October 24, 2014

In the past decade, the percentages of women attaining degrees in engineering and computer sciences have remained stagnant, even as these fields have continued to drive the highest demands in the workforce. To address the gender disparity in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), UNC Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, in partnership with the Carolina Women’s Center, facilitated a panel discussion, “Creating an Inclusive Climate for Female Faculty in the Sciences,” on Sept. 23, which focused upon recruitment and retention of female scientists and graduate students at Carolina.

Panelists at the event included (l-r) Drs. Valerie Ashby, Pamela Johnson Rowsey, Clara Lee, Anna Maria Siega-Riz and moderator Silvia Tomášková.

Panelists at the event included (l-r) Drs. Valerie Ashby, Pamela Johnson Rowsey, Clara Lee, Anna Maria Siega-Riz and moderator Silvia Tomášková. Photo by Melanie Busbee.

Anna Maria Siega-Riz, PhD, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the School’s associate dean for academic affairs, was a panelist.

In her opening statement to those attending the seminar, UNC Chancellor Carol Folt noted that Carolina should lead efforts to increase the number of women and minorities in science, especially given that more than half of the university’s undergraduates are women.

An internationally recognized environmental scientist and award-winning educator, Folt also stressed the need for better child care in the workplace, especially for those in research careers. She stressed the importance of making it possible for both parents to pursue both a family life and work life.

Silvia Tomášková, PhD, professor in women’s and gender studies and anthropology, served as moderator, posing and facilitating audience-prompted questions for panel members that included Siega-Riz and Valerie Ashby, PhD, professor of chemistry and department chair; Pamela Johnson Rowsey, PhD, RN, associate professor and coordinator of student diversity and recruitment in the School of Nursing; and Clara Lee, MD, MPP, associate professor of surgery and director of research in  the UNC Department of Surgery’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Tomášková’s questions addressed concerns for women within the panelists’ disciplines; models of success in recruitment, retention and promotion; and sources and impetus for change. The seminar provided a space for audience members, who included men and women faculty and staff members, graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral scholars to discuss issues including navigating promotion and tenure, balancing work and career, and managing sexism and gender-based bias in the workplace.

Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer Taffye Benson Clayton provided closing remarks. She emphasized the importance of having candid conversations that allow for open dialogue and sharing. Clayton also highlighted the importance of having women scientists, including Chancellor Folt, share their stories of challenges and success. Clayton urged attendees to “make connections” with colleagues across campus and to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the talented women faculty in science on the panel and across the institution.

“Working in an institution as large as UNC, can sometimes be isolating. We need to take time during these special events to connect with people who can support us in our work life,” she said.

UNC Diversity and Multicultural Affairs hosts the annual Diversity in Higher Education Series, which focuses on diversity in education, access and research. More information about future diversity education seminars is available at diversity.unc.edu/seminars.


Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: David Pesci, director of communications, (919) 962-2600 or dpesci@unc.edu.
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