March 20, 2002

Victoria Kushnir

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

Phone: 650/604-0176 or 650/604-9000

vkushnir@mail.arc.nasa.gov

NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS: Members of the news media are invited to interview women scientists, researchers and administrators of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., during March, National Women’s History Month. Several women at NASA Ames will be available to demonstrate some of their current research projects and discuss issues of particular relevance to the women. Please contact Victoria Kushnir at 650/ 604-0176 to make arrangements.

RELEASE: 02-29AR

NASA AMES CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

NASA’s Ames Research Center is recognizing and celebrating National Women’s History Month and the contributions of female scientists, researchers and managers to the space program.

Media representatives will have the opportunity to speak with Ames researchers and administrators, who will share their experiences at NASA and discuss contributions made by women to NASA’s aeronautics and space programs. Participants also will address issues related to education and career opportunities for young girls and women.

"We want to let the world know about the great research and innovations NASA women have made and continue to make," said NASA Ames community relations coordinator Sheila Johnson.

"What NASA does affects not only astronauts in space, but also people here on Earth," said Winifred Huo, NASA Ames’ computational chemistry group lead. "Women should realize that the research we have done and technologies we continue to develop may improve their health and lifestyle."

"One day, instead of going through traumatizing biopsy, women will go through a painless breast cancer detection procedure using the NASA Smart Surgical Probe," said NASA Ames chief scientist Stephanie Langhoff. "During pregnancy, our daughters could swallow a NASA pill transmitter that will allow them to monitor the fetus. NASA cares about women’s welfare, and there are incredible women who help the agency to succeed in its mission," she added.

The official celebration of women’s accomplishments began in 1978 when the Sonoma County, Calif., government sponsored Women's History Week to promote the teaching of women’s history. In 1981, Congress passed a resolution making the week a national celebration, and in 1987 Congress expanded the celebration to the full month of March, making it National Women's History Month.

More information about NASA’s women’s outreach initiative is available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/women/

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