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European Research and Education ProgramsWhat's in them for you? For more information on EU-US grant programs click here _________________________ She Figures 2009
 For a quick preview of major findings and trends
click here
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Greetings!
The International Women Scientist Since the formation of the Sigma Delta Epsilon Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) International Relations Committee (IRC), our interest in promoting our mission of advancing the participation and recognition of women in science and to foster research through grants, awards, and fellowships has extended beyond our chapters in the US. Hence, you will see more GWIS news relating to international woman in science in the coming months and years. The five members of the IRC, led by Dr. H. H. Natsuyama, constitute of US researchers who are affiliated with different countries of origin-including Japan, India, and Sri Lanka. GWIS is in a unique place in its history, with the potential to extend the positive aspects of our organization to other international women scientists and to developing international chapters. In the December 2010 GWIS E-news issue, the IRC reported on Dr. Natsuyama's reach out efforts to Japanese women who have limited career development opportunities at the Kyoto University. In January, with the objective of expanding Japanese science and technology research and greater involvement of women in science,1 the Japanese government under Prime Minister Naoto Kan has submitted a $1.1 trillion budget to go before the legislature for approval. This is certainly encouraging because the main research grants program has been allocated a 32% increase to $3.2 billion and the Young/Women Scientist Aid with a 5.4% increase to $414 million. This will expand existing programs and add new ones to foster the career development of younger researchers and ease the return of women in the research workforce after maternity leave. This news highlights the need for and importance of the current GWIS efforts on international outreach. In most EU countries, gender differences stand out more in the field of science and engineering3. Out of the 27 countries in EU, there are only three countries where female scientists and engineers were at 50% or more: Latvia (50%), Lithuania (53%) and Poland (54%). On average 32% of scientists and engineers were women in EU-27 but wide variations were noted between countries. On average, across the EU-27, the research labor force was represented by 9% men compared to 5% that were women. Turkey stands out as the only country where more women are actively engaged in research compared to men. In Turkey, women tend to outnumber men in the researchers aged under 35, while men over 55 outnumber the women researchers. The recent realization that research in Europe2 suffered from three weaknesses: insufficient funding, lack of an environment to stimulate research and exploit results, the fragmented nature of activities and dispersal of resources has resulted in new and innovative programs such as the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). If you are interested in studying abroad and developing new collaborations, I recommend that you visit their website at http://ec.europa.edu/research/fp7/home_en.html. This resource is only one of many available to do research abroad through the European Union (EU). The EURAXESS Jobs Portal at http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/job or newsletter "Europe4Researchers": http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/general/newsletter are some of the other available resources. The jobs portal is a one-stop shop for researchers seeking to advance their careers and personal development by moving to other countries. In addition, I encourage you to look in to the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) and their International Initiatives that increase and promote the role of women in Science, Technology and Engineering as well as their travel grant program. As evidenced by our expanding membership, GWIS as an organization has made a valuable contribution to facilitate the scientific careers of women in the US. And as we expand our mission to the international arena, I hope you will join me in contributing your efforts through the involvement in the future programs of developing an International Chapter and expanding GWIS chapters and activities in member countries. Watch for continual updates on our GWIS international activities. And if any of the membership has a story to tell regarding international research, let us know and we will share it and feature you in the GWIS News. We remain united in friendship through science,
Dee McManus
National GWIS Executive Director
1. Normile D. 2011. Japan Boosts Competitive Grants at Expense of Big Science.Science 331:132-133. 2. European Union. 2008. European Research and Education Programs-What's in them for you? Pp. 64. 3. European Commission. 2009. She Figures. Statistics and Indicators on Gender Equality in Science, European Commission, Office SDME 07/88, B-1049 Brussels. PP. 160.
