UMSL biologist Zuleyma Tang-Martinez will discuss "Women and Science: Shifting Paradigms" March 19 at the Saint Louis Zoo. (Photo by August Jennewein)

At one time, most practitioners of animal behavior in the U.S. were men, and existing paradigms reflected primarily a male perspective. That changed in the 1970s. The numbers and prominence of women studying animal behavior significantly increased, which led to a re-evaluation of existing assumptions and a reinterpretation of behavior from a more female-centered perspective.

Today, the numbers of men and women in the field are nearly equal, contributions of women are widely accepted and many men have also began working within new paradigms. Zuleyma Tang-Martinez, Founders Professor of Biology at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, will discuss “Women and Science: Shifting Paradigms” at 7:30 p.m. March 19 in the Living World Building at the Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive in Forest Park. She will use case histories to illustrate the factors and dynamics that influenced these shifting paradigms of women and science.

Tang-Martinez’s research focuses on the social behavior of animals and vertebrate social behavior. During her career, she has received UMSL’s Trailblazer Award for Outstanding Women and the Animal Behavior Society’s Exeptional Service Award for serving as fellow and president. Last year, Hispanic Business Magazine named Tang-Martinez one of the 100 most influential Hispanics.

Click here to read a St. Louis Beacon article about Tang-Martinez.

The Gender Studies program at UMSL will present this Women’s History Month event. The lecture is free and open to the public. Call 314-516-5581 to reserve a seat.