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Greetings!
March is Women's History Month. At AWIS, we see this as a time to not only celebrate our 40 year history but also to gather momentum around our goal of achieving equity and full participation of women in all STEM disciplines and across all employment sectors. Take a look at the Strategic Plan to find out more about our bold agenda.
Best regards,
Janet
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Janet Bandows Koster
AWIS Executive Director |
| Careers | |
How to Answer the 10 Toughest Interview Questions
"Why should I hire you?" "Tell me about yourself." Undoubtedly, you've fielded those questions in an interview. Read simple tips on how to reveal your greatest strengths and position yourself as the best candidate.
3 Quick Tips to Ease Collaboration Anxiety
The lone scientist conducting experiments as a recluse is a fiction that can sometimes become fantasy as we consider the possible headaches of collaborating with others, but collaboration doesn't have to be scary. Get comfortable with collaboration with these quick tips.
Teamwork makes the dream work
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| Education | |
Lady Gaga Rally at Harvard, Call for Posthumous Degrees
Harvard University advocates for LGBT rights are calling on the university to award posthumous degrees to the seven students expelled in 1920 on suspicion of being gay. The group hopes momentum from Lady Gaga's presentation of her Born This Way Foundation at Harvard will bring further attention. Harvard spokesperson John Longbrake said that Harvard doesn't award posthumous degrees except in rare cases when a student dies after completing the required coursework and before graduation.
Climate Change Sceptic Teaches 'Biased' Course at University
A featured expert of the climate sceptic thinktank the Heartland Institute, Tom Harris, taught a course at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada from 2009-2011 that has raised concerns. A team of scientists audited videotapes of Harris's lectures and found 142 false, biased and misleading claims. The audit report said that Harris deviated from the scientific mainstream on climate change. The university suggested that the teaching material was an issue of academic freedom but noted that the course is not currently offered. |
| Health | Contributed by Anahita Hamidi
Medicare Covers Yoga for Heart Disease Prevention
Yoga practitioners have long known that it has several physiological benefits - and it seems that Medicare now agrees. As of a few weeks ago, Medicare coverage will now be provided for individuals who are using Yoga to prevent heart disease. The condition is largely heritable, but also preventable by modulating a host of lifestyle factors, such as with decreasing stress and increasing relaxation. So get your 'om' on!
Challenging the Dogma: Stem Cells fFound in Ovaries
It was previously thought that women were born with all the eggs they would have for a lifetime, but the recent discovery of stem cells in ovaries challenges this long-held scientific belief. Nevertheless, various scientists are warning for caution and are encouraging replication of data. Some scientists also point out that it will be important to track the development and health of these stem cells over time. Still, it's always nice to hear that some things aren't quite as fixed as we once may have imagined them to be. |
| Science and Technology | |
Contributed by Anahita Hamidi
Tech World Not Innovative When it Comes to Hiring
An e-book by André Chanavat of Thomson Reuters reveals that top tech companies are keeping mum about the diversity of their workforce and have declined requests for data on the number of women and minorities they employ. The data that is available suggests the strong presence of a glass ceiling. Chanavat points out that companies that are ahead of their peers when breaking through the glass ceiling tend to have share prices that outperform, particularly in tough market conditions, so there is a fiscal incentive to removing barriers to women's full participation.
How to Hire Women in Tech
The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology released a report that outlines four key areas where companies should focus their recruitment efforts to increase access to a range of technical talent. The report points out blind spots in recruitment practices and the hiring process and offers solutions for organizations as well as universities.
Help wanted
Addicted? Yep, there's an app for that too.
Skin conductance. Heart Rate. Temperature. These are just a few physiological measures that may tip off the app iHeal that you may be entering into craving mode. The app is designed to pick up on these cues through a wrist sensor and to then feedback and tip off the user about the potential upcoming craving. While this piece of technology cannot replace traditional modes of therapy, it is certainly a hi-tech addition to dealing with addiction.
iHeal ahoy |
| Work Life Satisfaction | |
Contributed by Anahita Hamidi
Dumbing Down is just so Last Century
Today, over half of Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. holders are women, which bodes well for financial independence and fair representation in higher education. However, some still believe this can harm a woman's marital prospects, and suggest "dumbing down" to increase one's chance of finding a husband. Luckily, this 1950's attitude is shifting, and men now indicate intelligence as a desirable trait for a mate. More importantly, statistics indicate that college-educated women are less likely to divorce than their non-educated counterparts.
