Incentive lacking for math, science

I was disturbed to read Andy Reese's diatribe that the decline in math and science graduates is a result of religious belief ("Pupils devolving in math, science," Aug. 30).

America usually does lead the world in the number of graduates with higher degrees in math and science. However, there has always been a wax and wane in graduates in the various science disciplines and mathematics. A glut in biological scientists has created an incredible competition for jobs and grants at the present time. Many qualified Ph.D.s are pursuing three or four post-doctorates because of a lack of alternatives, although there is a growing demand in the private biotechnology sector.

I believe the decline is a result of lack of incentive. The average mathematician, physicist and biological scientist make less than $80,000 dollars a year (the average mathematician makes about $48,000), whereas virtually any of the medical disciplines are in the six-figure range.

Numerous professional athletes are making ludicrous salaries in the millions. There are incredible incentives at the high-school and college levels to pique students' interest in sports, but there is little incentive to pursue math, physics and biology (except for the honor of being called a "geek").

It is a shame that America's brightest see no future in pursuing their talents in math, physics and biology, but they are bright enough to see the writing on the wall and pursue more lucrative careers.

Art Beall, Evans