AWIS
________________________________________________________________________

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Washington Wire
Edited by: Christina Fuentes
October 2009
Issue I
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
In This Issue
Education
Government
International
Careers
Science and Health
Lifestyle
Chapter News & Events
Opportunities
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

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

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

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
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 

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

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

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.
Quick Links
 
AWIS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Carol Greider

Carol W. Greider, PhD


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.
NEW MENTORING RESOURCE
 
  ALL NEW!
 
 
Getting the Most out of Your Mentoring Relationships:  A Handbook for Women in STEM
  • Provides a quick yet structured guide to mentoring
  • Includes a handy resource guide for quick reference
  • Is the most comprehensive handbook catered to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Who's Hiring?
AWARDS Project Manager
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Tenure-Track Position in Ecology
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Assistant/ Associate/ Full Professor
Department of Biochemistry
University of Iowa
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