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| National GWIS News
National Activities
Grand Chapter Meeting
By Chapter Establishment Committee Chair, Dr. Kathy Grako (Tau)
The National Grand Chapter meeting that occurred on January 9 was the second Grand Chapter meeting to be conducted by telephone conference, which is very exciting as this allows for maximum participation by all GWIS chapters. Prior to this, the only Grand Chapter meetings to be held were at the annual GWIS National meeting held each June at different sites around the country, which often meant that there were not as many chapters present as we would like to see participate. The telephone conferences allow every chapter the ability to participate; and, in fact at the first telephone conference Grand Chapter meeting held last year received 100% representation from all GWIS chapters, a first for our organization.
At this recent meeting the National Bylaws were voted on and approved with the following key revisions:
1) Article II, Section 3. Changed the terminology of "Full" member to "Regular" upon the request of the membership secretary - this is current terminology employed by the Organization.
2) National Council approved the creation of the transitional member category to include members that may be between jobs, unemployed, making the transition from grad student to post-doc, etc.
3) National Council approved the status of undergraduates as National affiliates at the June National meeting.
4) Article III, Section 4 - National Council approved the deletion of the Immediate Past Secretary and Past Treasurer from Grand Chapter.
5) Article IX, Section 5 - National Council approved the deletion of the Financial Oversight Committee to merge with the duties into the Finance Committee.
Our bylaws had not been revised since 1981 and it was wonderful to see that they passed unanimously. If you would like to read them in their entirety they should be on the National website soon.
The other item passed at this meeting was an increase in dues for next year (June 2011). You may have all noticed that GWIS has introduced the ability to pay your dues online. This is a very useful tool to those of us already used to paying other organization dues online. Because of the cost involved with the process there was a $3 service charge being charged to those paying online. It was felt that it was better to raise our dues to cover the extra cost rather than having a separate fee attached -- only regular, life, and graduate student members fees are raised while Emeritus, Affiliates and Honorary members have no increase. The other important change was to add in the transitional member category for our members in transition --those without a job or making a career change and not having the ability to pay the full regular dues. We know that there are many of our membership who find themselves without a paycheck and yet would still like to be a member of GWIS.
Here are this year's dues and the new ones going into effect with the new dues year of June 2011.
2009-2010 SDE/GWIS National Proposed 2011-2012 SDE/GWIS Membership Dues Structure National Membership Dues Structure
Full Members $60 Regular Member$65 Transitional Members $45
National Life Members $600 National Life Members $650
Graduate Student Members $25 Graduate Student Members $30
Emeritus Members $25 Emeritus Members $25
National Affiliates $10 National Affiliates $10
National Honorary Members $0 National Honorary Members $0
National has pledged to work with each local chapter to help when needed to ensure that all members are able to continue their membership.
Nominations Committee Announcement
By Nominations Committee Chair, Michelle Carter, and members Melissa Wilson Sayres, and Alexis Rudd
The Nominating Committee of Graduate Women in Science invites all members to participate in nominating candidates for elective offices. This may be done individually or collectively through the chapter in which you hold membership. Do not overlook nominating yourself. The Nominating Committee is interested in receiving the names of everyone who is interested in serving in a national office. A Nomination form outline follows this Call for Nominations. Please share this information with other members you know who may not be receiving this newsletter. The list of candidates, along with brief biographies and photos, will be included in the Bulletin and in the April e-newsletter. Nominees for national office and for elected national committees will be selected from a slate of members who have expressed an interest in furthering the objectives of GWIS and who wish to help strengthen the operation of the organization. To be included on the ballot, completed nomination forms must be received by the Nominating Committee no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, March 14, 2011.
Please return completed nomination forms to the Nominating Committee: Chair, Michelle Carter (carte008@umn.edu), Melissa Wilson Sayres (mwilsonsayres@gmail.com), and Alexis Rudd (abrudd@gmail.com). Forms may also be mailed to Michelle Carter, 401 Elm St, Farmington MN 55024.
