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www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 1
Upcoming Events
Expanding Your Horizons in Los Angeles
Mount St. Mary's College
Doheny Campus, Los Angeles
April 6, 2013
Communicating Science to the World:
The Nature and Practices of Science
AWIS LA/VC + Aquarium of the Pacific Workshop
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
April 7, 2013, 2 pm
WIST Conference
Sponsored by the AWIS San Diego Chapter
UCSD Faculty Club, San Diego
May 18, 2013
Inside this issue…
1 Upcoming Events
2 Congrats! Column
3 President’s Letter
4 AWIS Members Connect
5 Science News and Upcoming
Events
6 Behavior Based Interviewing
7 Journal of Postdoctoral Research
8 From Student to Teacher
9 Recent Events
Be sure to check our webpage, www.awislavc.org, regularly for updates to our events
calendar, both professional and social. Dates, places, and times will be posted for all of our
upcoming events as details become available.
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 2
Welcome to our new members! (joined since 10/2012)
Courtney White
Letisha Wyatt
Nancy Schroeder
Martha Wheelock
Monica McCallum
Elizabeth Berrigan
Ciarra Jones
Yvonne Klaue
Valerie Neill
Shewit Tekeste
Jessica Christenson
Nichole Yamashiro
Amber’s son under the rainbow
Congrats!
April Shiflett, Ph.D.
New position: Scientist II at Amgen
Xinzhao Grace Jiang, Ph.D.
New position: Senior Manager, International
Regulatory Affairs at Amgen
Sophia Tsai, Ph.D.
New position: Officer, Research Scholarships,
UCSD
Yael Wexler-Cohen, Ph.D.
New position: Associate Scientist II, Amgen
Amber Kaplan
Published paper “Failure To Induce IFN-β
Production during Staphylococcus aureus
Infection Contributes to Pathogenicity” in the
Journal of Immunology.
Congratulations also to Amber on the birth of
her son (left) in 2012.
Nicole Rubin, Ph.D.
Defended her doctoral thesis at USC.
Paper accepted for publication in the inaugural
issue of the Journal for Cardiovascular Disease
and Diagnosis.
The AWIS Congrats Column is now taking submissions…Want to
recognize yourself or another LA/VC AWIS Member?
Just click below to send an email to: [email protected]
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 3
The President’s Letter
Dear Chapter Members,
This year as president seems to be passing in the blink of an eye! We
are now in the second half of our year. Many of the events in the first
half of the year focused on career growth and development; our chapter
sponsored a resume workshop, and a behavioral interviewing seminar
which we co-sponsored with the USC postdoctoral association.
Remember that networking continues to be key in career growth, so be
sure to take advantage of those opportunities! The second half of our
year will cover self-defense, teaching science to non-scientists, and
more of our popular networking events.
As our chapter grows, our greatest strengths can also become our greatest challenges. Our chapter
covers an enormous geographic area, and has many members from the undergraduate level to advanced
career levels including professors and industry leaders. This gives us strength by serving a diverse
group, but can pose problems for providing a broad array of programs that meet our members’ needs
and interests. We also find it challenging to hold our events in locations that provide easy access for
our members.
Additional challenges arise in maintaining our membership, extending our outreach programs, and
developing new leadership. I hope that all of our members will consider becoming more involved with
the chapter, whether it is attending at least one event each semester, calling in to a single planning
committee meeting to hear about how our chapter is run, or contributing an article to the newsletter to
try out new writing skills. Our chapter cannot continue to grow without your participation and
guidance.
Sincerely,
April Shiflett
AWIS LAVC Chapter President
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 4
AWIS Members Connect
Networking leads to success! So, come on out and practice your networking skills at one of our social events.
Not only will you get a chance to meet other outstanding AWIS women, but you will also have a little fun while
practicing those key networking skills. All in all, a win-win situation!
Volunteer Needed
Have you been looking for a way to get involved? If you would like to interact with energetic, know-how
women who want to make a difference, this is the opportunity for you! You will expand your network and help
other women scientists in their career development. Service in areas related to your profession is also an
excellent way to promote yourself in your resumes and C.V.
