Greetings!
AWIS President, Joan Herbers, will be in Washington, D.C. on March 24 and 25, 2010, taking part in a joint event with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - "Diversity and Inclusion Fuels Innovation in STEM" Capitol Hill Day. Dr. Herbers and and I will be meeting with Ohio senators and Congresswoman Kilroy as part of that event to discuss the importance of a diverse science,technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, and how such a workforce is needed to maintain U.S. competitiveness and fuel innovation.
This program is just one of the many ways AWIS continues to work with Congress on your behalf. Visit the advocacy section of our website to find out how we work to make science a better place for you!
Best,
Janet
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Janet Bandows Koster
Executive Director
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| Education |
Contributed by: Sanjukta Chakraborty
Podcast Outlines Work to Be Done to Improve Education for Girls
International Women's Day was March 8th, and this year the focus was on the theme 'Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all.' Despite rapid progress in achieving gender equality in education a lot still remains to be done. In a special podcast from UNICEF, Tamara Kreinin, Executive Director of Women and Population at the UN Foundation, and the Hon. Ambassador Prof. Samson Kagengo Ongeri, Kenya's Minister of Education and UNICEF Champion for Child-Friendly Schools, talked about the challenges and advances made in education for girls.
Girls left out
Most Lucrative Majors for 2010 Graduates
You've hit the jackpot if you majored in petroleum engineering. The starting average salary for a petroleum engineer is $86,220.
Check out other salary packed majors
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| Government |
Scientists in Government
The Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy has just released a report that describes the results of our Scientists in Government research and provides specific recommendations on how federal agencies, OSTP, and OMB can strengthen government science. The report's overarching recommendation is to ensure policy consistency and clear communication across federal science-based agencies while specific recommendations include improving management training and overall management approaches for scientific projects and staff, including promoting opportunities for honest feedback without fear of retaliation.
An end to bureaucratic science
NSF Seeks New Approach to Programs that Serve Minority Students
NSF is re-evaluating how it funds programs helping minority college students, proposing a consolidation of programs that currently assist specific racial and ethnic groups. The science foundation would get $103-million to run a program called Comprehensive Broadening Participation of Undergraduates in STEM.
Retooling the system
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| International |
Contributed by: Lindsay De Biase
Women Pave the Road to Peace
In Liberia, and other war-ravaged nations across the globe, peacekeeping has a new face. As a result of intensified recruiting efforts, the UN has doubled the number of women participating in peacekeeping missions. With crisp uniforms, Kalashnikov rifles, and the iconic baby-blue UN caps, women peacekeepers execute night patrols to reduce crime, mentor local police forces, and teach at local schools. The results have been positive. UN veterans claim that male peacekeepers are "better behaved" when their female counterparts are also present. Civilians that have endured the brutalities of war tend to be less intimidated by female peacekeepers. Many of the female peacekeepers are Indian or Nigerian, and the money they are able to send home is a major factor in convincing them to leave their families for year long tours abroad. With homesickness being the major challenge facing participating women, the UN is considering shorter, more flexible tours.
Praise for the blue "helmettes"
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| Careers |
Contributed by: Sarah Rhodes
0% Pay Raise for Higher Education Faculty Members
The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) has released the findings of its 2009-2010 National Faculty Salary Survey. This survey includes the salaries of more than 215,309 faculty members and 4,031 researchers in 502 private and 320 public institutions nationwide. The median salary increase for faculty was 0% this year! Although, as pointed out in the article, this was better than inflation which was negative. Over 20% of faculty members saw no change in their salaries, and almost a third actually had their salaries cut.
Salaries stay stagnant
The Gender Wage Gap Narrows (a little)
The Institute for Women's Policy Research has released a fact sheet that they have compiled from data on full time workers in 2009, gathered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The good news is that the gender wage gap narrowed slightly in 2009. However, it is still above its lowest point of 19% in 2005. The 2009 median weekly earnings for women were $657 compared with $819 for men. This is a female-to-male-earnings ratio of 80%. The gender wage gap is particularly large for African-American and Hispanic/Latina women whose median weekly earnings are $582 and $509, respectively. This equates to 69% and 60% of white male earnings respectively.
Gender wage gap 2009 fact sheet
Generation X Faculty Disprove Popular Misconceptions
The Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education, at Harvard University, released a new report based on interviews with a small group of tenure-track faculty members at four-year colleges and universities in the consortia. Findings suggest there is less generational conflict with senior faculty members than is sometimes assumed. In fact, the report suggests that what these "Generation X" faculty members most want is to create long-term relationships with their colleagues, and to put down roots. Of the sixteen participants, six were male and ten were female and disciplines included chemistry, engineering, and medicine.
Who's got an issue with boomers?
