Greetings!
As we continue to add member benefits by growing our program portfolio (check out our Fall Webinar Series on successful job hunting tips and resources), we also continue to work for improved workplace climates, better pay, more family friendly policies, and greater recognition for women in the STEM disciplines on your behalf.
Recently, a number of articles and editorials critical of Title IX have appeared in national periodicals and journals. As stated, Title IX requires all educational programs that receive federal funding to provide equal opportunities for males and females; however, many believe it only applies to athletic programs, where it has made the highest profile impact by reducing gender discrimination practices that have traditionally limited the participation of women in intercollegiate and interscholastic sports. But Title IX, which applies to gender inequities in all aspects of academics, not just sports, has not yet realized its full promise. The playing field is not yet level even in athletics, and there remain clear inequities in such critical areas as the STEM disciplines.
We have renewed our efforts to educate and endorse efforts to ensure compliance with the Title IX law and continue to affirm the need for government enforcement of and university compliance with the propositions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
For more information about Title IX, visit the AWIS in Action section of our website.
Best regards,
Janet
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Janet Bandows Koster
Executive Director |
| Education |
Contributed by: Erin Rogers
"Women Are Scientists" - Free Videos for Educators
NIH has released a series of free educational videos about female scientists that teachers can use for classroom and home school instruction, community outreach, and career counseling. Goals of the educational series are to help young students recognize the contributions of women in science and learn what it takes to achieve a successful biomedical career. Five separate videos are available, each focusing on a specific research specialty or career challenge.
Request a free educational video here!
What's Missing from K-12 STEM Education? Engineering
Engineering is often the major missing component of K-12 STEM education policy and classroom instruction in the U.S. In fact, the number of students being exposed to engineering curricula is only about 10% of the total K-12 student population. To address this issue, the National Research Council and the National Academy of Engineering published a new book-Engineering in K-12 Education-that reviews the current status and nature of engineering instruction in U.S. schools and makes recommendations for how to improve this education.
Call for improvements
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| Government |
Contributed by: Jennifer K. Wind
How Science is Funded
Many scientists are frustrated that NIH seems to be funding risk-adverse, translational ventures of established scientists rather than cutting-edge, basic science trials of new researchers. Private grantors, such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, focus more heavily on young investigators with novel ideas for scientific discovery.
Trials of money
Research and Development is an Obama Priority
On September 21, 2009, President Obama delivered a speech at Hudson Valley Community College in which he reiterated the importance his administration places on the need to invest in scientific research and development. The Obama administration wants to double the R&D budgets over past investments, and the $22 billion dedicated to R&D from the ARRA was a start.
Moving forward
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| International |
Contributed by:Lindsey De Biase
China Takes a Lead in Carbon Sequestration Efforts
With electricity consumption up 50% over the past 5 years, China has and will continue to rely on coal plants for cheap, large-scale energy production. However, environmental considerations have become too large to ignore, and the Chinese government is investing substantially in technology that will allow continued operation of coal plants with a lower environmental price tag. Two new projects in this direction are generating excitement. At a coal burning plant in inner Mongolia, CO2 byproducts of coal burning are being funneled into nearby oil reservoirs where they can be both sequestered and employed to force hard to obtain oil to the surface. A second project in Tianjin will construct an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) coal plant where coal will be turned into a gas before combustion and CO2 present in the mix can be purified and then sold to companies such as soft drink manufacturers for use in carbonating their products.
Burning desire to be clean
Countries Where Women Executives Fare Best
Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and India know something more about their women's talent than either Germany and Italy. Women like Nahed Taher, PhD and Cecilia Ibru have risen to corporate power in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria over many other men. More developed countries like Germany have family friendly programs that may be inhibiting women from rising to the tops of major companies. While family centered policies are offering women more time with their families other women find it difficult to conquer business when the kids get out of school at lunch time.
They have risen
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| Careers |
Contributed by: Sarah Rhodes
Science Salary Survey
Are you making too little money? How do men and women's salaries compare? Which states offer the most lucrative jobs for academics? How have industry and academia differed in how they've dealt with the economic downturn? A life sciences salary survey published in The Scientist addresses these questions and more.
Life sciences 2009 salary survey
Long Distance Love
This recession has resulted in a huge jump in the number of people relocating in search of employment. Many two-career couples have been forced into long distance relationships, placing a financial and emotional burden on partnerships. The problem is greater than during previous recessions because of the increase in the number of two-career couples in recent times as women become more career focused.
Long haul for working couples
Tweet Your Way to Success
The micro-blogging phenomena Twitter has become the latest job-seeking tool for the technically savvy hunter as many companies are now listing quick updates (or "tweets") with job information. Twitter feeds can also provide job-seeking sleuths with snippets of insider information about current events in the company.
A new job is just a tweet away
Science and CEOs
Some of the world's largest companies are now headed by women who hold science and engineering degrees. Rather than traditional law or business backgrounds, it appears that a STEM background might be a more promising path for advancement of women in business.
