Despite comprising nearly half of the U.S. workforce, women hold less than 25 percent of jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Delmar T. Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge has partnered with the Bonita J. Campbell Endowment for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) to bring awareness to potentials for women in these often male-dominated careers.

Scientists, engineers, and educators will meet with students and faculty to share valuable insights at the “STEM: Education Challenges and Career Opportunities” networking mixer held at the Orange Grove Bistro, located on the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St., on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pi Day, annually observed on March 14, endeavors to make mathematics fun and interesting. The pre-Pi day event seeks to foster improved knowledge and a greater appreciation for mathematics ubiquity.

“We hope this will be a great experience for people,” said WISE chair and CSUN alumna Jennifer Coronado. “It is our chance to show how we are surrounded by math every day without even knowing it.”

Decimally represented as 3.1415, this year’s pi celebration is truly statistically significant.

In 2009, professor emeritus Bonita J. Campbell of CSUN’s Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management established the Bonita J. Campbell Endowment for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) to “facilitate both the participation of women in science and engineering, particularly those fields in which they are insufficiently represented, and the development and preservation of knowledge about women in the science and engineering disciplines.”

The event is free of charge and open to the public. Free parking available in lot G1 east of the Orange Grove Bistro. Guests must be 18 years and over to attend. Reservations are required. To make reservations please call (818) 677-2638 or email jdunham@csun.edu.

The Oviatt Library serves as the main research facility in the San Fernando Valley. Information about all library events can be found at the library’s website http://library.csun.edu/blogs/goingson or by calling (818) 677-2638.