Position – Monthly Coffee Club Coordinator at UCLA
The duties would involve acting as a contact person for interested attendees, reporting attendance to the chapter,
and advertising the get together in the area. The coffee clubs are relaxed opportunities for our members in a
particular geographic area to network and discuss any topic of interest.
Interested volunteer should contact [email protected].
AWIS Coffee Clubs
Coffee Clubs are now being hosted at Cedar Sinai and in East Los Angeles the
second Tuesday of each month! Check our website for more details and look for
fliers. If you would like to host one, let us know! It’s a great afternoon pick-me up
of caffeine and camaraderie.
We conduct regular telephone conferences to plan upcoming events, both professional and networking. If
you would like to be part of this planning committee, join us on our next call on Tuesday, April 16th at 8
pm (teleconferences are held every third Tuesday of the month). For more information, please email
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 5
Science News and Upcoming Events
Communicating Science to
the World:
The Nature and Practices of
Science
AWIS LA/VC + Aquarium of the
Pacific Workshop
Sunday, April 7th 2013 – 2 pm
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
90802
Effective science communication is sometimes
challenging because of differences in
understanding (or differences in opinion) of what
science is and how it works. Recognizing and
understanding the spectrum of ideas on the nature
and practices of science (how we do science/ how
science works as an enterprise) can help science
communicators like us interpret their own work
to the lay public.
.
Amgen acquired deCODE Genetics, a Reykjavik based
Icelandic company;
http://www.amgen.com/media/media_pr_detail.jsp?releaseI
D=1765710
Beckman Coulter acquired IRIS International, Inc., a biotech
company specializing in automated and semi-automated
urinalysis products;
https://www.beckmancoulter.com/wsrportal/wsr/company/ne
wsletters/diagnostics-today-online/issue-4-2012/beckman-
iris/index.htm
Jones Lang Lasalle, a real-estate-focused financial and
professional services firm, recently ranked various life
science clusters using quantitative data based on their
existing infrastructure and propensity to best support the
industry. Boston ranks first, whereas Los Angeles/Orange
County ranks 8th
;
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jones-lang-
lasalle-reveals-16-us-regions-vying-as-established-or-
emerging-markets-for-life-sciences-industry-
134584603.html
Rita Levi Montalcini, a joint winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize
for physiology and medicine has died at age 103. She
discovered the nerve growth factor (NGF) while at
Washington University in St. Louis. Interesting tidbit-during
her studies at the University of Turin, Italy, in the mid
1930s, she met two students who became her close friends
and also future Nobel prize winners- Salvadore Luria (of LB
fame)–and Renato Dulbecco (think DMEM).
Always wanted to get a Nobel Prize? Here is your chance!
The family of James Crick, the famed co-discoverer of the
DNA double helix structure, is auctioning Crick’s 23 carat
medal. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the medal and
the other items will be donated to the Francis Crick Institute,
which is scheduled to open in London in 2015;
http://www.genomeweb.com//node/1196316?hq_e=el&hq_
m=1511900&hq_l=1&hq_v=c610f8e49f
WIST Conference
May 18, 2013
UCSD Faculty Club
Sponsored by the AWIS San Diego Chapter.
Details about the WIST Conference in San Diego
are posted at http://sdawis.org/wist2013/. We will
be having a coordinated AWIS LA-VC Weekend
Get-Away to go along with this event.
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 6
By Lorena Griparic
recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management estimates that 55% of organizations in
the United States are currently utilizing behavior-based interview techniques in their hiring process.
What is a behavior-based interview? To find out, on October 23rd 2012, a large group of AWIS
women from local biotech companies, graduate students and postdocs had at the USC Health Sciences Campus
to attend a seminar held by Sue Robins of Ascend Training Solutions. Sue is a professional with background in
science, biotech sales and marketing, science education, technical writing consulting, and presently,
professional development - definitely a person who knows how interviews are conducted, and how to best land
an offer in this tough job market.
The event was co-organized by AWIS LA VC and by the USC Postdoctoral Association. The speaker was
introduced by April Shiflett and Rachel Britt.
