AWIS
____________________________________________________________________
ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Washington Wire
January 2008
Issue II
Greetings!
 
I hope you'll join us in Boston at the AAAS Annual Meeting. If you plan to attend the conference, we invite you to participate in the AWIS Networking Breakfast and Panel Discussion, The Road Less Traveled: Science Careers Off of the Beaten Path, with keynote speaker Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff.  The event will take place on Monday, February 18th in the Republic Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel Boston from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. 
 
For more information and to register, please visit
https://secure.serve.com/awis/stlregistration.html.
 

I look forward to seeing you in Boston!

Janet Bandows Koster
Executive Director
In This Issue
Education
Government
Science and Health
International
Careers
National and Chapter Announcements
Opportunities
Featured Jobs
Education
New Publication on U.S. Doctoral Education

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recently released a new book "The Formation of Scholars: Rethinking Doctoral Education for the Twenty-First Century," which explores the current state of doctoral education in the U.S. and offers a plan for increasing the effectiveness of doctoral education.

Visit the website to view the full abstract or obtain your copy.


35th Anniversary of Title IX

The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education released a new report Title IX at 35: Beyond the Headlines. Over a dozen organizations concerned about equity in education, including AWIS, contributed to the formulation of the report, which explores how Title IX has affected athletics in schools; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; career and technical education; employment in educational institutions; sexual harassment of students; and single-sex education.  The report also lists recommendations on how to reach equity in education.

Click here to view the executive summary of the report.

Listening to Your Kids Can Help Them Learn Better

A recent study released in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, revealed that listening to kids explain their reasoning to problems, rather than providing them with the answers, actually helps them learn more. The researchers found that children can benefit from explaining a solution to a problem at an earlier age than previously thought.  Explaining an answer to their moms, in particular, helped the children apply what they already knew to solve more difficult problems.

Listening to Junior
Government
Science and Engineering Indicators 2008

Can the U.S. remain the global leader in science and technology, as other nations, particularly Asia, are making fast advances in these areas?  In a recent report from the National Science Board, Science and Engineering Indicators 2008, analysis of science and technology education around the world reveals that the U.S. lags behind some of its international counterparts.  Recommendations in the report include increasing finance for basic research and improving "intellectual interchange" between researchers in academia and industry. The board also calls for better efforts to track the globalization of high-tech manufacturing and services and their implications for the American economy.

Download your copy here.


After the Super Bowl, There's the Science Bowl

The U.S. Department of Energy recently kicked off its' 18th National Science Bowl! This Jeopardy-like competition will test the knowledge of thousands of America's best and brightest students from across the country through a series of science and math quizzes. This unique opportunity is the only academic event of its kind that is sponsored by a federal agency. It is also a big step towards encouraging our nation's students to become a part of the next generation of scientific innovators.

Get Ready for the Biggest Bowl Yet

Science and Health

The Bionic Eye is Here

Engineers at the University of Washington have developed the first flexible and biologically safe contact lens with an imprinted electronic circuit and lights. The lens was not designed to correct vision, although it could be used on corrective lenses, but the basic technology of the lens may be used to develop future like-devices that have more practical uses, including lenses for virtual displays or even wireless communication.

Superhuman Vision


Osteoporosis Drugs May Increase Risk of Bone Necrosis

A recent study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, revealed that a popular class of drugs, bisphosphonates, which are used by millions of women worldwide to help prevent bone fractures due to osteoporosis, actually increased the risk of developing a condition known as bone necrosis. The study follows a recent FDA alert, which warns that bisphosponates can cause permanent loss of blood supply to the bones, which can lead to severe pain, immobility, and potentially disfigurement due to bone collapse.

ALERT: Bisphosphonates May Not Be Helping Your Bones


Feeding Your Body "Good Bacteria"

A recent study in the journal Molecular Systems Biology showed that probiotics, which contain "friendly" bacteria, as do some yogurt drinks, have a tangible effect on metabolism and may amplify the activity of bacteria already in the gut. The researchers also found that probiotics may even influence how much fat the body is able to absorb.

