OXFORD — Like many high school students, Star Harris was unsure about her future.

        Knowing Ms. Harris's talent for math and science, her math teacher suggested last year that she attend Sonia Kovalevsky Mathematical Sciences Day at Miami University.

        The Hughes Center senior was reluctant, but the day's activities proved an inspiration. Ms. Harris also discovered where she wanted to attend college: Miami.

        “I saw how helpful they were during Sonia Kovalevsky Day,” she said. “It helped me decide where I wanted to go. I felt homey there.”

        The event, named for the first woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics, is the brainchild of Dr. Emily S. Murphree, associate professor of statistics at Miami. Fifteen years ago, she was asked to speak at a Sonia Kovalevsky Day in Cleveland, and decided to start a Miami version. This year's will be the 11th here.

        “Our purpose is to expose female high school students to just a few of the careers they can pursue and enjoy if they have good problem-solving skills.” Ms. Murphree said.

        This year, Ms. Harris, now a Miami freshman, will serve as an event volunteer. She'll guide a new crop of high school participants through the hands-on activities.

        Participants will tackle projects in paper science, computer science and manufacturing engineering. The day's speakers are Sue Ann Heatherly of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in West Virginia, Dr. Susan Hoffman of Miami's Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, and Kelly Carter of the Boonshoft Museum in Dayton.

        The event will be held March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miami's Bachelor Hall. Pre-registration is required by Monday. Contact Ms. Murphree at 529-5826.
        Contributor Elizabeth Cayton also reported for this story.

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