Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 18:06:33 -0500 (EST)
To: aaswlist
stsci.edu
Subject: AASWOMEN newsletter for Jan. 10 & 17, 2003
AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Weekly issue of Jan. 10 & 17 2003, eds. Meg Urry, Patricia Knezek, & Michael
Rupen
This week's issues:
0. Mt. Stromlo destruction
1. Women in Astronomy II: Ten Years After, June 27-28, 2003
2. A summary of the January 2003 CSWA Meeting in Seattle
3. Some fun quotes to start the New Year
4. How to Inspire Girls in Engineering
5. SPIE starts Women in Optics Quarterly
6. CSWP/FIAP Networking Breakfast, Austin, TX March 3, 2003
7. Summer Undergrad. Research Experiences in Cosmology for Minorities and
Women
8. APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women
9. REU Program at Ohio State University
10. Visiting Faculty Position at Franklin and Marshall College
11. Tenure-track Positions at Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
12. Faculty Position in Theoretical High Energy Physics at Northwestern
13. Two new visiting positions at Bucknell University
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0. Mt. Stromlo destruction
We extend our deepest sympathy to our friends and astronomical colleagues
who have been affected by the devastating loss of both Mt. Stromlo Observatory
and, in some cases, their personal homes. Our thoughts are with you all.
The editors of the AASWOMEN newsletter - Meg Urry, Patricia Knezek,
and Michael Rupen
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1. Women in Astronomy II: Ten Years After, June 27-28, 2003
From: Pat Knezek knezeknoao.edu
The Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy is pleased to announce
that a conference on the status of women in astronomy, "Women in
Astronomy II: Ten Years After", will be held at the California Institute of
Technology in Pasadena, CA, on June 27 & 28, 2003. The conference
convenes approximately 10 years after the historic first conference on women
in astronomy, held in Baltimore in 1992.
The purpose of the second conference is to examine how far we, the profession,
have progressed, and to identify the next steps. The motivation is not only
equity and fairness for women astronomers but also the practical issue of
providing the best workforce possible to achieve national goals. Dr. Fran
Bagenal from the University of Colorado chairs the Program Committee. Drs.
Judy Cohen, Wal Sargent (Caltech), and Barry Madore (Caltech/Carnegie) head
the Local Organizing Committee.
More information, including a conference website and registration process,
will soon be available (stay tuned for announcement in AASWOMEN). In the
meantime, please keep the dates free! We look forward to seeing many of you
at the meeting.
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2. A summary of the January 2003 CSWA Meeting in Seattle
From: Kathryn Johnston kvjastro.wesleyan.edu
Denice Denton, Dean of Engineering at the University of Washington, addressed
the CSWA meeting at the AAS, recounting her impressive campaign to diversify
the faculty in her division. In the last year alone, in a search to fill 22
new positions, the division has successfully hired 7 women and 2 African
Americans. (In contrast, the equivalent division at UC Berkeley hired 1/50
women in a recent search, despite the fact that on average, 15% of current
engineering PhDs go to women.)
Dean Denton emphasized that all hires in her division are made based on the
excellence of the candidates - none are targeted positions. She counters
claims of "lowering of standards" to achieve such changes with a simple
fact: 9 faculty in her Engineering College won CAREER awards last year (of 14
applications) --- these are prestigious multi-year grants for young faculty.
Clearly the UW Engineering faculty are top performers.
How was this level excellence and diversity achieved? The bottom line is
institutional change. Dean Denton developed a "tool kit" for conducting a
good faculty search (see www.washington.edu/admin/eoo/forms/ftk_01.html),
which involves appropriate training for the search committee and other
comprehensive reforms, including active outreach to the candidate pool. She
gave specific examples of how searches are carried out, interviews conducted,
offers made, and new faculty welcomed to her division. She noted that all of
this would be in vain without parallel changes in the culture within the
division that made it an attractive working environment for the new faculty.
Nor could such a plan be implemented without appropriate resources, in terms
of both money and staff, so these have been made a priority by the Dean.
In the end, the absolutely essential component of the University of
Washington program is strong leadership --- at the Chair, Dean and
Presidential level --- committed to the ideal of excellence, to its close
compatibility with diversity, and to diverting or creating the necessary
resources to make it happen. A fuller report on the University of
Washington's hiring program, and of the UW successful NSF ADVANCE project,
will be given in the June 2003 issue of the CSWA Newsletter, STATUS.
