Events
2011 Past Events
2011 Innovator Award Dinner
Congratulations to our 2011 AWIS Chicago Innovator Award winner Kawtar Hafidi!
A nuclear physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, Kawtar is an example of how women can thrive in fields typically dominated by men. She leads by example and promotes success among her students pursuing careers in the sciences.
Our annual award dinner included a talk by Kawtar about her research and career path, dinner, and time for networking among attendees.
Resume/CV Workshop
January, 2011 – AWIS Chicago hosted a Resume/CV workshop on January 19th, 2011 at University of Chicago to kick off its Career Skills series. Heather Sevener, the Associate Director of Graduate Services at University of Chicago, Career Advising and Planning Services (CAPS) presented some key points about how to write and organize an effective resume or CV. The attendees then put the information to practical use by breaking into small groups and providing feedback and suggestions on each other’s actual resumes.
Some helpful take-home messages from the workshop included: 1) have a friend/colleague review your resume to evaluate if the 3 main points you want to get across are coming through 2) create a ’storage document’ that includes information about every job and position you have held; this will help you easily tailor your resume to be relevant to a specific position and 3) do not make any assumptions in a resume; make sure that the information will be clear to anyone who is reviewing it. The workshop wrapped up with one-on-one discussions with Sevener, more networking and swapping personal stories and resume tips among the attendees.
Networking
Social Networking event at Pete Miller’s
February, 2011 – Our winter networking event had people come in from the cold and wet for socializing, cocktails and appetizers at Pete Miller’s Steak and Seafood in Evanston. AWIS Chicago hosted over 20 of its members and some non-members for an afternoon of networking, informal discussions and card exchanging. Representatives from academia (research institutes and community colleges), industry (large and start-ups) as well as clinical laboratory directors were present, and conversations among old friends and new were plentiful. This was our second year hosting a winter social event at Pete Miller’s.
Career Development and Networking
Meet the Women Leaders of Abbott
March, 2011- AWIS-Chicago chapter, in partnership with Abbott Laboratories, hosted a career networking event on March 17th, 2011 called: Meet the Women Leaders of Abbott. With 160 registrations and over 100 women in attendance, this was one of the most successful events of AWIS-Chicago. 
The event kicked off outside the Baldwin Auditorium, Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center in downtown Chicago, with buffet dinner and refreshments graciously provided by Abbott, and the opportunity to drop off resumes for Abbott job opportunities, as well as business cards in order to qualify for a raffle at the end of the event. During registration, women scientists were able to network with other Chicago area scientists and informally discuss with numerous Abbott representatives. The event continued inside the auditorium with a welcome address by the chapter president Joy Ramos, who introduced the AWIS-Chicago mission and board members and presented the chapter’s most recent and future events. An overview of Abbott was then presented by Denise Moyse, Director, Project Management, followed by Laurel Krause-Hooyman, also a Director of Project Management at the company, who shared personal insights on her career path within Abbott. The last speaker was Laura Smith, Director of Talent Acquisition, who spent a considerable amount of time presenting current openings, and candidate profiles, as well as the technical ladders and growth opportunities within Abbott. The Abbott women leaders then gamely and candidly answered questions from the audience, with further networking and active discussions after the formal talks between all the speakers and a number of attendees. This was the first event co-sponsored by AWIS-Chicago and Abbott and discussions are ongoing to further strengthen this partnership.
Career Development
“Ten Ways to Get Lucky in the Job Search”
May, 2011- On May 12, AWIS-Chicago hosted “Ten Ways to Get Lucky in the Job Search” as part of our career development series. The seminar was given by John Lombardo and Phil Clifford from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and was adapted from similar seminars they have given at national conferences such as Experimental Biology and the Society for Neuroscience’s Annual Meeting. One of the underlying messages is that job-seekers can create their own “luck” by being prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. The speakers provided useful tips for setting measurable and obtainable goals, either within their current positions or when looking for new positions. They also talked about the importance of networking and how to leverage relationships that you may already have. Lastly, they gave several resources for job searches, networking and “expanding you vision” across scientific disciplines. Both speakers were engaging and fun, and fielded lots of questions, from the very general to the very specific. Overall, it was another successful component of this ongoing series.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
March 2011 Scientist of the Month: Louise Giam
By Eunji Chung-Yoo
Louise Giam is a PhD candidate in Dr. Chad Mirkin’s group at Northwestern University. Originally from Maryland, Louise pursued her B.S. in material science and engineering at MIT before moving to Chicago. Today, Louise’s research has evolved into learning how biological functions can be tailored using nanoscaled biomaterials. Like her research, Louise is open to stepping out of familiar territories to gain interesting experiences in her personal life such as running the marathon, completing a triathlon, taking culinary classes, and attending the Olympics in South Africa. Louise continues to strive for excellence and passion both in and out of the laboratory.
