Dozens of people gathered at the Great Lakes Aquarium after hours on Thursday for the first event in a new series. Titled “Women in Science,” the panel series will feature local women with various scientific backgrounds.

“We’re really excited to bring this to the community to celebrate the very many women who do amazing things for our community that many people have never heard of and know what their work is, and yet it impacts them every day here,” said Great Lakes Aquarium Director of Learning and Engagement Shawna Weaver.

For the inaugural event, the focus was on studying diverse relationships with water in the Great Lakes region. Panelists included local Interdisciplinary Social-Ecological Scientist Molly J. Wick, Ph. D. as well as local Geographer Katie Williams, Ph.D. Attendees were able to join in on panel discussion, ask questions, explore a full after-hours exhibit floor, and enjoy drinks from the Aquarium’s full-service bar.

“Bringing women who are scientists into our space and giving our community an opportunity to have conversations with them and hear about their work and their journey, I think gives people an opportunity to see what they can be,” said Weaver. “Since we have a big focus on education here, we want to enable our community to have as many opportunities as possible to engage the folks that inspire them.”

Admission and parking is free for this series, which is expected to be held quarterly. More information on panelists can be found at this link.

The next Great Lakes Aquarium event will be an otter birthday party on April 12.