The Tiger Mom - Americanized
Last year, Amy Chau's book Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother about Asian-style parenting caused a stir with parents. Uncomfortable questions such as 'what kind of parental attitude is most effective when it comes to raising a child with a strong sense of self-discipline?' were asked. A new book Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman, proposes a less militant point of view: enlist your child as an ally, take advantage of the child's inherent pleasure and motivational drives, and watch your child flourish.
Bringing Up Bebe |
| AWIS News and Events | |
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
STEMiNARs© are online educational opportunities designed with your interest and comfort in mind. Using a webinar platform, AWIS hosts STEMiNARs© where members can hear live presentations and interact with the presenters from the comfort of their computer or mobile devices. Can't participate at the designated time? No problem. The STEMiNARs© are recorded and posted online.
Other Events
AWIS Tennessee Chapter Event: 2012 NWHM Woman in Science Invited Lecture Date: February 29 Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM Learn More AWIS Massachusetts Chapter Event: Nuclear Energy: Past, Present, and Future Date: March 1 Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM Register Now AWIS Bethesda Chapter Event: Improving College STEM Education Date: March 2 Time: 8:30AM - 10:00AM Learn More
AWIS San Diego Event: Expanding Your Horizons Conference Date: March 3 Time: 8:00AM - 3:30PM
AWIS Greater Cincinnati Chapter Event: Lunch with Dr. Yve Ulrich-Lai Date: March 9 Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM Learn More AWIS Palo Alto Chapter Event: Career Path and Leadership in Biotechnology Date: March 12 Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM Learn MoreAWIS Philadelphia Chapter Event: Improving Work-Life Satisfaction for Scientists Date: March 13 Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM Register Now |
| Opportunities | |
DOE 2012 Enrico Fermi Award
The Department of Energy invites nominations for the Enrico Fermi Award. This is a Presidential award and recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements that are particularly distinguished and demonstrate scientific, technical, management or policy leadership that are related to all basic and applied research, science and technology supported by the DOE and its programs. The Award consists of a citation signed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Energy, a gold medal, and a $50,000 honorarium. A diverse pool of candidates is encouraged. Nominations for the 2012 Fermi Award must be submitted by March 15, 2012.
DOE 2012 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Awards
The Department of Energy invites nominations for the 2012 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Awards. The Award is awarded to mid-career scientists and engineers in recognition of exceptional scientific, technical, and/or engineering achievements related to the broad missions of the U.S. DOE and its programs. The Award consists of a citation signed by the Secretary of Energy, a gold medal, and a $20,000 honorarium. An award is given in each of the following eight categories: Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computer, Information, and Knowledge Sciences, Condensed Matter and Materials Sciences, Energy Science and Innovation, Fusion and Plasma Sciences, High Energy and Nuclear Physics, and National Security and Nonproliferation. A diverse pool of candidates is encouraged. Nominations for 2012 Lawrence Awards must be submitted by March 15, 2012.
The National Science Foundation and Botanical Society of America have grants to bring talented and diverse undergraduates to the BOTANY 2012 meeting on July 7-11, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. Award winners will attend the meeting, receive mentoring from graduate students, postdocs and faculty, and participate in networking events including the Diversity Luncheon and career-oriented activities. The program covers the normal costs of travel, registration, and food and accommodation at the meetings. The application deadline is March 15, 2012.
Undergraduate Summer Research Experience at University of UtahThe NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City will host a research program from June 4, 2012 through August 10, 2012. Selected participants will receive a $4500 stipend, housing on campus, and a $600 travel allowance. The research will focus on the spin effects in organic LEDs and solar cells as well as plasmonic metamaterials. Application is open to U.S. citizens & permanent residents who will obtain an undergraduate degree after December 2012. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Opportunities at Beatrice Bain Research Group at UC Berkeley2012-2013 Scholars in Residence ProgramThe BBRG hosts approximately ten competitively selected scholars from the U.S. and abroad for a period of one academic year. The program is open to senior and junior faculty (tenured and untenured), visiting scholars, postdoctoral scholars and independent scholars, from any country, whose work is centrally on gender and women. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. at least one year prior to the projected beginning of their residency at BBRG. Applications are due by March 15, 2012.
