USU Physicist Joins Utah Celebration of International Day of Women & Girls in Science

Utah State University physicist Maria Rodriguez was among six Utah university scientists and industry professionals selected to share insights about their academic journeys, along with encouragement to aspiring scholars, at the Clark Planetarium’s Celebration of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 6 in Salt Lake City.

The event highlighted UNESCO’s annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which has taken place each Feb. 11 since 2015. The annual event, observed throughout the world, recognizes contributions of women in science, the importance of STEM education and efforts toward science and gender equality.

Rodriguez, associate professor in USU’s Department of Physics, joined panelists Chloe Wilson, welding lecturer in the Department of Technology Design and Technical Education at USU Blanding, along with Stephanie Miller and Breann Garcia of L3Harris, Christy Bills of the Natural History Museum of Utah, and Rachel Kingsford of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

In addition to serving on the panel, Rodriguez provided hands-on learning activities about black holes for planetarium guests of all ages.

“I was honored to take part in this celebration,” says Rodriguez, a theoretical physicist whose Gravitational Theory Research Group focuses on the intersection of black holes, gravity and the fundamental structure of spacetime. “It’s important for young people to talk with role models who can inspire and encourage them, and assure them that they belong in science and other fields that haven’t always been accessible to underrepresented groups.”

STEM outreach is a critical component of Rodriguez’s endeavors. Beyond teaching and research, the USU faculty member is actively involved in varied activities aimed at promoting academic involvement, awareness of research and study abroad opportunities, and a sense of belonging among undergraduates and graduate students, along with youngsters in the greater community.

“Many undergraduates, especially first-generation students, are unaware of the many opportunities available to them and often feel intimidated about asking for help,” Rodriguez says. “My goal is to help them get past these insecurities, including imposter syndrome, and make the most of their university experience.”

To this end, Rodriguez serves as faculty mentor to USU’s We All Matter in Physics (WaMiP) group, which welcomes both undergrads and grad students.

“We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary this year,” she says. “We meet monthly and share information about fellowships and host skills workshops. We also regularly volunteer at ArtSci’s Science Unwrapped, where we lead hands-on learning activities for all ages. We plan to expand our outreach activities this year by visiting a local elementary school.”

Rodriguez, who presented about black holes at Science Unwrapped in 2017, currently serves on the outreach program’s advisory committee. She also co-coaches a LEGO robotics team at a local middle school.

Her efforts extend beyond the Cache Valley community. Rodriguez has been active in organizing and coordinating local gatherings that connect USU and community to regional and national conferences.

In 2019, Rodriguez organized a satellite gathering at USU of the American Physical Society’s annual Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CU*iP), which featured local talks, streamed national addresses, and activities for several hundred students on the Logan campus. In 2023, she was among organizers of the Four Corners Zone APS meeting hosted by USU in Logan, for students from universities throughout Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.

For several summers, Rodriguez has helped to organize undergraduate study trips to Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics.

“These are pivotal experiences for young scholars,” she says. “These trips not only introduce students to cutting-edge research in our field but also enable them to meet other students from around the world and to experience a whole new culture.”

Rodriguez, whose research is supported by the National Science Foundation and NASA, says theoretical physics belongs beyond the walls of a lab.

“I’m passionate about science learning and communication,” she says. “I’m grateful for outreach opportunities that enable everyone to enjoy the wonders of science.”