MentorNet 500 Strong and Growing on LinkedIn
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Thank You to July's New and Renewing Partners
| Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State University
Prairie View A&M University
Rockwell Collins
Santa Clara University |
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Correction
In our July 29, 2010, newsletter, we incorrectly called the CRA the Computer Research Association. Its correct name is the Computing Research Association. -MentorNet Editor |
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10 Powerful Pieces of Advice to Women in STEM Fields
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MIT
professor Sara Seager shares 10 powerful bits of advice with women in engineering and science on how to succeed and be happy in their fields.
In an article in U.S. News and World Report, Seager, a professor of
physics engineering, advises students to join
a support group of peers find
a mentor get
involved in a research project organize
your time be
assertive have
confidence look
out for yourself don't
take sexist comments personally strategize
for the future, and enjoy
yourself
"A
mentor is someone who can provide you with guidance and advice," Seager
says, and a mentor does not have to be a faculty
member.
Seager's comments are part of a larger article by
Lynn F. Jacobs and Jeremy S. Hyman
who write about strategies to increase female involvement in STEM fields. There are clear reasons why there is so little involvement now, they claim, including negative beliefs about intelligence, the college student experience, stereotypes, self-assessment, and work-place bias, all hurdles that can be overcome with help from a mentor.
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Filling the Talent Pipeline in Computing
| Broadening Participation in Computing Program, the NSF program directed by Jan Cuny, has had major success in recruiting students to computing fields despite the national decline in enrollment in this field.
The BPC funds alliances between institutions such as large universities and middle and high schools. Through these alliances, participants have been able to encourage more students to pursue computer science degrees and careers. Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact, for instance, connects 13 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with 10 large research institutions, thus offering students at smaller schools the same resources enjoyed by students at larger universities.
Daryl Chubin, the lead author of this AAAS report, says that "these alliances are planting seeds that will benefit both the student's desire for STEM education and higher education's need for talented, motivated students."
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Steelie Neelie Takes On Europe's 'Digital Virgins'
| Neelie Kroes, former competition chief for Europe, has now set her sights on its digital literacy.
Kroes
describes 30% of Europeans as "digital virgins" and says that it's
"important for Europe to get back in the driving seat" in terms of
creating and understanding new technologies.
Also
noted are the differences between American and European businesses. In
Europe, there is less room for start-ups and the failure that often
comes with it, much different from the business culture in our own
Silicon Valley. Her goal is that every European will have access to and
understanding of modern digital technology by 2013.
Kroes'
aggressive goals are interesting in light of The US's plan to make
itself a digital nation: The FCC has announced its goal to bring high
speed internet connection to every American by 2020.
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The Inspirational Generation
| Christine Hassler  | Is Gen-Y really one of the more inspiring and inspired generations? How will they stack up in a globally competitive job market? Christine Hassler, life coach, author and professional speaker, reports that despite the negative stereotypes of Gen-Yers, they are globally-minded, technologically savvy, entrepreneurial, passionate, and take their personal relationships seriously.
Most importantly, the article discusses that there was never "a box" for Gen-Yers to think inside or outside of, thus their level of creativity and ability to be coached are high. Message to Employers: a Gen Y employee will be excited about their work, in tune with their values, and willing to learn new things.
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