AWIS
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ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Washington Wire
Edited by: Anna Durrans
May 2010
Issue I
Greetings!  

Don't miss the final AWIS STEMiNAR of the season this coming Tuesday, May 18th: The Science of Networking and the Art of Connection. Peggy Collins, member of the National Speakers Association, and author of Help Is Not A Four-Letter Word will be presenting to participants:

* A clear understanding of networking and its vital components
* Easy as 1-2-3 principles
* Applications to the goals participants bring with them
* An action plan for immediate use

Space is limited so register on the AWIS Website today!

Best,

Janet
_______________
Janet Bandows Koster
Executive Director
In This Issue
Education
Government
International
Careers
Science and Health
Work-Life Satisfaction
Chapter News & Events
Opportunities
Education
Contributed by: Sanjukta Chakraborty

Community College Programs Waive Tuition
At a time when community colleges are concentrating their efforts on attracting more students and ensuring that they graduate, 'Tulsa Achieves' created by the Tulsa Community College, the largest two-year institution in Oklahoma, is helping high school students cover the cost of tuition. Through a combination of state and federal financial aid, as well as private donations, this program has been able to waive the entire tuition for several eligible students while also providing increased access to several hundred others. 'Tulsa Achieves', as well as several more such localized programs, have now become the gateway for many students from low-income backgrounds to not only receive a college education but also show they can succeed if given a chance.

When less is more


National Lab Day Aims to Broaden Science Appeal
In a 2006 international test American teens scored below the average required for science and math in developed nations, sparking efforts to improve education in these areas.  A tech-based solution to this is National Lab Day, which was initiated last November.  A web-based endeavor, approved and supported by the US government, National Lab Day aims to match teachers with scientists and engineers, bringing scientific expertise within easy access of the classroom.  The hope is that this will show students the benefits of a science career and spark their imagination and interest. What makes this project particularly innovative and far-reaching is that educators are able to design projects tailored to their students, and draw from the wide resources available within their own community.

When teachers meet scientists

Government
Contributed by: Sarah Rhodes

Navy Admit Women to Serve on Submarines
For the first time ever women will soon be allowed to serve in US Navy submarines.  This summer 19 women will be selected, with a further eight added later in the year. This amendment to the Navy's policy came after Defense Secretary Robert Gates presented a letter to congressional leaders in February, notifying them of the Navy's desire to reverse the male-only policy. In a press release, Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, commander Naval Submarine Forces said: "Today, women earn about half of all science and engineering bachelor's degrees...There are capable women who have the interest, talent, and desire to succeed in the submarine force. Maintaining the best submarine force in the world requires us to recruit from the largest possible talent pool."

Submarines go unisex

International
Contributed by: Lindsay De Biase

Want to Live a Long Life? Marry a Man Your Own Age
New findings from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) have overturned some previously held assumptions about the link between mortality and the age of your spouse. Using data from almost two million Danish couples, Sven Drefahl of MPIDR found an 11% reduction in mortality risk for a husband 7-9 years older than his wife. In surprising contrast, Drefahl's results indicate that the mortality risk for women is increased when their husbands are older, as well as when they are younger.  The explanations for this trend are unclear, but Drefahl hypothesizes that women with younger husbands violate social norms and may incur social stresses as a result.

Details on the demographics....

Careers
Contributed by: Sanjukta Chakraborty

Professional Support Networks and Women Entrepreneurs
A new study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has found that very few PhD women go on to become entrepreneurs. According to Lesa Mitchell, vice president of the Kauffman Foundation, this study identifies subtle but inherent reasons that are behind successful women entrepreneurs.  The research looked at successful businesses in areas of computation, telecom, defense, energy, and biotechnology.  Interestingly, experience and professional and personal support networks were more highly valued by women. Despite increased participation in the fields of science and engineering, there are few women entrepreneurs, hence efforts towards mentoring and building of support networks could play a very valuable role in the shaping of future women entrepreneurs.

To be a successful entrepreneur


The 25 Best Paying Jobs for Women
Have you ever wondered in what jobs women earn the most amount of money after they have obtained their degrees? Here are 25 jobs where women earn $1000 a week or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However a potential salary disparity exists between genders and it is evident from this list that women earn potentially less than their male counterparts.

