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Aquarium hosting symposium of female shark scientists

BOSTON — Girls interested in marine science will get a chance to hear from women making waves in the field this month at the New England Aquarium.

The aquarium and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will host the symposium featuring 10 female shark experts from around the world who will present ideas and research on various shark topics to the general public and a group of 150 high school and college-aged women.

Titled ‘Shark Tales: Women Making Waves,’ the symposium is organized by the Gills Club, an education initiative of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy based around getting girls involved in science.

MORE: 'Gills Club' getting girls into science through shark research

On Sept. 19 and 20, the female scientists will give presentations and each night will feature a keynote presentation. Sept. 20 will feature a speech by National Geographic Editor Susan Goldberg, which world renowned shark advocate Wendy Benchley will speak Sept. 19.

The group of high-level scientists scheduled to present at the symposium events include: Dr. Michelle Heupel of the Australian Institute of Marine Science; Dr. Alison Kock of South African National Parks; Vicky Vasquez of Pacific Shark Research Center; Dr. Brooke Flammang of New Jersey Institute of Technology; Dr. Kara Yopak of University of North Carolina Wilmington; Megan Winton of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; Dr. Lisa Whitenack of Allegheny College; Dr. Cindy Tribuzio of National Marine Fisheries Service; Dr. Jodie Rummer of James Cook University; and Dr. Lisa Natanson of Apex Predator Program.

The lectures begin at 6 p.m. and all are welcome. Registration is recommended via RSVP at www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/events.

More information is available by emailing: gillsclub@atlanticwhiteshark.org.