Washington Wire
Edited by Rachel Britt, PhD
|
|
 |
Greetings!,
Drawing data from 4,225 publishing scientists and researchers worldwide, the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) finds that lack of flexibility in the workplace, dissatisfaction with career development opportunities, and low salaries are driving both men and women to re-consider their profession.
Join us this Wednesday, April 2nd at 12 noon EDT, as AWIS' very own Dr. Donna Dean discusses the findings of this significant survey and the case studies that inform our newest book - Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce: Beyond Best Practices, co-authored by Dr. Dean and Janet Koster, AWIS Executive Director & CEO. During the webinar, evidence-based practices that help early- to mid-career scientists deal with their family and other "away from work" responsibilities with demanding careers will be reviewed.
There's still space left for this webinar! Click here to register (use your username: your email address; password: awis2014! to log in and register). Want to purchase the book? Email AWIS to request your 30% off discount code (applicable only for active AWIS members). To order the book, you can access the Elsevier Store directly here!
Best Regards,
Julie Utano
Associate Executive Director
P.S. AWIS is in the midst of a beta test with our new website and database. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this testing period. Overall, we're pleased with how the new website has turned out and have appreciated your feedback.
Our goal with this new site is to make it easier for you to connect with other AWIS members and find the information you need quickly.
|
|
 |
|
 Careers |
|
Contributed by Ramya Natarajan, PhD
Navigating the Unfair World of Hiring
Like other job seekers, scientists must set aside the naïve notion that hiring is an entirely fair process. While employers meet their basic legal obligations to not discriminate, they don't always choose the most qualified candidate. Instead they choose the most visible among all qualified candidates. So, rather than dwelling on the unfairness of the system, focus on what you can control - raising your profile.
Redirect your focus
Lessons Learned from a Negotiation Gone Awry
Recently, a female academic's tenure track job offer from a small college was rescinded when she started the negotiation process by presenting her prospective employer with a counter-offer which included a higher starting salary, a pre-tenure sabbatical, a semester of maternity leave, fewer class preps, and a delayed start date. Considering how hard it is for women to negotiate at all, what could either party have done for a more successful outcome? An expert on negotiations and gender weighs in on both sides.
Deal or no deal
How to Polish Up Your Resume
Developing an easy to read resume that grabs the attention of a potential employer might make the difference between getting an interview and never hearing back. The goal is to make a few simple changes to your resume such that it stands out from the crowd. Before you embark on your next job search, use these five questions to tweak your resume.
Make it shine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributed by Rachel Britt, PhD
Small Private Colleges' Disproportionate Contribution to STEM
A recent report by the Council of Independent Colleges indicates that, contrary to popular belief, STEM students from small and mid-sized independent colleges are more likely to pursue an advanced degree than their peers at large, research-focused universities. Based on this finding, the Council argues that smaller institutions deserve more support for STEM education in order to maximize the key role that these institutions play in the STEM pipeline.
Small, but mighty
Cybersecurity is a Challenge for Colleges
The recent cyber-attack on the University of Maryland resulted in a data breach of 309,079 students and personnel, which may cost the institution millions of dollars to correct. Unfortunately, the University of Maryland is not alone in this problem: other universities have been the victims of cybercrime, and the price is steep - an estimated $111 per compromised record. College data-systems employees have the difficult task of both maintaining security and the open culture of the academic setting at the same time.
Data-breach debacle
|
|
|
|
 Science and Technology |
|
Contributed by Shabnum Patel
Woman Receives a New 3D Printed Skull
Dutch brain surgeons have successfully replaced the majority of a woman's skull, thanks to a 3D printer. The patient has a condition that caused thickening of the skull, which put pressure on her brain. To relieve this pressure, surgeons took a mold of her skull and printed a 3D copy for implantation. After a 23-hour long surgery, they successfully replaced the majority of her skull.
Print me a body part!
