Scientific Report 2008

Network for Women in Science

The Network for Women in Science (NWiS) was founded in 2003 by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members at Scripps Research. Since its inception, NWiS has endeavored to provide support, guidance, and opportunity for female scientists at Scripps Research, to create awareness of issues that affect the development and success of women's scientific careers, to promote diversity at Scripps Research, and to make a positive difference in the culture of science for the benefit of the entire scientific community. During the past year, NWiS has seen some big changes. A new executive committee of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students is now leading the group, with renewed enthusiasm in the original mission, along with a few ideas of their own. A new monthly coffee hour, open to the entire Scripps Research community, serves as the centerpiece for NWiS activities. The aims of the coffee hour are to provide a friendly environment for networking and opportunities to discuss key topics that affect the lives of all scientists and to draw on the knowledge and experience of fellow scientists. Successful graduate studies, the scientific peer-review process, discrimination, and industry networking are examples of topics recently discussed. Participants include Scripps Research staff at diverse points in their careers, including graduate students, faculty, staff scientists, lab technicians, and industry representatives.

Dedicated to working closely with local professional organizations, including the Society of Fellows, the Association for Women in Science (a national organization), and the Kellogg School of Science and Technology Distinguished Lecturer Series, NWiS recently collaborated with the Society of Fellows to host a graduate student and postdoc mentoring luncheon. This event provided a forum for postdocs to meet and share their experiences with graduate students at Scripps Research. NWiS has also been an active participant in the process by which the graduate program at Scripps Research seeks reaccreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, with NWiS members serving on committees that address personal and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists.

Upcoming events include a panel on alternative careers in science and increased exploration of mentoring opportunities for young scientists. In particular, NWiS offers practice and coaching for committee meeting examinations, as well as national and international meetings. Participation in NWiS is always up to the individual, with no minimum level required.

NWiS expresses its appreciation to the Kellogg School of Science and Technology, particularly Jamie Williamson, Marylyn Rinaldi, and Diane Kreger for their enthusiastic support of our activities; Jan Hill and Ryan Wheeler of the Postdoctoral Services Office; and the following faculty for their participation and support of NWiS events: Bridget Carragher, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Sandra Schmid, and Kristin Baldwin.