The ADVANCE annual lecture features renowned women scientists who address both their expertise and their experiences of difference in STEM fields.

Upcoming Lecture

Please check back in fall for more infomation about the ADVANCE annual lecture for 2018. 

Previous Lectures

Year One: Dr. Rita Colwell

Dr. Colwell is Distinguished University Professor both at the University of Maryland at College Park, and at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Colwell also served as the 11th Director of the National Science Foundation, from 1998-2004. 

On April 21, 2015 Dr. Rita Colwell delivered two public talks and a reception at Oregon State University. Dr. Colwell spoke about her experiences as a woman navigating scientific research and administration.

View the event poster.

Year Two: Dr. Kelly Mack

Dr. Mack is the Vice President for Undergraduate STEM Education and Executive Director of Project Kaleidoscope, a non-profit organization focusing on undergraduate STEM education reform, at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).

On April 11, 2016 Dr. Kelly Mack delivered a public lecture titled Catalyzing Transformation: Individual and Institutional Actions to Advance Equity and Inclusion. 

 Year Three: Peggy Layne 

Peggy Layne delivered her talk, "Perspectives on Women in Engineering" on Monday, February 20th from 4-5:30 pm in Kelley Engineering 1001. View the event poster. 

Peggy Layne, P.E., is the Director of AdvanceVT, a National Science Foundation-sponsored program to increase the number and success of women faculty in science and engineering. She also serves as Assistant Provost for Faculty Development at Virginia Tech.

Ms. Layne has degrees in environmental and water resources engineering and science and technology studies. She spent 17 years as a consulting engineer in the fields of water and wastewater treatment and hazardous waste management. She also spent a year as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the US Senate, where she served as a consultant on waste policy issues for Sen. Bob Graham. A registered professional engineer, Layne served as president of the Society of Women Engineers in 1996-97. She is the editor of Women in Engineering: Pioneers and Trailblazers (ASCE Press, 2009) and Women in Engineering: Professional Life (ASCE Press, 2007).

This event was co-sponsored by the Honors College and the President's Comission on the Status of Women.