Creative Solutions--DREAMing
of a Career in Physics
The following are some key components in developing a philosophy of helping
students get started toward realizing their career goals. As Dr. Shirley
Jackson, physicist and President of Renssellaer Polytechnic University was told
by her father when she was young, "reach for the stars."
D is
for Diversity 
We all benefit when we work and live in a rich and a diverse environment.
Why? Because the alternative would not only be boring, it would be limiting
for all of us. Life is a tapestry fabric that is made beautiful
and interesting by it's different colors, shapes/textures, sizes, and stories
woven into it that it tells. The boring alternative would be a simple
piece of plain fabric--no color, no particular shape or texture, no particular
size, and no storytelling. It would be blank. Each of us also
has the capacity to contribute uniquely to society and personally to individuals.
Oftentimes, these contributions are immeasurable in terms of the impact they
have on us--whether it's medical innovations and inventions, or kind words of
encouragement from a teacher or family or a friend. How small and limiting
our world would be without these and other individuals' contributions.
Illinois State University espouses diversity as one of its five core values in its Educating Illinois strategic planning document. It states that diversity involves "encouraging community and an informed respect for all differences among students, faculty, and staff by fostering an inclusive environment that prepares students to be engaged participants in a global society."
To help Students, Parents, and Educators identify some helpful resources, a listing sampling some of the ISU Physics Department Equity and Diversity Resources is also included.
R is for
Resources (and Role Models) 
Resources can involve information, facilities and equipment, and time,
as well as people. The resources in this link are organized into three
categories:
1) Statistics
about physics and/or science careers--especially with regard to the under-representation
of women, Blacks, and Latina/os.
2) Profiles of women
scientists and other underrepresented group individuals in physics and other
science careers who serve as role models. You may also downlad the pdf
of my 2003 Women's History Month exhibit at the Normal Public Library featuring
ISU Women Scientists.
3) In 2004, I developed the Women in Science and Math Professionals Career Pen Pals Project as part of my work with the EYH Conference and the ISU Department of Physics. Five women professionals were posed career questions by five high school students to which the women professionals responded. I created a display about this project that included profiles of seven women professionals and the students for the Normal Public Library for Women's History Month as well as for the EYH Conference. The local newspaper, The Pantagraph wrote a feature article about this project titled "Math and Science Not for Girls? Nonsense!" that appeared March 12, 2004.
4) And don't forget about current
women students and young alumni who have and are continuing to make contributions
in helping to pave the way for the next generation by their participation in
Physics Department EYH workshops for ISU's Expanding Your Horizons Conferences.
5) Resources and Learning Activities
to help promote diverse career mentoring.
E is for
Equity 
Organizations web sites and contact
information with useful resources and reports about educational equity
(such as "Why Schools Shortchange Girls") and resources include that
of the American Association for University Women (AAUW)
and the National Women's History Project (NWHP).
A listing sampling some of the
ISU Physics Department Equity and Diversity Resources is also included.
A is for
Achievement 
Resources and profiles of women
scientists (and others who are underrepresented in the sciences) that firmly
establish that there is a vital
talent pool waiting to be tapped. You may also downlad the pdf
of my 2003 Women's History Month exhibit at the Normal Public Library featuring
ISU Women Scientists.
M is for
Mentoring 
1) General Career mentoring
resources about the kinds of careers in physics that one might choose.
2) Tips for
promoting better mentoring of women and other under-represented groups of
individuals.
3) Mentoring Resources from the American
Physical Society including Student
Guidance and Educator
Guidance Resources as well as other
links of interest.
4) Parents and others mentoring students for college--Physics Teacher Educator Carl Wenning's Advice to all our daughters and sons.
Page last updated 11/17/04