STEM Matters
NAS Elects Record Number of Women
On May 3, the National Academy of Sciences announced the election of 72 new members, including 19 women,
representing the largest group of women ever elected in one year. Election to the Academy, which has
1,976 active members, is one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer.
Universities Aim for Diversity in Mechanical Engineering
Eight universities, with funding from the National Science Foundation, have undertaken a project to
attract and retain a more diverse student body by changing the mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum.
You can help by providing input on about 1,300 topics that are required in mechanical engineering
undergraduate curricula at one or more of the team institutions; this information will become a database on
potential applications and related nontechnical material.
Learn more about how you can help.
View spreadsheet with list of topics.
IMAX Film to Benefit Women in Science
Do you live near New York City? Take note: The IMAX film "Aliens of the Deep" featuring several women
scientists will be shown for the benefit of the Association for Women in Science at 7 PM on June 10 at the
Loews Lincoln Square at Broadway and 68th St. One of the scientists featured in this film about deep sea
hydrothermal vents, Dr. Maya Tolstoy of Columbia University, will be present for a discussion. Tickets for
the showing and discussion are $30 ($20 for full-time students), and for those who wish to attend a reception
afterwards, $100. Donations from those unable to attend are also welcome! Checks should be sent to Dr.
Judith Weis, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark NJ 07102.