Harvard professor Elizabeth Spelke to speak on gender gap in STEM fields at Rice Feb. 21

Why do more men than women pursue the fields of science, technology and math? Cognitive scientist Elizabeth Spelke will examine that topic at the Marian Fox Martel Distinguished Lecture in Gender and Science Feb. 21 at Rice University.

ELIZABETH SPELKE

Spelke’s talk will address current research on the presuppositions that contribute to gender disparities not only in the STEM fields, but in any field, including those in which women currently predominate, like teaching and nursing. A member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Spelke was named by Time magazine as one of “America’s Best in Science and Medicine.”

The Marian Fox Martel Distinguished Lecture fund was established in 2003 to bring speakers to Rice who would facilitate dialogue between scientists and nonscientists about gender issues.

Hosted by Rice’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, the event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and RSVPs are requested to rsvp.to.cswgs@rice.edu.