Nominees are needed for the following National Offices:
President-Elect: Serves one year and automatically advances to President
Vice-President: Serves one year and advances by election to President-Elect
Member of the Board of Directors: Serves a 5 year term with fifth year as Chair; is usually a past National GWIS Officer
Membership Secretary: Serves a two year term
Treasurer: Serves a one year term
Member of the Omega Chapter Committee: Serves a three year term with third year as Chair
Member of the Nominating Committee: Serves a three year term with third year as Chair
Nominees must be in good standing with dues paid, and must subscribe to the objectives of the Organization. Thank you for helping to create a stronger National organization of Graduate Women in Science.
The nominations form should include the following information:
Name of Office or Committee:
Name of Candidate:
Address:
Chapter:
Field of Science:
Present Position (title and employer):
Past Positions:
Experience in GWIS:
Chapter Offices:
Chapter Committees:
National Offices:
National Committees:
Attendance at National Meetings (where and when):
Special Qualifications for Office/Committee:
Administrative Ability:
Interest and Enthusiasm:
Responsibility:
Other:
Note: For Chapter nomination, this form should be completed by an officer of the Chapter.
Nominated by (individual name or chapter officer):
Chapter:
Address:
New GWIS Baby
Melissa A. Wilson Sayres (Nu Chapter) and Scott Sayres (Nu Chapter) welcomed their baby daughter, Claire who joined them at 2:47am on December 22nd. She was 8lb 12oz and 22inches at birth. Please join us in congratulating the parents and welcoming Claire!
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Chapter News
Psi Chapter - Pullman, WA
Professional Empowerment and Skills Training for Graduate Students
The GWIS Psi Chapter together with the Transformational Leadership and Training implemented four half day workshops in January. They were aimed at eliminating gender bias barriers that hamper the progress of women in the science and to help women move up the career ladder and become leaders in their research, teaching and administrative roles.
Their work shop goals include:
- enhancing graduate students' communication and negotiation skills
- gaining effective leadership techniques
- providing strategies to improve the academic climate for underrepresented groups
The workshops were funded by Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), Washington State Universiy Graduate School & Office of Research, the President's Commission on the Status of Women, and the Transformational Leadership and Training (TiLT) group.
Rho Tau Chapter - Research Triangle, NC
By Elaina Charlotte Howard (Rho Tau Chapter)
Successful First Career Workshop!
The Rho Tau Chapter of GWIS proudly presented its first Career Workshop on January 20, 2011. The event was held at the NC State Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) in Raleigh, NC and featured presentations by representatives from Carlyle & Conlan and Kelly Scientific. Anastasia Pucci, a senior partner at Carlyle & Conlan, gave a presentation entitled "Navigating Towards your Next Opportunity", and Angela Barbry Stewart, District Manager at Kelly Scientific Resources, gave a presentation entitled "Elements of a Modern Job Application". After the presentations, there were break-out sessions for event participants to meet one-on-one with Research Triangle Park area human resource experts from Carlyle & Conlan, Kelly Scientific, and Manpower Professional to review the participants' resumes. In addition, representatives from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Kelly Scientific, and Manpower were available to meet with the participants at booths during a networking coffee break.
The Rho Tau Chapter hopes to make this workshop an annual event in collaboration with the BTEC and thanks the members, sponsors, and officers for their help with this event.
 
 
Top: Dr. Kelly Mercier (left) giving the opening remarks and Anastasia Pucci (right) giving her presentation; Middle: Angela Barbry Stewart giving her presentation; Bottom: The booths at the event, both with Angela Barbry Stewart speaking to the participants
Tau Chapter - San Diego, CA
Discover Your Hidden Priorities
Kathryn Bowie, certified life coach spoke to the Tau chapter members about releasing stress and chaos in their lives and balance priorities in order to cultivate a more full filling and joyous life. Members joined for snacks and refreshments at the social hour prior to the event at the Hahn University Center at the University of San Diego on the 11th of January 2011.