EJC: Please take us through your career, from undergrad to now. How did you choose your major?/get interested in science? How was Boston and what sparked you to move to Chicago?
LG: I started college (MIT) thinking I might pursue architecture and biology, both for completely different reasons. I thought architecture might suit me since I have always been artistically inclined and believed it would merge design and purposeful engineering well. On the other hand, I had worked two of my high school summers in the late Dr. Anita Roberts’ lab at the National Cancer Institute (part of NIH) on some proteins involved in the TGF-b signaling pathway. I thought biology was fascinating, but hesitated to choose it as my major since research proceeded rather slowly and was so specific.
We had to fulfill a chemistry requirement, and rather than doing the traditional chemistry class, I ended up taking the version taught by the materials science department. The professor who taught that core class always ended the last five minutes of each lecture with some real world application of what we had learned—whether it pertained to winemaking or rubber tires—and really engaged my interest in this applied view of chemistry and physics. It was definitely different and unconventional from classic chemistry. Furthermore, I ended up choosing to major in materials science and engineering since I felt like it uniquely combined fundamental and applied science to real world challenges. This major offered many tangible opportunities to explore ideas ranging from drug-delivery polymers to efficient solar cell designs to glass sculptures since after all, everything is made up of some kind of material.
When I was looking at graduate schools, my dad gave me some advice about expanding my horizons, meeting new professors, and learning about other ideas beyond what I had seen at MIT which was why I decided to go to Northwestern.
EJC: I know you work with a relatively novel field: nanotechnology. What is your lab like in graduate school? What kind of research do you do (be specific)? What have you learned through the opportunities in your lab (besides research) by joining a larger-sized lab?
LG: I chose the Mirkin group because the research was at the forefront of nanotechnology and truly represented an interdisciplinary approach to science. I also respected the fact that Chad was not complacent about the research achievements, but kept pushing the lab in interesting fundamental and applied directions that are important to learn about. My adviser, Chad Mirkin, is a professor in multiple departments: chemistry, materials science, biology, biological and chemical engineering, and even medicine. What is great about these appointments is that the students and postdocs in our lab come from many backgrounds and not only can you learn a lot, but you can approach scientific challenges with combined expertise. I would advise others to also take chances when surrounded by others with knowledge beyond your expertise. It is a great way to learn and expand yourself, both in the science itself and the way you approach solving scientific problems.
For instance, our lab is divided into four subgroups: biomaterials, anisotropic nanomaterials, organometallic chemistry, and nanolithography, where I work. This field is relevant to the miniaturization of electronic devices, but also to patterning biomolecules (e.g. DNA, proteins) on surfaces. Specifically, I use tools which rely on a nanoscale tip coated with ink to fabricate nanopatterns of various materials (e.g. small molecules, proteins, and polymers). It is analogous to quill pens dipped in ink that are then used for writing. Most recently, I have been focused on the controlled synthesis of cadmium sulfide semiconductor nanoparticles and on understanding how patterns of fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein, dictate stem cell differentiation down osteogenic (bone-like) lineages.
EJC: What do you think of nanotechnology and its significance in the present/future? I once heard that Chicago could be the next “Silicon Valley” for nanotechnology-how true do you think that is in terms of the relevance of nanotechnology?
LG: Just like quantum mechanics and molecular biology were new areas of research 50-60 years ago, I think nanotechnology will always be a developing area of science. “Nano” really just refers to a length scale, and many fields including biology, chemistry, and physics are studying phenomena in this range. If you think about it, proteins in our body are a few nm in diameter; transistors in our laptops or phones can also be tens of nm in one dimension.
Chicago could definitely be a hub for entrepreneurship; not only are there excellent research institutions, but the local government has encouraged nanotechnology start-ups that can grow alongside or partner with large corporations (pharmaceutical, electronic devices, finance) in the area.
EJC: Like most places of science, the gender ratios are uneven in our work places. What is your approach or attitude towards this truth and how do you think you have used it towards your advantage?/do you think it is a positive thing? What kind of support system do you have?
LG: I realize the ratios are not even, but at the same time, I do not expect or hope to be treated differently. In general, if you demonstrate leadership, competency, and command respect of others, I do not think the male-female issue is what people consider first when meeting a female researcher. I have, however, heard women claim there are few female role models they can look up to; while this observation may be true, I think there are supportive male advisors who are strong proponents of their female students advancing their careers.
