|
Greetings!
Thank you to those of you who joined us for the "State of AWIS, Part I" webinar. Important questions were asked and answered, and we hope that this has provided a good starting point for increasing membership as we move forward. There is more to come in the "State of AWIS, Part II" on September 18. If you missed part I, you will find it on the AWIS website under programs and events, AWIS STEMiNARs.
Please be sure to take advantage of these AWIS STEMiNARs that are offered as a member benefit, providing information on issues like career development, mentoring, and work-life satisfaction.
Best regards,
Janet
____________
Janet Bandows Koster
AWIS Executive Director
|
| Careers | Contributed by Ramya Natarajan
Seven Tips to Thrive in a Male-dominated Workplace
While a gender-neutral workplace is the ideal, many women continue to face hurdles in certain industries including STEM fields, which are still male dominated. Although individual experiences may vary depending on the particular industry, some challenges are common among women in this situation. Check out the tips in this article from a veteran of male-dominated workplaces on how to excel just like one of the guys.
Mastering male-dominated workplaces
Should Diversity Efforts Target White Men?
Catalyst (a nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business) surveyed a group of Rockwell Automation employees who are mostly white and male. They examined the effect that a leadership training program on diversity had on the employees' workplace attitudes and behaviors. The findings showed that training white men to approach diversity positively can produce a measurable effect in both their mindsets and behaviors in a short amount of time, which in turn can foster a more inclusive work environment.
Diversity training
|
| Education | Contributed by Ramya Natarajan
Iranian Universities Restrict Women's Academic Choices
On August 20, 2012, The New York Times reported that women have been prohibited from studying in 77 academic fields at 36 universities in Iran. The following subjects, among others, are no longer open to women: accounting, engineering, and pure chemistry. Adding fuel to the fire, a senior Iranian education official is quoted as having said "Some fields are not very suitable for women's nature."
Curtailing female education
STEM Graduates Top the Salary Rankings
Authors of the College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs found that graduates with science and math related majors earned the highest average salaries. They gathered data for their study from Census Bureau statistics, U.S. Department of Labor studies, and a 2011 survey of 170,000 college graduates by the National Science Foundation. Of the 58 majors described in detail in this book, the top 15 were STEM majors that commanded the highest median salaries ranging from $63,000 to $100,000.
STEM payoff
|
| Health | Contributed by Jamie Smith
Paul Ryan's Healthcare Views Widen Gender Gap
In a survey released by the pro-choice women's group, EMILY's List, female voters in swing states reacted negatively to GOP attacks on ObamaCare, most specifically to the provision making contraception available without a co-pay. Romney's Vice Presidential pick, Ryan, is staunchly conservative on women's issues such as abortion and also opposes Planned Parenthood which provides many basic healthcare services to women. While social conservatives are thrilled with Ryan, Obama maintains a double-digit lead among women in key states.
Girl power in politics
Planned Parenthood Directs $3M to Breast Health
Planned Parenthood has long provided basic breast exams as a method of cancer detection. But, after Susan G. Komen for the Cure stopped funding the non-profit organization public backlash ensued resulting in $3 million in donations. Planned Parenthood has decided to direct these funds toward a new breast health initiative which will pay for diagnostic tests as well as outreach and education efforts.
Funding the fight against cancer
|
| Science and Technology | Contributed by Meredith Fox
Self-cleaning Brain
Bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), researchers long assumed that waste from the brain moved by simple diffusion. Led by female neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, researchers at the University of Rochester have reported a second, faster method by which the brain cleans itself. Glial cells along the outside of arteries form channels, for CSF that follow the brain's blood vessels. This "glymphatic system" might be a method by which the brain cleans out protein buildup associated with several neurodegenerative disorders.
Brain drain
Amelia Earhart - Plane Found by Robot?
Seventy-five years ago, Amelia Earhart (the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean) and her plane disappeared. Using underwater robotic devices, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) found objects that are consistent with parts of Earhart's plane. They are located in the waters off Nikumaroro island in the southwestern Pacific republic of Kiribati, popularly believed to be Earhart's final resting place. The next step? Object recovery.
Famous aviatrix found?
|
| Work Life Satisfaction | Contributed by Becky Mercer
The First Hour Makes the Difference
What do successful people do the first hour of their workday? Kevin Purdy writes in the August 22 issue of FastCompany that a few key actions can make you more effective. Secrets include not checking your email (stop it!), being grateful for your life and the people in it, and taking care of the important tasks first. This helps you get the hardest part of your day over with early so the rest of the day is a little easier.
