by Dan Perkins

Source:  U.S. Newswire

Studies have shown that young women in America are not as likely to pursue careers in math and the sciences as their male counterparts.  One company, L'Oreal USA - a leading manufacturer of women's beauty products - is trying to alter those findings by encouraging college-age women to pursue careers in the sciences.

In March of 2003, L’Oréal USA launched a fellowship program to recognize promising young women involved in the sciences.   The fellowship program is part of the L’Oréal Group’s global efforts to encourage more women to make science a career choice.  The L'Oreal Group is the parent organization of L'Oreal USA.

Each year, L'Oreal USA's fellowship program identifies five leading women engaged in scientific research.  The honorees are selected by a jury of scientists, and this year's jurors included Dr. Joan Steitz, a Yale Sterling Professor; Dr. Johanna Levelt Sengers, Scientist Emeritus at the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and Dr. Thressa Campbell Stadtman an honored member of the National Institute of Health.

Each of the five honorees receives a $20,000 grant to be applied toward their continued studies and research projects.  This year's fellows were young women who attend four of the nation's most prestigious academic institutions, including Harvard, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California in San Francisco.

2004 Honorees of the L'Oreal USA Fellowship Program Kelly M. George Organic Chemistry University of Pennsylvania Karen Menuz Neuroscience University of California in San Francisco Amy Prieto Chemistry & Chemical Biology Harvard Christine Pardis Sabeti Genetics and Infectious Disease MIT Sheila Tandon Electrical Engineering and Computer Science MIT

“We are all immensely proud of these young women and very pleased to support their passion for and dedication to science,” said Jean-Paul Agon, President and CEO of L’Oreal USA, “Today’s Fellows represent the changing face of science and in recognizing them, L’Oréal USA is honoring its tradition of commitment, support and encouragement for women in science and for excellence in scientific research.”

Dr. Mae Jemison was the keynote speaker at this year's award luncheon, which was held at the New York Academy of Sciences on May 5th.  Dr. Jemison, a scientist, journeyed into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992 and became the first woman of color to enter space.  Since that historic journey, Dr. Jemison has devoted herself to promoting science education and the intellectual development of young people around the world. “I had to learn very early not to limit myself due to others' limited imagination,” said Dr. Jemison.  “I have learned these days, never to limit anyone else due to my own limited imagination.”

Breaking limits often requires assistance from others, and programs such as L'Oreal USA's are helping to expand the realm of possibilities for women.

Applications for the 2005 Fellowship Awards will be posted on the L’Oréal USA company website at the beginning of August.

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More About L’Oréal USA L’Oréal USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the L’Oréal Group, is headquartered in New York City.  The company has nine manufacturing plants, ten distribution centers and two research and development facilities across the United States, and employs more than 8,000 people, 330 in R&D, and produces nearly 1 billion units each year. Ninety-five percent of all products sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S.