Within graduate school, I definitely have both female and male friends. I try not to think of these relationships as strictly black and white where girls only understand one aspect of my life and guys relate to another aspect. I think in both personal and professional matters, I get input from family, friends, and even relevant acquaintances.
EJC: How do you balance personal life and career? What do you do to relax? What do you do on the weekends? Do you have hobbies?
LG: My first year of graduate school was characterized by long days in lab and lack of work-life separation, which inevitably led to overall unhappiness with science and graduate school. I decided that living in Evanston was not for me and so moved to downtown Chicago, where on any given night, there were options to do many non-science things: restaurants, concerts, etc. I found roommates who were medical students, and it was great sharing day-to-day experiences. Just because you are not in lab does not mean you cannot learn something new that may someday help your career. So in that vein, I enjoy hanging out with friends, but also meeting new people through volunteering and organizing young alumni events. I really think physical exercise helps balance mental exertion from lab, so used to run and bike regularly when I was training for the marathon or triathlon. I love to cook and eat with friends, and am otherwise pretty normal in that I enjoy watching television shows and movies I borrow from the library. I enjoy music ranging from Lady Gaga to classical guitar and wish I could travel more often; luckily I had the opportunity to go with friends to Amsterdam, Egypt, and South Africa last year.
EJC: Now as a senior graduate student, what kind of lessons have you learned that you would want to advise younger scientists? If there was one thing you would advise younger (women audience) scientists, what would it be?
LG: Try not to take things for granted; a corollary to this lesson may be to not develop an attitude of entitlement. This advice applies to many things. People, whether they may be older students or random strangers, are not obligated to help you; when they do, remember to be thankful, and if possible, try to pay it forward and be generous towards others. Similarly, I feel that as graduate students we sometimes take our youth and freedom for granted. While there may be pressure to constantly be in lab late hours and on weekends, have some fun and do not feel guilty for doing so. Make new friends and explore different activities; these experiences allow you to figure out who you are, what you like and do not like.
EJC: What kind of career goals do you see in the future? Take us through your decision-making process. Why does it resonate with you?
LG: Right now I am leaning towards finding a postdoc and pursuing an academic track; I note that this path is what I had considered much earlier in graduate school, but had lost sight of more recently when I received an attractive offer from a well-known semiconductor device company. At the end of the day, what you value matters most; as others far wiser than me said, “Do what you love, and everything else will come in due time.” I do not think that money should be the sole reason to do something, and perhaps in that regard, I am fortunate to be able to pursue science. I think it is exciting to create new knowledge and figured that while I am still early in my career, it is possible to take more risks and see if I can address some scientific questions or challenges.
Louise and I met back in early 2008 when I rotated in the Mirkin group. She was cool, calm, open, and friendly in the way she approached both science and life, and she continues to be consistently this way. Without taking herself too seriously, she manages to climb to great scientific benchmarks and continues to test new waters and horizons within her own life. This reflects the type of person Louise has been and how I envision her always: someone who can manage and multitask well without that (that being ambition) being the only goal and only defining characteristic. Louise is curious by nature and allows passion to lead, evolve, and bring success naturally to her life. Since early 2008, Louise and I have become great friends and have had countless discussions about science, life, and the life of a scientist over coffee or brunch. It’s always a great time-to further your own scientific knowledge, like Louise mentioned, with scientists beyond your own discipline and to do it in new and great eateries within Chicago. Recently, we went to check out Longman and Eagle in Logan Square.
*Know a scientist you think should be featured in an upcoming “Scientist of the Month” article? Submit your nomination here. Your nominee does not need to be an AWIS member or a woman, but should promote the advancement of women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
2010 Past Events
-Networking-
Dr. Brenda Russell speaks at AWIS Networking event
Dr Brenda Russell
November 2010 — On November 2nd, 2010, the Chicago Chapter of AWIS hosted a Networking Kickoff event at Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center in downtown Chicago. After a light reception, our invited speaker Dr. Brenda Russell, a 2010 iCon awardee, addressed almost 50 participants about the challenges and rewards of her successful career path. After a brief narration of her career and life choices, Dr. Russell opened the floor to questions from the audience that addressed the issues and virtues about work-life balance, career jumps, mentoring, networking and self-awareness.
Attendees chat with Dr. Russell after her talk
This was the first event hosted by the new AWIS-Chicago Board, and the event was spearheaded by the new President Joy Ramos, who introduced the new board and the chapter’s mission, while Dr. Russell was introduced by Paroo Upal, the VP of programs. Dr Brenda Russell is a Professor of Physiology, Biophysics, Bioengineering and Medicine, and Executive Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, at the University of Illinois at Chicago since 1988. There were a lot of active discussions during the event, with many staying behind after the talk (including the speaker!) to continue sharing experiences and advice with one another. AWIS-Chicago hopes to build on the momentum of its successful networking kickoff event to create other programs of interest to its members and the Chicago community in the near future.
