn more about the project

This event is the fourth in a year-long, Cross-Institutional Caucus Series, hosted by the four institutions engaged in the ADVANCE Midwest Partnership – Joining Forces grant. The series, taking place in 2020-21, highlights gender inequities in STEM workplaces, and suggest institutional strategies to counter these inequities.

Virtual film screening and panel discussion

Thursday, February 25

6 p.m. ET - Welcome
6:05 p.m. ET - Screening of the film (22 minutes)
6:30 p.m. ET - Presentation and discussion with Bearded Lady co-producer Ellen Currano and members of the NSF ADVANCE partnership

RSVP today

Advance Midwest Partnership - Joining Forces

The ADVANCE Midwest Partnership - Joining Forces is a cross-institutional effort of these four research-intensive, doctoral-granting public universities funded by the NSF ADVANCE program to promote increased equity, diversity, and faculty retention and career advancement of faculty in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.