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1999 Conference Summary |
Keynote Speaker The 1999 WIST conference focused on the theme "Science and Technology in the 21st Century--A World of Options for Women." More than 150 young women attended, and following are some of the conference highlights. Keynote Speaker Dr. Ramirez delivered an inspiring presentation as she encouraged conference participants to "reach for the stars" as they pursued careers in science and technology. She began by tracing her own career path, which she discovered after discarding the idea to study law and took an organic chemistry class. Her professor recommended graduate study, and her focus shifted. She stressed that reaching her goal of working at a university took commitment and sacrifice, but that the rewards have been many. Ramirez offered several tips to help the students make the most of their college experience:
"The worst decision is the one not taken," Ramirez said, and she emphasized that young women should set their goals early and try to find a positive role model. She offered these additional suggestions:
Ramirez also discussed the different areas where women can apply their scientific skills--including industry, government, and education--and discussed some of the opportunities that each area provides. She accompanied this discussion with information about salary trends in these specific areas. Many of her former students have become good friends, Ramirez said, and she counts as one of the greatest rewards of her work the opportunity to help others, particularly women. She added that she hopes to continue motivating others. Ramirez closed her presentation with some inspirational phrases--including one of her own!
Discussion Panel #1 Dabney Johnson, Senior Staff Scientist and Section Head in Mammalian Genetics and Development in the Life Sciences Division at ORNL, served as moderator of this discussion panel. The panel featured women professionals from academia, industry, national laboratory research, and business who illustrated career choices made in moving toward a niche in science. Other panel members (and nuggets of their advice) are below.
Discussion Panel #2 Dianne Rairdon of the ORAU Office of General Counsel moderated this discussion panel, which focused on the practical information and tools conference students need to begin successful careers in scientific and technical fields. Job market forecasts, trends, salary forecasts, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and the science of managing money were discussed in this informative panel. Additional panel members included:
Overview of ORNL Research Dr. Horton presented an overview of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). At ORNL, she is responsible for technical guidance and management of the basic science research that includes theoretical studies, materials characterization, radiation effects, intermetallics, advanced ceramics, and process science. Dr. Horton also coordinates the pre-college educational activities in the Metals and Ceramics Division and serves on the ORNL Diversity Leadership Council. Related to these activities, she has been active in presenting science to pre-college students, including targeted groups of young women, both in the Oak Ridge area and to groups across the U.S. through ASM International. Dr. Horton also serves on the External Advisory Committee for Brown University’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.
This program gave college and faculty participants--in groups of three to five people--the opportunity to spend time with a scientist or engineer in the laboratory or workplace. Research divisions at ORNL each hosted several small groups, and participants met professionals and observed specialized technical work related to their fields of interest. A variety of different types of scientific work were represented, such as the applications of molecular biology to solve environmental problems, the use of lasers in physics, and the Human Genome Project.
Roundtable discussions provided conference attendees with the opportunity for focused, one-on-one discussions with women working in the fields of science and technology to help them to establish networking contacts and possible mentoring relationships. |
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