-Outreach-
AWIS captivates students at Science Spooktacular
Kalpana Ramakrishnan interacts with students
October 2010 — On a glorious October Saturday, golden sun bathed yellow-tinged maple leaves as AWIS members Larissa Belova, a scientist from the University of Chicago and VP for Outreach on AWIS-Chicago Board, and Kalpana Ramakrishnan, a graduate student from UIC, unloaded their exhibition materials at the doors of the Illinois Math and Science Academy in suburban Aurora. They came to participate in Science Spooktacular, a Halloween-themed event aimed at showing fourth- and fifth-grade girls possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Naperville and Aurora Area branches of the American Association of University Women and the Office of Science Technology, Engineering and Math, along with Northern Illinois University’s STEM Outreach, sponsored the event. AWIS was invited to participate along with 50 other exhibitors from the Chicago area.
The AWIS biological science exhibit had great success. A continuous stream of curious 10-12 year old girls (and some boys) were awed by live worms that slithered like snakes when seen under high magnification. Next to the worm station, girls played the role of pathologist and decided which of two patients would receive treatment. A challenging task even for seasoned pathologists! At another station, students measured the “fearlessness ” of two mice: one that lives alone and another that lives with other mice. Who would leave a home base faster: a loner or a socialite? Holding a timer in hand, the girls got the answer in a minute: being social gives a lot of courage. Located next to Microsoft exhibition, the AWIS table was as popular as the gaming giant’s display, leaving hardly a free minute for Larissa and Kalpana. “They were wonderful, and so busy, they never caught a break. Everyone was fascinated with their exhibit”, said Nancy Steinberger of the Spooktacular Exhibitor Committee.
The day was waning when AWIS representatives left the event. “This is a great experience, very rewarding. To be able to talk about your research in language that 10-year old would understand is challenging. But hearing ‘Wow, look at this! ‘is the best reward you can get,” said Larissa, and Kalpana agreed. Both of them, although tired and exhausted, accomplished something very important: they shared their passion for science and inspired curiosity in young souls. Hopefully, one day they too will share their passion for science with others.
Larissa Belova
-Award Dinner-
4th Annual AWIS Chicago Innovator Award Dinner
May 2010–This year’s Innovator Award was presented to Alicia Loffler, PhD. Alicia is the Associate Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures at Northwestern University. She spoke about her career path and offered advice to those interested in less-traditional science careers.
-Women in Science Symposium-
Women in Science Symposium 2010: Building an Identity
April 2010–In partnership with the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST), AWIS hosted the first ever all-day Women in Science Symposium. In recognition of the event, Mayor Daley recognized April 17, 2010 as Women in Science Day in Chicago. Read the Mayor’s Proclamation.
-Outreach-
AWIS Chicago Special Award Given at the 60th Annual Chicago Public Schools Science Fair
March 2010–This science fair features the best projects from all over Chicago and it is one of the final stages before students advance to the international INTELScience and Engineering Fair to be held in San Jose, California in May, 2010.
AWIS Chicago has been a proud supporter of this science fair for many years and on this, its 60th year, chose girls who showed the most promise to receive an AWIS Special Award. In 2009 AWIS Chicago presented four awards to young women with outstanding science projects in their specialty.
-Career Development-
AWIS Chicago Presented a Panel Discussion on Academic Contract Negotiation
February 2010–AWIS Chicago hosted a panel discussion targeted at women interested in pursuing careers in academic science. Panelists Clodia Osipo, PhD (Loyola University Chicago), Michelle Swanson-Mungerson, PhD (Midwestern University) and Sally Horne-Badovinac, PhD (University of Chicago) gave their perspectives on what academic contracts are, how institutions handle the negotiation process and provided tips on how to get a faculty position. This was the final installment of the AWIS Chicago 2009 ‘Effective Negotiation’ Career Development series.
* This event was co-sponsored by the Northwestern University Office of Post-doctoral Affairs.
Topics covered in the panel discussion:
- Panelist career paths to their current faculty position.
- Advice to those interested in pursuing a career in academia to position themselves for a tenure-track position.
- Insight into the academic hiring process.
- Information about “traditional” faculty appointment and becoming tenure-track.
- What an academic contract constitutes.
- Whether all universities require contracts.
- Ability to negotiate terms in academic contracts.