Probiotics and Metabolism

 
Studies Warn Caffeine May Increase Risk of Miscarriage

A recent study released in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed just how much caffeine is too much for pregnant women. The results of the study showed that women who consumed 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day (i.e. about two 8 oz. cups of coffee) had an increased risk for miscarriage compared to women who consumed no caffeine.

Craving That Extra Cup of Joe?

International

Science Stalls in East Africa due to Conflicts in Kenya

The violence in Kenya that resulted after the December elections in 2007 has disrupted several scientific projects in the country and the East African region. While some scientists, who worked and lived in the affected areas, have been displaced, field research projects undertaken by the universities in the region have remained unscathed thus far. However, professors worry that efforts to fund future projects have been thrown into turmoil due to the conflicts.

Science in Kenya


Global 'Drug Drought' in Maternal Health

The international drug market has been failing pregnant women around the world, as indicated in a recent study in PLoS Medicine. The authors of the study concluded that compared to other areas of health, insufficient investments from the global community have been made in maternal health. Possible reasons for the market failure in obstetrics included risk aversion, the cost of reproductive toxicology studies, the small market size, and a weak regulatory system, which encourages endemic off-label use. The authors highly recommended improving access to obstetric services, investing in drugs for postpartum haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia, among other strategies, in order to reduce death rates in pregnancy and improve our chances of achieving a key Millennium Development Goal.

Global Maternal Health


Future of EU Science Research "Depressing"

That's how the Director of the British Computer Society views it. Turns out, the U.S. is not the only nation experiencing a lack of women in the science professions. The European Commission has accepted to fund several projects that will explore gender equity in the sciences, including identification of best practices used in Europe and in countries such as the U.S., Australia and Canada that have promoted the presence of women in public scientific research institutions.

Exploring the Pipeline Abroad

 
India Boosts Investments in Science Education

During the opening of the 95th Indian Science congress, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiled a major funding proposal that will give science education and research in India a 'quantum jump' over the next five years.  Several schemes were included in the agenda, including funding for the development of 30 new Central Universities, five new Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, eight new Indian Institutes of Technology, and 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology. One million schoolchildren will also receive science innovation scholarships of 5,000 rupees (US$130) each over the next five years, and 10,000 scholarships of 100,000 rupees per year will go to those enrolling on science degree courses.

Endorsing a New Wave of Science Innovators

Careers

On 'On-Ramping,' For Men?

Do men have it just as hard as women when it comes to getting back on the career track? Recent trends show that more men are taking time off to stay at home for various reasons; some, similarly as some women, for caregiving purposes; however, their transition back to work can be just as difficult as it is for women, for different reasons of course. Business enterprises are among the few workplaces that are offering "off/on-ramping" programs to facilitate their employees' transition out of or back to work. While such programs have shown great success, particularly in attracting and retaining women in business, not much attention has been given to men who "off-ramp." Good news is some businesses are slowly beginning to introduce co-ed on-ramping programs. 

Getting Men Back on Track


From Scientist to Business Entrepreneur

In 2006, Anousheh Ansari became the first female private space explorer and the first astronaut of Iranian descent to go into space. To encourage the advancements in space exploration, Anousheh and her family provided sponsorship for the Ansari X Prize competition, which awarded $10 million to the first successful private flight into space. Anousheh is currently the co-founder and CEO of Prodea Systems, a technology company that aims to make digital technology more accessible and easier to use for the everyday consumer.

Click here to read more about Anousheh's success. 
National and Chapter Announcements


2008 AWIS Annual Events

Join us for the following two events, which will be held in conjunction with the AWIS Winter Board Meeting and AAAS Conference in Boston, Massachusetts from February 15-18, 2008. Both events are open to all attendees of the AAAS annual meeting and the public.

AWIS Fellows Reception

Date:          February 17, 2008
Time:
         5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location:
   Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel


Please RSVP to awis@awis.org, gibson@awis.org or call 202-326-8940.

Click here for more information.

AWIS Networking Breakfast and Panel Discussion
The Road Less Traveled: Science Careers Off of the
Beaten Path

Date:          February 18, 2008
Time:          7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location:    Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel Boston
Cost:          $ 35.00        Non-AWIS Member
                   $ 30.00        AWIS Member
                   $ 15.00        Students

To pre-register for the event, please fill out the form or contact Meredith Gibson at gibson@awis.org by Monday, February 11, 2008.