HIV Protection in a Tube Holds Promise for Women
U.S. scientists have developed a gel for use by women after sex which contains medicine to protect against HIV. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine found that when the HIV prevention gel was applied to female monkeys either before, or 3 hours after infection with HIV, it protected 5 out of the 6 monkeys studied. More studies will need to be conducted in both monkeys and humans before a gel like this could be licensed. However, it holds promise, especially for use in countries where condoms are taboo or HIV rates are extremely high.
|
|
|
|
 Work-Life Satisfaction |
|
|
Contributed by Becky Mercer, PhD
Seeing Interruptions as Opportunities
Throughout the day we face interruptions-phone calls, emails, random websites that draw our attention, coworkers who want to chat. How can we complete the important and urgent items on our "to do list" without being delayed by these apparent sidebars? A recent blog for The Harvard Business Review tells how to view these interruptions as opportunities to connect with people, inspire new ideas, and add meaning to your day.
Get it done, really
Keeping in Touch
Networking with colleagues, a boss, neighbors, your rich uncle etc., can help open doors for opportunity. A recent blog in Forbes.com reports that, in addition to the obvious people to stay in touch with, there are three essential, yet overlooked, people of influence with whom you should stay connected.
Dear X, remember me?
Having it All: A 3-Year Old's View
We have heard the arguments and the personal stories from women leaders about the challenges of "having it all" - the struggle to have both a successful career and family life. Here is one three-year-old girl's view on the idea of being a scientist and a mommy when she grows up. Her response may surprise you.
That's funny, Mommy
|
|
|
|
______________
2014 AWIS Winter & Spring Webinars
April 2, 2014
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
April 16, 2014
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
April 28, 2014
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
May 5, 2014
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
May 13, 2014
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
May 28, 2014
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. (EDT)
_____________________
|
Reno or Las Vegas, NV
Click here to visit
our Career Center!
_____________________
|
|
Member Spotlight
Denise Bronner
PhD Candidate
University of Michigan
AWIS Member since 2012
Ms. Denise Bronner is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. In addition to her studies, she sits on the Graduate Student Success Advisory Board at the University of Michigan and is also the Vice President of Hustle & Grow, aimed at empowering under-represented minorities.
_____________________
|
|
Don't Forget to Use Your AWIS Discount!
Equitable Solutions for Retaining a Robust STEM Workforce: Beyond Best Practices, a new book from AWIS (Association for Women in Science) addresses many of the work/life issues faced by those in STEM careers. It was developed to provide both academic and private sector STEM work environments with the tools they need to retain their workforce, especially women.
Interested in ordering?
Current AWIS members receive a 30% discount.
Contact AWIS at awis@awis.org to get your 30% discount code.
Click here to order.
Sign up to hear author Dr. Donna Dean discuss the case studies used for this book on April 2. Click here to register
_____________________
|
1321 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
awis@awis.org
(703) 894-4490
|
|
|
|
 Health |
|
|
Contributed by Jaime Smith, PhD
Alzheimer's is More Likely than Breast Cancer in Women over 60
According to a recent report from the Alzheimer's Association, women aged 60 and older have a 1 in 6 chance of developing Alzheimer's disease - twice as likely as they are to get breast cancer. By comparison, men have a 1 in 11 chance of getting Alzheimer's. While age is the greatest risk factor, researchers are now also looking at genetic and hormonal differences as well. Alzheimer's disease affects more than 5 million Americans, two-thirds of them women.
Brain drain
An Unspoken Female Medical Condition: Fibroids
Approximately 75 percent of women over the age of 50 in the U.S. have fibroids (noncancerous uterine tumors); yet, few want to talk about it. Symptoms can range from bloating and pain to anxiety and low self-esteem. In the U.S., this condition is a major cause of lost work days. Fibroid researchers hope that a $20 million research initiative by the Patient -Centered Outcomes Research Institute will help answer questions about treatment options.
In utero
Liquid Nicotine for E-Cigarettes is on the Rise
Extracted from tobacco in its liquid, potent form, nicotine is being mixed with a variety of colors and flavorings and being marketed toward the e-cigarette community. These so-called "e-liquids" are dangerous neurotoxins that can induce seizures and even kill a small child. E-liquids are not federally regulated and toxicologists warn they pose a significant public health risk, especially to children who may be drawn toward their bright colors and flavors.