- Types of things that can be negotiated in an academic contract. (i.e. funding, laboratory space, teaching appointment, project, collaboration with other labs, hiring practices (for technicians), time off for family, student researcher quota, etc.)
- Situations where negotiation is not allowed.
- Impact of personal life (spouse, children, being single) on academic negotiation.
- Ability to re-negotiate an academic contract.
-Networking-
AWIS Chicago Lift A Fork Networking Event at Pete Miller’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant
January 2010–2009 was a great year for AWIS Chicago, so we took the opportunity to celebrate with our members and their families. Attendees enjoyed socializing, cocktails and appetizers in Evanston. AWIS Chicago participated in Pete Miller’s Steak & Seafood restaurant’s Lift a Fork program, which contribued 20% of the eventing’s bill to AWIS Chicago. Proceeds will be used towards helping AWIS Chicago expand programming and outreach in 2010.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
Seeking “Scientist of the Month” Nominations
AWIS Chicago is seeking nominations for “Scientists of the Month” to be featured on our website!
Nominate a scientist (man or woman) from any STEM field in the Chicago area who has made an impact on your education, career, or the scientific community as a whole. The “Scientist of the Month” profile acknowledges and recognizes the achievements of local scientists and those who inspire local scientists!
Please send a brief note with your nomination about the impact the nominee has made. The nominee does not need to be an AWIS member. Please send nominations here.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
2009 Past Events
AWIS Chicago Hosted a ‘People Management Workshop’ Presented by Dale Carnegie Training.
Sandra Larkin, a respected Dale Carnegie workshop leader, advised graduate students, post-docs and industry researchers about effectively managing others in a life sciences environment. This 90-minute workshop was formulated specifically for our members by Dale Carnegie Training. Men and women participated in the interactive presentation. Topics covered included: people management (in industry and academia), how to get noticed for promotions and advance into management positions. The group gave individualized examples of management style in their workplace and Sandra provided constructive criticism about how to better approach conflict situations in the laboratory.
For more information about Dale Carnegie Training, please visit their website.
AWIS National Winter Webinar Series: For New Job-Seekers.
AWIS members were invited to particpate in a free webinar series for new job seekers. Topic covered:
- Interview Skills
AWIS Chicago presented “Negotiation in the Workplace” as part of the 2009 “Effective Negotiation” Career Development Series
Dr. Alice Stuhlmacher, associate professor in Organizational Psychology at DePaul University, presented a seminar entitled “Negotiation in the Workplace”. Dr. Stuhlmacher’s interactive and informative presentation highlighted the gender differences seen with negotiation in work situations.
A synopsis of evening’s topic: Negotiation influences tangible work outcomes (such as pay) but is also critical in daily activities of distributing tasks, building networks, and claiming resources. Research suggests that men are more likely than women to negotiate at work, which directly impacts a woman’s success. Dr. Stuhlmacher discussed findings on gender differences in negotiation with particular attention to negotiation situations where women are most successful and explanations for gender differences.
AWIS National Fall Webinar Series: For New Job-Seekers.
AWIS members were invited to particpate in a free webinar series for new job seekers. Topics covered included:
- Tips on writing an effective resume
- How to perform a meaningful job search
Enjoying the Wine
Fall 2009 Kickoff Event at Windy City Wine Festival.
We socialized with other Chicago area scientists at the Windy City Wine Festival on September 12th. We met at 4pm and enjoyed sampling over 250 wines, WINES bingo and Christine McCary, graduate student at Northwestern University, was the lucky winner of a $25 Binny’s gift card
Argonne Laboratories Open House
August 29th, 2009. AWIS-CAC stopped by Argonne to let other women in science know about our organization.
3rd Annual AWIS-CAC Innovator Award Dinner May 19th 2009: Capturing Life at the Interface.
Dr. Tijana Rajh was honored as the 2009 AWIS Innovator Award winner.
Dr. Rajh is a chemist at Argonne National Laboraties. She gave a brief talk at the dinner about her career and experiences as a female scientist. *Support for Northwestern University students generously provided by the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Integrated Graduate Program.
2009 Innovator Award Winner Dr. Tijana Rajh (right) and AWIS Chicago Chapter President Sandra Pearce (left)
AWIS National Spring Career Coaching Tele-seminar Series. Looking for a new job or a career change in this tough economy? AWIS Career Coaching can help. This tele-seminar series covered the following topics:
- Networking Now – When Everyone is Looking: How To Be More Effective in the Current “Crowded” Marketplace
- Effective Communication in a Four Generation Workplace
- Impression Management for Interviews
- How to Keep Your Job in a Tough Economic Climate
Motherhood and Success in Science Panel
Date: May 18, 2009
Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm at Northwestern University-Evanston campus, 4-6:30pm at the University of Chicago campus (Biological Science Learning Center, 924 E. 57th St, Rm 109)
Registration: Free
Motherhood and Success in Science featured a set of panel discussions about balancing a career in science and motherhood. Panelists included contributors from the book Motherhood: The Elephant in the Laboratory.