The seminar was intended to relate to us what is
meant by Human Resource professionals when they
refer to “Behavior Based Interviews”. In traditional
interviews, the candidate typically meets with the
hiring manager and HR person, has lunch with the
group, all accompanied with traditional questions -
what is your greatest accomplishment, what are your
weaknesses, where do you want to be in 5 years.
The reality is that many interviewers don’t ask these
types of questions any more. They are asking
behavior based questions. The goal is to elicit
specific examples of the candidate having
demonstrated desired behavior. Sue addressed how
behavior based interviews are conducted, why they
are done and their benefits to the hiring organization. Concrete suggestions and action steps were provided to
help the audience prepare for the next behavior based interview; when asked, the candidate should describe the
situation, detail action steps, and outline results. Additionally, one should research ahead of time the corporate
culture in the company of interest, and have a couple of good stories to tell about particular personality traits the
company is looking for.
The Q&A session was lively, full with engaged questions and discussion. Partnering with the USC PDA was a
success, serving as a model of partnering with other groups, which we will implement for future events.
A
Behavior Based Interviewing
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 7
By Lorena Griparic
Starting a scientific journal is no easy task. That is even
more true when initiating the journal dedicated solely to
the research done by postdocs. Just ask Dr Partha
Ramasastry, Managing Editor for the Journal of
Postdoctoral Research, a new journal that launched in
January 2013. I talked to Dr Ramasastry about this novel
exciting enterprise.
Can you describe in few words the scope of the
journal?
Postdoc Journal, as the name suggests, is a representative
publication to highlight the contribution of creative,
hardworking postdocs to ongoing research in ANY field.
This is a face of the efforts put-in by 120 000 global
postdocs, 75% working in the US spread across 3 000
universities and research institutions in the US alone.
Where did the idea about the journal come from?
The idea came about in 2005-2006 when I was working
in UCLA. A few postdocs thought it might be a good idea
to have a publication highlighting postdoc research. And
things rolled from there to where this initiative is right
now.
How did you get form the idea to the first issue?
I did get to communicate with the Presidents of various
postdoctoral associations across US and the response was
quite encouraging. We then started putting together an
editorial board and started seeking just Review papers to
set a base. We will continue to seek Reviews through the
entire first year and then invite original research papers.
What is the format of the manuscripts that can be
submitted to your journal?
Manuscripts can be submitted, preferably as a single file,
either in word or a pdf file. Author instructions cab ne
found at http://www.postdocjournal.com/instruction-
author.aspx
This is the journal for research conducted by
postdocs. Are the reviewers also only postdocs?
We prefer that at least one of the authors on the paper is a
postdoc.
Some of the
reviewers, as of now, are suggested by the authors though
many of our editors review the submissions. As we go
along, we will broaden the editorial base so submissions
will be reviewed by our own editors.
What is the role of the advisory board in day to day
operation?
Advisory board has been very appreciative of this
initiative. They are definitely an inspiration to the
younger research community.
How do you intend to raise the impact of the journal
and its visibility?
The first 10-12 issues focus on the Review papers to set a
base. We will then invite both review and original
research papers. We are also currently seeking tie-ups
with an established journal so the visibility improves.
I am sure that you have a vision of how would you like
the journal to look in few years. In other words, how
and when will you know that the journal
"succeeded"?
Initially we plan to publish 12 issues in a year with at
least 10 papers in one issue. As we all know, it’s a
challenge seeking submissions for any new journal and
postdoc journal is no exception. The long-term goal is to
publish at least a paper a day. This would be a mark of
success.
Do you have any other details that you would like our
members to know?
Working on a shoe-string budget, publicity at this point is
the biggest challenge. We appreciate any and all input
from postdocs to let their fellow postdocs take the
initiative to publish in their own journal. Many are
concerned that this journal is unknown. It’s very
understandable. No journal comes with a huge impact
factor. An initiative has been undertaken and it is now in
the hands of all postdocs to make it succeed.
We would like to see women postdocs as the Editors-in-
Chief for the next term.
