eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery
1. IAU Study on Women Statistics
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]
[From the Editors: For the next several weeks we will be presenting a summary of major outcomes from the Women in Astronomy III conference held at the University of Maryland October 21-23, 2009. A general summary is also on the Women in Astronomy blog at
http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/women_in_astronomy/ ]
Catherine Cesarsky gave a talk on Statistics of Women in the IAU. Her statistics included the percentages of women who attended the IAU XVII General Assembly meeting last August in Brazil, the percentage of women represented in the IAU, and a breakdown by country of percentages of women in the IAU.
Of all 2109 participants at the 2009 IAU meeting, 667 (31.6%) are women. Of the more than 10,000 IAU members, 14.8% are women. This percentage is an increase from 2006 where only 12.9% were women. Of all the countries that participate in the IAU, Argentina has the highest percentage (36%) of women participants. Ukraine (27%); Italy & Bulgaria (25%); France (24%); Brazil (23%); Hungary (21%) round out the second to sixth levels, respectively. The United States has 12% women participating in the IAU. The United States does not come in last place - the placeholder for that position is Japan which only has 6% of women in the IAU.
As the meeting is still in progress, the data is not yet online. However, more on these statistics will be found at the Women in Astronomy and Space Science website
http://wia2009.gsfc.nasa.gov/
after the conference has ended.
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2. Response to Older Women to Work on Physics?
From: Andrea Schweitzer [schweitz_at_frii.com]
[In last week's issue of AASWOMEN, we posted one senior woman's request to work on physics. The following is a response to this request from one of our readers to which we thank for your response. Eds.]
I wanted to respond to Linda Perry's post about wishing she could be working in physics research:
While one generally needs a Ph.D. to pursue research from within academia, there are getting to be more and more opportunities to participate in "citizen science" research programs outside of academia. And most local astronomy clubs, Science Cafes, and schools welcome guest speakers about physics and astronomy. Thus, in an informal way, you can still do some research and teaching. Also, many of the citizen science programs have active blogging and discussion boards so that you can participate in scientific collaboration and electronic conversation as your schedule allows. Galaxy Zoo has even had several new discoveries and publications in scientific journals! I have been very impressed by the growing impact of citizen science research.
A few astronomy citizen science programs to get you started:
Classify galaxies and astronomical objects for Galaxy Zoo ( http://www.galaxyzoo.org )
Epsilon Aurigae variable star observing campaign ( http://www.citizensky.org )
Star counting programs to raise awareness about dark skies and light pollution: - Great World Wide Star Count, October 9-23, 2009, and October every year ( http://www.starcount.org ) - GLOBE at Night, March near new moon every year ( http://www.globe.gov/GaN/ )
More astrophysics programs are listed at: http://www.starstryder.com/the-list/list-of-citizen-science-projects/
and for other branches of science start at: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/projects
Regards, Andrea
Andrea Schweitzer, Ph.D. U.S. Project Manager for the International Year of Astronomy www.Astronomy2009.us aschweitzer - at - Astronomy2009.us
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3. President's Speech at the White House Star Party
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]
If you missed President Obama speaking about the importance of astronomy then please see the video:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obama-Presents-a-Night-of-Astronomy/ .
Photos from the White House Star Party can be found at
http://www.wisn.com/slideshow/slideshows/21233931/detail.html .
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4. A Forgotten Moment in Physiology: The Lovelace Women in Space Program
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]
In the September edition of Advances in Physiology, an article can be found on the intersection of physiology, spaceflight, and politics. Ryan, Loeppky, & Kilgore wrote "A Forgotten Moment in Physiology: The LoveLace Women in Space Program (1960-1962)." The abstract is provided below as well as a link to the full article.
Abstract: In 1959, Brigadier General Donald Flickinger and Dr. W. Randolph Lovelace II suggested that it would be more practical from an engineering standpoint to send women rather than men into space due to their lower body weights and oxygen requirements. When the Air Force decided not to pursue this project, Dr. Lovelace assumed leadership of the Woman in Space Program and began medical and physiological testing of a series of accomplished women aviators at the Lovelace Medical Clinic in Albuquerque, NM, in 1960. The tests that these women underwent were identical to those used to test the original Mercury astronauts, with the addition of gynecological ex- aminations. Thirteen of the nineteen women tested passed these strenuous physiological exams (for comparison, 18 of 32 men tested passed); a subset of these pilots was further tested on a series of psychological exams that were similar to or, in some instances, more demanding than those given to male Mercury candidates. Despite these promising results, further testing was halted, and the Woman in Space Program was disbanded in 1962. Although the Woman in Space Program received a great deal of publicity at the time, the story of these women was somewhat lost until they were reunited at the 1999 launch of the shuttle Columbia, commanded by Colonel Eileen Col- lins.
The full article can be downloarded from Advances in Physiology Education at
http://advan.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/33/3/157
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5. Opportunity for Women Physicists: Workshop February 12
From: WIPHYS, October 21
The American Physical Society will offer a workshop entitled Professional Skills Development for Women Physicists on Friday, February 12, 2010 in connection with the APS annual meeting in Washington, DC. The workshop will be aimed at tenured women faculty in physics and women post doctoral associates in physics.
