Women in Science & Engineering

This weekend at the American Association of Physics Teachers conference I attended several talks but one in particular really resonated with my research and with my personal experiences. Dr Angela Johnson from St Mary's College in Maryland presented her research on the experience of African American women who study science at predominately white colleges and universities and the teaching methods that unintentionally alienate and discourage female students, particularly African Americans.

At that moment I was so thankful to her for being a voice for African American Women studying science. It is an issue that is often overlooked and perhaps not even acknowledged. I’ve found that far too often the issue of equity in STEM education is minimized as a perceived / imagined barrier or an excuse for women, especially African American women. Even at the AAPT conference this attitude was evident and the issue was often regarded as minimal. Her presentation reassured me that this is indeed a problem worth addressing not only in research but also in practice.

This presentation was so timely for me because this semester I am teaching a Physics course with 90% of the class consisting of female students. Her presentation reminded me to be aware of those unintentional practices that discourage and alienate female students. I was also encouraged that my research on women in engineering was not done in vain and there is some validity in my study despite the lack of interest or acceptance by many in science and engineering.
Related Reading: Racial Economy of Science - An interview with Evelynn Hammonds

What happened to the Cardinals ??

I am not a football fan, but I will watch the Superbowl. Since the Cardinals is my home team, I was especially interested in the game last night. Phoenix has been hit hard by the current economic downfall. Every part of the State is suffering financially. Winning the Superbowl would have been a great ego booster. The Cardinals almost pulled it off, but they gave it to the Steelers at the very last minute... What a game!!! Hey, it was a victory for the Cardinals to even play in the superbowl...so that's something to cheer about.

In the meantime, I am still trying to get the smoke smell out of my office. Last week someone burned a hot dog in the microwave located just outside my office. The smoke traveled straight to my office and stayed !! Any suggestions ?

Feng Shui Video

Here's a helpful video

Feng Shui anyone ?

I've been gradually working on making my work office a comfortable and productive place. As a result I decided to try Feng Shui....I am sure it's a lot like the horoscopes if you read them then you feel as if you have some insight on how you're day will be...well with Feng Shui if you apply it to your living or work space you'll feel the difference....better, energized, more efficient, etc....

The first rule in Feng Shui is to remove the clutter....that makes a world of difference. Then you decorate with pictures, plants, lighting, etc. to fulfill the symbols needed for a balanced(health, wisdom, knowledge and wealth) office; knowledge, ancestors, relaxation, motivation, family, friends and creativity.

So everyday for the past two weeks I've been slowly Feng Shuing my office. It's not done yet, but I feel a whole lot better about my workspace.

Check out the Office Feng Shui tips

Responsible Shopper !!! ???

Are you a responsible shopper ? Are you aware of the social impact, corporate behavior and labor practices of your favorite stores and the investment practices of your financial companies ?

I wasn't and since I've learned I am not sure that I can commit or afford to change where I spend my money.

However, I thought it was interesting to learn about the issues of economic and social injustices of some stores....I am now a more informed shopper.

Check out this link to the responsible shopper to learn more about where you shop.

Here are a couple of online stores that are socially responsible. When you shop you also support.

World of Good
Red
Rainforest
Alonovo

In these tough financial times it's difficult to shop based only being socially responsible. I usually go for economic price tag first !!

Mr. President Obama - 1/20/2009

I've been listening to the inauguration coverage on NPR since 6am this morning at home and in the car.
Now I am at my desk listening to it online.... I really wish I was there !! Which is really surprising, because up until now, I couldn't imagine fighting the cold weather and those crowds...but now that I am hearing everything on the radio and TV, I would love to be there and experience this historic moment in person.

Since I am not, I am going to make the best of what I have...watch it at work, where there are designated TV's to view the actual inauguration, and listen to the coverage at my desk on NPR.

What are you doing today?

Holla Holla Holla !!

Jason and I enjoyed a night out on the town at the John Legend Concert ! Of course it was a Thursday night out on the town....but I'll take what I can get these days. In Phoenix, the best concerts happen on Weds or Thurs when the artist is on the way to or from California or Vegas. The concert was great....he walked in and on stage from the audience with images of him boxing flashing on stage. He opened with " I used to love you" and the crowd went crazy when he said "Holla Holla Holla"...the crowd was a cross-section of people from every race, ethnicity and age group. There were lovers, couples, familes and friends there enjoying the music. My favorite part was when he did some old Prince songs...."Adore" thrown in with "Purple Rain". It's Saturday afternoon two days later and I am still humming John Legend tunes.