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News & Press: Empower

March 2024 Empower

Monday, March 18, 2024   (0 Comments)
Posted by: Jennifer Riggs
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 March 2024
Welcome to GWIS Empower! GWIS Empower seeks to provide career and leadership advice for women in science along with member-generated content. In this issue, we celebrate Women's History Month by understanding the day's history and by highlighting the accomplishments and dedication of women in science. Specifically, we include articles discussing notable women who have made significant contributions to their scientific fields. Tune in to the newest GWIS podcast episode on how to blend science with business. Read about how we can all make conferences more equitable. Scholarship opportunities are available through the Lasker foundation and BHW group. 
Happy (belated) International Women's Day!

In 1910, the second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. Clara Zetkin, from Germany, proposed to establish a day on which, around the world, women should be celebrated and press for their demands. This proposal was unanimously approved and the first International Women's Day was honored for the first time on March 19, 1911. It wasn't until 1913, when rally's campaigning for women's rights were held on March 8. Since then, International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. This year's International Women's Day (IWD) campaign theme is "Inspire Inclusion" aiming to create a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment for women. Read the featured article to learn more about what it means to "inspire inlcusion", and strike the #InspireInclusion pose. which to this day, marks International Women's Day.  

Read the article
Joan Steitz: A Champion for RNA and Women in Science

Dr. Steitz, a pioneering woman in science, is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the field of RNA research and her unwavering commitment to mentoring and advancing the careers of women in biomedical research. This article from the Lasker Foundation provides an insightful overview of Dr. Steitz's journey, highlighting her resilience in overcoming misogyny to secure a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Her seminal work on messenger RNA has revolutionized our understanding of its multifaceted functions, fundamentally altering the landscape of molecular biology.

Read the article
Podcast Alert
Blending science with business with Dr. Sushma D. A. Hallock
Just wrapped up a truly inspiring episode of "Graduate Women in Science" with Dr. Sushma D. A. Hallock! From her innovative approach to blending science with business to her steadfast commitment to DEI, Dr. Hallock is not just leading the way; she's paving new paths. A must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired by a leader who proves that true leadership starts from within. #Leadership #WomenInSTEM #Innovation #DEI
 
Listen here
Why Diversity and Inclusion in Conferences Matter
Conferences are a bustling place of sharing scientific knowledge and networking. But most meetings have similar structures and practices that may marginalize certain groups. This Chemistry World article discusses a general conference setting and how it can impact various individuals. It then offers suggestions to improve diversity and inclusion in these spaces. This article serves as a fantastic starting point to inspire us all, not only to advocate for change at scientific conferences but to take a deeper look at our everyday workplaces and identify areas of improvement. 
Link to Article
Upcoming Events

Want to get some writing done this semester? If so, GWIS’s 3rd annual book club might be for you! We’ll be reading "Scientific Papers Made Easy" by Stuart West and Lindsay Turnbull. The book is available online https://academic.oup.com/book/45619. We’ll meet virtually to discuss a few chapters and actively practice our writing. Multiple sessions will be available so you can choose which time works for you. Scheduled discussions: Chapters 1-5 on Monday Mar 11, 2024 and Chapters 6-11 on Monday Apr 8, 2024. Check out this review of the book!

Register here
The Association for Women in Science Virtual Career Fair

As part of their mission to build equal inclusion and advancement of women in science positions at all levels, the AWIS Virtual Career Fair aims to connect members and all women in science with employers seeking top talent. This premier recruiting event will offer the opportunity to potentially have a dozen first-round interviews, all within three hours on March 14th 2024, from 1pm to 4pm ET. Are you looking for a new career, want to step into a leadership position, or simply see what opportunities may be available for you?  Then join the AWIS Virtual Career Fair. 

Register here

Want to connect on-line with other women scientists? Join the GWIS Slack channel. GWIS also has a private LinkedIn group for connecting with nearly 2,000 women scientists to share interesting news, job opportunities, and more! Want to form a small group? Contact the GWIS Media group to access our private forums and help you solicit fellow GWIS participants!
Scholarship Opportunity
Lasker Foundation Essay Contest

The Lasker Essay Contest engages early career scientists and clinicians from the US and around the globe in a discussion about big questions in biology and medicine and the role of biomedical research in our society today. The Contest aims to build skills in communicating important medical and scientific issues to broad audiences. 

This year’s topic: Identify a specific unmet need in biomedical knowledge or a scientific question that is insufficiently addressed in biomedical research today

The Contest is open to medical school students, interns, residents, and fellows; doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in biomedical sciences; and graduate students training in health professions programs e.g., public health, dental, pharmacy, etc who are currently doing research. Applicants (from the US or any other countries) must be currently participating in an educational program. This program may be located in any country.

Winners will receive up to $5,000. Monetary prizes will be directed to the winner’s university to be used towards the winner’s educational expenses.
 

Apply Here
The BHW Women in STEM Scholarship

The BHW Group is based in Austin, TX, working on custom web and mobile app development. Their scholarship of $3,000 aims to support women who are pursuing an undergraduate or Masters degree in a STEM field in a U.S. based university. Applicants have to write a 500-800 word essay about their favorite app or an app that had a significant impact on their day. Applications are due on April 15, 2024.

Apply Here

Get Involved with GWIS!

Support and be part of a growing network of women scientists.

Join or Renew

About GWIS

Founded in 1921, Graduate Women in Science is an inter-disciplinary society of scientists who collectively seek to advance the participation and recognition of women in science and to foster research through grants, awards and fellowships. We comprise over 20 active chapters of more than 800 women who are "United in Friendship through Science" to support and inspire member professional goals and mutual appreciation of science. Learn more at www.gwis.org.

Contact GWIS

PO Box 7
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
www.gwis.org

President
Amanda Koenig
Editor
Courtney Ragle

Membership Secretary
Ogochukwu Ozotta

GWIS Empower Copy Editor
Amy Zheng
GWIS Empower Content Editor
Selina Bruckner

Copyright © 2024 Graduate Women in Science, All rights reserved.


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