Updates & News
The U.S. General Election is November 6th, 2018. Last week was the last primary* election in the United States, which means we are now well into the general election season. When I voted in my state’s primary election, I was reminded that registration deadlines for voting in the general election are coming up too! Today’s action is focused on advocating for your community through the political and social tools available to you.
This week on #MeetAScientist, get to know Sophia Porter, a recent graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Physics and Applied Mathematics. She’s a former Brooke Owens Fellow, a program founded in honor of the space industry pioneer and pilot Brooke Owens to promote women in aerospace. During her fellowship, she helped to launch the Ask a Brookie program to connect fellows to K-college level students with questions ranging from space and aviation to career development opportunities. We’re thrilled to introduce you all to Sophia!
The Storrs Connecticut pod began only in January of this year, but in that short time they have developed a strong voice on the east coast, in their state and on media. Thanks to the whole team for taking time to tell us how they have been so successful in getting their pod off the ground, about their voter registration program, and how they ensure they can reach out to as many women as possible. A great example for how making a difference can e as easy as visiting the neighborhood farmers market. Keep up the great work ladies!
I used to run competitively and pacing yourself is really important. Too fast and you'll suffer later in the race, likely running much slower than your potential. But, too slow is just that - too slow. This week I was thinking about how I pace myself in life, at home, with science and with 500WS. Do I pack my days too full of meetings, emails and conference calls? Do I leave enough time to drink my coffee in the morning, take 'me time' breaks, and have space to breath? How do you find the right pace for your life and career? I'd love to hear from you!
It’s back to school week, which brings on a range of emotions — from excitement at new beginnings to anxiety brought on by the unfamiliar. So this week, we’re asking you to take time to check in with yourself amidst all the tumult that comes with this season. We can’t change the world if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
Do you ever do the legs up the wall stretch? Not only does it give relief to your legs and feet, but almost immediately calms your mind and relaxes your body. I was doing that exercise last night and thought, how can I extend this relaxed feeling all the way through the weekend? So that's my plan once I finish work today- put down my computer and focus on cultivating a quiet, relaxed mind. What does your weekend have in store?
"Believe it till you achieve it" is the new "fake it till you make it." You're not faking anything.
A great mindset to apply as we come up on the Fall; many of us are starting up the school year, searching for jobs, and realizing we only have 4 months left in the year! Use this weekend to give yourself credit for what you have accomplished so far this year and what you will accomplish in the future. Hugs to all!
You can't help but be inspired by the Folsom youth pod. After learning about 500WS from her mentor, pod President Chinmayi set up a sign-up sheet at her school's "club rush". She quickly drew in a small group, and in a year their club has grown to 15. They are now organizing activities that support young girls in STEM and increase recognition for women scientists, and they are planning more ways to interact with their community. These highs school ladies are still trying to decide which science topic they like most - their interests range from environmental science, biochemistry, and neuroscience to computer science and marine biology - but they united in a mission of open, inclusive and accessible science. Thanks the the whole Folsom pod for letting us feature you today!
An academic prize can have a significant impact on self-confidence and work wonders on your resumé. Even if you don’t win, putting together an application can help you evaluate your skills and get your CV in order. When Prof Haley Gomez of the Cardiff University was up for a €1.8 million grant, the first thing they asked in her interview was about a public engagement award she’d received in Wales. “It’s almost a badge that says you are externally recognised as having achieved something by your community. It’s also something to distinguish yourself against others in grant applications.”
This week we are so excited to introduce you to 500 Women Scientists Madrid. The new pod launched in March 2018, but already they have started to make waves in Spain. By brilliantly using International Women's Day as their launch point combined with strategic interviews, they have been able to quickly grow their group, start serious discussions, and are leading the charge in Europe! Follow the pod on Twitter @500WomenSciMAD and read on to get to know how the Madrid pod is changing the face of science in Spain.
Our mission is to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible, and to transform society by fighting racism, patriarchy, and oppressive societal norms
