Greetings!
Two years ago, the Board of Directors of AWIS committed to begin and sustain an endowment campaign to raise $5 million, as a legacy for AWIS activities into the future. Now approaching its 40th anniversary, AWIS is still the only multi-disciplinary professional organization dedicated to championing the interests of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across all disciplines and spheres of work.
As an advocate, AWIS has helped women to achieve significant strides in education, employment, and career progression. But the task is not complete, as you know. AWIS still needs to be ready to respond to opportunities and to weather economic bad times. An endowment provides consistent support for activities such as leadership development, advocacy in the public sphere, educational opportunities, broadening opportunities for recognition, and encouragement of the grass roots, our chapters. What does this mean to you as an AWIS member or supporter? AWIS is YOUR network, YOUR resource, YOUR voice. AWIS needs YOUR financial commitment to help the campaign achieve its goals, and to demonstrate to the broader community the continuing importance of this organization. Please make your pledge NOW and join me, the former officers, and the Board, in ensuring the future.
Best regards,
Linda __________ Linda H. Mantel, PhD AWIS President, 2000-2001
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Education |
Contributed by: Sanjukta Chakraborty
Obama Urges Education Reform In a call to improve the existing education system, President Obama has outlined an ambitious education reform agenda. The goals for this reform include emphasis on early childhood education, K-12 improvements, recruitment and retention of superior teachers, promoting innovation, and enabling higher education. Obama emphasized the need for an educated workforce in ensuring a prosperous nation.
Improve education
Celebrating Women in Science The European Commission has released a book entitled Women in Science that documents and celebrates the achievements of known and not-so-well-known European women scientists. Recognizing the excellence shown by women in their chosen scientific fields, the book chronicles 40 women scientists and celebrates their success.
An ode to women scientists
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Government |
Contributed by: Jennifer K. Wind
The Separation of Church and Science The new director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis S. Collins, is a scientific and religious man. Dr. Collins promises, however, that his decisions at the NIH will be based on scientific judgment not faith. Dr. Collins also guarantees breakthrough discoveries (given enough funding, of course).
Dr. Collins
No Guts, No Glory In today's economic climate, funding agencies are hesitant to grant money to high-risk scientific ventures. Scientists continue to try to persuade congress that transformational research is well worth the risk, claiming that funding researchers rather than projects may help propel science.
High risk, high reward
Owning Science Biotech companies are celebrating the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's decision to abandon proposed changes that would have limited both the number of times one could resubmit a patent application as well as the number of claims allowed per application. While many companies are pleased, opponents fear patent abuse and inefficiency will result from this lack of action.
USPTO scraps changes
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International |
Contributed by:Lindsey De Biase
U.S. Losing Its Position in Higher Education Over a 36 year period starting in 1970, the United States went from hosting 29% of the world's college enrolled students to only 12% in 2006. In addition, the proportion of college students in the United States who choose to study science and technology is on the decline. Meanwhile, in nations such as China and India college and Ph.D. enrollment, particularly in science and technology, has skyrocketed. In fact, if growth continues at present rates, China may produce more science and engineering doctorates than the United States by next year. Much of the growth in these nations is due to increasing opportunities for female students. Richard Freeman, a Harvard economist who has analyzed world education trends, says that as the quality of international doctorate programs increases, American universities will face increased competition in attracting international students.
Worldwide trends in higher education
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Careers |
Contributed by: Sarah Rhodes
The Stay-at-Home Mom Myth The term 'opt out revolution' was coined in 2003 to describe a group of women graduates from Princeton who left their high-flying careers behind them when they become mothers. Since then, there has been a keen interest in this apparent trend for high achieving mothers giving up their careers in favor of staying at home to look after the children. The latest census (based on data collected in 2007 so predating the economic downturn) indicates however that this might all be a myth! Although one in four women in the States who have children under the age of 15 do stay at home, these women tend to be younger, less educated and with a lower family income than the career women in question.