For more information, visit the website.


San Francisco AWIS Chapter

Date:           February 13, 2008
Time:
         
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location:
   
Genentech Inc, Bldg 83 Rm 1A, 611 Gateway Blvd,                      South San Francisco
Event:          "Hidden and not so Hidden Biases in Clinical                                  Research," by Lisa A. Bero
Cost:             $10 general admission
                      $5 members/students/postdocs

All scientist, students, and friends are welcome.
Register by Sunday, Feb 10th at Acteva
Driving, Public Transport& General Directions to Genentech
For additional information check http://www.sfawis.com/
                    

DC AWIS Chapter Symposium

Date:           March 29, 2008
Time:
         
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location:
   
Conference Center, NSF
Event:         "Managing Your Career in Science"
                     at Capital Science 2008
 
Click here to register or visit the website for more information on Capital Science 2008. If you or someone you know has ever worked with a career coach, please contact Jennifer (jhobin@gmail.com) by Friday January 18, 2008 for the opportunity to participate as a panelist in this symposium.


Bethesda AWIS Chapter

2008 AWIS Annual Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Who Can Be Nominated: Any man or woman who has made significant contributions to mentoring scientists.  A mentor can be an adviser, a teacher, a role model, or a friend. A good mentor helps young scientists to develop personally and professionally. The person nominated need not be a member of AWIS, but cannot be a member of the AWIS Bethesda Board or leadership.  

How to Nominate: Any member of the Bethesda Chapter of AWIS or National AWIS can nominate a candidate.  Please submit one succinct and persuasive paragraph (max. 250 words) that outlines the candidate's position and contributions to mentoring.  Nominators should include their own name, address, and email address as well as those of the nominee; this information will not be made public.

Deadline for Receipt of Nominations:  February 8, 2008  

Send Nominations to: Crina Frincu-Mallos, crina.mallos@gmail.com

 
Opportunities

Women in Biomedical Research: Best Practices for Sustaining Career Success

The NIH Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers, which is co-chaired by Dr. Elias Zerhouni, NIH Director, and Dr. Vivian W. Pinn, NIH Associate Director for Research on Women's Health, will host a workshop that will highlight organizations and best practices that are successfully addressing the major barriers in the career development of women.  

Date:         March 4, 2008
Time:         8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location:   Natcher Conference Center, NIH, Bethesda MD

Click here to register.


AIMBE 2008 Annual Event

On February 20-22, 2008, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) annual event will bring together scientists, engineers, university professors, and other leaders in global health or engineering to discuss how medical and biological engineering is contributing to the improvements in health care around the world. The three-day event includes a series of activities and plenary sessions, including a discussion on global health in the 21st century with Roger I. Glass, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director for International Research and Director at the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health.

To learn more, and to register, visit the website.

Visiting Scholar's Programs at UC Berkeley

The Beatrice Bain Research Group, a center for research on gender and women at the University of California, Berkeley, is now accepting applications for two visiting scholar's programs:

* THE BBRG SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Open to faculty (tenured and untenured), visiting scholars, postdoctoral scholars and independent scholars, from any country, whose research is centrally on gender and women. Approximately 15 fellows are selected for the program each academic year. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. at least one year prior to the projected beginning of their residency at BBRG. The BBRG is non-stipendiary. The BBRG provides a visiting scholar appointment to UC Berkeley, library access, computer and printer access, a reading/writing group, research assistance if desired, and a public forum for Scholars in Residence to present their research to the Berkeley campus and wider community. Click here for more information on the BBRG Scholars In Residence Program, and for application procedures, forms and materials.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2008

