Michele T. McMullen and Lynn GeorgeMichele T. McMullen, MS, MA, RDN, LN

University Lecturer, CHPS

Lynn George, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, CHPS

For Michele McMullen and Lynn George, dedication to the future of young female professionals meant re-engineering an event which brings hundreds of youngsters and science-savvy adults together onto the MSUB campus from across the region each year. This was no small feat, but the two women led the charge with smiles on their faces and “can-do” attitudes.

Girls-n-Science is an annual one-day science extravaganza introducing young girls to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through interactive activities. McMullen and George served as steering committee co-chairs, dedicating their time and efforts to organizing, planning, and executing the successful event, which attracted over 350 children last year.

Coordinating this event takes “a tremendous amount of work,” said their nominator. “[They] volunteered well over 100 hours of time to ensure that the girls would have a quality experience.” This involved devising new activities, including tours of the science building laboratories, and the inaugural “Taste of STEM” dinner, which allows girls to engage directly with women panelists who have accomplished great things in STEM fields.

Beyond Girls-n-Science, McMullen is involved in the Science Department’s Science Expo, Star Parties, and Atomic Circus. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, McMullen has served as a MUS Wellness Champion, presented at MSUB Women’s Faculty Caucus Scholarship Showcase and collaborated on the MSUB Library Lecture “Culinary Chemistry & Campus Cookoff.” As a Faculty Excellence awardee, she mentors newer faculty members, helping them navigate classroom challenges and celebrate successes.

In addition to her contributions to Girls-n-Science, George has mentored 11 young women in neuroscience research since establishing her lab at MSUB in 2014. Many of the female students who studied in her lab have enrolled in medical programs, graduate studies, and obtained research technology positions. George has also served on the University Creativity and Research Endeavors (CARE) Grant Committee, as a table host for the Billings Public Library’s “Food for Thought” fundraising event, and as an ad hoc reviewer for the journal Nature Neuroscience.

For these women, the future of STEM is bright within the minds of young female professionals. They are clearly deserving of the Dr. Tasneem Khaleel Award for Mentoring Young Professional Women, as they strive to serve as role models to our youth and empower them to explore the valuable opportunities STEM fields have to offer.