AWIS
________________________________________________________________________

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Washington Wire

 

September 2012
Issue II  

Greetings!

 

Let your voice be heard! If you haven't already cast your vote in the AWIS 2013 Governing Board Elections, you have until October 5, 2012 to vote. Visit http://www.awis.org/elections, review the candidate statements, and click on VOTE NOW.  If you have voted, thank you.  

 

Janet
____________
Janet Bandows Koster
AWIS Executive Director
In This Issue
Careers
Education
Health
Science and Technology
Work Life Satisfaction
Events
Opportunities
Careers

Contributed by Ramya Natarajan 

  
Top 20 Employers in the Biopharmaceutical Industry
This month, Science magazine named Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Tarrytown, NY as the number one employer in its 2012 Top Employers Survey. The annual survey seeks to determine the 20 best employers in the biopharmaceutical industry as well as their driving characteristics. Survey respondents were asked to rate companies based on several characteristics including leadership and direction, work culture, work environment, and academic and intellectual challenge. Results based on 4276 responses revealed that despite the gloomy economy, these top 20 companies looked beyond the bottom line and continued to hire scientists and invest in R&D.

Employer of the year

How to Prevent Workplace Generational Tensions
In today's workplace, the generational span is more diverse than ever before. People are retiring at an older age and younger people are foregoing higher education and entering the workforce much earlier. As such, the potential for workplace generational conflict is high. With more women climbing the corporate ranks, CEO Lisa Nicole Bell imparts an important lesson to young women in charge on how to circumvent workplace generational tensions.

No more drama at work
Education

Contributed by Rachel Britt 

 

Princeton's First Female President Steps Down
In 2001, Dr. Shirley Tilghman was named Princeton's first female president, as well as the university's first president with a science background. Pioneering women like Tilghman broke the glass ceiling on Ivy League presidencies while significantly contributing to their universities and to higher education during their tenures. Tilghman will resign at the end of the academic year, and then return to the Princeton faculty after a year of leave.

Trailblazer moves on 

 

Visas for STEM Students Enter Political Debate
Democrats and Republicans in the US House of Representatives agree that awarding more visas to foreign students who graduate with advanced STEM degrees is a good idea. They cannot agree on how to award those visas. A recent Republican bill would have increased STEM visas, but eliminated the visa lottery program for immigrants from underrepresented countries. The bill was defeated on Thursday, September 20th, 20 votes shy of those needed to pass.

STEM visas and politics 

Health
Contributed by Jaime Smith

What Women Need to Know about Switching Contraceptives
Nearly 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. One of the leading causes of this statistic is switching contraceptives ineffectively. When abandoning one form for another, or even quitting altogether, women are often misinformed about the repercussions. To remedy this situation, The Reproductive Health Access Project has published a chart that explains the proper way to switch contraceptives while minimizing the risk of pregnancy.

Pill power

Increased Cancer Diagnoses in Pregnant Women
According to an Australian study, the number of pregnant women receiving cancer diagnoses has been on the rise over the past two decades. This increase is only partly explained by increased maternal age. Other possible reasons include better detection methods and the higher frequency with which women seek out healthcare while pregnant. While cancer is still low in this population, the increase is unsettling given the delicate treatment options that must be considered.

A new pregnancy complication
Science and Technology
Contributed by Meredith Fox
  
For Women, the Grass is Greener...Literally!
Researchers recently reported gender differences in how men and women see things in the world. Men can better perceive changes in brightness across space, which helps with better facial recognition. However, women can more finely differentiate between colors, especially blues and greens in the middle of the spectrum, as men require longer wavelengths to see these same hues. Evolutionary history might underlie these differences.

Why we see things differently 

One Pathway to Gluttony
In a recent study, biophysicist Alexandra DiFeliceantonio at the University of Michigan reported that when rats began feeding on a classic treat, M&Ms, levels of the opioid enkephalin spiked in the neostriatum that lies above "pleasure centers" in the brain. Further, injection of an artificial opioid into this same brain area resulted in rats consuming more treats. Together, these findings may suggest that increased opioids in the neostriatum can drive extreme overeating.

Chocolate anyone?
Work Life Satisfaction
Contributed by Becky Mercer

14 Steps to Reclaim Your Passion for Work
Feeling burned out? You may have lost your passion. Psychologists have known for years that being passionate about your work can relieve stress and boost happiness. Kaihan Krippendorff writes in FastCompany that a few key actions, such as identifying your fears and writing down your ideal personality traits can help you tune in to your passion and let go of the need for prestige. The goal is to discover what you want (and don't want) in your life.

Passion or prestige?

 

Academic Gender Disparity
For years civil rights group have criticized the disproportionately low number of women in scientific leadership.  Now a study by a co-ed group of Yale University researchers reports that faculty at research universities express a gender bias that favors male students.  Regardless of faculty gender, the findings reveal that female students fared lower on ratings of competence, hireability, and mentoring. While the authors report the bias is subtle, the effects are not: female students were offered significantly lower starting salaries.