Good morning Ms. Chairwoman
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| Science and Health |
Contributed by: Christiana Fogg
Weighty Issues for the Brain
Many are aware of the cardiovascular health costs of being overweight, but now researchers have evidence that excessive weight may take a toll on the brain as well. A study recently published in Human Brain Mapping by investigators at the University of Pittsburgh and UCLA analyzed MRI brain scans of nearly 100 adults in their 70s. Compared to normal-weight adults, overweight and obese adults had approximately a 4% and 8% loss in brain tissue, respectively. Researchers do not yet understand how excessive weight may cause brain loss, although high fat intake may be one key contributor to this tissue destruction.
Overweight brains
Breath of Fresh Air With New Stoves
Many women in developing countries cook primarily with indoor open fires, and pollutants from these fires have been shown to cause respiratory disease. Now a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicates that the respiratory health of women was significantly improved in Central Mexico by using "Patsari" stoves, which have previously been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by nearly 70%. This new study shows that women who used these stoves for nearly 10 months had significant improvement in lung function, similar to women who had quit smoking.
New stoves, new lungs
Heavy Drinking in Youth Paves Risky Road
A new study in rats confirms anecdotal evidence that heavy drinking during adolescence contributes to risk-taking behavior in adulthood. Researchers at the University of Washington fed two different groups of rats alcohol-laden or alcohol-free food and ascertained their willingness to take risks with a "gambling" test. Rats who did not consume alcohol were more likely to press a lever that gave frequent but smaller food rewards, while alcohol-consuming rats had a greater tendency to press the "riskier" lever that delivered big food rewards with less frequency. These findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science, provide some of the first experimental evidence linking alcohol consumption during youth with risk-taking behavior.
One bourbon, one scotch, one beer
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| Lifestyle |
Contributed by: Lindsay De Biase
Dieting? Avoid skinny overeaters at all costs!
We all know how much more likely we are to give in and get the big, two
scoop ice cream Sunday if our companions are getting the two scoop size. A
recent study reveals additional subtleties in the way our eating habits can be
influenced by those around us. Participants, who believed they were taking part
in a study of film viewing habits, were offered a snack before the film began.
Another "participant," who was actually an actor for the study, would grab her
food first, taking a large portion. The real study participants would then also
take large portions and eat more than they did when they were on their own.
Interestingly, if the actor was very skinny, the participants took
significantly more food than if the actor was overweight, suggesting that
skinny overeaters can be a particularly bad influence.
Feed your head
Solutions for common sleep problems
This article profiles nine women who have differing sleep difficulties. In almost
all cases, experts agree that creating a good sleep environment and bedtime
routine may not solve sleep problems but can provide a "foundation for improved
sleep." Creating a good sleep environment includes keeping the bedroom dark,
cool, and quiet, not doing other activities such as working on a computer or
watching TV in the bedroom, and having very dim lighting for several hours
leading up to bedtime. Women must accept that some awakenings are normal and
that a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night is the exception rather than the
rule.
Sleepy solutions
Lessons in Leadership from Linda Hudson
Linda Hudson of BAE Systems recalls how she let a Nordstrom's clerk show her how to tie a scarf for the outfit she wore on her first day as the president of General Dynamics -- only to arrive at work the second day to see a dozen women wearing scarves the same way. In this interview with The New York Times, Hudson talks about the responsibilities leaders have, not just for the way they dress, but for how they behave, interact and communicate.
Dress for success
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| AWIS News and Events |
AWIS Autumn Webinar Series: Part 1
Event: Tips on Writing an Effective Resume
Date: October 5, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Register: Online
AWIS Greater Baltimore Chapter
Event: Talk by National AWIS President Phoeby Leboy:
"Academic Science: A Good Career Choice for Women?"
