Women in Science Symposium | Speakers

Speakers
	Patricia Culligan Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University Talk Title: Tips on Acquiring a Faculty Position & Report of ADVANCE Activities at Columbia University [View PDF] Abstract: This talk will discuss strategies for acquiring a junior faculty position, including general "career building" tips, information on identifying positions, applying for a position, and interviewing for a position, as well as strategies for post-interview follow-up and the negotiation of a start-up package in the case of an offer. Information about the activities of the ADVANCE program at Columbia University (see: http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/advance/) will also be provided.
	Virginia Dale Group Leader, Landscape Ecology & Regional Analysis Group - Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Lab Talk Title: Success = Balance [View PDF] Abstract: The challenge for a woman who strives to be successful in a professional career as well as in family and community activities is to avoid the tendency to be overextended. Thus my goal is to strive for balance in all three endeavors. Having a full life helps me not put too much emphasis on any one area because, frankly, I cannot afford the time! Striving for balance in life involves having fun, being honest, and organizing my life to alleviate the pressure to do it all. I envision this search for balance as a life-long effort.
	Barbara Jones Research Staff Member and Manager, Science and Technology Function, Almaden Research Center - IBM Talk Title: The APS/IBM Research Program for Undergraduate Women: CSWP, IBM, and Diversity [View PDF] Abstract: I will start with an overview of the goals and activities of the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics of the American Physical Society. I served on this committee for several years, including a year as vice chair and chair, and I will discuss the ways in which I believe this rather undersung committee has considerable importance in promoting women in physics. A key component of the committee's activities is the APS/IBM Research Program for Undergraduate Women, a joint program of IBM and the APS, and chaired from the IBM Almaden Research Center. Awardees receive a salaried summer internship at IBM Almaden, a mentor, a grant of $1500, and a chance to present their research at the end of the summer. We have been running this internship for six years now with considerable success, and I will provide a history and analysis of this program. Finally, I will discuss IBM's historically positive views on diversity as an imperative both for the research environment and for overall business success.
	Laura Kramer Program Director, ADVANCE, National Science Foundation Talk Title: The ADVANCE Program: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers [View PDF] Abstract: A brief overview of the ADVANCE Program, since its first awards in 2001, will be followed by some highlights of lessons learned about institutional policies and practices that facilitate the increased recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the academy. Information will be provided about available products of particular interest to early career women in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.
	Lynnette Madsen Director, Ceramics Program - Division of Materials Research, National Science Foundation Talk Title: Strategy for Diversity from the Division of Materials Research at the National Science Foundation [View PDF]
	Debra Rolison Head, Advanced Electrochemical Materials Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Talk Title: Creating S&T Professional and Institutional Change through Subversion, Revolution, and Meteorology Abstract: The inability of research universities to diversify their faculty is a national disgrace in that these universities recruit for students that reflect the face of America, but have not yet incorporated that pool of talent onto their faculty. Similar difficulties are apparent among the scientific staff of national/federal laboratories. The U.S. must escape our still too-white and too-male universe to stay at the forefront of science?a leader would not stand still for less. But how can one person change the world of science??especially the concerned junior scientist at the undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral level? Subvert the standard operating procedure. Create a microclimate that shows?over time?how new patterns of operation and inclusiveness yield productive, innovative science. Use the scientific capital and street credentials accrued over time, thanks to the humane microclimate and research productivity of one's team, to challenge the status quo with reasoned and bold arguments for change. Remember the importance of uppity behavior and applying "tipping point" mechanisms to move beyond initial reactions of dismissal (such as greeted my audacious suggestion in March 2000 to withhold federal funds from non-diversified chemistry departments through application of Title IX) to?over time?accepted inevitability. Ask the leaders of our S&T institutions the following: how good can American science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (STEM) be when we are missing two-thirds of the talent? Learn to demand that our world of science be one that truly relishes the talent residing across the American populace.
	Marc Sher Professor, Department of Physics, The College of William and Mary Talk Title: The Two-Body Problem: Dual Career Couples in Science [View PDF] Abstract: Several years ago, Laurie McNeil (now Chair of Physics at UNC) and I conducted a survey concerning dual career couples in physics. The response was overwhelming, and an extensive report was written (which has now been downloaded 40,000 times, and has had a significant impact on policy within federal agencies). The survey results will be discussed in detail, including the extent of the problem, a number of "horror stories", and various suggested solutions (and, yes, some success stories). Recent developments in academia will also be discussed, as the institutional responses to the "two-body problem" have changed substantially in recent years.
	Christine Stevens Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Saint Louis University Talk Title: Making the Transition to a Full-time Academic Position Abstract: For those graduate students and postdocs who seek an academic career, moving to a tenure-track job brings a justifiable sense of accomplishment. It also brings new challenges and opportunities, especially in a period when undergraduate instruction in mathematics and science is changing rapidly and new areas of research are opening up. To ease this transition and to improve undergraduate mathematics education, the Mathematical Association of America has established a professional development program for new and recent Ph.D.s in the mathematical sciences. Called Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching), it addresses all aspects of an academic career: improving teaching and learning, maintaining research and scholarship, and participating in professional activities. Since 1994, Project NExT has helped over one thousand new Ph.D.s (half of whom are women) to become successful full-time faculty members, and many of the early participants in the program are now emerging as leaders on their own campuses and in the mathematical community at large. I will reflect upon my experiences as director of Project NExT and their implications those entering the profession, not only in mathematics, but also in the sciences.
	Anna Swan Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University Talk Title: Changing Careers for Work-Life Balance