Women in science discuss work, love and play

April 11, 2016

About a dozen women of varying ages and backgrounds recently gathered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to discuss the rewards and challenges of being in science.

Jessica Cherry, a researcher at the UAF International Arctic Research Center, led the discussions. To start the conversation, she used a book about feeling overwhelmed and overwhelming ourselves in the modern world.

Soon the discussions turned to personal experiences.

Photo by Yuri Bult-Ito. Women in science share their thoughts and experiences.

From graduate students to active researchers to retired teachers, the participants explored the challenges of being in science and balancing that with their personal lives. They talked about struggling to follow science as their passion while dealing with pressure to be great scientists.

Participants soon began offering possible solutions and ideas.

One woman said we all need help, and we need to be willing to ask for help. “It is hard to ask for help but you need to do it. Someday you may be the one who is helping others,” she said.

Photo by Yuri Bult-Ito. Women in science discuss to find solutions.

“Women need to educate their husbands and sons to help around the house," a retired attendee said. "Their sons will have to help their wives in the future.”

“At different times in your personal life and work life, there are things you can do better. We may need to step back and set priorities accordingly,” added another.

The attendees appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences in a supportive environment. A participant said, “It is nice to be reminded that I’m not alone.” All nodded in unison.

The meeting was hosted by the Association for Women in Science, Alaska Chapter. The national organization is the largest multidisciplinary organization for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It champions the interests of women across all disciplines and employment sectors, works for positive system transformation and strives to ensure that all women in these fields can achieve their full potential.

The chapter meets once a month to discuss topics concerning women in science. The April meeting will be about financial investments. An attendee said she would bring her high school-aged granddaughter so she could start thinking about the future.

IARC’s Elena Sparrow, the president and a founding member of AWIS-AK, said women in science are encouraged to join the chapter, but non-members can attend the meetings.

Photo by Yuri Bult-Ito. “Our door is open to any women who are in or are interested in science,” said Elena Sparrow of the UAF International Arctic Research Center (middle). Sparrow is president and a founding member of the Association for Women in Science, Alaska Chapter.

“Our door is open to any women who are in or are interested in science,” she said.

The next AWIS-AK meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 13, at 5:15 p.m., in 501 Akasofu Building on UAF campus.

To learn more about the Association for Women in Science, Alaska Chapter, contact Elena Sparrow, 907-474-7699, ebsparrow@alaska.edu.