AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of October 16, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery
This week's issues:
1. Childcare at the Winter AAS Meeting
2. Nobel Prize
3. Melissa Franklin Speaks at Barnard
4. Older Women to Work on Physics?
5. Childcare Grants for February/April APS meeting
6. Woman Who Fell in Love with the Sky
7. Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowships
8. Southern California Center for Galaxy Evolution Postdoctoral Fellowship
9. Executive Vice President of AURA
***The following position was taken from WIPHYS***
10. Tenure Track Position at Case Western Reserve University
11. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
12. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN
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1. Childcare at the Winter AAS Meeting
From: Joan Schmelz [jschmelz
memphis.edu]
Childcare Onsite
The AAS will provide childcare onsite during the meeting through
the Kiddie Coprs Service. Care will be available Sunday, 3 January
2010 through Thursday, 7 January 2010. The cost of care is per $8
hour. The advance registration deadline is 20 November 2009.
Childcare Grants
Childcare grants are available for up to $250 per family for those
that wish to bring children to the meeting. Parents are responsible
for making arrangements for childcare. To apply for a childcare
grant please fill out the Childcare Grant Application. If requests
exceed available funding, preference will be given to those in the
early stages of their careers.
Childcare Sharing
Please visit the Childcare Sharing Forum to find other attendees
interested in sharing childcare. You will need to register to
view and post on the forum.
http://aas.org/meetings/aas215/childcare.php
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2. Nobel Prize From: Nancy Brickhouse [nbrickhousecfa.harvard.edu]
Carol W. Greider of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine was one
of three women who won a science Nobel last week, which puts her
in some rare company. Only eight women had won in physiology or
medicine, and there has never been a year when three women won
Nobels in the sciences. Dr. Greider shared her prize with Elizabeth
H. Blackburn and Jack W. Szostak for their research on telomeres.
Here is a link for the NYT article entitled, A Conversation with
Carol W. Greider on Winning a Nobel Prize in Science
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/science/13conv.html
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3. Melissa Franklin Speaks at Barnard From: WIPHYS Oct 15, 2009
The Barnard Center for Research on Women will present: A Lab of
One's Own: A Place to Measure the Broken Symmetries of This Particular
Elegant Universe
Melissa Franklin
Roslyn Silver '27 Science Lecture:
Wednesday, 10/21, 6:30 PM, Sulzberger Parlor, 3rd Floor Barnard
Hall
This year's Roslyn Silver '27 Science Lecture will be presented by
Melissa Franklin, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics at Harvard
University. Professor Franklin will discuss her research involving
new elemental particles, as well as her prospective work with the
Large Hadron Collider and its potential to answer questions about
how the elementary constituents of matter come together to create
more complex forces. She will also discuss the challenges in
navigating the university and the international laboratory, and the
importance of having "a lab of one's own" to allow for independent
thinking.
This event is free and open to the public.
Barnard Center for Research on Women 101 Barnard Hall 212-854-2067
www.barnard.edu/bcrw
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4. Older Women to Work on Physics? From: WIPHYS Oct 15, 2009
[May we suggest using the term Senior Women rather than Older Women?
Eds.]
Count me as an aging wannabe who got a great degree -well 2- and
not the encouragement I needed to finish the PhD and do the work
that I wanted. Result: decades of endless misery. 2 things--even
now, were I young enough there are no fellowships for these cases,
and we are many--most of my life I avoided the APS because reading
about other people's fun was so sad. And 2, even though I am old,
the mental apparatus is still pretty good though it works differently.
And again, we are many. I saw last week a press release from the
State Department no less (Thanks Hillary) about helping women
entrepreneurs, and there are numerous books out on crowd wisdom
basically arguing that a roomful of ordinary people will devise a
better answer to a problem than a small number of PhDs in the
specialty.
So maybe there are a group of women who still want to work on physics
but don't have the credentials who can just be clued into: here is
an unsolved problem and some lines of attack-- to see if anything
comes of it. The structure if any would have to be worked out. Most
of us have jobs which would preclude formally participating, but
having conversations with others about a topic is still allowed, I
think. Just something to consider-- all that wasted talent out there
which just might have a good idea given a problem to focus upon.
And possibly mixing up people whose lives have taken different paths
could create a different kind of solution, I don't know.
Regards, Linda Perry lindacperrysbcglobal.net
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5. Childcare Grants for February/April APS meeting From: WIPHYS Oct
16, 2009
Small grants of up to $400 are available to assist meeting attendees
who are bringing small children or who incur extra expenses in
leaving them at home. Please complete the Application at
http://www.aps.org/meetings/april/services/childcare.cfm
and fax it to the number on the form. Applications must be received
by December 15, 2009 to be considered by a subcommittee of the
Committee on the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP). In the event
that the number of requests for grants exceeds the funding available,
preference will be given to applicants in the early stages of their
careers.