 

Understanding the gender bender  

AWIS News and Events
AWIS Bethesda Chapter
Event: Annual Chapter Picnic
Date: September 29
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM     
Learn More

AWIS Los Angeles/Ventura County Chapter
Event: AWIS LA/VC resume workshop
Date: September 29
Time: 3:30PM - 5:30PM
Register Now
 
AWIS West Texas Chapter
Event: "Half the Sky" PBS Primetime National Broadcast Event Part I
Date: October 1
Time: 8:00PM - 9:30PM
Learn More    
    
AWIS STEMiNAR: Professional Growth Series
Event: Your Authentic Self . . .Tools to Further Fuel Your Success
Date: October 3
Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Register Now    

AWIS San Francisco Chapter
Event: Mentoring Program Kick-off
Date: October 3
Time: 6:00PM - 8:30PM
Register Now
    
AWIS and Lehigh University
Event: Importance of Mentoring Relationships
Date: October 10 - 11
Learn More
    
AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
Event: Negotiating Strategies and Skills
Date: October 10
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM  
Register Now  
    
AWIS Central Jersey Chapter
Event: "Clinical research, a path not so less travelled"
Date: October 11
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Register Now    
    
AWIS Dessert Reception at Neuroscience 2012
Event: AWIS Dessert Reception
Date: October 14
Time: 8:00PM - 9:30PM
Learn More
Opportunities

2013 Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award Call for Nominations
The Office of Women Faculty Programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center is requesting nominations for the fifth annual Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award, which recognizes an individual - female or male -  who has made significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of women in cancer medicine and cancer science. The deadline for nominations is October 8, 2012. The national award is given each year to an individual for her/his ongoing support and extraordinary dedication to enhancing the careers of women in cancer medicine and cancer science.
 
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.

2013 Alan T. Waterman Award Call for Nominations
The Alan T. Waterman Award is the highest honor awarded by the National Science Foundation. The annual award has been bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional individual achievement in scientific or engineering research of sufficient quality to place them at the forefront of their peers.The annual award recognizes an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by the National Science Foundation. In addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $1,000,000 over a five year period for scientific research or advanced study in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, social or other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice. Nominations will be accepted from August 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 35 years of age or younger, or not more than seven years beyond receipt of their Ph.D. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are nominated.

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.

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.

Policy Fellowships with the Society for Research in Child Development
SRCD is seeking applications for upcoming Policy Fellowships for 2013-2014. There are two types of Fellowships: Congressional and Executive Branch. Both provide Fellows with exciting opportunities to come to Washington, DC and use their research skills in child development outside of the academic setting to inform public policy. Fellowships are full-time immersion experiences and run from September 1st through August 31st. The application deadline is December 15, 2012. Applicants must have a doctoral-level degree in any relevant discipline (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.), must demonstrate exceptional competence in an area of child development research, and must be a member of SRCD.

FASEB Stand Up for Science Competition
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) is sponsoring a competition for the most effective demonstration of how research funded by NIH, NSF, and other federal agencies improves the health, quality of life, or economy in local communities.Competitors will create exhibits, events, or web-based outreach that highlight the value of NIH, NSF, or other federally funded research. Documentation of events and outreach efforts should be maintained and can include photos, videos, specific twitter hashtags, webpages, and links to news articles.Submissions will be accepted from September 17, 2012 to December 1, 2012. Voting will open on December 3, 2012 and close December 31, 2012.

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.

Association for Women in Mathematics Biennial Research Symposium
AWM Research Symposium 2013 will be held at Santa Clara University March 16 -17, 2013. The symposium, the initial event in the series, will showcase the research of women in the mathematical professions. It will feature three plenary talks, special sessions on a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, poster sessions for graduate students, and a panel discussion of the "imposter syndrome." The topics for the special sessions will include Algebraic Combinatorics, Climate Modeling,
Geometric Group Theory, Model Theory (in honor of
Carol Wood), Mathematics of Medicine, Random Matrix Theory, Combinatorial Optimization, Partial Differential Equations and others.

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.

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:
 
 
Quick Links
Featured Jobs
Director
Clinical Education, University of California, Davis

 

Department Chair 

Biology, Colorado State University

 

Dean

The School of Pharmacy, The University of Wisconsin-Madison  

AWIS Member Spotlight
Stephanie B. Abbuhl, M.D

Stephanie Abbuhl, Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs at the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, was recently awarded the Women in Medicine and Science Leadership Development Award by the Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS) committee of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

 

WW Testimonial

"AWIS is one of the best professional organizations to which I belong. Its newsletter is well written, timely, and of an appropriate length for working professionals. The topics are broad and appealing to the technical mind, focusing on items of interest to all scientists and to women in general. I find myself sharing many of the links in the newsletter on my own Facebook page."

Share your testimonial
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.
  

Donate to AWIS
Stay Connected

View our profile on LinkedIn
Follow us on Twitter

Find us on Facebook

View our videos on YouTube   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!