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WoW Blog
Each week this blog will feature a prominent woman who made significant contributions to engineering or science. If you have any women you'd like us to feature please let us know and we'll do our best to include them.
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Posted June 16, 2009 8:46 AM
by Sharkles
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Darleane C. Hoffman is an American nuclear chemist who was
part of the team that confirmed element 106, seaborigum.
Early Life
Darleane Hoffman was born on November 8, 1926 in Terril, Iowa.
After graduating from high school, Hoffman attended Iowa State College and first
majored in applied art. Later, she was inspired by her chemistry professor,
Nellie Naylor, to change direction.
When she first changed her major to chemistry, Hoffman had some
reservations. She knew that many women in science had to choose between having
a career or a family. Hoffman knew that she wanted both, and was further
inspired by Marie Curie, who made many discoveries and won two Nobel prizes
while raising two daughters.
Darleane Hoffman continued at Iowa State
to earn her Ph.D. During this time, she also met her husband, a fellow doctoral
student. While he finished his degree, Darleane went to work at Oak Ridge
Laboratory in Tennessee.
After her husband graduated, they went to work at Los Alamos National
Laboratory in northern New Mexico
to research nuclear chemistry.
Discoveries and Achievements 
Darleane Hoffman worked at Los Alamos
for approximately 31 years. During her time there, she focused mainly upon "heavy"'
elements - those with high atomic masses and an atomic number greater than 92.
These types of elements do not exist naturally, but are discovered or created
by scientists. Hoffman also searched for new elements and isotopes in debris
from nuclear tests.
Ever since the discovery of plutonium in the 1940s,
scientists did not believe that elements with an atomic number higher than
uranium could occur in nature. It was Hoffman who discovered small amounts of
plutonium isotope (plutonium-244) in a rock formation said to be several
billion years old.
Darleane Hoffman also performed a rare study of the
chemistry of hahnium (also known as dubnium). She used the isotope hahnium-262,
which has a half-life of 35 seconds, to study how the element behaved in an
aqueous solution and in a gas phase. She later studied the same properties of
lawrencium-103, which (luckily) had a half-life of three minutes.
Darleane Hoffman also studied spontaneous fission of known
fermium isotopes from nuclear debris. She used her expertise to research the
problem of nuclide migration in the environment. This research eventually left Los Alamos for the Yucca Mountain Project, an underground
repository for nuclear wastes.
In 1984, Darleane Hoffman left Los Alamos to become a
professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
She also became a researcher at the affiliated Lawerence Berkeley National
Laboratory, where she was involved with the discovery of super-heavy elements
114 and 116.
Awards
Darleane Hoffman made many important discoveries throughout
her career. These discoveries have not gone unnoticed by the scientific
community. Some of the awards she has received include the Guggenheim
Fellowship in 1978, the ACS Award for Nuclear Chemistry in 1983 (she was the
first woman to win the award), the Garvan-Olin medal in 1990, the National
Medal of Science in 1997, and the Priestley Medal from the American Chemical
Society in 2000.
Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darleane_C._Hoffman
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/jcewww/Features/eChemists/Bios/Hoffman.html
http://www.chemheritage.org/women_chemistry/univ/hoffman.html
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Posted June 08, 2009 8:40 AM
by Sharkles
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Last month, Carol Nadelson, M.D., former-president of the
American Psychiatric Association (APA), was awarded the prestigious 2009 Alma
Dea Morani, M.D., Renaissance Woman Award. The award was given by the
Foundation for the History of Women in Medicine.
The Renaissance Woman Award honors outstanding women
physicians or scientists in North America,
who've furthered the practice and understanding of medicine; made significant
contributions outside of medicine; whose "determination and spirit have carried
her beyond traditional pathways in medicine and science"; and who've
continually challenged the status quo with their passion for learning.
Nada Stotland, current APA president, believes "This is a
richly deserved award" for Dr. Nadelson.
Career
For over four decades, Carol Nadelson has been involved in
the career development of women physicians and researchers. She is credited for
mentoring generations of men and women leaders in psychiatry. She is also recognized
as an authority on sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct.
In 1979, Dr. Nadelson became vice chair of the Department of
Psychiatry at the New England
Medical Center
and Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine.
In 1984, she was elected the first woman president of the
American Psychiatric Association. During her time with the APA, Nadelson led
the American Psychiatric Press Inc. as editor-in-chief, president, and chief
executive officer from 1986-2001.
Carol Nadelson has written over 230 scientific publications
and chapters, co-edited more than 40 books, and produced 18 tapes. Throughout
her career, she has presented over 1,000 talks at academic and medical
conferences worldwide on topic including women's health and mental heath,
medical education, ethics, and women's leadership and career development.