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6. Woman Who Fell in Love with the Sky From: Carolina Brühl
[bruhlitagmail.com]
[We received a contribution with a link to the following article
in Spanish. The version included below is courtesy of Google
translator; we apologize for the butchered English Eds.]
http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/bogota/ARTICULO-WEB-PLANTILLA_NOTA_INTERIOR-6319747.html
Caption: Maria Carolina Rojas Brühl thanks Germain Puerta, one of
the most important astronomers of the country, for entering this
world.
The great universe, with planets, stars, galaxies and nebulae are
his true passion. 11 years ago, when Maria Carolina Rojas Brühl
joined Autodidactas Astronomers Association of Colombia (Asasac),
she was the only woman. Today, that outlook has not changed. It has
40 male partners who respect her as an astronomer in the macho world
of the national astronomy, a similar picture to the world. But all
these men are happy with the appointed director of the Astronomical
Observatory Leonardo da Vinci Italian School, one of the most
beautiful and complete schools of the city with two telescopes that
are used to give classes to students and also for those who want
go to watch the sky on Thursday night, for public observing. This
love of heaven says to look at not only one of the great pleasures
of life, "is also free. It costs us and we can learn so much ...
There's the life." Civil engineer just because the race did not
exist in Colombia when she finished school (a year ago opened the
faculty at the University of Antioquia, a four-year undergraduate),
left lying bridges and terrestrial channels to look up. A hobby she
had since childhood, when she saw television programs by Carl Sagan
she realized that the universe is organized, and we were-and are-a
very small but beautiful. "
Her mom started buying books on astronomy and she became aware of
all eclipses so her daughter is not lost. She was becoming an expert
with binoculars looking at the sky, without fail, every night. 10
years ago she bought her first telescope. And even after all this
time, she still believes that the Moon and its craters are spectacular,
Jupiter and its moons look like a painting, to look at Saturn and
Mars is a pleasure, and to appreciate the stars, nebulae and distant
galaxies is a blessing. "I know I'm looking at the past. The Sun
that was observed in eight minutes ago and it is possible that many
of the stars no longer exist," she says. The Da Vinci observatory
mission is to strengthen the squad Astronomy Club, disseminate and
promote astronomy with teachers and administrative facility, as
well as parents. Also, connecting the observatory with others in
the world to do research. Brühl is convinced that educating children
in science subjects makes different people. "When they are shown
rescuing the sky can be so wrong road and that happens in any
stratum, since I have worked with low-income children and their
emotions are the same. I think that astronomy can do better for a
society like ours," says. His dream, while continuing to observe
the sky, you see the facilities of the Arecibo telescope (Puerto
Rico), which seeks intelligent life in the big universe that exists
beyond Earth. And she believes there is. Like, is confident that
when they no longer exist, will go "live" to heaven. "We are made
of many materials of stars. Maybe that's what we become."
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7. Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowships From: Nancy Evans
[evanshead.cfa.harvard.edu]
E-mail: fellowshead.cfa.harvard.edu WWW:
http://cxc.harvard.edu/fellows/
Attention: Einstein Fellowship Program Office
On behalf of the NASA Astrophysics Division, the Chandra X-ray
Center (CXC) is pleased to announce the annual competition for the
Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, in cooperation with host
institutions throughout the United States. The primary objective
of the Program is to provide opportunities for postdoctoral research
on problems that are broadly related to the scientific goals of the
NASA Physics of the Cosmos program as addressed by any of the
missions of this program. These include high energy astrophysics
relevant to the Chandra, Fermi, XMM-Newton, and IXO (formerly
Constellation-X) missions, cosmological investigations relevant to
the Planck and JDEM missions, and gravitational astrophysics relevant
to the LISA mission. This program is open to applicants of any
nationality who earn doctoral degrees between January 1, 2007 and
September 1, 2010 in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines.
The Fellowships are tenable at any U.S. institution where Physics
of the Cosmos related research can be carried out.
The Fellowship is initially for two years, with the expectation of
a third year, contingent upon performance and available funding.
Subject to the availability of NASA funding up to 10 Einstein Fellows
will be appointed this year, through grants to United States
institutions.
The Call for Proposals for the Fellowship Program, which includes
detailed Program policies and application instructions is available
on the World Wide Web at http://cxc.harvard.edu/fellows/. An
application includes a cover form, a research proposal, letters of
reference, a curriculum vitae, and other relevant materials as
detailed in the instructions. Full instructions for submitting
applications through the web are contained in the Call for Proposals.
The application deadline is November 5, 2009 (5:00 pm EST). The
Einstein Fellow appointments are expected to begin on or about 1
September 2010. Women and members of minority groups are strongly
encouraged to apply.