Spring Social Networking Event. On April 16, 2009 AWIS-CAC hosted a wine tasting event at Drinks Over Dearborn. The event was attended by approximately 20 female scientists, including the Chicago Chapter board members. Six wines and one liquor were sampled. It was a great opportunity to meet women from various scientific disciplines, several of whom had never been to an AWIS-CAC event before. Please join us for our next social event in summer 2009.
2009 AWIS judges
AWIS special award presented at the Chicago Public Schools Science Fair
Date: March 27, 8am-noon at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
This science fair features the best projects from all over Chicago and is the last stage before students advance to the international INTEL Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Reno, Nevada in May 2009. We were a part of this momentous occasion and volunteers served as a judge at this years Science Fair! AWIS-CAC presented a Special Award to 4 young girls who showed the most promise in their science specialty.
iBIO CareerLinks and iBIO IndEX Conference
Date: March 18th, 2009 from 7am-7pm at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
iBIO CareerLinks provides graduate students in various fields insight into careers and opportunities in the life sciences industries in the Chicago area. Two panels (science and business) will be held to provide an individual perspective on these industries from recent graduates as well as experienced professionals. Our own AWIS-CAC past president, Heather Behanna, will be moderating the science panel. The science panel will be held from 1:30-2:45pm, the business panel from 3:15-4:30pm. These panels overlap with iBIO IndEX programs and registrants for CareerLinks will have all-day access to the conference as well.
iBIO IndEX is “the premier life sciences event in the Midwest”. Local companies will be present and panels will discuss various life sciences topics. Included will be an Agricultural Panel, Nanotech Panel and Regenerative Panel. The keynote address will be given by Miles D. White, Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories. This conference provides a great opportunity to meet and network with area professionals, researchers, executives and leaders in the life sciences industry.
Women on Boards
Date: March 9th, 2009 from 3-6pm at Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Join AWIS-CAC and Women on Boards for a panel discussion by experienced board members. Topics of discussion include:
- Being an effective board member
- What boards are looking for in board candidates
- How to position yourself to get on a board
- How to transition from serving on non-profit boards to for-profit boards
Negotiation Skills Workshop Part II: Negotiation for Women in Industry.
Date: February 27, 2009 from 12-1pm at Abbott Laboratories
Join AWIS-CAC and Diagnostics Women in Action (DWA) in learning how to negotiate in an industry job. A presentation will be given by Jamie Stacey, Director of Talent Acquisition and a 12yr Abbott employee. Ms. Stacey has 7yrs of experience in Talent Acquisition as well as a background in chemistry and cancer research. This will be a brown bag lunch event. *Advance pre-registration will be required for Non-Abbott employees for security purposes*
Transportation will not be provided, if you need or can offer a ride please include this information in your registration email.
AWIS-CAC VP for Communications, Jessica Reimer, welcomes National AWIS to the AAAS meeting
AAAS and AWIS
AWIS National and the local chapter have a history of hosting a few events at the AAAS conference every year. This year the National Fellows were honored, as was the service of other members.
Feb 15: AWIS Fellows reception. The 2009 AWIS fellows were announced and honored. For a list of the 2009 AWIS Fellows, please visit the National AWIS website (www.awis.org).
Feb 16: AWIS Breakfast, Networking and Program event.
Topic: “Learn to Juggle without Joining the Circus: Strategies to Deal with Your Career and Work-Life Balance Challenges”
This interactive workshop provided practical strategies to help you:
- Assess your personal and professional responsibilities
- Prioritize the demands on your time
- Identify your sources of joy and happiness
- Increase your satisfaction with your life and work
Dr. Marlanda English, an executive coach and member of the professional AWIS Coaching Team, gave a lively session on juggling the demands of career, family, and hobbies and left attendees with a plan for recapturing that elusive work-life balance. If you were unable to attend the event, Dr. English’s slides are available online here.
