Thursday, September 28, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 5
Women engineers encouraged
Rv Brooke Hasler
Special to the Kansan
Engineering students had the chance last night to dine and chat with representatives from more than 50 companies at the School of Engineering's "Evening with the Industry."
Sharyl Hackett, campus relations and diversity manager for ExxonMobil speaks about women in the engineering industry. Hackett was the keynote speaker last night at a dinner sponsored by the Women's Engineering Programs Department. Photo by Carrie Julian/KANSAN
Although the Women's Engineering Programs Department sponsored the event, that didn't stop men from attending, said Jenelle Marsh, coordinator of women's programs.
"The dinner is for students in the Society of Women Engineers," Marsh said. "Males can join that society, and we do have male members. After those members sign up, then we open it to anyone who wants to attend."
Of the 95 students in attendance, Marsh said she estimated just under 40 percent were male. However, the topic of the keynote speech, given by Sharyl Hackett, campus relations and diversity manager for ExxonMobil Inc., was primarily geared toward women.
Hackett spoke about the balancing act women in the engineering industry have to perform.
"Women in the work force today have to make hard decisions," Hackett said. "They have to make decisions that a lot of times men
aren't expected to make in regards to balancing family and work."
Hackett also said there were more career opportunities for female engineers.
"The job market is better than ever for women engineers," she
said. "At ExxonMobile, I think we have a large number of women and also minorities."
Laura King, Salina senior and chemical engineering student, agreed. She said having a small number of female students in engineering meant more job opportunities for her when she left college.
"So many companies are looking for female engineers," she said. "Events like this are a great way to get your foot in the door."
Tom Mulinazzi, assistant dean of engineering, said there were 321 female undergraduate engineering students in comparison to 1,327 male undergraduates in the school.
Mulinazzi pointed out that these were not official University of Kansas numbers and that they might deviate by plus or minus five students.
All of the companies represented at the dinner will be at the engineering career fair today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kansas Union ballroom.
- Edited by Kimberly Thompson
Environment scholar, activist joins faculty
Brooks brings experience as politician, reformer to educate KU students
By Nathan Dayani Special to the Kansan
Scholar. Environmental activist. Former member of the Idaho Senate. And now students at the University of Kansas can call him Professor Brooks.
Karl Brooks, assistant professor in both the history and environmental studies departments, is one of the newest additions to the University faculty. Having just received his doctorate last May, Brooks may still be getting used to being called professor.
Academics, however, are certainly nothing new to Brooks.
"He has first rate credentials," said Don Worster, professor of history and environmental studies.
Such credentials include an impressive career as a scholar. Brooks received his bachelors degree from Yale University in 1978, his masters from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1980 and his doctorate from the University of Kansas in 2000. Brooks also graduated Harvard Law School in 1983.
After years of studying at prestigious institutions, Brooks returned to his home state of Idaho in 1983. He practiced law in Idaho until 1993 and served three consecutive terms as a state senator between 1986 and 1992.
Working as a state senator was an exciting and frustrating experience, Brooks said. He found that powerful business lobbyists were willing to clash with environmental reformists in his senate.
"Iissues dealing with the environment are very controversial and polarized," Brooks said. Worster said that he thought Brooks successfully worked with the senate in reforming environmental policies in Idaho. Brooks helped pass legislation that preserves some of Idaho's rivers and streams. Furthermore, Brooks played a critical role in reforming Idaho's oversight of state grazing lands.
"Idaho is more ecologically sound than it was."
"Pruce said."
Worster thinks Brooks' experience in environmental studies and public policy strengthens his teaching because he does not deal with abstract concerns.
"He's a great asset to the whole University community." Worster said.
Brooks' class, "Environmental and Public Policy in 20th Century America," examines the roles of activism, politics and policy in respect to the environment. Brooks encourages his students to understand the political process while advocating that his students use their curiosity to generate constructive criticism.
James Throckmorton, Leawood senior, said he thought that Brooks brought numerous strengths to the classroom.
"He's definitely interesting." Throckmorton said. "He blends history into environmental topics, and we get to have guest speakers and question them on their environmental stances."
Brooks said he was delighted to work at the University because of the diversity of students, resources and faculty. Brooks said he hoped to become a better teacher and educate and train more responsible Kansans.
— Edited by Shawn Hutchinson
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