Someday, parents whose daughters currently attend Ramona Convent School in Alhambra may be able to say, "My daughter the astrophysicist…" or "My daughter the mechanical engineer…"

Recently, nine Ramona Convent science students participated in the "Women Working on Mars" conference at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena to learn about the opportunities for women in scientific arenas.

Hosted by women scientists who are working on the Mars Exploration Rover Mission, the program offered small group discussions with individual scientists as well as a Mars lecture followed by a question and answer session.

Questions ranged from the type of education needed to pursue a career in astrophysics or mechanical engineering to the challenges the women scientists have encountered while working in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Part of the team who designed, tested, and built the Mars Rovers, the women scientists enthusiastically talked about the exciting work they are doing. They encouraged the young women to pursue a career in science and told them that in addition to higher education they must also actively seek opportunities to get involved in hands-on science programs.

Attending the conference were Juniors Natalie Acevedo, Stephanie Angkadjaja, Yesenia Galvan, Celina Lemon, Nelly Montanez, Carmen Ramos, and Melissa Vasquez, along with 8th graders Lisa del Castillo and Lilia Kott.