BBRG Affiliated Scholars ProgramThe BBRG Affiliated Visiting Scholars Program is designed to accommodate scholars who would like to spend a relatively short period of time in residence, ranging from one month to six months. The BBRG Affiliated Visiting Scholars Program is open to senior and junior faculty (tenured and untenured), visiting scholars, postdoctoral scholars and independent scholars, from the U.S. and abroad, whose work is centrally on women and gender. Applicants must have the Ph.D. in hand one year prior to the beginning of the appointment. The BBRG accepts applications for the BBRG Affiliated Visiting Scholars Program throughout the academic year. 2012 Undergraduate Research & Study Abroad Program in PanamaCATHALAC and University of Alabama is offering an eight-week research & study abroad program in Panama focused on climate change and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will receive professional training, hands-on learning, and experience how climate change influences sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The study will take place between June 3-July 28, 2012. The application deadline is March 26, 2012. Undergraduate Opportunity at Summer Research LabsThe BCMB Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville will offer a summer program for undergraduates interested in research. The aim of this Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is to provide hands-on research opportunities for students majoring in the sciences, with an introduction to cutting-edge research in the broad area of "Sensing and Signaling". This opportunity is available to Sophomore and Junior undergraduate science majors, with preference for Juniors. Each Fellowship will include a $5,000 stipend as well as an allowance for cost of living, travel, and research supplies. The application deadline is March 30, 2012. National Medal of ScienceThe National Medal of Science is the Nation's highest honor for American scientists and engineers. It is awarded to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding cumulative contributions to knowledge in the chemical, physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or behavioral or social sciences, in combination with exemplary service to the Nation. Nominations are due on March 31, 2012. National Medal of Technology and InnovationThe USPTO is seeking nominations for the 2012 Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI), the nation's highest honor for technological achievement, bestowed by the President of the United States on America's leading innovators. All completed nominations must be submitted to the USPTO by 5:00 p.m. (ET), March 31, 2012.
Myelofibrosis ChallengeThe Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) Research Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative approaches to reversing fibrosis in patients with myelofibrosis (MF). Applicants for this concept grant program (titled the MF Challenge) may request funding in the amount of up to $100,000 per grant. The grant review will take place in June 2012 in Chicago. The goal of The MF Challenge is to discover the factor(s) that induce(s) fibrosis in bone marrow, and to identify opportunities to arrest and reverse this fibrosis. Proposals are due by April 1, 2012.
Aldo Leopold Leadership Program for Environmental ScientistsThe Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University invites midcareer academic environmental scientists are invited to apply to the 2013 Leopold Leadership Fellowships. Leopold Leadership Fellows receive leadership training that is useful and relevant wherever Fellows choose to work. The program offers two intensive training sessions a year apart to help Fellows gain the skills, approaches, and theoretical frameworks for translating their knowledge to action and for catalyzing change to address the world's most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. The deadline to apply is April 16, 2012.
Research Opportunities for Recent Ph.D. GraduatesThe Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Postdoctoral Research Awards support EERE's mission in energy efficiency and renewable energy by offering recent Ph.D. recipients the opportunity to conduct applied research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities. The award will provide an annual stipend, allowances for health insurance and research-related expenses, and limited reimbursement for relocation expenses. An Annual Research Meeting for participants will be organized and hosted by EERE. The application deadline is May 1, 2012.
WESH Spring Executive Leadership SummitWESH, Women Executives in Science and Healthcare (formerly known as SELAM, The Society for Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine) is hosting a Spring Executive Leadership Summit, "Renew and Redirect: A Workshop for Senior Leaders" at the Loews Hotel, Philadelphia, PA, May 4-6, 2012. For more information email wesh@fernley.com. 2012 BBVA Foundation of Frontiers of Knowledge AwardsThe BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards seek to recognize and encourage world-class research and artistic creation, prizing contributions of lasting impact for their originality, theoretical significance and ability to push back the frontiers of the known world. These international awards span eight categories including Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), Biomedicine, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Climate Change and more. The award includes a € 400.000 prize. The closing date for submissions is June 30, 2012. |
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| AWIS Benefactor Spotlight | |
Bahija Jallal, PhD
Dr. Jallal is Executive Vice President, Research & Development at MedImmune and was recently named one of FierceBiotech's 2011 Women in Biotech.
Learn more about Bahija. |
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Help other women in science! Donate to AWIS for its programs and awards.
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