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| Science and Health |
Contributed by: Jennifer MacArthur
Osteoporosis Drugs May Decrease Breast Cancer Risk
Women taking common bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax or Boniva for osteoporosis may also be reducing their risk for breast cancer. In a population case-controlled study published in the British Journal of Cancer, researchers interviewed nearly 6,000 women and observed a 30% reduction in breast cancer risk in women taking osteoporosis medications. Bisphosphonates may exert their protective effects by promoting tumor cell death, inhibiting blood supply to tumors, or preventing the ability of cancer cells to stick to each other. The benefit appeared limited to women who were not obese, perhaps due to the elevated estrogen levels associated with a higher body mass index.
Two treatments for the price of one
NIH Panel Recommends Revised VBAC Guidelines
Women who have previously delivered a baby by cesarean may now have more choices for subsequent births. Since their peak in 1996, rates of 'VBAC' (vaginal birth after cesarean) have declined by 15 percent, with fewer health care providers supporting the option due to risk of uterine rupture and medical malpractice concerns. This trend prompted an NIH panel to examine the risks and benefits of VBAC, versus planned repeat cesarean births, for women and their babies. Because trial of labor was relatively safe and is successful in nearly 75% of cases, the panel recommended that VBAC guidelines be revised to support the preferences of women at low risk for complications.
More choice for mothers
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| Work Life Satisfaction |
Contributed by: Geetha Srinivasan
Over Scheduled After School Activities - Are They Worth It?
Here is the story of a mother who once overbooked her kids' after school activities in the name of raising well-rounded children. She found herself overwhelmed with driving, overtired children, and compromised quality family time. The author outlines how her typical week lead to a lack of home cooked meals, extended driving, and a cranky mom and kids. This enlightened mother now advocates less-is-more when it comes to booking after school activities. She stresses the benefit in terms of saving money, having more relaxed afternoons at home, eating dinner together, and enjoying that precious family time.
Quality not quantity!
Working Mothers' Dilemma of Staying Close to Family During Business Trips
Working mothers traveling for business often find themselves feeling guilty about not being there for their kids. Three executive professionals, all with young children, offer real-life advice on how they keep in touch with children while away on business trips. One mother describes how she learned to get rid of the guilt, and to be honest with her children about the importance of work to her life. She stresses the importance of not bribing children with presents, and instead finding creative ways to express affection. Other suggestions include making use of technology such as cell phones, and video clips to keep in touch. All three moms stress the importance of prepping the kids before upcoming trips. The tips are practical as well as creative.
Mommy, do you have to go?
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| AWIS News and Events |
AWIS El Paso Chapter
Event: AWIS El Paso Networking Event
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
AWIS Bethesda Chapter
Event: Panel discussion on Policy, Program, Review
Date: March 16, 2010
Time: 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
Event: Cross-National Patterns of Gender Differences
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
AWIS Massachusetts Chapter
Event: AWIS Moive Night: Naturally Obsessed
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
Event: Stem Cells and Women's Health
Date: March 22, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
AWIS National
Event: Getting the most out of the AWIS website! Part 2
Date: March 22, 2010 12:00PM - 1:00PM
March 24, 2010 4:00PM - 5:00PM
AWIS East Bay Chapter
Event: Careers for Scientists in the Legal Professions
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
AWIS West Virginia Chapter
Event: Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics
Date: April 10, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
AWIS National and Bethesda Chapter
Event: USA Science and Engineering Festival
Date: October 23 & 24, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM-5:30 PM each day
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Opportunities |
AWIS Volunteering Opportunity
The AWIS Magazine is always looking for contributors. If you would like to contribute as an editor or writer, please contact Faye Farmer for more information. The magazine reflects the membership and new perspectives are always welcome. If you are interested in creating or contributing to a regular column in the magazine, please contact Columns Editor Lindsay Reese.
Institut Pasteur Offers Two Opportunities
Travel Grants for June 21-25, 2010 Meeting on the Viruses of Microbes in Paris. U.S. citizenship and affiliation with a U.S. institution are required. Deadline April 1, 2010
Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants to work at the Institut Pasteur Fellowship package is $70,000 per year for three years for a grand total of $210,000. Deadline September 17, 2010
Scholarship for PhD and Postdoctoral Studies in Sweden
The program provides PhD students and researchers with an excellent opportunity to conduct a study or research visit to a Swedish university within all fields of study. For more information click here.
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
Sara W. Rothman, PhD
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Long time AWIS member Dr. Sara W. Rothman has been named by the American Society for Microbiology as the 2010 Roche Diagnostics Alice C. Evans Award Laureate.
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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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Shellfish Hatchery Manager
University of Maine
Deputy Director
NIEHS
Basic Science Educators
The Medical College of Georgia
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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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AWIS Partners with USA Science & Engineering Festival
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More Info Here!
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