Fourth Parenting In the Academy panel lunch held

Panelists for the fourth annual WISE-sponsored Parenting in the Academy panel included Heather Carlson, Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Marin Clark, Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences; and Alec Gallimore, Professor of Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Associate Dean for Academic Program and Initiatives, Rackham. The panel was attended by nearly 60 graduate students and post docs, and by a handful of undergraduate students.

Panelists each have different family situations: one panelist's partner is a faculty member in the same department. They were both working toward tenure when their first child was born and both were allowed to take child-care leave sequentially. Another partner is also a PhD and has an equally demanding job directing a research lab at Ford. The third panelist's partner works from home.

All panelists agreed that finding balance with an academic career and a family is difficult, but doable. Clear communication between partners and with department chairs is crucial. Panelists also suggest that if it is financially feasible, hire someone to help with as many household chores as possible so that you can focus on what is really important to you– your family and your career.

This panel echoed past panels in their answer to the question, "When is the best time is to start a family? While pursing a tenure track position? During graduate school? During a post doc? After tenure?" They all agree that there is no one answer that will suit everyone. Everyone needs to consider their goals and if they have a partner, their partner's goals. They also need to take into consideration their departmental situation.

All panelists credited supportive partners with their ability to manage families and a position in academics. "It's not luck," reported one panelist. "You have to be very thoughtful about who you choose as your partner."

The workshop was co-sponsored by Rackham and the Center for the Education of Women.

April 2008 eNews

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