NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's College of Sciences and Mathematics will host the fifth annual Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show at noon Tuesday, April 9, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for a gallery walk poster presentation highlighting STEM research accomplishments by SFA students and faculty.

The luncheon and style show is a scholarship fundraising event benefiting students committed to the advancement of women pursuing STEM degrees at SFA.

"Women's experiences - along with men's - should inform and guide the direction of STEM innovation," said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. "We simply cannot afford to ignore or miss the perspectives of half the population in future engineering and technical design."

Former student Megan Jenkins Turner will speak during the luncheon. A recipient of the Women in STEM Scholarship in 2015, the first year funds were awarded, she is now a student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Turner will discuss her experiences as a woman in STEM, how women in these fields have had an impact on her journey in medicine, and what can be done to assist future generations of women pursuing STEM careers.

"There is strength in collaboration, community and mentorship," Turner said. "As a woman in STEM, these are just a few of the areas I have been able to excel in due to the many women who led by example in STEM professions before me."

A style show will follow the luncheon with selected men escorting female role models to highlight the importance of having men support women in STEM disciplines. Fashions are provided by The Town House and Miller's Point.

The event is presented by Lockheed Martin.

The deadline for reservations is Monday, April 8. Tickets are $40 each or $300 for a table of eight. For more information or to make a reservation, call (936) 486-2805, or email kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.