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3. Some fun quotes to start the New Year
From: Andrea Schweitzer schweitzfrii.com
Here are a couple of fun quotes to start off your New Year:
"The eye that directs a needle in the delicate
meshes of embroidery will equally well bisect
a star with the spider web of the micrometer."
-- Maria Mitchell
and
from the article on "Men's Startling Sex Wants" in Glamour Magazine,
Oct. 2002 issue p. 275,
"You haven't lived until you've been with a
girl who can discuss Mossbauer spectroscopy
and gamma resonance absorption!"
Glamour also profiled a physicist from Caltech in the
Top 10 College Women of 2002. Ok, now you can give
me grief for reading Glamour at the gym... :)
-- Andrea Schweitzer
Little Thompson Observatory
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4. How to Inspire Girls in Engineering
From: Meg Urry meg.urryyale.edu
[This is forwarded from the WomenTech Educators' Newsletter. See
http://www.iwitts.com/html/mailinglist.htm
to subscribe. Cisco may be found at
http://www.iwitts.com/html/cisco.html
and there's lots of other interesting stuff at
http://www.iwitts.com -- Eds.]
Interesting article about IWITTS and Cisco. Also re-leads to the Cisco
"best practices" page, which is mainly about high schools and adult ed
training, and there is also a report on Canadian women in IT, which is
pretty interesting (covers all the federal initiatives).
How to Inspire Girls in Engineering
by Linda Kekelis and Etta Heber
The girls from Oakland Tech come to the Science Center twice a
month to participate in Techbridge, a technology program designed for
girls. With funding from the National Science Foundation, Chabot Space
& Science Center developed this innovative program to build on girls'
interests and expands their technical skills. Techbridge serves 200
girls in elementary, middle, and high schools. The program teaches
technical skills- -like programming, design, and animation-and also
introduces girls to role models.
When we began working with girls in the Engineering Academy at Oakland
Tech we expected that most of them would be planning a career in
engineering. Instead, we were surprised to find that only a few were
interested. If they hadn't completely shut the door to engineering, they
were confused by the many branches: electrical, civil, mechanical,
environmental, chemical, and on and on. The very breadth of the field
makes it confusing to high school students.
But those like Lyn Longley know first hand the rewards of an engineering
career and are reaching out to girls who could be the engineers of
tomorrow-if only they knew more about this field. Lyn helped demystify
engineering by explaining the various specialties and by sharing her
personal journey from high school, through college, and to the job site
at Black and Veatch. Like many girls, Lyn took advanced math classes in
high school, but wasn't advised to consider engineering. For Lyn,
working on the transmission of her car with her stepfather was a turning
point. Discovering that she could repair her car herself gave Lyn
confidence and exposed her to the rewards of engineering. College
classes and internships reinforced her interest in mechanical
engineering. It's personal stories like Lyn's-told with passion and
honesty-that help girls relate to role models and see engineering in a
new light.
Unfortunately, not many girls have the chance to work with their hands.
Since girls may not ask to help with household projects or include tools
on their gift lists, parents assume that they aren't interested. But our
experiences tell otherwise. When given the chance, girls do enjoy
building with LEGOS and fixing household appliances. We saw this first
hand during Lyn's visit. The real fun began when Lyn let the girls loose
on second-hand hairdryers picked up at thrift shops. Their assignment
was to dismantle a hairdryer and figure out how it works. Not only did
they learn the inner workings of a hairdryer but they were also quick to
identify weak design features on some of the older models. The hairdryer
that was filled with the previous owner's hair definitely needed a
better filter! Once they got under the casing and studied the components
of their hairdryer several girls shared the observation; "I expected it
to be more complicated." We imagine that experiences like these could
help girls find engineering less intimidating and also more interesting.
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5. SPIE starts Women in Optics Quarterly
From: Amy Simon-Miller simonlepasm.gsfc.nasa.gov
[Note that this issue features an article on Dr. Denise Denton, who gave
a superb talk at the Seattle AAS last week. -- Eds.]
For those that are interested, SPIE has begun a Women in Optics newsletter:
----Begin Forwarded Message ----
You are invited to read the first issue of SPIE's Women in Optics
Quarterly
Newsletter. This e-publication is designed to supply you with information
about people, events, and programs of interest to the growing membership
of
Women in Optics worldwide.
