CNS Women in Science Initiative

In the spring of 2011, the Dean’s office began the CNS Women in Science Initiative. The primary goal of this initiative is to develop a coordinated set of programs and resources to support women scientists' success within CNS.

In order to develop the most effective supports for CNS faculty, we need input from faculty. If you have suggestions, comments, or recommendations for possible activities and supports that should be included in this initiative, please contact Sally Powers, Associate Dean of Faculty Development. sallypowers@cns.umass.edu; (413) 545-5454.

2013-2014 Events

date TBA-Panel and Mixer: Should You Join a Professional Mentoring Group?
Several successful Professional Mentoring Groups exist within CNS, and news has spread of the benefits of joining one. Come to this event to hear from a panel of faculty members about why a Professional Mentoring Group may be worth your time. Time will also be devoted to facilitating the formation of new groups. (Many existing Mentoring Groups began by obtaining a Mellon Mentoring Team Grant through the UMass Office of Faculty Development.)

date tba-Presentation: Challenges to Fostering Diversity in UMass STEM Faculty
Sandy Petersen, professor of Veterinary and Animal Science presents to the Academic Leadership meeting (CNS Chairs/Heads and Deans).

Spring 2013 Events

February 28, College-wide lecture, “STEMing the tide: How Female Experts and Peers act as "Social Vaccines" for Girls and Women in STEM”
Nilanjana Dasgupta, Professor of Psychology at UMass Amherst. 4:00 p.m.
Campus Center Auditorium.
Watch the video of the event

In her presentation, Dr. Dasgupta, a leading expert on women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, will propose that individuals’ choice to pursue one career path over another is not really a free choice, but rather is constrained by subtle expectations in achievement environments that send the message some individuals "naturally belong" in STEM careers and others don’t. She will discuss her current research on how contact with female professors and peers in science and math classes functions as "social vaccines" that protect women’s academic self-confidence despite negative stereotypes, thereby increasing their interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math as majors and careers.

Dr. Dasgupta has received multiple NSF grants, including a CAREER award, and a NIMH grant to study women’s careers and how academic environments shape women’s thinking and behavior regarding science achievement. Her research examines how unspoken stereotypes in social environments affect people’s attitudes and behavior in subtle, often unconscious ways. She has received the ‘Hidden Bias Research Prize’ for her groundbreaking research on gender equity in the classroom, the Wayne F. Placek Award from the American Psychological Foundation, and the Morton Deutsch Award from the International Society for Justice Research.

If you require free on-site child care in order to attend this event please contact Amanda Leigh-Hawkins, aleigh@cns.umass.edu, to reserve a space by Feb. 14th.

Fall 2012 Events

September 10-Consultation, Institutional Change for UMass Amherst
Laura Kramer, Ph.D., visited UMass to consult with faculty and administrators about efforts to transform the academy, creating warmer and more productive environments for white women as well as men and women of color and international faculty. Dr. Kramer consults with universities as they assess existing policies and practices, and design and implement innovations. She also works with professional organizations involved with the advancement of members of underrepresented groups, particularly in the sciences and technology, and has been deeply involved in the NSF ADVANCE program since its inception. Dr. Kramer’s visit was co-sponsored by CNS, SBS, Center for Research on Families, and the Office of Faculty Development.

September 21-Lecture: Gender Equity in Science and Engineering
Professor Diana Bilimoria, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University, presented a talk on her recently published book, Gender Equity in Science and Engineering: Advancing Change in Higher Education (with X. Liang). For ten years she's conducted research on institutional transformation in universities. This lecture is supported by the School of Management.

October 3-Luncheon/Presentation: Gender's Effect on Faculty Work-Life
Joya Misra, Professor of Sociology and Public Policy, is the editor of Gender & Society, the top-ranked journal in the interdisciplinary field of gender studies, and one of the top journals in the field of sociology. Her research focuses on gender inequalities in employment, wages, and poverty across wealthy countries. She also studies gender inequality in academic employment, and has consulted on this topic to a number of universities. Please visit the calendar listing for more information.

October 13-Presentation: Gender's Effect on Faculty Work-Life Balance at UMass
Joya Misra, professor of sociology presents to the Academic Leadership meeting (CNS Chairs/Heads and Deans).