Most stay-at-home moms start that way
Getting Women On Top Only
23% of college presidents are women according to the American Council
on education (ACE), and they blame the hiring process! Presidents are
selected by the board of trustees, of which a large proportion are
generally men. Sexism towards women candidates and lack of access to
the insider information that is often available to male candidates via
the 'old boys network' both contribute to this dismal figure. However,
an increasing number of big donators are women, which in may lead to a
rise in the number of female trustees. Couple that with the fact that
40% of college presidents are 61 or over and there is the potential for
the tide to turn.
Womens college presidents' tough test
Keeping Women On Top The Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) just released the 2007-8 faculty survey of job satisfaction. Of the several measure of career satisfaction obtained, women were less satisfied almost across the board. As you might expect, women were less satisfied with their salary than men, and for both men and women dissatisfaction with salary correlated with increased intention to leave their position. Interestingly, once women hit senior levels, salary has less impact than it does on their male counterparts and other factors (such as teaching loads, office/lab space, and relationships with other colleagues and administrators) have increased impact on the decision to move. The moral of the story? Building a nurturing environment is vital to retaining tenured women.
Keeping senior women at your college
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Science and Health |
Contributed by: Lauren DiPerna
The Fertility Gene The gene Smad-3 may help scientists develop a treatment for infertility. Researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University studied female mice with and without the gene and found that those without it were unable to conceive. The study concludes that Smad-3 is essential for the regulation of ovarian follicle growth and egg development. Scientists hope that by understanding the molecular processes of conception they will uncover the causes of human infertility and be able to treat it.
Put your eggs in one basket
A Stress Free Life Can Alleviate Breast Cancer Clinical and Epidemiological studies have suggested that a positive environment is beneficial for patients with chronic diseases such as breast cancer. Now a study done with female mice, published in Cancer Prevention Research, has shown a correlation between tumor size and social environment. The study examined gene expression in isolated mice and discovered alteration that favor tumor growth. The researchers hope to establish preventative treatment through gene expression biomarkers in patients with cancer prone tissue.
Destress
How Men and Women Over 59 Think They Sleep A recent study published in the journal Sleep has shown that while elderly women objectively sleep slightly longer and more efficiently than men, men feel more rested. Of those surveyed, women gave accurate estimates of how long they slept, while the men significantly overestimated their actual sleep time. The study concluded that elderly women may need more sleep then elderly men.
Rest well
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Lifestyle |
5 Tips for Reducing Stress Recalling the case of a working-class woman suffering back pain and high blood pressure after her husband lost both his jobs, psychiatrist and author James S. Gordon writes that he now is seeing more money-related stress than at any time in his 40-year career. Gordon suggests five simple coping strategies to reduce anxiety: meditation, exercise, social connection, imagination and speaking up.
Stressed out
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AWIS News and Events |
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 Metropolitan DC - Bethesda - Greater Baltimore Chapters Event: Improving Work-Life Satisfaction for Women in Science Date: October 31, 2009 Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 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: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
AWIS Connecticut Chapter Event: Panel Discussion on Interviewing for Jobs in Academia 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
AWIS Massachusetts Chapter Event: Negotiating With Your Spouse Date: November 19, 2009 Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
AWIS Autumn Webinar Series: Part 3 Event: Skills that will help you ace the INTERVIEW Date: December 7, 2009 Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Register: Online
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Opportunities |
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.
Nominate a Colleague for the National Medal of Science The National Medal of Science is the highest honor the President bestows on scientists. Help recognize the contributions of your colleagues by submitting a nomination for this prestigious award. Nominations must include the nomination itself and three references, and be submitted by November 5, 2009. If you have any questions, contact nms@nsf.gov or 703-292-8040. For more information, please visit http://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsp.
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.
Hellman Fellowship in Science and Technology Call for Applications Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an area of science or engineering and have some experience or a demonstrated interest in an area related to science and technology policy. Masters degrees may be considered in the fields of engineering and computer science. Strong writing and organizational skills are desired. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or current employees of an academic or professional organization in the United States. For more information see http://www.amacad.org/hellman.aspx. Deadline is January 15, 2010.
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 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Carol W. Greider, PhD
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AWIS
congratulates Dr. Carol W. Greider for her recent honor of winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine. Dr. Greider has been a long time member of AWIS.
Read more about Dr. Greider.
Read about Dr. Greider in the AWIS Magazine.
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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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AWARDS Project Manager AWIS National
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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