This inaugural issue features:
Dr. Denise Denton, Dean of Electrical Engineering, University of
Washington
Dr. Naomi Zirkind, MIT graduate and mother of seven who has recently
reentered the workforce
Calendar of upcoming events
Click here to read more:
http://spie.org/wio/newsletter/
Sincerely,
Hillary MacDonald
Chair, Women in Optics
----End Forwarded Message----
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6. CSWP/FIAP Networking Breakfast, Austin, TX March 3, 2003
> From WIPHYS Jan. 14
CSWP and the Forum on Industrial and Applied Physics (FIAP)
will sponsor a networking breakfast on Monday, March 3, 2003 at
the APS meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Austin, TX. The
guest speaker will be Padmasree Warrior, Senior VP and Chief
Technology Officer for Motorola, who has made key contributions,
both managerial and technical, to the development of innovative
transistors for cellphones. Her talk will be followed by a chance for
discussion and networking. Cost: $20 ($10 for students). A limited
number of complimentary registrations is available for students!
Contact Sue Otwell at otwellaps.org. Details and registration at
http://www.aps.org/educ/cswp/breakreg.html - sign up early to
avoid long lines at the door! (You do not need to be registered for
the meeting to attend the breakfast).
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7. Summer Undergrad. Research Experiences in Cosmology for Minorities and
Women
From: Monica Valluri vallurioddjob.uchicago.edu
The Center for Cosmological Physics (CfCP) is sponsoring a research
internship program that targets undergraduate women and minorities.
Participants will have the opportunity to work with faculty of the CfCP.
Housing will be provided for program participants in addition to a $4,000
stipend.
Deadline for applications is February 15, 2003.
Information on CfCP research, program details and applications can be found
at
http://cfcp.uchicago.edu/reu
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8. APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women
> From WIPHYS Jan.14
APS and IBM are again co-sponsoring a research internship
program for undergraduate women. This is a salaried summer
internship at one of IBM's U.S. research centers located in San
Jose, CA; Yorktown Heights, NY; or Austin, TX. Information on
the 2003 program may be found at
http://www.aps.org/educ/cswp/ibmintern.html
Deadline to apply is January 31, 2003. This is a wonderful opportunity -
please share this notice with students who may be interested.
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9. REU Program at Ohio State University
> From WIPHYS Jan. 9
REU/OSU is a program of research experience in physics for undergraduates.
All interested undergraduates are invited to apply for this 10 week summer
program of research in the Physics Department of OSU in Columbus, Ohio.
INTERNSHIPS with research groups in Astrophysics, Nuclear, High Energy,
Condensed Matter, Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Students will
work on projects in such areas as chaos in fluids, big bang nucleosynthesis,
High-Tc superconductivity, heavy ion collision detectors, and many other
projects spanning the diverse interests of a comprehensive research
department. TUTORIALS are held each year in a variety of areas. In recent
years these areas have included: Mathematica computational skills, Tex and
Latex, Shop Safety and Practice, and Presentation Skills.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: You must be a US citizen or permanent resident
enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in physics or engineering
physics.
Members of groups under-represented in physics are especially encouraged to
apply.
STIPENDS will support travel costs of $400, a weekly board allowance of $80,
and in addition a weekly stipend of $300, totaling $4200. A double room in
an
OSU dorm will be supplied free of charge.
APPLY now: Express your interest by returning the application
form that accompanies this mailing. Applications are due
February 15, 2003. For further information, visit our website at:
http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/reu
The 2003 Ohio State REU program is pending renewal by the National Science
Foundation.
Robert Scherrer, Vice-Chair
Department of Physics
Ohio State University
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10. Visiting Faculty Position at Franklin and Marshall College
From: Dana Backman dana.backmanfandm.edu
The Physics and Astronomy Department at Franklin and Marshall College
invites applications for a one-year renewable visiting appointment in
astronomy beginning in fall, 2003. The position will be renewable for up
to two years on evidence of good teaching. Minimum qualifications are a
Ph.D. or Ph.D. ABD in astronomy or astrophysics. Applicants should
demonstrate clear commitment to undergraduate astronomy teaching. The
position will include responsibility for teaching introductory and upper
level astronomy and astrophysics courses and invitation to teach in the
college's Foundations program of interdisciplinary introductory courses.
