Iowa Civil Rights Director to Address Science Students

Corlis Moody speaks on Science Bound 10th anniversary

DES MOINES, Iowa - Corlis Moody, director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, will be the guest speaker at the 10th anniversary Student Banquet for Science Bound. Her address is the highlight of the April 25 event, to be held at the Embassy Suites on the River in Des Moines.

Science Bound is an innovative program created to increase involvement of underrepresented students of color in the Des Moines public schools in science and math careers. The program, run the Institute for Physical Research and Technology at Iowa State University, involves students in grades eight-12, their parents, math and science teachers, ISU professors and volunteers. Students who successfully complete the program and pursue a technical degree at ISU receive a full tuition scholarship.

Science Bound administrators are enthusiastic about hosting a speaker of Corlis Moody's stature. "Ms. Moody has achieved great success in her career. I'm sure the students and their parents will find inspiration in her presentation," said Kathy Trahanovsky, Science Bound program director.

Moody was appointed director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in December 1999. The commission investigates complaints of unfair or discriminatory practices in state programs. Prior to this appointment, Moody served as director of economic impact and diversity for the U.S. Department of Energy where she created the department's first Diversity Strategic Plan for 20,000 federal and 150,000 contractor employees. She has also been the director of work-force effectiveness and diversity at Northern States Power Co. in Minneapolis. Moody has a master's degree in public administration from Drake University.

The Science Bound banquet will be attended by students, parents, teachers and volunteers. The event is held annually to recognize Science Bound seniors. This year's banquet will give special recognition to Charles Stewart, an ISU senior majoring in agricultural biochemistry, who will become the program's first ISU graduate in May. More information about Science Bound can be found on the Web at http://www.public.iastate.edu/~iprt_info/SB/scibnd.html.

Science Bound is part of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology, a network of research and technology-transfer centers and industrial-outreach programs at ISU. More information about IPRT can be found on the Web at http://www.iprt.iastate.edu/.

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Last updated September 6, 2006 rbm