AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of May 23, 2008
eds. Joan Schmelz, Hannah Jang-Condell & Caroline Simpson
This week's issues:
1. Intel Science and Engineering Fair Winners - All Women, All Minorities
2. Astronomy Position, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
3. Two Job Openings at NRAO
4. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
5. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN
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1. Intel Science and Engineering Fair Winners - All Women, All Minorities
From: Kevin Marvel [kevin.marvel
aas.org]
Three high school students earned top honors at the Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, when they
each received an Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award and a $50,000 college
scholarship.
Sana Raoof, a senior at Jericho High School in Jericho, New York, conducted
research on a branch of topology called knot theory. The central question
in knot theory involves how to prove that two knots are the same or
different. The reason this is difficult is that a knot can be drawn in an infinite
number of ways, yet it is still the same knot. Mathematicians use knot
invariants to assign consistent values to knots; however, every invariant so
far has generated false positive results, meaning that knot equivalents
cannot be guaranteed. Until now, that is, since Raoof recently proved that a
preexisting invariant, the Alexander-Conway polynomial, can guarantee knot
equivalents on all knots corresponding to lattice chord diagrams. Because
knot theory has applications in biochemistry, Raoof's research may shed new
light on a problem plaguing scientists for decades: the protein folding
problem, or how proteins from amino acids fold up three-dimensionally in nature.
Since there is a direct relationship between the structure and function of
organic molecules, Raoof's work could provide insight into the workings of
the basic machinery of life.
Natalie Saranga Omattage: In 2007, deadly contaminants penetrated the pet
food supply in the United States, causing the deaths of hundreds of animals.
Food additives contaminated with a toxic combination of melamine and
cyanuric acid were found to be the cause. Though food imports are currently
screened via chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods, the instruments,
as well as the reagents, are expensive. Additionally, implementation of
these methods requires highly trained personnel. In her search for a better
solution, Natalie Saranga Omattage, a student at The Mississippi School for
Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi, explored alternative
methods of detecting melamine and cyanuric acid in food. Using peptides with a
high affinity to these chemicals, Omattage developed an effective quartz
crystal microbalance-based biosensor capable of detecting melamine and cyanuric
acid at low concentrations and in just a matter of minutes. Further, the
biosensor is portable, less expensive than current screening methods, and
does not require highly trained personnel to operate. Omattage's biosensor is
not only applicable to screening for food contaminants, but it may also be
used to detect other harmful chemicals.
Yi-Han Su: With growing global interest in hydrogen, science and industry
are looking for ways to produce it more efficiently. One of the ways to
produce hydrogen involves using a catalytic process with a methanol-reforming
reaction. In order to generate hydrogen more efficiently, a high-activity
catalyst is desirable. For her chemistry project, Yi-Han Su, a student at
Taipei First Girls High School in Chinese Taipei, developed a process to
improve the activity of a catalyst, resulting in an improved process for
generating hydrogen. This method can be generalized for the synthesis of other
multi-composition materials to achieve high homogeneity.
For more information:
http://www.intel.com/education/
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2. Astronomy Position, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
From: Daniela Calzetti [calzettiastro.umass.edu]
The Department of Astronomy of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
would like to bring to attention a tenure-track faculty position opening
recently advertised in the AAS Job Register (# 24654). The Department is
making a concerted effort to diversify its faculty, and is trying to reach a
broad and diverse pool of potential applicants.
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3. Two Job Openings at NRAO
From: Fonda Bryant [fbryantnrao.edu]
Assistant Director (Site Director), Green Bank Operations
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is seeking an Assistant Director
(Site Director) for Green Bank Operations. The Assistant Director (AD) is
responsible for all activities at the Green Bank, WV site, and most
importantly, for the scientific leadership, development, and operation of
the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). The AD must have the vision and skills required
to foster the optimum scientific use of the GBT as a resource for the
astronomical community. The AD also participates in the development and
implementation of the Observatory's vision and strategic goals for its
overall mission.
The GBT supports a broad scientific program including pulsars, cosmology,
early galaxies, star formation, and astrobiology. The Green Bank Observatory
combines an academic atmosphere with a rural setting. The staff of about
120 employees includes ten astronomers and more than 20 engineers and other
professionals. Technical development to increase the scientific capability
of the GBT is presently centering on heterodyne and bolometric focal plane
array programs, pulsar backends, high frequency capability, and dynamic
scheduling. Most GBT development programs are done in collaboration with
university groups and external institutions; the Assistant Director should
foster such collaborations and partnerships as a priority.
The position requires a Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy, physics, or a
related field, as well as extensive experience in a research organization.
A scientific and instrumental development vision for the GBT is required.
Applicants should have a strong record of leadership and achievement in
radio astronomy. Prior management experience, including budget development
and control, is desirable. In addition, this position requires excellent
interpersonal and communication skills. This is a three-year renewable
appointment. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Please include
a curriculum vitae or resume, the names of three references, and a letter
describing interests and goals for the position. Applications should be
addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville,
VA 22903 or sent electronically to resumes
nrao.edu.
Please reference "CV4124 - AD, GB OPS" in the subject line. Applications
received by July 1, 2008 will receive full consideration.
Scientific Associate (Observing Support Associate)
As part of a small team, including members of the Green Bank scientific
staff, the primary duty of the position is to provide support to GBT observers
for various aspects of the observing process. This will include providing
general advice and assistance to observers in their preparations for
observing and providing support to observers during the observing process.
Duties could include improving documentation in the above areas and supporting
the scientific staff members in their execution of various development and
operational projects. Depending upon the skills and abilities of the
successful applicant, they may assume responsibilities for some telescope
operation and commissioning activities, for example, performing calibration
observations or monitoring the astronomical performance of one or more receivers.
The position requires a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree or
equivalent in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field. The level of the
position will be at either the Scientific Associate III or II level,
reflecting the skill level of the successful applicant. The ability to interact
smoothly and effectively with users' demands is essential. Previous experience
in a support position, especially an astronomical facility, would be helpful.
Previous experience with radio telescopes observing and data analysis techniques
would be an advantage. Strong writing skills and the willingness to be
involved in outreach activities would be an advantage.
This is a two year term position, with the possibility of extension for a
further year. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Please include a
curriculum vitae or resume, the names of three references, and a letter
describing interest for the position. Applications should be addressed to
NRAO, Shirley Curry, P. O. Box 2, Green Bank, WV 24944 or sent electronically
to gbresumesnrao.edu.
Please indicate the position applied for "GB4343 - Scientific Associate" in
the subject line. Applications received by July 1, 2008 will receive full
consideration.
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5. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN
Past issues of AASWOMEN are available at
http://www.aas.org/cswa/AASWOMEN.html
Each annual summary includes an index of topics covered.
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