Deadline for application is March 3, 2003. A complete application will
include a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and copies
of both graduate and undergraduate transcripts. Reference letters (at
least 3) should be sent directly to: Dr. Dana Backman, Chair, Physics
and Astronomy Department, Franklin and Marshall College, P.O. Box 3003,
Lancaster, PA, 17604.
F&M is a selective private liberal arts college with 1,850 students
located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a small city of 50,000 about 1-1/2
hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. Information about our astronomy
and physics staff and facilities can be found at
http://www.fandm.edu/Departments/Physics/Physics.html. Franklin &
Marshall is committed to cultural pluralism through the hiring of women
and minorities and encourages all interested persons to apply. EOE/AA.
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11. Tenure-track Positions at Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
From: Stephanie Cote Stephanie.Cotehia-iha.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Hi there,
I'd like to encourage you to apply to the following tenure-track positions
at NRC's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, under the 'New Horizons' program.
We seriously need to increase our female astronomer staff percentage (so far
4% in other words I'm the only one!). The numbers of positions at each NRC
institute is not limited, so this is also a good opportunity for dual-carreer
astro-couples. These jobs offer very good salaries and garantee a high
fraction of research time. Non-canadians are encouraged to apply too (despite
the last line in the add) since in practice many non-canadians have been
hired in recent years in Canada. If you have any questions about HIA (which
by the way is located in beautiful Victoria B.C.) please feel free to contact
me, please apply!
-- Stephanie Cote
Recruitment Program: New Horizons - New Opportunities Program
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA
Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
5071 W. Saanich Rd.
Victoria, BC V9E 2E7
CANADA
Tel: (250) 363-0049
FAX: (250) 363-8766
Email Submission Address: please use URL below
Email Inquiries: Briana.Robertsonnrc-cnrc.gc.ca
URL: http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Attention: Briana Robertson, Staffing & HR Planning Specialist
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) recently launched an
exciting new recruitment initiative entitled "New Horizons - New
Opportunities".
The purpose of this initiative is to recruit 50 outstanding researchers
within the 2002-2007 period. The initiative specifically targets
outstanding individuals with the potential to become world leaders in
their field, as well as established and exceptional researchers.
NRC's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA) is a champion of this
initiative and encourages outstanding astronomers and engineers to
apply. For further information on how to apply, please visit the
following URL:
http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/Careers/career_main.nsf/pagee/newhorizons.html
Information on HIA can be obtained at
http://www.hia-iha.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/
Please note that preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and
Permanent Residents of Canada.
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12. Faculty Position in Theoretical High Energy Physics at Northwestern
From: Frederic A. Rasio rasionorthwestern.edu
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University is
seeking outstanding candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor
position in theoretical high energy physics. The appointment starts
September 2003. Northwestern offers excellent opportunities for
initiating and developing research programs in physics (for more
information, see http://www.physics.nwu.edu/). The successful candidate
is expected to teach effectively at all levels. Applicants should
submit a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and plans,
and arrange for four letters of reference to be sent to: Prof. Heidi
Schellman, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Physics and
Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston IL 60208-3112.
Applications should be received by February 3, 2003 to receive full
consideration. Members of minority groups and women are especially
encouraged to apply. AA/EOE.
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13. Two new visiting positions at Bucknell University
From: David C. Schoepf schoepfbucknell.edu
Bucknell University
Department of Physics
Two Visiting Positions in Physics and Astronomy
The Physics Department ( http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/physics ) is seeking
candidates for two leave replacement positions, one for two years and the
other for one year. Both positions are entry-level positions at the assistant
professor level beginning August 2003. Candidates are expected to have a
Ph.D. in physics or astronomy (or equivalent) and potential for excellence in
teaching. (ABD candidates will be considered.) The successful candidate for
one of the two positions will have responsibility for teaching astronomy and
maintaining the observatory program. Bucknell is a highly selective,
predominately undergraduate, private university with 3500 students and a
Physics Department with 11 permanent faculty. Support includes an electronics
shop and a machine shop, and extensively networked computers. Send a resume,
evidence of teaching potential, a description of research interests, and
three letters of reference to David Schoepf, Chair, Department of Physics,
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837 (schoepfbucknell.edu). Candidates
are also asked to indicate whether they wish to be considered for the one-year
or two-year position, or both. Review of applications will begin on
February 14, 2003, and continue until both positions are filled. Bucknell
University encourages applications from women and members of minority groups
(EEO/AA).
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