Date: October 6, 2009
Time: 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
More Info: AWIS Greater Baltimore
AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
Event: Stories of AWIS
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
RSVP: Online
AWIS National Chapters Committee
Event: Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers and Members
Date: October 20, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Register: Online
AWIS Central Jersey Chapter
Event: AWIS-CJC Planning for 2010
Date: October 21, 2009
Time: 6:00 AM-8:00 PM
More Info: awis_cjc@yahoo.com
AWIS Connecticut Chapter
Event: Resume Writing/Interview Workshops
Date: October 21, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
RSVP: Online
AWIS LA/Ventura County Chapter
Event: Non-Traditional Science Career Paths
Date: October 22, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00PM
AWIS National Chapters Committee
Event: Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers and Members
Date: October 23, 2009
Time: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register: Online
AWIS Massachusetts Chapter
Event: Techniques for Effective Negotiation
Date: October 26, 2009
Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
AWIS Central Arizona Chapter
Event: Darwinfest Distinguished Speakers Series
Date: October 28, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
AWIS Autumn Webinar Series: Part 2
Event: Something Will Come Along
Date: November 2, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Register: Online
AWIS Central New Jersey Chapter
Event: Fall 2009 Lecture Series
Date: November 4, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
AWIS Connecticut Chapter
Event: Panel Discussion on Interviewing for Jobs in Industry
Date: November 11, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
AWIS LA/Ventura County Chapter
Event: Balancing Career and Family for Women in Science
Date: November 13, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
Event: What Works Workshop
Date: November 14, 2009
Time: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Location: University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
More information: regionalmeeting@awisphl.org
AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
Event: 10 Top Tips for Using LinkedIn Effectively
Date: November 18, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
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Opportunities |
Microsoft Research Accepting Applications for Graduate Women's Scholarship Program
The Microsoft Research graduate women's scholarship is a one-year scholarship program for outstanding women graduate students and is designed to help increase the number of women pursuing a Ph.D. in the computer sciences, electrical engineering, and mathematics. Deadline October 9, 2009
More Info
Sofja Kovalevskaja Award
The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award is open to highly acclaimed scholars and scientists from all countries and disciplines. The application deadline for 2010 awards is October 15, 2009. The Foundation
plans to grant up to eight awards in the upcoming year. Application forms and detailed information are available on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation webpage
National Chemistry Week Seminar
Event: Could a Sour Natural Gas Process Convert Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) into harmless compounds?
Date: October 21, 2009
Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM
RSVP: Online
2010 National Science Board Public Service Award
The National Science Board (NSB) Public Service Award honors individuals who and groups that have made substantial contributions to increasing public understanding of science and engineering in the United States. These contributions may be in a wide variety of areas that have the potential of contributing to public understanding of and appreciation for science and engineering - including mass media, education and/or training programs, entertainment, etc. Deadline: November 4, 2009
2010 Vannevar Bush Award
The Vannevar Bush Award honors truly exceptional lifelong leaders in science and technology who have made substantial contributions to the welfare of the Nation through public service activities in science, technology, and public policy. The Vannevar Bush Award is presented by the National Science Board, the policymaking board of the National Science Foundation. Deadline: November 4, 2009.
The Schlumberger Foundation Calls for Applications
Faculty for the Future fellowships are
awarded to women from developing and emerging economies who are preparing
for PhD or postdoctoral study in the physical sciences, engineering and
related disciplines to pursue advanced graduate study at top universities
in their disciplines abroad. Candidates have from October 5th to November 30th 2009 to apply.
BeWISE Call for Presentations
Event: Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet
Date: Thursday, March 11 - Friday, March 12, 2010
Location: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 Office
77 West Jackson Blvd., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
More Info: http://www.epa.gov/region5/water/wise/
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
This program offers one to three year postdoctoral fellowships designed to increase the involvement of scientists and engineers from academia and industry to scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Navy. This program has a rolling admission.
Go to: http://www.asee.org/resources/nrl/ for detailed program information.
The Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP) NREIP is a ten week summer research opportunity for undergraduate Juniors & Seniors, and Graduate students, under the guidance of a mentor, at a participating Navy Laboratory. The stipend amounts for the program are $5,500 for undergraduate students and $6,500 for graduate students. U.S. citizenship required; Permanent residents accepted at certain labs.
Go to: http://www.asee.org/nreip for application deadlines and detailed program information.
Humboldt Research Fellowship
Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers are for postdoctoral scientists and scholars who have completed a doctoral degree within four years prior to the application submission date are eligible. This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-24 months in Germany and provides a monthly stipend of 2,250 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
Fellowships for Experienced Researchers are for scientists and scholars who have completed a doctoral degree within twelve years prior to the application submission date are eligible.
This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-18 months in Germany which may be divided into a maximum of three visits of at least three months each and provides a monthly stipend of 2,450 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
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AWIS FELLOW SPOTLIGHT
Richard N. Zare, PhD
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AWIS
congratulates and recognizes the great work of Dr. Richard Zare who recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for his gender equity and
discrimination study among graduate students and post doctoral
associates in the Chemistry Department at Stanford University.
Read more about Dr. Zare.
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| NEW MENTORING RESOURCE |
 ALL NEW!
Getting the Most out of Your Mentoring Relationships: A Handbook for Women in STEM
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Provides a quick yet structured guide to mentoring
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Includes a handy resource guide for quick reference
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Is the most comprehensive handbook catered to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
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Who's Hiring?
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Postdoctoral Scholar in Nanotribology
Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST)
Tenure-Track Position in Ecology
Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges
Assistant/ Associate/ Full Professor
Department of Biochemistry
University of Iowa
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Support AWIS
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Help other women in science! Donate to AWIS for its programs and/or to the Educational Foundation for its fellowships.
Your tax-deductible donation to AWIS supports the wide-ranging advocacy
and career development activities of the National Office and the
Executive Board.
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Learn more
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