February 2010 Scientist of the Month: Katherine L. Knight, Ph.D.
by Michelle Merrigan
Dr. Katherine Knight is an immunologist and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary as chair of the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. To celebrate this anniversary, alumni and colleagues returned to Loyola for a symposium to share their recollections of Dr. Knight and her role in their development as scientists. The theme was “20 Years of Doing It Together”, which is appropriate because Dr. Knight has always emphasized that science is about relationships. “Everyone is a mentor to somebody,” she says.
The mentoring relationship between faculty members and students is at the core of the department’s educational focus. As chair, Dr. Knight has put in place programs that help students recognize and develop positive mentoring relationships. For example, at the annual department retreat, new students participate in discussions about choosing a graduate advisor. Dr. Knight advises students to choose someone that they are going to enjoy interacting with personally. She points out that everyone has different needs. “Some PI’s are more directive, and some students need more direction than others.” Ideally, a mentor should be able to respond to whatever the student requires. She suggests students choose based on the environment of the laboratory, not necessarily on the project.
Dr. Knight holds regular informal meetings to discuss any issues students choose, which can range from how to find a post-doctoral fellowship to tips on making effective PowerPoint slides for lectures. Indeed, the department has a strong focus on communication skills, which Dr. Knight feels are the most important skills to acquire outside of designing a sound experiment. All first year students participate in a special course dedicated to learning speaking and presentation skills. This gives all students a core competency on which they and their graduate advisors can build. She emphasizes always adapting your talk to your audience, and maintaining a “teaching frame of mind.”
Dr. Knight demonstrates good mentoring practices.
Dr Knight has shared her philosophy of mentoring with the department on multiple occasions. She particularly emphasizes that a good mentor sees what the student/mentee needs, rather than his or her own needs as an advisor. She admits that in the current academic climate, mentors have their own pressures to publish and be productive, and yet at the same time must allow the student time to develop his or her own scientific mind. She advises new faculty on balancing the personal motives of productivity and the care-giving motives involved in mentoring students. She insists that these motives need not be mutually exclusive. “There’s a study that shows that for people who have been well-mentored, their institutions are much better off because those people stay.” Dr. Knight also prepares senior students for the transition to being mentors themselves, saying, “If you’ve been treated well, you will subsequently treat other people well.”
On January 22, 2010, Dr. Knight gave a presentation on mentoring at the annual meeting of the Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs. Not only did this event occur during National Mentoring Month, but also the day on which she gave the talk was “Thank Your Mentor Day”. At the symposium in May 2009, a group of colleagues, alumni and students established the Katherine L. Knight Fund for Mentoring in honor of her guidance and mentorship. In keeping with her philosophy of adapting to whatever the mentee needs, this fund will be used to enhance the mentoring experience for students, whatever form that might require, such as student travel or professional development programs.
Nomination and article submitted by AWIS Chicago Staff Writer Michelle Merrigan. Ms. Merrigan is a PhD candidate in the Microbiology and Immunology Department at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the pathogenesis of the bacterium Clostridium difficile. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in scientific writing or communications.
*Know a scientist you think should be featured in an upcoming “Scientist of the Month” article? Send nominations to Jessica Reimer. 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.
January 2010 Scientist of the Month: Sandy Pearce, Ph.D.
by Jessica Reimer, Ph.D.
Dr. Sandy Pearce is a Senior Scientist at Abbott Laboratories and the current President of the AWIS Chicago Chapter. She received her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Biology, followed by a stint as a post-doctoral researcher in the laboratory of Professor Craig Jordan, studying the role of the estrogen receptor and signal transduction in breast cancer, at Northwestern University. She joined Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics Division as a Senior Technical Support Scientist in 2003.
Sandy got an early start planning her future as a scientist when at her 6th grade graduation, she responded to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with “medical researcher.” She enjoyed studying astronomy and geology as a youngster, but when it came time to choose a career path she pursued a degree in Biology. Her coursework and research as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was primarily in molecular biology. She had special interest in infectious diseases and wrote a senior thesis entitled “Cytokines and Immune Responses of Rhesus Monkey’s Infected with SIV.” Her graduate thesis work studying the interaction of the calcium-binding protein p22 with microtubules brought her back to basic cell biology. When it came time to choose a post-doctoral position, Sandy said: “I wanted to do something that was more medically relevant. The Jordan lab received funding from Avon and participated in the annual Breast Cancer Walk. There was more of a connection between the research itself and why you’re really doing it.” She eventually left the Jordan lab to take a position at Abbott Laboratories.
