The second session for the iFocus Science Program in Murdock 105 on March 5 detailed the reasons behind founding iFocus and the 3-year history of the program.

Businesses in America that report having difficulty filling skilled jobs in math and science fields increased from 14 percent in 2010 to 40 percent in 2015, according to Linfield biology professor Anne Kruchten.

“Nationally there is a demand for scientifically-trained citizens across all jobs,” Kruchten said.

During the 2013-2014 academic year, 27 percent of Linfield students declared majors in math and science fields. That same year, only 14 percent of Linfield’s graduates left with degrees in those fields.

The iFocus program aims to increase student retention in STEM fields and improve their chances in those careers.

IFocus especially seeks to draw women and underrepresented minorities into succeeding in math and science.

“It’s a really silly thing for the U.S to trail across the world in science and math education,” Kruchten said.

The next talk for the iFocus series will be on March 12 at 4 p.m.  in Murdock 105.