Updates & News
This week on #MeetAScientist, get to know Dr. Aayushi Uberoi, a microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine. We chatted with her passion for science and how it led her to her research on the skin microbiome, as well as what she wishes people knew about microbes!
This week is one in a number that has highlighted how high the stakes are for our future, which is why we're so excited about our newly launched campaign to Get Out the Vote. Regardless of whether you're based around the world, the message I took away from the webinar is the same: if we can mobilize around our values and build a collective story to inspire others to action, change will come.
Happy first international #LGBTstemday (one day late)! And Happy Independence Day (2 days late). The summer is here and while we would all rather be on a beach with a coconut based drink in our hand, there is resistance to do! We will be here all summer to help you plan. Use the summer to meet up with your pod or network of women at a conference, and keep us posted! Enjoy the weekend ;).
“Be bold. Be courageous. Never be afraid to speak up and speak out. Together we can build a more perfect union. #goodtrouble” Representative John Lewis
The Declaration of Independence in the U.S. is a document of protest. If you are an American, there is no better way to show your patriotism on the 4th of July, than to take an action to improve your country. =
My mentor sent me a message yesterday, she said "We have had conservative Supreme Courts before and lived through it. We will weather this storm and come out the other side." It may not be comforting to know that an even larger storm is coming, but know, no matter what arrives, we will stand together. To prepare yourself and get some good motivation, I recommend reading Dr. Chandra's thread and the links. Keep your heads up!
As said perfectly by Dr. Needhi Bhalla earlier this week - At some point, you no longer get props for recognizing the problem. So whether it be Nature journals, the US government, or societal injustices - we need to do more than point out the problem. We must take action. Our weekly action:
This week on #MeetAScientist, learn about University of Washington Chemical Engineering professor Lilo Pozzo. Lilo's research group explores properties of nanomaterials with applications spanning from photovoltaic cells to protein engineering. Born in Argentina and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Pozzo recently spent time in Puerto Rico with her research group helping restore power to the island using microgrids and solar arrays.
I know this week was overly frustrating in the US (we have some suggestions below on how to #keepfamiliestogether). While the US administration, and governments around the world, try to sow chaos and distrust in their citizens it is our responsibility as scientists to be leaders in our communities. We have the opportunity to share facts and support policies backed by the truth. We can be leaders by writing op-ed's in our local papers, doing interviews with media on policies relevant to our research and communities, and we always have the option to stand up for what we know is right. As part of 500WS you never will be alone in your activism. Happy Summer Solstice, keep up the good fight!
Inspired by an article we wrote last year, the El Paso women recognized that their border community was uniquely positioned, and a pod could bring together people from many backgrounds with one goal in mind: to change perceptions of what a scientists looks like in their own community. While the pod is still in the early stages of growth, already they are finding creative ways to interact with their community - including a fossil hike! Thank you ladies for taking time to introduce your pod to us!
Well this week was just a bit too much. North Korea barely made a blip because many of us had our heads buried in the NAS report on sexual harassment or were worrying over immigration or ... well you get the idea. We have thoughts on the NAS report, but will take our time to put them together, stay tuned. In the meantime, refuel this weekend because the summer is looking to be full of resistance! Or at the least get your 500WS number, subscribe today!
Become a 500 Women Scientists subscriber! Today, we are excited to launch our monthly subscription program! We are now officially a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization -- which means all your contributions are tax-deductible. Although the last year and a half has presented challenges and frustrations, we have channeled our energy and activism to grow into an unapologetically feminist organization with a vision towards making science open, inclusive, and accessible to all.
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A contribution at any level - $3, $5, $10, $25 or more a month is valued. All subscribers will receive a personalized 500 Women Scientists card and access to many of our organizational resources. Your committed support will benefit the entire organization and is crucial as we grow into a sustainable, permanent organization. Reliable, recurrent financial contributions will help pay for the vital infrastructure we need, will provide a stable foundation from which we can launch and grow our various initiatives, and will allow us to fund our national and local pod activities. We are a grassroots organization, and your support is what keeps us going every day.
This week on #MeetAScientist, get to know science communicator Laurel Allen, one of the co-organizers of the 500 Queer Scientists campaign! She chats about her path to science communication, the success of 500QS, which is now in its second week and has been featured in outlets like Mother Jones, and what we can all do to maximize their impact.
Last weekend we held our third board meeting and it was a blast. I won't go so far as to say we can save the world, but we sure are trying our best to change the face of science. You can read a summary our our meeting here, and we'd love to hear from you - what ideas have you been thinking about, which changes have you seen make a difference that you want us to include (or not include) - our email is always open. Enjoy the weekend friends!
500 Women Scientists is on its way to becoming a powerful organization representing the voices of tens of thousands of women scientists all over the globe. With your gift we can pay for the vital infrastructure we need. Plus, your subscription keeps 500WS resources free and open, one less barrier to women in science.
