[This paragraph will be part of a larger introduction which Pam Davis is writing to introduce the poster project; this paragraph is meant to detail the raison d'etre for the web-based study guide.]

This study guide serves three purposes. Firstly, it provides concrete and worthwhile mathematical exercises and exposition, meant to deepen students' understanding of the theory behind the posters, and whets their appetite for more advanced study. Secondly, the guide's biographies provide a glimpse into the lives of women currently working in scientific fields. The idea is to make students more aware of the historical contribution these women have made to science, and to provide some details of their lives outside of their scientific careers. Finally, the study guide has many links to the wider scientific and mathematical resources on the web.