Greetings from WISE Director Cinda-Sue Davis

This past November, I had the honor of chairing the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology (CPST) Annual Meeting held jointly with the Society of Women Engineers' (SWE) annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland. CPST collects, synthesizes, analyzes and disseminates reliable information about the science and engineering workforce in the United States. It also serves as a forum for objective discussions of data implications and related policy issues by regularly bringing together representatives from academic, corporate, foundation, government and professional society sectors to exchange data and information on topics of mutual interest. UM is an Academic Institutional Patron of CPST.Click here for full story.

WISE cosponsors grad school application panel

This November WISE cosponsored an informational panel on applying to grad school. The PhD candidate panelists included Cara Hartz, a 3rd year in pharmaceutical sciences; Amy Payeur, who is in chemistry; Michelle Adan, who is studying physics; Blair Sutton from neuroscience; and Kamali Sripathi, a first year in medicinal chemistry. The panelists spoke with 20 students.  Click here for full story.

WISE professional development series continues

The Women in Engineering Office hosted two "Backpack to Briefcase" luncheons during fall semester, with guests Cynthia Pederson, Director of the Division of Reactor Safety for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and alumna Virginia Biglar-Engler. Both shared their insights and experiences during lunches on north campus. Click here for full story.

WISE's M-Go Blue Bots robotics teams advance to state tournament

Walk into an M-Go Blue Bots practice on a Sunday afternoon and you may hear a comment like, "I added a function to my Google email so that I have to solve math problems before I can access my mail. I love math!" You may also hear discussions about programming, gearing, clothes, global warming, aerospace engineering, boys, girls, biochemistry exams, teachers and music. Click here for full story.

WISE sponsors workshop on writing goals, plans

WISE recently sponsored a workshop with presenter Rena Seltzer, LMSW, who coaches professionals to help them reach their writing goals. In discussing the writing of dissertations, Seltzer recommends writing every day in short blocks; she further advises to write as though the reader knows nothing of the topic, as she says that reviewers reject articles simply because they don't understand them. Click here for full story.

Study Abroad for Science and Engineering Students Session co-sponsored by WISE

About 60 students attended a study abroad informational session co-sponsored by WISE this November. Study abroad experience is valued by students as well as graduate schools and employers for giving students a global perspective; however, this is sometimes difficult for science and engineering students due to a very prescribed curriculum. Click here for full story

WISE cosponsors Woman to Woman panel for grad students

This November WISE cosponsored its Woman to Woman: Success Strategies for Graduate Women panel, which featured panelists Thandi Sule, research fellow at UM's Center for the Education of Women, Martha Cotera, Assistant Professor of Latina/o Studies and Assistant Professor of Women's Studies, Sam Daly, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Bing Zhou, Professor and Associate Chair of Physics. Click here for full story