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Women in Astronomy 2009

Panel Discussions

Women in Astronomy and Space Science 2009
Panel Discussions

How the Professional Community can Impact Percentages and Retention
Wednesday, October 21, 1:30-2:45

Introduction: Dr. Nicholas White NASA/GSFC, Director, Sciences and Exploration Directorate

Chair: Dr. Megan Urry, Yale University, Chair, Department of Physics
Members: Dr. Debra Elmegreen, Vassar College, Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, President-elect, AAS; Dr. Matt Mountain, STScI, Director; Dr. Lee Anne Willson, Iowa State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vice-President of AAS; Dr. James Ulvestad, NRAO, Assistant Director.

Professional societies, institutions, and organized groups play an important part in improving the status of women and minorities in the scientific workforce. We will discuss best practices for recruiting, promoting, mentoring, and retaining women and minorities in majority-dominated fields.

To Boldly Go: Paths to Non-Academic Careers
Thursday October 22, 9:45-10:45

Chair: Dr. Colleen Hartman, George Washington University
Members: Dr. Orlando Figueroa, NASA/GSFC; Dr. Ron Polidan, Northrup Grumman Space Technology; Dr. Kathleen Flint, National Postdoctoral Association; Dr. Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides; Dr. Renatta Tull, UMBC.

A PhD in astronomy or a related field opens the door to many career options, of which research is only one. How do you navigate the path to these careers and how does your doctorate help? Panel members will describe their route to careers in areas such as international development, science management, non-profit organizations, and aerospace administration, as well as answer your questions.

Parenthood: The Elephant in the Laboratory
Thursday, October 22, 2:30-3:30

Chair: Dr. Anne Douglass, NASA/GSFC
Members: Dr. Heidi Newberg, RPI, Dr. Mark Olsen, NASA GSFC & UMBC, Dr. Emily Monosson, Author

Based on the book Motherhood: The Elephant in the Laboratory, the panel discussion will focus on the many ways in which women and men can successfully combine parenthood and a career in the sciences. The panel will include some of the book's contributors who will share their stories and discuss the difficulties of balancing a professional life with the demands of parenting in highly competitive fields.

What it takes to become a PI, Project Scientist or Instrument Scientist
Friday, October 22, 9:30-10:15

Chair: Dr. John Mather, NASA/GSFC
Members: Dr. Julie Mc Enery, NASA GSFC, Dr. Jean Swank, NASA GSFC, Dr. Sally Heap, NASA GSFC, Dr. Joanne (Joe) Hill, NASA GSFC

Nobel Prize winner, Dr. John Mather, and his distinguished panel members will discuss what it takes to become a NASA Principal Investigator, Project Scientist or Instrument Scientist. Panelists will provide insights from their personal experiences in these roles.