 
Kathryn Bowie speaking to the San Diego Chapter members on work life balance
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Past Fellowship Winners - Where are they now? By Melissa A. Wilson Sayers (Nu Chapter) Dr. Dena Vallano, GWIS Nell I. Mondy Fellowship Winner 
Dr. Dena Vallano
Nell I. Mondy Fellowship Winner (2008)
Postdoctoral Scholar
University of California Santa Cruz
Dr. Dena Vallano graduated with a PhD in Ecology from Cornell University, in Ithaca NY, supported by the Nell I. Mondy Fellowship from GWIS. Her research interests focus on the biogeochemistry and ecology of ecosystems in response to human impacts. Within that context, Dr. Vallano is acutely interested in understanding the impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) pollution on the physiology and biogeochemistry of vegetation. She hopes to direct her work to inform modeling efforts aimed at quantifying plant and ecosystem function over large spatial scales and in response to recent human-induced changes in the global N cycle. Dr. Vallano asserts that it will be critical to guiding future management and policy decisions related to climate change to better understand these responses, and their potential feedbacks. She has just recently begun a postdoctoral fellowship to address these research topics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to being one of the 2008 GWIS fellowship winners, Dr. Vallano was awarded the 2009 Honorable Mention for the Billings Award in the Physiological Ecology Section of the Ecological Society of America, the 2007 Ecological Society of America Graduate Student Policy Award, and the 2006-07 National Science Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) Fellowship in Biogeochemistry and Environmental Biocomplexity. |
National News
Tomorrow's Professor - A Desk Top Faculty Development One Hundred Times a Year
Dr. Rick Reis at Stanford University maintains and generates an electronic news letter that with the objective of bringing the latest research and news related to academia and faculty development. To subscribe to the news letter please follow the below link: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/tomorrows-professor
Tomorrow's professor mailing list resources and links can be accessed at: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/CTL/Tomprof/links.html
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Book Review
By Stacy Erickson (UCSD Biology Graduate Student)
Every Other Thursday: Stories and Strategies from Successful Women Scientists - Written by Ellen Daniell
 For over two decades, author Ellen Daniell, a former scientist, has been meeting with a small group of women who refer to themselves as 'Group'. Several members have won prestigious awards such as election to the National Academy of Sciences and the MacArthur Genius Award. Many of the women began their careers in the 1970's, when they were the only females in their department. After realizing the need for a support network, Group was started with the foundation based on Radical Psychiatry, which focuses on problem solving in a confidential and supportive environment. Over the years, Group worked on many issues relevant to working scientists including time management, leadership, science communication, and institutional politics. Unlike most professional groups, Daniell and her colleagues dealt not only with the problems, but also with the emotions they experienced in confronting and working through these challenges.
Despite the difficult obstacles these wildly-successful women faced, the stories about how Group helped them survive are truly inspiring. As a young female scientist, it is comforting to hear that these women had self-doubts and felt the need to please others, yet did not have to suppress all emotions in order to be successful. Through Group they empowered each other, took ownership of their successes, and recognized their unique strengths and contributions to the scientific community. I would recommend that any woman and man facing a stressful career path, especially those feeling isolated and in need of support, read the advice described in this book on how to start your own group.
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Useful Websites for Funding, Job Opportunities and Career Development
Advice on Applying for an Academic Position
Dr. Eliza Woolf gives advice on applying for an academic position in her posting on October 13th 2010 on the Inside Higher Ed website. Her ten point advice can be found at: http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/on_the_fence/woolf7
Women and Underrepresented Groups Links
Northeastern University Page
Preparing for a Dual Career
The Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at the Carlleton College - This is a great collection of case studies of dual career couples in geoscience as well as other disciplines on the SERC website. This collection illustrates a number of different solutions to the "two-body" problem, based on a variety of job search strategies. The web page also includes a number of other resources for dual career couples.
Job Search and Career Links
Northeastern University Page
American Association for the Advancement of Science Page - Membership to this site is free but you have to input your information and establish a web account.
Post Doctoral Fellowships in the Biological Sciences - This page, sponsored by the University of California, Berkeley, provides information on some fellowships for postdoctoral researchers in the biological sciences.
Scientific Grants and Funding Links
American Association for the Advancement of Science Page - Membership to this site is free but you have to input your information and establish a web account. And you can opt to receive a weekly e-mail for grant deadlines.
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