Advocating for Women in Science: Dr. Joan M. Herbers BACK

Published by AFAR

Dr. Joan M. Herbers is a professor at Ohio State and president of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Dr. Herbers is leading a new three-year AWIS strategic plan that will include strengthening advocacy, breaking down barriers and growing capacity of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Herbers currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband of 26 years and their two children.

Tell us a little bit about AWIS.

The Association for Women in Science is a national advocacy organization devoted to advancing careers for all women in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). We are a member-based organization with more than 50 chapters throughout the US. Our members cover the entire spectrum of STEM disciplines, as well as all work sectors (industry, academia, government, non-profits, and self-employed). Our chapters work on K-12 outreach, professional development, and other issues of importance to their communities.

AWIS is based in Washington DC, where we often work on important legislative and policy issues before the government. We actively support legislation such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, and are working with government offices to ensure that access to opportunities, the subject of Title IX, includes access to STEM training and careers.

How did you get involved with the organization?

I joined as a graduate student in the 1970s, through the influence of Dr. Neena Schwartz, one of AWIS’ founders. Later, as a faculty member, I helped to found the Lake Champlain Chapter. My service to the national organization was initiated with an appointment to the Membership Committee about 10 years ago; I was elected to the Board as a Councilor in 2006 and then as President-Elect in 2008.

What do you view as major barriers for women entering and staying in scientific fields?

We live in a sexist society, and girls and women are still subtlely discouraged from pursuing interests in science; fortunately, we no longer see an achievement gap in math and science education through high school. However, the pipeline gets increasingly leaky as one progresses through the educational and employment sectors. We know from the psychology literature that the experiences of young men and women in college and graduate school differ, with the result that women become increasingly less committed to careers in STEM disciplines. In particular, many men and women view scientific careers as incompatible with family responsibilities, and this hits women particularly hard. Careers in academic are structured to have the race for tenure coincide with prime child-bearing years, and many institutions still do not have family-friendly policies in place. Furthermore, women who step out of their careers both in industry and academic, find it virtually impossible to re-enter.

Did you encounter any in your career path? If so how did you overcome them?

Oh sure! Fortunately, I was raised in a large family and given role models throughout my training that allowed me to see what was possible.

My spouse is a biologist like me, and the two-career challenge has been a major issue for us. We had our first faculty jobs at the University of Vermont, and negotiated part-time tenure track positions there (very novel in the 1980s!). While there, I decided to try out administrative work to see whether I liked it as well as to secure credentials that might make moving a bit easier. As a result, we were able to move to Colorado State University where I became a department chair and my husband a Professor. Then we moved to Ohio State University when I became Dean and he took a Professor position. Being flexible and trying out additional opportunities was the key to our ability to both find satisfying careers.

Any advice for women entering into science, particularly research?

Do it because you love it; keep working on your writing skills – successful researchers spend far more time in front of their computer than at the bench.  Finding the right balance between independent researcher and sought-after collaborator is important. You must establish your identity as someone who can do research on her own as well as contribute to inter/ multi-disciplinary teams

Find a network of support: take the time to seek out others at your career stage for reality-checking.
One mentor is not enough; in addition to mentors, cultivate sponsors – senior people of influence who will promote your ideas and support your career through nominations to key symposia, society awards, and the like. Hire someone to clean your house and help with the kids.

Finally, ask your employer for what you want – you’ll be surprised how often they will find a way to accommodate your requests!

Learn more about the Associate for Women in Science or join as a member at their website, www.awis.org.