E-poison
Most Women Can't Identify Stroke Symptoms
In a recent study in Stroke, Columbia University researchers revealed that 20% of women are unable to identify just one sign of a stroke. Strokes occur more often in women than men and it is the third-leading cause of female deaths. Rapid response in the event of a stroke is crucial in reducing possible damage, making the recognition of early symptoms vital. Typical stroke symptoms include limpness on one side of the face, numbness on one side of the body, loss of vision, and dizziness.
Stroke symptoms
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 Events |
| |
APRIL
MAY
MAY 5
AWIS Webinar
May 5
AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
May 7
AWIS Central Jersey Chapter
May 8
AWIS NY Metropolitan
May 13
AWIS Webinar
May 28
AWIS Webinar
For more information on upcoming events for 2014, or to register for an event, visit the AWIS Events Calendar online!
|
|
|
|
 Opportunities |
| |
NextProf 2014 Workshop - University of Michigan, College of Engineering
The NextProf 2014 Future Faculty Workshop is planned for Wednesday, 1 October through Friday, 3 October in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. We need your help in getting underrepresented minority doctoral students and postdocs from across the country to attend it. We have hosted two very successful NextProf workshops over the past two years. For more details on NextProf 2014 and to nominate someone, please click on http://nextprof.engin.umich.edu/. We are seeking the very best senior doctoral candidates, postdocs and recent graduates meeting the following eligibility criteria:
- Participants should be an underrepresented minority as defined by the National Science Foundation framework for broadening participation: individuals who belong to underrepresented groups, e.g., Alaska Native, Native American, Blacks or African American, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; and
- Participants should be interested in/thinking about an academic career in engineering and science at an exceptional research or teaching institution.
All travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the selected participants. If you should have any question about the event, please feel free to contact me at alec.gallimore@umich.edu.
Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellowship
The CRDF Global Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellowship will be awarded for the first time in Summer 2014. The first fellow will focus on expanding opportunities for women scientists around the world to collaborate in science and engineering. Specifically, the fellow will conduct research on opportunities and impediments to international collaboration involving women scientists; advise CRDF Global on ways to strengthen existing program opportunities; and/or recommend possible new programs. For more information and to apply: http://www.crdfglobal.org/about-us/careers/fellowships#sthash%2EKJ1cCiTm%2Edpuf
19th AWIS Central Jersey Chapter Annual Scholarship Competition
Female high school seniors who reside in New Jersey (only), who are entering college, university, or any educational institution in the fall of 2014 and who are interested in studying any area of STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The AWIS NJ Annual Scholarship Competition offers cash grants to 3 applicants each year. Awards may be used for any purpose at any college, university, or other education institution.
The Application Package includes an original Essay/Scientist Profile that requires potential scholarship recipients to reach out and interview one of the many thousands of female scientists who have a connection to New Jersey (live here, work here, study here, etc). All interested students need to preregister if they intend to apply at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8umhe8e0d51ddf6&oseq=&c=&ch= by April 14, 2014 by 11 p.m. Winners will be announced on May 7, 2014. Contact info@awisnj.org if you have any questions.
White House OSTP Summer Internship Program
The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the Federal Government. Interns are accepted for one of three annual terms (Spring, Summer, or Fall), which each last no more than 90 days. While these positions are without compensation, the assignments provide educational enrichment, practical work experience, and network opportunities with other individuals in the science and technology policy arena. For questions, please contact Rebecca Grimm rgrimm@ostp.eop.gov.
Career Exploration Scholarship
In support of our mission, MASS AWIS strives to provide their members the opportunity to receive and explore valuable resources beneficial to their scientific career. After a very successful collaboration with Propel Careers last year, MASS AWIS is excited to continue the Career Exploration Scholarship program for the second year.
Five MASS AWIS members will be awarded an admission to one Propel Careers' 2014 Future in Life Sciences Series event through this Career Exploration Scholarship. For more information, please visit http://mass-awis.org/career-exploration-scholarship-2014/.
BBRG Affiliated Scholars Program
The 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. (or its equivalent) in hand one year prior to the beginning of the appointment. (Applications accepted throughout the academic year)
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.
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. 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.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