Appointments and Awards
Dr. Carol Nadelson has received many appointments that have
allowed her to impact and influence policy. She has served on many committees
and boards, including the Harvard Medical School Admissions Committee and
Faculty Council, the Council for Medical Education and Career Development, the
APA Ethical Appeals Board, the Committee on Medical Student Education, and the
Council of National Affairs. Dr. Nadelson is also a founder of Havard's Joint
Committee on the Status of Women.
Carol Nadelson has received many awards for her contributions
to the medical and psychiatric communities, including:
- Election into Alpha Omega Alpha, the
Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of
Psychiatry from the American
College of Psychiatrists.
- The APA Seymour Vestermark Award for her
contributions to psychiatric education.
- The Boston YWCA's Woman of Achievement Award.
- The Elizabeth Blackwell Award.
- The AMA's Sidney Cohen Award for outstanding
contributions to the understanding of addiction.
- The American Medical Women's Association award
for Recognition of the Outstanding Contributions to the Cause of Women in the
Field of Medicine;
- The APA Alexandra Symond's award, recognizing
outstanding contributions to women's mental health.
Resources:
http://medhealthcare.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/first-woman-apa-president-honored-for-leadership-in-medicine/
http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/44/8/34-a
http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_nadelson
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Posted May 26, 2009 12:01 AM
by Sharkles
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Last Thursday, it was announced that Anne Mulcahy, Xerox
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from her position as CEO. Mulcahy
named current president Ursula Burns to be her successor, starting July 1,
2009. This will mark the first woman-to-woman transition in any Fortune 500
company. Additionally, this announcement makes Xerox the largest company led by
an African-American woman.
Who is Ursula Burns?
Ursula Burns was born in New York City in 1958. Although little
information is available about her childhood, it is known that she graduated
with a Bachelor of Science degree from Polytechnic Institute of New York in
1980. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from
Columbia University in 1981.
From Intern to
President
Ursula Burns began working for the Xerox Corporation in 1980
as a mechanical engineering intern. During her time with the company, Burns later
held positions in product development and planning. In June 1991, Burns became
the executive assistant to then CEO and Chair, Paul A. Allaire.
From 1992 to 2000, Ursula Burns headed business teams
including the office color and fax business, office network copying business,
and the departmental business units. In May 2000, she earned the role of senior
vice president for Corporate Strategic Services. In this important role, Burns
headed manufacturing and supply chain operations. Later, she took on the
broader role of leading global research at Xerox while assuming responsibility
for product development, marketing and delivery.
In 2007, Ursula Burns was named president of Xerox. As
president, her leadership expanded to include Xerox's IT organization,
corporate strategy, human resources, corporate marketing, and global accounts.
Transitioning in a
"Daunting Time"
Burns' promotion comes after two straight quarters of sales
decline in what is said to be the worst economic downturn in more than 50
years. In her new position, Ursula Burns will have to focus on maintaining
Xerox's cash flow, while improving the product line.
Burns acknowledged the sales decline herself in an interview
earlier this month. "The market is definitely softer today," she said. "There
are less buying decisions, but many, many still going on."
John Engler, president of the National Association of
Manufacturers, a trade organization where Burns once served as a director,
believes the she will transition well. "Ursula brings a real set of skills.
She's creative, very direct. This will be a very peaceful transition," he said.
Boards and Honors
In addition to her hard work at Xerox, Ursula Burns serves
on several professional and community boards including: American Express,
Boston Scientific Corp., the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at
Columbia University, FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and
Technology, the National Association of Manufacturers, the University of
Rochester, and the Rochester Business Alliance.
In 2008, Ursula Burns was named the 10th most
powerful woman by Forbes Magazine – this was up one spot from the year before.
Resources:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aIhEvH.6FCaE&refer=us
http://www.xerox.com/go/xrx/template/inv_rel_newsroom.jsp?ed_name=Ursula_Burns&app=Newsroom&format=biography&view=ExecutiveBiography
http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/21/news/companies/xerox_ceo/?postversion=2009052114
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0809/gallery.women_mostpowerful.fortune/10.html
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Posted May 11, 2009 12:00 AM
by Sharkles
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A recent survey called Women,
Science and Success: The New Face of Innovation found that 65% of Americans
cannot name even one famous female scientist. Additionally, the survey also found
that 74% of Americans believe that women are underrepresented in
science-related fields.
In our current economic climate, Americans are expressing
concern about the impact of the underrepresentation of women in science. This
concern is one of the reasons behind the L'Oreal USA commissioned survey. The
company hopes to bring awareness to the important contributions made by women
in science, and encourage more women to pursue science-related careers.
L'Oreal USA
enlisted Opinion Research to conduct a telephone survey of 1,000 Americans in
April 2009. Some of the survey's findings regarding scientific research and
discovery include:
- Forty-eight
percent of Americans feel that the United States lags behind
other countries in investing in scientific research, development and
discovery.