The Science of the Small Team with their project
Science of the Small, Jan 17 2009, Northwestern, Science Saturday program
This event was run with the support of the Institute for Nanotechnology, Phi Lambda Upsilon and Northwestern University. The day was split in half – the morning was an intimate session (max of 50 students – we are targeting girls age 9-13) on demos and tours of Nanotechnology, and the afternoon featured a larger scale chemistry show. We are grateful for the AWIS-CAC members who volunteered to help out and keep this event running smoothly.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
2008 Past Events
Effective Negotiation of Employment Contracts (Part I)
Join Kristi Nelson (Chen Nelson Roberts Ltd) and Noelle Brennan (Noelle Brennan & Associates Ltd) for a workshop on effectively negotiating employment contracts. How and when to negotiate as well as common terms of an employment contract will be discussed. View the Bios of the speakers.
Follow-up sessions are planned for next year that will address negotiation in academic and industry environments. In addition, on November 13th the AWIS National Coaching team will be hosting a tele-seminar on Negotiation Skills entitled “Interviewing as Part of the Opportunity Creation System”.
AWIS regional career development workshop: What Works Workshop, From the Bench to the Boardroom
The goal is to provide early to mid-career women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with the personal and practical tools they need to be successful in their professions. The one-day seminar will offer workshops focused on skill-building and work/personal life integration as well as networking opportunities.
Date: Saturday, October 11
Location: Eli Lilly Headquarters, Indianapolis, IN
Time: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Old Town Oil Social Event
Fall kick off event
Old Town Oil tasting
Old Town Oil provided beer, wine, bread, pesto, cheese, olives and all the oil & vinegar we could taste. They gave a brief lesson on Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars. Guests were able to sample from the 25-30 oils and vinegars “on tap”. The store also offered a 10% discount on purchases made that night.
Date: Tuesday, October 7, from 7:00-8:00pm at Old Town Oil, 1520 North Wells, Chicago
In addition, past president Heather Behanna passed the torch to our new president for 2008-2009, Sandra Pearce.
AWIS Chicago Past President Heather Behanna (left) with President Sandra Pearce (right)
Solar Photography
Using nothing more than the sun and basic cyanotype materials we will explore the science of early printmaking and the techniques used in this beautiful art form. Cyanotype photography uses the sun to develop images on chemically treated paper. Participants will use tap water, hydrogen peroxide, and sunlight to develop and expose 8×10 photographs. The final activity will be to make four huge cyanotype prints (the size of queen bed sheets), on which participants can expose images with any number of items, including their own bodies. Chemistry is an important part of the artistic process, and participants will be able to discuss chemistry, chemical reactions, and the interplay between chemistry and art with the instructors. Participants will create photographic images that can be brought home and put on display as well as contribute to a large multi-exposed canvas for permanent display in the city. You are welcome to bring items that can lie flat and fit in an 8×10 space to create images of your choosing!
This event was co-sponsored and held at Harold Washington college.
Dr. Theresa Woodruff (left) being presented the award by AWIS-CAC VP for Membership Joy Ramos
Innovator Award Dinner and AWIS-CAC 30 Year Celebration
Schedule of Events:
6:30pm Appetizers and cash bar
7:00pm Presentation by Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., Innovator Award Winner and Dinner (Choice of Cedar Planked Salmon, Nick’s Prime Sirloin, Little Italy Penne or California Chicken Marsala)
8:00pm Dessert buffet
Date: Monday, June 23
Time: 6:30 – 9:00pm
Location: Prairie Moon 1520 Sherman Ave, Evanston
More information about Dr. Woodruff and the Innovator Award can be found under the Community tab.
Girls in the Game
Girls in the Game outreach event
AWIS volunteers to assisted in meeting and greeting the young girls, ages 9-12, played a few outdoor games and overall were a positive influence on the girls and shared their background in science. The main event of the morning was a speaker from the Stritch School of Medicine, Dr. Elizabeth Kovacs, who is the Director of the Alcohol Research Program. She discussed the negative effects of alcohol on the body with the girls and included some interactive examples which the volunteers helped execute by getting the girls involved. This event was a fun, positive way t0 share science with local youth!
Learn to Golf
Join AWIS for Womens Golf lessons, offered through the Skokie Park District. All skill levels are welcome!
Dates: Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17 and 31 (no classes Memorial Day weekend)
Location: Weber Park golf course (first class) and Sports Park Driving Range (all other classes), Skokie
Time: 10-11am
Cost: $100 for nonresidents, $80 for residents
Equipment: Putter and 9 iron or wedge
Bring a Friend Wine Tasting event
Meet members of AWIS and find out what we and other Chicago organizations are doing!
Date: Monday, April 14
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Kafka Wine Company, 3325 N. Halsted, Chicago
2008 Science Fair Judges
Give an AWIS Special Award at the 58th Annual Chicago Public Schools Science Fair!
This science fair features the best projects from all over Chicago and is the last stage before students advance to the international INTEL Science and Engineering Fair in May to be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Be a part of this momentous occasion and volunteer as a judge at this year’s Science Fair and help AWIS-Chicago choose which young girls show the most promise and deserve an AWIS Special Award.
