2019 Women in Science Workshop
Finding Voice: The Critical Art of Advocacy
Speaker: Teri Balser, Interim President, Dalhousie University
The world we live in asks that we find ways to make our accomplishments known in order to advance in our careers. However, many of us have learned from a young age that “bragging” isn’t acceptable. Despite that, to be successful, scientists need to have the skill of “positive self-promotion,” or the ability to advocate for ourselves and others. These are powerful tools, but often take practice as well as a willingness to step outside our comfort zone. This workshop focused on developing this skill by exploring exactly what advocacy is (for ourselves and others), the value and perceptions of advocacy (or “tooting our own horn”), and the potential consequences of being uncomfortable with self-promotion. Then, using cases and examples participants explored how to move beyond being uncomfortable, consider strategies to comfortably employ in order to have our efforts and accomplishments acknowledged and rewarded, and address advocacy of others as valuable for connection in the world of science. A Special Thanks to our Sponsors, Bayer Crop Science and ASA, CSSA, and SSSA for providing support so we can bring you this workshop/reception at no additional cost!
2018 Women in Science Workshops
2018 SSSA International Meeting
The Panel Discussion on the Dual-Career Problem was held at the SSSA International Meeting on January 8, 2019. The panel looked at the problem of spousal placement. Panelists shared information on their personal experiences with Dual-Career placement and Science Administrators from institutions having formal spousal placement policies.
Panel Discussion members consisted of: 1) scientists who have personally experienced spousal placement; and 2) administrators who can speak to official university spousal placement policies.
2018 ASA, CSSA Annual Meeting
Perspectives on Leadership Development for Women As Change Agents
The future of agriculture requires all hands-on deck to solve some of the world's toughest problems. In the current political landscape, it is even more important that we provide tools and tactics, support networks, and increased awareness towards a momentum that strives for innovation, excellence, and boundless inclusion. Participants at the workshop heard and learned from a panel of influential professional women in our sciences, from a broad pool of domains, as they first shared their personal perspectives on leadership and then held a panel discussion. All were invited to the networking reception. Our esteemed panel included: Dr. Shannon Hauf, Global Cotton, Wheat, and Specialty Crops Technology Lead, Monsanto; Dr. Mary Stromberger, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Colorado State University; Dr. Nora Lapitan, Research Division Chief, Bureau for Food Security, U.S. Agency for International Development.
Dr. Shannon Hauf's Presentation Slides
Dr. Nora Lapitan's Presentation Slides
Thank you to our corporate sponsors for supporting this Women in Science workshop!
2017 Women in Science Workshop
The 2017 Women in Science Workshop was held at the Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL, October 24. The workshop featured a presentation by Sabine Grunwald, PhD Leader of UF Mindfulness and Professor of Pedometrics, Landscape Analysis, and GIS Laboratory in the Soil and Water Science Department at the University of Florida.
Multi-tasking, overloaded schedules, and high demands often keep us incredibly busy and stressed. It seems paradoxical to meet both the demands and goals of our work and personal life. To balance our expectations, our career goals as scientists, while also living a deeply fulfilling and happy life can be challenging. Women particularly suffer from those competing demands. To keep us healthy and in the “green zone” depends how we relate to stress and life as a whole. There has been ample research evidence that mindfulness practices allow us to unplug and be more present—deliberately paying full attention to what is happening around you and within you (in your body, heart, and mind) in the present moment. The practices of mindfulness cultivate the ability to become more aware of thoughts, emotions, and actions, and thus, give us the tools to live up to our highest potential. Join us at this workshop where we will explore the work–life balance and several mindfulness practices.
Special Thank You to our Coporate Sponsors - Monsanto and Bio Huma Netics - for supporting the Women in Science Workshop.
2016 Women in Science Workshop
The 2016 Women in Science Workshop was held at the Annual Meeting in Phoenix, November 8. The workshop featured a presentation by Michael S. Seaver - an executive coach and leadership consultant from Seaver Consulting LLC - a group activity, an in-depth look at leadership best practices, and inspirational stories of successful leaders.
The workshop covered:
- Styles of Leadership - There are seven styles of leadership - charismatic, participative, situation, transactional, transformational, quiet, and servant - each with certain personality traits of that leadership style.
- Building Relationships - There are trust-building best practices that help with opening lines of communication, managing time, sharing resources, and more.
Special Thank You to our Coporate Sponsors - Monsanto and Bio Huma Netics - for supporting the Women in Science Workshop.