- Eighty-seven
percent of people feel that scientific research, development and discovery
lead to innovation and invention that would contribute to growth of the U.S.
economy.
- Eighty-eight
percent believe that if the U.S. invested more resources
into scientific research, development and discovery, it would generate job
growth.
With regard to women in science, the survey found that
nearly all Americans (97%) felt that women are capable of making significant
contributions. Eighty-seven percent of respondents even said that more women
are needed in science-related fields to ensure scientific and technological
progress.
The Women, Science and
Success: The New Face of Innovation survey also said that many Americans
see a danger in not encouraging women in science. Fifty-nine percent of survey
participants said that the underrepresentation of women in scientific fields
could hinder U.S.
scientific and economic growth.
Recommended Solutions
Seven out of ten participants surveyed believe that the U.S
government and corporations should invest additional resources to encourage
women to pursue scientific careers.
"For society to meet the scientific
challenges of the 21st century, we need to do more to fully engage the
contributions of all citizens, particularly women, in science-related fields…We
need our best and brightest minds advancing research, making discoveries and
helping to stimulate the economy. Women are a pivotal part of that progress,"
said Laurent Attal, President and CEO L'Oreal USA.
Do you have a favorite woman scientist? Make her known - L'Oreal has teamed up with the UK Resource Centre for Women
in Science, Engineering and Technology and created a webpage of twenty famous women scientists and provide a poll to vote
for your favorite (with the option to add your favorite if she isn't listed) – click here
to vote!
Resources:
http://sev.prnewswire.com/retail/20090507/NY1284107052009-1.html
http://www.newscientist.com/special/women-in-science-2009-intro
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Posted May 05, 2009 12:00 AM
by Sharkles
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Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has enjoyed a distinguished career
as a scientist, educator, and public policy advocate. The president of Rensselear
Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy,
New York is the recipient of many
honors, including the 1993 New Jersey Governor's Award in Science.
Hall of Fame and
Golden Torch
In 1998, Shirley Jackson was inducted into the National
Women's Hall of Fame for significant and profound contributions as a
distinguished scientist and advocate for education, science, and public policy.
In March 2000, Dr. Jackson was awarded the Golden Torch
Award for Lifetime Achievement in Academia from the National Society of Black
Engineers. In June of the same year, she was inducted into the Women in
Technology International Foundation Hall of Fame (WITI). Also in 2000, Shirley
Ann Jackson received the "100 Women of Excellence" award from the
Albany-Colonie (New York)
Regional Chamber of Commerce & Women's Business Council.
From Physics to
ESSENCE
In January 2001, Jackson
received the "Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award" from the American Association
of Physics Teachers. A month later, she received the 2001 "Immortal Award" for
the 15th Annual Black History Makers Award, sponsored by Associated Black
Charities. Also in February 2001, Dr. Jackson became the first woman to win the
Black Engineer of the Year Award by US Black Engineer & Information
Technology magazine.
In 2002, Shirley Jackson was named one of Discover
Magazine's Top 50 Women in Science. She was also recognized in a published book
by ESSENCE called "50 of The Most Inspiring African-Americans". That same year,
Dr. Jackson was named "50 R&D Stars to Watch" by Industry Week Magazine.
A Role Model and
National Treasure
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was named one of seven fellows of
the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) in 2004. In 2005, Time Magazine referred to the RPI
president as "perhaps the ultimate role model for women in science". In 2006, she
received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' President's Award for
her "outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and for her
dedication to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in engineering
education" in 2006.
When the National Science Board (NSB) selected Dr. Jackson
as a recipient of the prestigious Vannevar Bush Award for "a lifetime of
achievements in scientific research, education, and senior statesman-like
contributions to public policy" in 2007, she was described as a "national
treasure". Shirley Jackson was also honored by AARP The Magazine as one of its ten 2007 Impact Award winners given
to "extraordinary" people who have made the world a better place through their
work.
Leadership and
Creativity
In 2008, Jackson
received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) Ralph Coats Roe
Medal "for significant contributions to science and technology education, and
professional practice; and through her leadership and creativity has inspired
others to pursue careers in engineering and science; and for notable public
service and contributions to the nation and humankind." She was also honored
with the L'Oreal USA For Women in Science Role Model Award for raising
awareness of the critical role that women play in the sciences.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is a scientist, educator, and public
policy advocate who has accomplished more than many of her peers. Today, her
work continues to inspire, inform, and educate.
Editor's Note: Click here for Part 1 of this two-part
biography. Click here for a recent Engineering News story about Dr. Jackson's
recent appointment President's Council of Advisors in Science and Technology
(PCAST).
Resources:
http://www.rpi.edu/president/profile.html
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=794366&category=RENSSELAER
http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/shirley-1262842-ann-president.html
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