First things first
Protecting your Rights in the Workplace
Juggling a career and family is easier these days thanks to societal trends and more women in leadership positions. However, legal challenges have also had an impact. In the September issue of the Harvard Business Review, professors Joan Williams and Amy Cuddy report on lawsuits against companies that deny employees family medical leave or discriminate against pregnant employees. They write that employer awareness of this "maternal wall bias" can improve the work environment for all.
Workplace discrimination
|
| AWIS News and Events | AWIS DC Metro Chapter
Event: Scientific Talk and Networking Event
Date: September 10
Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Learn More
AWIS STEMiNAR Series: AIA - Its Impact on Research and Commercialization
Event: Virtual Meeting - American Invents Act
Date: September 11
Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Register Now
AWIS San Francisco Chapter
Event: sfAWIS Workshop: Balancing your Work and Life
Date: September 12
Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Register Now
AWIS West Virginia Chapter
Event: What Can I Do With a Science Degree?
Date: September 13
Time: 5:45PM - 7:30PM
Learn More
AWIS St. Louis Chapter
Event: Work-Life Satisfaction Workshop III with Missouri History Museum's "Underneath it All"
Date: September 15
Time: 9:45AM - 11:30AM
Register Now
AWIS Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Event: First Annual GC AWIS Chapter Picnic
Date: September 16
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Learn More
AWIS STEMiNAR: The State of AWIS - Part 2
Event: Virtual Meeting - The Value of AWIS Members
Date: September 18
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Register Now
|
| Opportunities | |
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ti ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The NSF welcomes applications from all qualified students and strongly encourages under-represented populations, including women, under-represented racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, to apply for this fellowship. The deadline for applications are designated by field of study and are as follows: Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, and Materials Research applications are due November 13; Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy applications are due November 14; Social Sciences, Psychology, and STEM Education and Learning applications are due November 16; and Life Sciences and Geosciences applications are due November 19.
Keystone Symposia Fellows Program
Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology announces a new, highly unique, cutting-edge, life science fellowship program for postdoctoral students and new assistant professors engaged in laboratory-based research. The focus of this fellowship program is to expose emerging scientists to the intellectual framework driving the scientific community at present. It is designed to advance participation in life science research by scientists from traditional and historically URM populations who are US citizens and permanent residents (Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders). Graduates of the Keystone Symposia Fellowship Program become members of a unique cadre of scientists who are well-connected, knowledgeable members of the life science community, and active proponents of inclusive practices within that community. Applications must be submitted by September 1 of each calendar year, and notification will be made by October, with a start date of November 1.
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program
The Schlumberger Foundation is accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Faculty for the Future Fellowships. New applications will be accepted from September 10 to November 16, 2012. This program awards fellowships to women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhD or post-doctoral studies in the physical sciences, engineering and technology at leading universities abroad. The long-term goal of the program is to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing academic careers in scientific disciplines thus contributing to the socio-economic development of their home countries and regions.
Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physical Sciences
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln is bringing together outstanding student researchers in Physics for a three-day conference, from October 18 to October 20, 2012. Attendees will be given the opportunity to expand upon current research experiences, interact with physics students from other universities, and attend scientific talks given by scientists who are leaders in their field. The theme of this year's conference is "The nanoworld is not enough." Undergraduate students with research in all areas of physics, astronomy, or related disciplines are encouraged to attend.
On-Ramps into Academia Workshop
NOTE: This is not an official AWIS event, this event is sponsored by a National Science Foundation ADVANCE grant. The third "On-Ramps into Academia" workshop will be held October 14-16, 2012. The workshop speakers will primarily be successful women faculty members who began their post-Ph.D. careers in industry, research labs, consulting, or national labs. The lead speaker will be President Maria Klawe of Harvey Mudd College, who, before entering academia, was at IBM and was recently profiled in the New York Times. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 31, 2012 (or until we reach 30 participants). Registration is free and travel funding for airfare and hotel is available.