Date: Friday, March 28, 8am-12pm
Location: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Diverse Careers in Science Panelists
Diverse Careers in Science panel
This panel was organized by AWIS and Thy Nguyen at Northwestern University Career Services, and was part of the Chicago Science Career Forum, a job fair for graduate students in the sciences. The following speakers from the areas of consulting, forensic science, medical writing and scientific affairs were represented:
Cynthia Wallner Ph.D, Senior Consultant, Sg2
Karl Reich Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer, Independent Forensics
Jennifer Hepker Ph.D, Account Director, Prescott Medical Communications Group
Kara Johnson Ph.D, Scientific Affairs Area Manager, Abbott Laboratories and AWIS board member
Chicago Scientists Practice Networking
Networking and AWIS Program Planning
Date: Wednesday, February 20
Location: Illinois Science and Technology Park (4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie, IL 60077)
Schedule of Events:
6:30-7:00 pm: AWIS Planning Session
Interested in future events? Looking to help bring science to youth across the great Chicago area? Looking to bring high profile speakers to Chicago? Want input on various social and career building events? Join us for our planning session!
7:00-8:15 pm: Networking Seminar
What is it, and how can I do it well? Learn the basics and put your new skills to work in a structured format. Heather Sevener, Assist.Dir. Grad. Services, Biological and Physical Sciences, U. Chicago will be our speaker.
8:15-9:00 pm: Reception
Stay for a reception and some unstructured networking!
Outreach meeting
Date: Monday, February 11
Location: Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Ave, Evanston
Time: 7:00pm
RSVP to Jen Crawford at JCrawford@kforce.com
Refer to the Meeting Minutes page for the minutes of this event.
Outreach Planning Meeting
AWIS has been given the opportunity to be part of planning a citywide event geared at engaging young people in science by helping them to see the fun and excitement of science in everyday life. If you have ever had an idea for outreach programming, now is the time. Some of these programs have potential to be funded, and collaborations are possible with everyone from the school systems to the Art Institute to the Shedd Aquarium.
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
2007 Past Events
Beauty Bar at Elm Street Liquors
Date: Thursday, December 6 from 7-10pm
Location: Elm Street Liquors, 12 W. Elm St, Chicago
Emily Kadens giving pointers
Public Speaking for Women: Learning through Critique
Presented by: Lisa Bernstein, Wilson-Dickinson Professor of Law and Co-Director, Institute for Civil Justice, University of Chicago, Emily Kadens, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Texas-Austin
Date: Sunday, November 18 at 6:00pm
Location: La Vita Restaurant, 1359 W. Taylor Street, Chicago
Cost: $20 students, $30 AWIS-CAC members, $35 Non-members
Price includes dinner at La Vita (antipasti, insalata, pasta, entree, dolce)
Midnight Yoga
Date: Friday, November 2, 2007 at 10:30pm
Location: Yoga Bloom, 4663 N. Rockwell, Chicago
Book Club
Discussion of the book “Women Don’t Ask” by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever
Date: Thursday, October 4th at 7pm
Location: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge at the Old Orchard Shopping Center (253 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077)
Beauty Bar
Beauty Bar at Elm Street Liquors
12 W. Elm St, Chicago
Thursday, August 30th, 7-10pm
Cocktail Hour
Thursday June 7th, 2007
Place: Iguana Cafe, 517 N. Halsted
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Dinner with Speaker
Monday, May 14th, 2007 6:30-8:30pm
Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL
Guest Speaker: Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Northwestern University
Developing a Career Path in Sciences and Engineering
Book Club
Book Club
April 12th 2007 Downtown Chicago, at the Starbucks at 42 East Chicago (cross street is State street), , 6-7:30pm
April 17th 2007 Evanston, at Kafein at 1621 Chicago Avenue , 6-7:30pm,
April 23rd 2007 University of Chicago, at the Starbucks at 1174 East 55th Street , 6-7:30pm,
Our first selection is: “Every Other Thursday” by Ellen Daniell
Women Chemists Committee
Open Meeting and Celebration of 80 Years of Women in Science: panel discussion and poster session
Saturday, March 24, 2007 – From 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
2006 Past Events
Entrepreneurship: The challenges of starting a company and working for a startup
November 6, 2006, 6-7pm
ITEC Building, Evanston
Wines of the World
October 26, 2006, 6:30-9 pm
Lurie Atrium, Northwestern University, Chicago
Science Cafe
September 22-30, 2006
Borders and Starbucks in the Chicagoland area
Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.
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