* THE BBRG AFFILIATED SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Two to three short term scholars are selected for the program at any one time, on a rotating basis, throughout the academic year. The Affiliated Scholars Program is open to faculty (tenured and untenured), visiting scholars, postdoctoral scholars and independent scholars, from any country, whose research is centrally on gender and women. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. at least one year prior to the projected beginning of their residency at BBRG. The BBRG is non-stipendiary. Scholars are responsible for Berkeley affiliation fees. International scholars are also responsible for any related visa fees. Affiliated Scholars remain in residence for periods ranging from two weeks to one semester and have access to many University of California at Berkeley and BBRG resources. The application to the program is comprised of: (1) a letter of intent (including: the proposed length of residency, and start and end dates; and a summary of the research project in two to three paragraphs); (2) a separate abstract summarizing the research to be undertaken (one short paragraph, preceded by title of research); (3) a full curriculum vitae; and (4) a writing sample. Materials should be sent at least 10 weeks prior to the beginning of your projected affiliation period to:

Professor Paola Bacchetta, BBRG Director
Department of Gender and Women's Studies
3407 Dwinelle Hall, MC 1070
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-1070
USA

Please note: The BBRG will not be able to return materials submitted with applications unless the candidate includes a self-addressed stamped envelope or other container.

Questions regarding these programs can be directed to Sara Perryman at svperryman@berkeley.edu.


2008 Maria Mitchell Women in Science Award

This award will recognize an individual who has worked to increase the participation and advancement of girls and/or women in science and mathematics.
To be considered for the Maria Mitchell Women in Science Award an individual must:
   * Demonstrate consistent leadership and support for the advancement of girls and women in the fields of natural and physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science or technology or
   * Be someone who served as a mentor, role model or key player in a program designed specifically to encourage and advance girls and women in the fields of science, mathematics and technology
   * Be a United States citizen

For more information, visit the website

Nomination forms must be postmarked by March 15, 2008.


Research Associateship Program

The National Academies Research Associateship awards are open to doctoral level scientists and engineers (U.S and Foreign Nationals) who can apply their special knowledge and talents to research areas that are of interest to them and to the participating host labs and centers. Awards are available for Postdoctoral Associates (within 5 years of the doctorate) and Senior Associates (normally 5 years or more beyond the doctorate).  For more information on how to apply, visit their website.

Deadline: Feb. 1, 2008. The next review will be in May.


Mary Fieser Postdoctoral Program for Women and Minorities

Harvard University will award 12 new postdoc fellowships in chemistry this spring that are aimed at increasing the number of women and minority Ph.D.'s who become professors. Fellows will study for a year in Harvard's department of chemistry and chemical biology, and will have the opportunity to apply for a second year of fellowship money. For a copy of the postdoc application.
To apply.

Deadline for the first award: February 15 and for the second award: July 15, 2008.

Support Sciencedebate 2008

Wonder why the U.S. Presidential debates have not been devoted to policy surrounding science and technology? We all know that science and technology lie at the center of a very large number of the policy issues facing our nation and the world. Join scientists and concerned citizens around the nation who are signing on to Sciencedebate 2008 to support a call for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Medicine and Health, and Science and Technology Policy. Click here to support Sciencedebate 2008.

Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship

The National Academies Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship is available to graduate students pursing a graduate degree in a field of science, engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, business, law or education. During the course of the fellowship, each fellow will be assigned to a senior staff member who will assist and guide the fellow to engage in the analysis that informs the creation of science and technology and familiarize them with the interactions of science, technology and government. For more information.

Deadline for Summer Session: March 1, 2008.

Nominations for the National Science Foundation PAEMST Now Being Accepted

Nominate exemplary K-12 teachers for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This year the award will honor elementary school teachers for their contributions to improve teaching and learning in the areas of science and mathematics (secondary teachers will be honored next year).

Deadline: May 1, 2008.

For information about the online nomination and application, visit www.paemst.org or e-mail info@paemst.org.


MentorNet Call for Mentors

E-mentoring opportunity--just 20 minutes per week. MentorNet seeks science and engineering professionals in industry and government to mentor engineering and science community college, undergraduate, and graduate students, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, who are interested in pursuing a professional future in the fields of engineering and science. MentorNet also seeks tenured faculty members to mentor graduate students, postdocs, and untenured faculty pursuing faculty careers. Mentoring relationships last eight months. Mentors and students communicate entirely by email.

How can you volunteer to be a mentor?
1) Join the MentorNet community:
http://www.mentornet.net/join
2) Follow the One-on-One Mentoring Programs links to create a
    mentor profile.


