Panels explore gender in science

A two-part panel series on Nov. 6 and 13 will examine the experience of female scientists, especially those working in environmental science, at Colorado State University. The "Exploring the Influence of Gender in Science and the Environment" panels will be held at Avogadro's Number, 605 S Mason St., Fort Collins.  The first in the series, Nov. 6, 5-6:30 p.m., is “Gender in professional arenas: Striking a balance for success in scientific careers.” Panelists Gillian Bowser, a researcher in the Natural Resources Ecology Lab at CSU; Paula Cushing of the Bioagriculatural Sciences and Pest Management Department;  Emily Fischer, assistant professor of atmospheric science; and Sara Rathburn, associate professor of geosciences will discuss their experiences as women in scientific fields. The panel will be moderated by Ellen Wohl, CSU professor of geosciences. On Nov. 13, 6-7 p.m., the topic will be “Gender in global water issues: The nexus of women, water, and environmental governance.” Panelists Ruth Alexander, CSU professor of history; Suzanne Kent, instructor of anthropology; Michele Koons from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science; and Ellen Wohl, professor of geosciences, will share their insight on women in global environmental issues. This panel will be moderated by Kate Wilkins, doctoral candidate in ecology. The panel series, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by CSU’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES), the Center for Women's Studies & Gender Research (CWSGR), the Ripple Effect, CSU’s Women's Initiative, and the Global Women Scholars Network. The newly established Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) Northern Colorado Chapter and Gillian Bowser helped the sponsors put together these remarkable panels. More details.

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What scientists need to know about science communication

Liz Neeley, assistant director of science outreach at COMPASS, a science-based communications firm based in Seattle, will present “A Theory of Change: The Latest in Science Communication Research and Practice,” Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the Lory Student Center Grey Rock Room. Liz Neeley, assistant director of science outreach, COMPASS.The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will discuss advances in building better science communication efforts. It will focus on blending academic communication with case studies and hard-won lessons from researchers and science communicators on the front lines. Before joining COMPASS, Neeley studied the evolution and visual systems of tropical reef fishes at Boston University. After grad school, she helped communities and researchers in Fiji and Papua New Guinea connect their knowledge of local coral reefs ecosystems to the media. She also dabbled in international science policy while working on trade in deep-sea corals. Neeley is currently based at the University of Washington. SoGES Fellows This presentation is sponsored by the School of Global Environmental Sustainability. The 2014-15 SoGES Global Sustainability Leadership Fellows will also be on hand for the lecture. These 20 early career academics have been chosen from the various colleges that make up CSU to learn how to effectively communicate not only with peers but also with the public and the media. Following this lecture, the Fellows will receive additional intensive training in communicating their research to reporters later in the week in a two-day workshop with working journalists from National Public Radio, Scientific American, National Geographic and other national outlets. A number of CSU Leopold Leadership Fellows will join the workshop to share their insights and experience reaching scientific and non-scientific audiences alike.  

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