Jobs that pay back
Science and Health
Contributed by: Jennifer MacArthur
 

A Phone Call from Mom is as Good as a Hug for Relieving Stress
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B demonstrated that a mother's voice was as effective as in-person touch for soothing the anxieties of her young daughter. Researchers tested a group of girls, aged 7 to 12, by first putting them in a stressful situation such as public speaking or solving math problems in front of an audience. They then measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the 'love' hormone oxytocin, over time. After the task, a third of the girls were reunited with their mothers, a third received a phone call from their mothers, and a third watched an 'emotion neutral' movie. Comfort from a mother proved effective at reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin levels, whether offered in person or over the phone. This physiological reaction to soothing conversation seems to fit with the 'tend and befriend' theory of stress response in females versus the 'fight or flight' stress response in males.

Just pick up the phone


The Changing Face of Motherhood
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed changes in the demographics of motherhood as of 2008, compared with the last major study published in 1990. Compared with the previous study, more mothers of newborns today are better educated (54% completed some college, versus 41%); more are older (14% over 35 years old, versus 9%); and more are unmarried (41% versus 28% ). The teen pregnancy rate dropped from 14% in 1990 to 10% in 2008. The majority (87%) of parents said they chose to have children for "the joy" of it, while 47% also admitted that parenthood wasn't a decision, "It just happened."

Moms moving forward


Study of Early Ovarian Cancers May Lead to Screening Test
New research into the characteristics of early ovarian cancer may allow for screening tests to detect the disease sooner in women without symptoms. The study, published in PLoS ONE, examined ovaries removed from women with BRCA gene mutations, who have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Researchers used microdissection and genetic assays to identify early tumors and precancerous cells, mainly located in ovarian surface structures called inclusion cysts. Knowing where to look and what to look for should help clinicians track down ovarian cancer at earlier stages, when treatments would be more effective.

Translational science fighting cancer

Work-Life Satisfaction
Contributed by: Geetha Srinivasan

From Lab to Baseball Practice
As summer approaches, working mothers with children involved in team sports face even greater pressures in managing homework, dinner, and game nights.  Parents want to provide opportunities for their children to develop physically and emotionally.  Team sport is a wonderful medium for healthy development. However, many working mothers can relate to the daunting task of managing dinner and homework with lengthy game schedules. This article offers few practical tips to manage the hectic phase with better planning and organization.

Working moms' guide to managing kids' team sports


Four Generations in the Work Place: Too Close for Comfort?
For the first time in history four generations; veterans, baby boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y are working together.  Each generation brings to the table their own idiosyncrasies in the way they work. While this diversity adds strength to the team, sometimes it creates conflict. This article offers some insights into each group's values and incentives. While, there is a degree of stereotyping when you relate age to work style, it may be helpful to be aware of differing perspectives.

Working together: Gen X, Y, and Z

AWIS News and Events
AWIS National
Event: The Science of Networking and the Art of Connection
Date:   May 18, 2010
Time:  12:00 PM-1:00 PM



AWIS San Francisco Chapter
Event: From Bench-Scientist to CEO
Date:   May 19, 2010
Time:   6:30 PM-8:30 PM



AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
Event: What is Science?
Date:   May 20, 2010
Time:   7:00 PM-9:00 PM



AWIS Chicago Chapter
Event: 4th Annual AWIS Chicago Innovator Award Dinner
Date:   May 24, 2010
Time:   6:30 PM-8:30 PM


AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
Event: 2010 Annual Awards Dinner
Date:   May 25, 2010
Time:   6:00 PM-9:00 PM



AWIS East Bay Chapter
Event: Approaching Career Watersheds with Confidence
Date:  May 27, 2010
Time:  6:30 PM-8:30 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

Opportunities

M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship for Women in Physics
Applications are due June 4, 2010 for the M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship for Women in Physics.  The scholarship consists of an award of up to $45,000 to enable women to return to physics research careers after having had to interrupt those careers for family reasons. Learn More 


Institut Pasteur Offers Fellowship Grants

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


NIH National Graduate Student Research Festival
An annual two-day event held on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. This year's Festival, to be held on October 25 and 26, will introduce 200 advanced graduate students in the sciences to the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) with the aim of recruiting them to do postdoctoral training at the NIH. Learn more

 

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
 
 
IN MEMORIAM

Upton

Virginia Upton, PhD

AWIS Founding Member, Virginia Upton, passed away January 14, 2010.

Virginia was a long standing and committed member of AWIS and we feel her loss tremendously.
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NEW MENTORING RESOURCE
 
Mentoring Handbook 
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WHO'S HIRING?
Optics Technician
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Electron Microscopy Scientist
National Center for Electron Microscopy

Director, New Business Development
Boehringer Ingelheim
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