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8. Southern California Center for Galaxy Evolution Postdoctoral
Fellowship From: Alison Coil [acoilucsd.edu]
The Southern California Center for Galaxy Evolution invites
applications for Fall 2010 Center Fellowship positions. These
positions are offered as part of a research initiative aimed at
promoting collaborations between the five southern UC campuses:
Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, which
are all within a few hours' drive.
CGE Fellowships provide an opportunity for highly qualified
postdoctoral scholars to conduct theoretical or observational
research at any of the five campuses in areas broadly related to
galaxy formation, including (but not limited to) galaxy evolution,
Galactic astronomy, early star formation, and AGN phenomena. The
Fellowship provides up to three years of support with an excellent,
competitive salary plus benefits and a generous annual research
budget.
One of the primary objectives of this program is to promote
collaboration between the five Southern UC campuses. Applications
will be judged on research excellence and, in part, on their
likelihood for promoting collaboration between at least two campuses.
Thus, we require the candidate to specify a first-choice and
second-choice host campus and to maintain faculty contacts at these
two campuses throughout the fellowship. The minimum qualification
is a Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, or related field. Applications
must be submitted electronically at
http://www.cge.uci.edu/fellows.html
Applications must include a statement of past research (up to 3
pages), a research proposal (up to 3 pages), CV, and the names of
pre-arranged faculty contacts at two of the CGE campuses. Applicants
should arrange to have three letters of support submitted electronically
at the web address above. Applications must be received by December
1, 2009 in order to receive full consideration.
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9. Executive Vice President of AURA From: Pat Knezek [pknezeknoao.edu]
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
seeks to establish the position of Executive Vice President of AURA.
This is a new position. The Executive Vice President would functionally
serve as a deputy to the President and second in the overall corporate
management structure. We are seeking an individual with an outstanding
background in science or science policy, and management. The person
must convey a strong vision and a demonstrated leadership and talent
for administration in a complex and evolving environment.
The Executive Vice President will act on behalf of the President,
will represent AURA and the President, and will carry out special
initiatives at the direction of the President. Factors that will
be considered in the selection will include: familiarity with current
issues in the nations astronomy program; familiarity with the Federal
budget and policy process; experience in dealing with Federal funding
agencies including NSF and NASA; and an understanding of the basic
mission and role of AURA.
Salary and compensation will be established at a level appropriate
to the candidates experience and comparable to senior staff levels
within AURA. The Search Committee will begin evaluating applications
on January 1, 2010. Applications will be accepted until the position
is filled. Applications should include a description of the candidates
experience, relevant accomplishments, a resume, a list of three
references, and the individual's written view of the future landscape
for astronomy and where AURA should fit in. Applications will be
kept confidential, and should be sent to:
Dr. Bradley Peterson, Chair, AURA Search Committee
c/o AURA, 1212 New York Avenue N.W., Suite 450,
Washington, DC 20005
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. AURA is an EOE/AA/F/D/V
employer
Questions related to this search should be directed to Bradley
Peterson, Chair of the AURA Executive Vice President Search Committee
at Petersonastronomy.ohio-state.edu
Information and updates regarding this search are available on
http://www.aura-astronomy.org
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10. Tenure Track Position at Case Western Reserve University From:
WIPHYS Oct 16, 2009
As part of its on-going commitment to physics at the interface
between particle physics and cosmology/astrophysics, Case Western
Reserve University Department of Physics seeks candidates for a
tenure-track junior position possessing an outstanding record of
innovative research and a commitment to teaching at all levels. The
successful candidate will interact with theoretical, experimental
and observational faculty, research staff and students in the
departments of Physics and Astronomy, especially in the Center for
Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics (CERCA),
complementing and augmenting their research programs with a vigorous
program of their own. Broader interdisciplinary connections through
University Initiatives such as the Institute for the Science of
Origins are also supported. Responsibilities include conducting a
vigorous program of innovative and funded research, supervising
graduate students, teaching, and university service. The standard
teaching load is one course per semester.
Qualifications for the positions include a Ph.D. or equivalent in
physics or a closely related discipline, as well as a record of
outstanding scholarly research appropriate to the level of the
position. Candidates must have a strong interest in teaching and
possess the skills needed to be an effective instructor. Information
about our department is available on the website
http://www.phys.case.edu.
Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2009 and will
continue until the position is filled. Applications complete by
this date will receive the fullest consideration. All applicants
should submit a letter of application, CV, and statements of research
plans and teaching as a single pdf file by email to
pat2009phys.case.edu.
Applicants should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation
to be sent electronically to the same address. If electronic
submission is not possible, paper applications may be submitted to
PAT Search, Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7079 USA. Questions regarding the search may
be directed to Prof. Glenn Starkman at glenn.starkmancase.edu
or to Prof. Tanmay Vachaspati at txv7case.edu.
Glenn Starkman
Professor of Physics and of Astronomy
Director of the Institute for the Science of Origins
Director of the Center for Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics
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11. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
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12. 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.