Opportunity for Scientists to Collaborate with European Colleagues
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the European Commission (EC) signed an Implementing Arrangement to provide opportunities for NSF-funded early career scientists and engineers to pursue research collaborations with European colleagues supported through the European Research Council (ERC) awards. The ERC will identify researchers wishing to host NSF funded investigators, and NSF will solicit proposals from its CAREER awardees and Postdoctoral Research Fellows for these potential collaborative opportunities. This agreement will allow US scientists to be incorporated in the ERC-funded teams and will be supported as any other ERC team members. NSF will cover travel costs for the US scientists. NSF will release further details through an upcoming Dear Colleague Letter.
ADVANCE Program Solicitation
NSF ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers (ADVANCE) is accepting proposals for projects that develop systemic approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic STEM careers, thereby contributing to the development of a more diverse science and engineering workforce.
2013 AWIS Educational Awards
The Educational Awards support travel for professional development, broadly defined. Individuals may request funding to attend a conference, to acquire specialized training, or to pursue professional development in other ways that take them from home. Any woman who works in a STEM discipline and who has earned at least a bachelor's degree is eligible. Individuals may be graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, employed scientists and engineers, or those seeking employment or to return to school. The next application process will open on August 1, 2012 and close September 16, 2012 for travel that starts between December 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013.
Travel Award Program for Early Career Investigators
Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology will offer a limited number of travel awards to early career investigators at the Assistant Professor or equivalent industry scientist level. At times researchers find that attending a Keystone Symposia meeting might substantially further a current research project or assist in problem solving around a particular experimental issue. These travel awards are specifically designed to address this situation. The emphasis is on URM scientists who are pursuing research careers. The application process is open for all meetings between now and February 28, 2013. However, the awards will be made upon review, on a first come basis.
Marie Curie Fellowship
Have you ever wanted to do research in Europe? Apply for a Marie Curie Fellowship. The goal of the Marie Curie Fellowship is to strengthen the human potential in research and technology by stimulating people to enter into the profession of research and attracting researchers from the entire world to Europe. This Fellowship addresses researchers at all stages of their careers, in the public and private sectors, from initial research training, specifically intended for young people, to lifelong learning and career development. Proposals are welcomed from all areas of scientific and technological research and the fellowship covers your salary plus your research expenses. To apply, you must have either a doctoral degree or at least 4 years' full-time equivalent research experience, after obtaining a degree permitting you to embark on a doctorate.
Small Business Postdoctoral Research Diversity Fellowship
The Small Business Postdoctoral Research Diversity Fellowship program aims to encourage creative and highly-trained recipients of doctoral degrees in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematical disciplines to engage in hands-on research projects in their areas of expertise at the kind of small innovative businesses that historically have fueled the nation's economic regime. This fellowship program offers small businesses the opportunity to attract top scientific and technological talent at a fraction of the usual cost, while recruiting postdoctoral fellows to work for at least a year outside an academic setting on cutting-edge research aimed at promoting scientific excellence and strengthening our nation's technological prowess. Each research fellow will receive a stipend of at least $75,000 plus health insurance benefits.
NSF's Career-Life Balance (CLB) Initiative
Scientists now have the opportunity to submit supplemental funding requests to support additional personnel (e.g., research technicians or equivalent). This will help sustain research when the Principal Investigator is on family leave. In FY 2012, up to 3 months of salary support may be requested (for a maximum of $12,000 in salary compensation) by CAREER awardees.
|
|
|
|
|
| Member Profile | |
Member Name:
Member Type:
Expiration Date: |
| Featured Jobs | | Dean
The Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University
Professor
Physical Chemistry, University of California, San Diego
Tenure-Track Faculty
Infectious Disease Research Faculty, University of Wisconsin-Madison
|
AWIS Staff Spotlight
| 
Samantha Lomax
BA in Journalism from Indiana University
| The newest addition to the AWIS staff, Samantha Lomax, is the Marketing and Communications Associate and the primary contact for advertising with AWIS.
From the career center to the magazine, she develops advertising options that meet the needs of both advertisers and AWIS members.
|
| Support AWIS | | |
Help other women in science! Donate to AWIS for its programs and awards.
Your tax-deductible donation to AWIS supports the wide-ranging advocacy activities of the National Office and the Executive Board.
|
| AWIS Store |  | |
The AWIS Cafe Press Store is the only place to get official AWIS merchandise, including shirts, mugs, stickers, buttons, flip-flops, teddy bears, iPhone cases, and much much more!
|
|
|