Quality Education for Minorities Opportunity

INFLOW, developed with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), is an on-line database containing information on individuals with Ph.D. degrees who are from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. It serves as a one-stop source of professional information on doctoral engineers and computer scientists in academia, industry, and government that can be regularly updated by participants via QEM's website.
INFLOW will provide NSF with a source of information on potential proposal review panelists, advisory committee members, and rotators. Additionally, the participants will be provided: information on a variety of professional development opportunities; and a mechanism to access limited contact information on other participants to facilitate potential collaborations. Information on financial support, research, career, and other professional opportunities will be provided to registered individuals to encourage and support the completion of their degree programs. 
For more information: http://qemnetwork.qem.org/cise_eng


2008 NOAA Earnest Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

Sophomore students majoring in disciplines related to oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, or education, and supportive of the purposes of NOAA's programs and mission, e.g., biological, social and physical sciences; mathematics; engineering; computer and information sciences; and teacher education are encouraged to apply. The two-year scholarship supplies up to $8,000 per year in tuition assistance and a paid summer internship.
For more information

Deadline: February 8, 2008.


2008 Grants for Women and Mathematics Projects

The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) plans to award grants for projects designed to encourage college and university women or high school and middle school girls to study mathematics. The Tensor Foundation, working through the MAA, is soliciting college, university and secondary mathematics faculty (in conjunction with college or university faculty) and their departments and institutions to submit proposals. Projects may replicate existing successful projects, adapt components of such projects, or be innovative.
For more information

Deadline: February 12, 2008.


Travel Fellowships: Integrative Physiology - May 14-16, 2008, The New York Academy of Sciences

The New York Academy of Sciences is proud to offer travel fellowships to their international symposium "Integrative Physiology." This 2.5-day conference has been designed to explore the genetic basis of the known functions of many organs, the identification of novel physiological functions for various organs and the definition of genetic cascades leading to frequent degenerative diseases such as metabolic syndrome, heart failure and osteoporosis.

Individuals applying for a fellowship will be expected to author a poster presentation (sole or first authorship is not required). Please refer to our site for further information.

Deadline: March 14, 2008.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks qualified candidates for the following positions:

#07--142 - POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW -  (Washington, DC)  Working with the Research Fellow and Senior Scientist leading the Global Change research theme of IFPRI, the successful candidate will conduct research and analysis on land use patterns and shifts under alternative scenarios of global environmental and economic change.

#07-148 - POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - (Washington DC)   - the successful candidate will conduct cross-country analysis on development strategy for higher agricultural and rural growth, cutting hunger and malnutrition, and reducing vulnerability of poor, and develop typology to target donor and national investment across different countries and sub-national regions to achieve greater poverty reduction.

FOR FULL DESCRIPTION & TO APPLY:
Go to www.ifpri.org .  Click on "Careers" and "Research" to link you to the above positions.  Please complete on-line application, including a complete resume and cover letter.


American Physiological Society Research Enhancement Award

The APS Research Career Enhancement Award is designed to enhance the career potential of its regular members. The award can be used to support short-term visits to other laboratories to acquire new specific skills and to support attendance at special courses devoted primarily to methodologies appropriate for both a new investigator and a more senior investigator entering a new field of research. The award of up to $4,000 allows an individual in the early phases of his/her career to obtain special training; the award also allows an individual in the later phases of his/her career to develop new skills and to retrain in areas of developing interests. The award does not include any indirect cost reimbursement.
For More Information on This Award...

Deadline: April 16, 2008.
AWIS Advocacy
Family-Friendly Policies

The AWIS Advocacy committee has developed an outline of Family-friendly Policies for Scientists in Academia. Click here to view what the current polices are at some of the nations' leading research institutions and recommendations from AWIS.


Resources on Affirmative Action

AWIS has compiled an index of resources for general information on affirmative action and how it applies to women in science. Click here to view the full list.


AWIS on the Hill

See what AWIS has been up to in Washington, DC! Click here to view our most recent position statements and advocacy documents.

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Tenure-track Faculty Position - Physics
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Rochester, N.Y.

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