Sandy had been interested in working at Abbott for some time and fortuitously found a position there in 2003. “A friend was asked to interview and ended up turning it down; she referred me for it instead,” Sandy said. She currently works as a Senior Scientist in research and development in the infectious diseases area. As she concisely puts it: “I work on improving current on-market diagnostic tests for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen that detect virus in blood using automated immunoassays.” Dr. Pearce has achieved work-life balance, a struggle for many women in science, by prioritizing. She recommends, contrary to what most academic advisors suggest, planning an 8-9 hour workday even in graduate school. In her experience: “you need organization and a plan to have a normal workday and be successful and accomplished.” Sandy and her husband recently had their first child, and prioritizing has become even more essential. Family is important, “but I wouldn’t want to give up the intellectual stimulation and fun that science still is for me. Getting out and being able to work makes me a better mom.” She advises women interested in balancing a career in industry with parenthood to “look for something with flexibility and have a good support system.” She recenlty shifted to working 4 days a week to spend more time with her son and found that the Abbott culture is supportive of this change.
Dr. Pearce became the President of AWIS Chicago in 2008. She first got involved in AWIS as a graduate student in Charlottesville, VA. While there was no official chapter, Sandy learned of the organization from a career panel. “The President of AWIS at the time was attending as a panelist. My first contact with the group was picking up her up from the airport,” she said. When she moved to Chicago, Sandy became involved in the local AWIS Chapter as a way to meet people and look for a job. She served on the Chapter board as Treasurer prior to becoming President. As President, one thing she takes pride in is “seeing how the organization has grown over the last couple years, having a full board, and the increased member attendance at events. It’s nice to see the progression.” When she joined AWIS Chicago, the board was composed mostly of post-docs and lacked continuity as positions were vacated. As AWIS Chicago President, Sandy strives to “keep the momentum going.”
Sandy’s reserved demeanor provides a grounding force for AWIS Chicago and lends itself to a more behind-the-scenes approach. At events, Sandy is quiet and tends to stick to the background. But draw her out into conversation and you’ll find a warm, engaging person eager to share experiences and insight into being a successful woman in science!
Nomination and article contributed by Jessica Reimer, Ph.D.Dr. Reimer is the former AWIS Chicago VP of Communications and received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwestern University in 2009. She is currently a Senior Account Executive-Healthcare with Weber Shandwick.
*AWIS Chicago hopes you enjoyed meeting our Chapter President. Know a scientist you think should be featured in an upcoming “Scientist of the Month” article? Send nominations to Jessica Reimer. 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.
AWIS Chicago has been working hard to update the Resources page with timely and useful information.
AWIS Chicago’s Resources page now contains:
Link to National AWIS website, which provides valuable resources for members including quarterly magazines, career development webinars and job postings. Be sure to check out the Career Library section under the Careers tab.
Links to other Chicago area science organizations for women (including campus post-doctoral organizations and professional societies)
Information about funding sources and program opportunities
Tools for job searching and career advice resources (NEW! Links to science career podcasts)
Links to Chicago area science institutes and programming
Links to Chicago area science companies
NEW! Links to science podcasts
Recommended reading on careers in science
Did we miss something? Have you listened to a good podcast, found a helpful career website, know of an organization for women in the area, or read a good book recently that you want to share? If so, please email awiscommunications@gmail.com with your suggestions. Also, let us know if you come across any broken links on our Resources page.
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.
AWIS Chicago (formerly AWIS-CAC) has a new website and a new logo! We hope you find the website more user-friendly and utilize it to keep up-to-date on exciting AWIS Chicago news, events and career development opportunities.
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.
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.
AWIS Receives NSF ADVANCE PAID Grant to Partner with Discipline Societies to Improve Recognition for Women and Minorities in STEM. This grant will fund a new project: “Advancing Ways of Awarding Recognition in Disciplinary Societies (AWARDS),”designed to create a sustainable framework for assuring progress towards more equitable rewards and recognition for women and members of underrepresented groups in a wide range of scientific communities. For information about this and other recent funding received by National AWIS, please visit www.awis.org.
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.
Mayor Daley declares February 15th, 2009 “Women in Science Day in Chicago”. Mayor Daley’s surprising endorsement is a symbol of support and encouragement to female scientist in the Chicago Area. We are honored by the recognition of our achievements and contributions to all fields of science. Sandy Pearce, our chapter president, read the proclamation at the AWIS Fellows Reception on February 15th. View the proclamation.
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..
Information about volunteering for specific AWIS events and other area science events can now be found in the Chicago section of the Events tab. If you know of a science-related event that needs volunteers or would like to partner with AWIS Chicago, please send an email to info@awis-chicago.org.
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 Innovator Award Winner Dr. Tijana Rajh (right) and AWIS Chicago Chapter President Sandra Pearce (left)
3rd Annual AWIS-CAC Innovator Award: 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Katherine Knight is an immunologist and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary as chair of the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. To celebrate this anniversary, alumni and colleagues returned to Loyola for a symposium to share their recollections of Dr. Knight and her role in their development as scientists. The theme was “20 Years of Doing It Together”, which is appropriate because Dr. Knight has always emphasized that science is about relationships. “Everyone is a mentor to somebody,” she says.