The deadline to apply is November 9, 2009. First consideration will go to applications received by that date. The workshop will be limited in size for optimal benefits.
All participants are eligible to receive a stipend to help cover the cost of travel and up to two nights lodging. Women of color are especially encouraged to apply.
The workshop is aimed towards enhancing the status of women in physics and will provide professional training on effective negotiation, communication and leadership skills for female physicists in a position to become the future leaders. In addition, the workshops will offer a special opportunity for networking. Information is now posted at
http://www.aps.org/programs/women/workshops/skills/index.cfm .
A similar workshop will be offered on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the APS annual meeting in Portland, Oregon (for post docs and junior, tenure-track women faculty).
The first series of workshops (2005, 2006, and 2007) was extremely successful, as were the workshops offered in 2008 and 2009.
This program is supported by an award from the National Science Foundation.
Questions? Please contact Sue Otwell at APS otwell_at_aps.org
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6. Be A Mentor or Get A Mentor
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]
We would like to encourage all to either obtain a mentor or be a mentor by joining a nonprofit e-mentoring network like MentorNet. Quick Facts about Mentors at MentorNet include the following: 766 employers are represented, 46% of the mentors are female, and currently 194 mentors are available to be matched. Do you know of someone who wants to pursue a career path in industry, government, or higher education and does not know how to begin or fully achieve this goal? Can you help out someone in need and provide mentoring on e.g., your unique career path or field, job search, or work/life balance?
More information can be found on MentorNet at
http://www.mentornet.net
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7. New DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship Program
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]
[Editor's Note: Eligibility includes undergraduate seniors as well as first and second year graduate students in a qualified research-focused Master's or Ph.D program at an accreditec U.S. college or univeristy at the time of applying. Please pass along this information to those undergraduate and graduates who do not receive this newsletter but would be interested in this new fellowship. Note that the application deadline is November 30, 2009.]
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has established the DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE SCGF) program to provide support for outstanding students to pursue graduate training in basic research in areas of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computational sciences, and environmental sciences relevant to the Office of Science and to encourage the development of the next generation scientific and technical talent in the U.S. Fellows will receive a $35,000 yearly stipend for living expenses, $10, 500 per year for tuition and fees and a $5,000 research stipend supplement for research materials and travel expenses. Fellows will be required to participate in the annual DOE SCGF Research Conference to be held each summer at a DOE national laboratory. Travel expenses and accommodations to the Conference will be provided by the DOE SCGF program.
For more information, please email:
SCGFInfo_at_science.doe.gov
or go to
http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/SCGF.html .
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8. Tenure-track Junior Faculty Position in Solar Physics at Rice University
From: Jan Rinehart [Jan.Rinehart_at_rice.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University expects to have a tenure-track junior faculty position available in Solar Physics starting July 1, 2010 and invites applications from all qualified applicants. The successful candidate's research program should complement current research in solar physics and related fields at Rice, particularly in the areas of space physics and astrophysics (see physics.rice.edu for information on current research programs). The successful candidate is expected to participate actively and effectively in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, have a strong record of published research, obtain external funding, and develop a nationally recognized research program. Applicants should send a dossier that includes a curriculum vitae, a brief description of proposed research and teaching interests, a list of publications, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent to
David Alexander, Chair, Faculty Search Committee c/o Valerie Call, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy MS 61, Rice University 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005
or by email to
vcall_at_rice.edu.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but only those received by December 9, 2009 will be assured of full consideration. Rice University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer; women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
More information can be found at
http://physics.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=65&linkidentifier=id&itemid=65
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9. Tenure-track Assistant Professor Position of Astronomy at Tufts University
From: Danilo Marchesini [Danilo.Marchesini_at_tufts.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Tufts University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the field of Observational Astronomy/Astrophysics, beginning September 1, 2010. To qualify for the position the candidate must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, and post-doctoral experience with observations or analysis of data obtained by either ground-based or space-based astronomical instruments, performing research of internationally recognized importance. We are particularly interested in candidates who will complement or strengthen our existing research programs in astronomy, astrophysics and/or cosmology. The candidate will be expected to teach courses in astronomy and astrophysics at the undergraduate and the graduate level, and to mentor undergraduates in individual research projects. Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required. We expect the new hire to generate research grants after coming to Tufts, to maintain a sustained research program, and to supervise thesis work by graduate students. The department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and includes strong research programs in observational astronomy, theoretical cosmology, particle physics, and condensed matter physics.
The review of applications will begin on December 1, 2009 and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, all material should be submitted by December 1, 2009. Applications should be submitted to the
Chairman of the Astronomy Search Committee, c/o Jean Intoppa, Department of Physics and Astronomy 4 Colby St., Tufts University Medford, MA 02155.
Complete applications may be sent by email to
astrosearch2009_at_tufts.edu.
Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae, a Description of Future Research Plans, and a Description of Teaching Experience. Applicants should arrange for three Letters of Reference to be submitted directly to the address above.
Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Observational Extragalactic
Astronomy and Cosmology
From: Chris Mihos [mihos_at_case.edu]
The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for a tenure-track position at any rank, in the area of observational extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research interests include multi-wavelength studies of galaxies using both ground- and space-based facilities. Departmental research interests include a major emphasis on galaxy evolution, the structure and dynamics of galaxies, large scale structure, chemical abundances and evolution, and telescope and instrument design. Research facilities include the recently refurbished Burrell Schmidt telescope at Kitt Peak, and several members of the department are active participants in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III consortium. In addition, the Case Department of Physics has strengths in particle astrophysics and cosmology. Case is committed to both undergraduate and graduate education, and we seek candidates who will share that commitment. The normal teaching load for the department is one class per semester.
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field, and demonstrate clear potential for excellence in research and teaching. Senior applicants at the Associate Professor (Professor) level should have a strong national (international) scientific reputation as well as a distinguished record of publication. Applicants should provide a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and plans, and a statement of teaching experience, aspirations, and goals. Electronic applications (in PDF form) are strongly preferred, sent to
facsearch_at_astronomy.case.edu.
Print applications can be sent to
Faculty Search Committee c/o Agnes Torontali Department of Astronomy Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-7215
All applicants should provide contact information for three references; applicants at the Assistant Professor level should also arrange for three letters of recommendation (in either electronic or print form) to be sent directly to the search committee. Complete applications received by January 1, 2010 will receive full consideration. Case Western Reserve University is committed to diversity and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
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11. Faculty position in Astrophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
From: WIPHYS, October 19
The Physics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology invites applications for an expected junior faculty position in astrophysics. Our search is unrestricted with respect to area of specialization. Current astrophysics faculty are active in optical, radio, X-ray and gravitational wave astronomy; in broad areas of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology; in the understanding of dark matter and dark energy; in studies of exoplanets and brown dwarfs; and in space plasma physics. MIT hosts the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, whose faculty and research staff, contribute instrumentation for and conduct research with several facilities, including Chandra, RXTE, the Mileura Widefield Array, the Magellan telescopes in Chile, and LIGO.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in physics or physics-related discipline is required and strong postdoctoral experience in the field is generally expected. Faculty members at MIT conduct research, teach undergraduate and graduate physics courses and supervise graduate and undergraduate participation in research. Candidates must show promise in teaching as well as in research. Preference will be given to applicants at the Assistant Professor level, but appointments at a more senior level will be considered in exceptional cases.
The strict deadline for completed applications is November 20, 2009. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a description of research interests and goals (the latter not to exceed 3 pages) at the following website:
http://www.academicjobsonline.com .
Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be uploaded to the site.
Any inquiries should be directed to
Professor Saul Rappaport, Search Committee Chair, 37-602B, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA; sar_mit_mit.edu .
MIT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. MIT does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its employment policies and practices. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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12. Two Joint Faculty Appointments, UC Berkeley and LBL
From: WIPHYS, October 21
The Physics Department of the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory intend to make two joint faculty appointments effective July 1, 2010. One position is targeted for Computational Astrophysics; this appointment will be made jointly between the Physics Department and Nuclear Sciences and/or Physics Divisions at LBNL. A second position is targeted for Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, with an intended focus on Local Probes and/or Materials; this appointment will be made jointly between the Physics Department and the Materials Sciences Division of LBNL.
These searches will be at a junior level, though an appointment at a senior level is possible if a candidate with outstanding breadth and record is identified; both positions will be at either the tenure track (assistant professor) level or tenured (associate professor or full professor) level depending on previous record.
All qualified candidates are invited to apply, and applications from minority and women candidates are especially encouraged. A curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, and a list of at least 3 references (names and complete addresses including email) are required for consideration. UC Berkeley's Statement of Confidentiality can be found at:
http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html .
Online applications are strongly preferred. Please go to
http://www.physics.berkeley.edu
and click on the Faculty Job Listing link located in the right side bar. Follow the directions for self registration, uploading of PDFs, and obtaining the URL for your letters of reference writers. For applicants at the assistant professor level, give this URL to at least 3 references and have them upload their letter.
For applicants who wish only to be considered at the associate or full professor level, it is sufficient to provide names and addresses in the initial application; the search committee will contact these references only after the applicant is selected for further consideration. If online application is not possible, mail curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of teaching and research interests, and names and full addresses of at least 3 references to:
Physics Department Search Committee University of California, Berkeley 366 LeConte Hall MC 7300 Berkeley, CA 94720 7300
Applications by E mail or FAX will not be accepted. Applications should be received by Jan 12, 2010, at which time interviews will begin, but will be accepted until March 19, 2010. Applications submitted after close of business March 19, 2010 will not be considered. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.
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13. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
[Please remember to replace "" in the below e-mail addresses.]
To submit to AASWOMEN: send email to aaswomen_at_aas.org. All material sent to that address will be posted unless you tell us otherwise (including your email address).
To subscribe or unsubscribe to AASWOMEN go to
http://lists.aas.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaswlist
and fill out the form.
If you experience any problems, please email itdept_at_aas.org
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14. 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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