The New Journal in Town: Journal of
Postdoctoral Research
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 8
From Student to TeacherAn Interview with Dr. Megan Prosser
By Jessica Christenson
As a graduate student, it is often hard to imagine where life will
take you after getting your PhD. Asking yourself the question,
“When this is over, what am I going to do with myself” is a
frightening thing. As a fifth-year graduate student myself, it’s
getting harder and harder to believe that this will, indeed, ever
be over. Fortunately for me, one of my closest friends not only
graduated with her PhD but landed her dream job as a biology
professor at Azusa Pacific University. Megan, or better known
to her students as Dr. Prosser, has been both a source of
information and inspiration for me personally, and she has
kindly agreed to talk with me, for the purposes of this AWIS
article, not only about the mechanics of getting a teaching job
(especially when your graduate program offers few teaching
opportunities), but also about her experience transitioning from
a student to a teacher.
If in college students learn to learn, then in graduate school
students learn to teach themselves (a piece of wisdom passed
down to me by my mentor Dr. Susan Kane). This provides
graduate students with a firm foundation from which to build
upon, but the goal of graduate school is not necessarily to
produce teachers. Experience is required for that, and unless you
are doing research at an institution with undergraduates and
reams of teaching assistant positions, it can be a little difficult to
gain standard teaching experience. Dr. Prosser’s first and
foremost piece of advice for people in this situation is to take
advantage of what’s available and be proactive, “A lot of times,
the opportunities are out there, you just have to look for them.”
For instance, if your institution has a graduate program, get
involved with teaching the first-year students. Let it be known
‘around town’ that you’re interested in getting teaching
experience (This is where networking connections come in real
handy. Dr. Prosser was lucky enough to secure a year-long
visiting professor position at Point Loma Nazerene University in
San Diego through the recommendation of a friend and
colleague).
A little ‘outside the box’ thinking doesn’t hurt either. Guest
lecturing positions are a great way to gain experience. Even
though you’re often speaking about your research, use your
introduction as an opportunity to teach students about your topic
of interest. Tailoring your presentation to an intellectual level
appropriate for the audience you’re addressing is much like
standard teaching. Also, whenever possible ask for feedback in
these situations, you will gain much more from the experience if
you do. Furthermore, training and mentoring students within the
lab, depending on the effort that’s expended, can also be
considered teaching experience.
Finally, the cherry of top…sell yourself and your
experience. The difficulty is often “how to present what you’ve
done.” Dr. Prosser suggests you divide the teaching experience
on your resume into sections: 1) Teaching and Guest Lecturing,
2) Training and Mentoring. This is a way to highlight and list
everything you’ve done in the best possible light. You should
also be realistic with your choice of position; only apply to
positions that fit both your interest and experience. It is also
wise to keep your options open and apply to a variety of
positions. One may not be ideal at first, but it just might be a
stepping stone to your perfect job. If all goes well, as it did for
Dr. Prosser, you’ll eventually find yourself successfully
teaching loads of adoring students and enjoying yourself while
you’re at it.
Even though Megan is a new professor, it seems that her
previous experience has well prepared her for teaching
undergraduates topics such as biology and genetics. Of course
she has encountered some challenges associated with
transitioning from student to teacher, but these have more to do
with logistics and advising, then with her teaching ability.
Learning to balance the varied and many responsibilities of a
professor is something that’s going to be learned with time, and
learning to guide students in their studies as well as in their lives
has become both a joy and challenge for her. None of these
challenges, however, have proven overwhelming, and perhaps
this is because Megan loves her job and her students. To
emphasize this, I’d like to
close by sharing with you an
anecdote that perfectly
portrays Dr. Prosser’s success
as a teacher, through the
actions of one of her students.
On Valentine’s Day, Megan
received this note, from an
anonymous student, in her
office mailbox.
Congratulations Megan on your success, thank you for your
advice, and good luck to all you future professors!
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 9
By Lorena Griparic
On September 8th, 2012 approximately 20 Chapter Leaders met at the AWIS SoCal Chapter Leader Social,
organized at the home of one of the LAVC Chapter Officers. The event was attended by members of the AWIS
San Diego, Los Angeles-Ventura County and the Inland Empire Chapters. Most of the leaders attending, around
10, were from the San Diego Chapter, the largest
and longest standing attending Chapter. Three
attendees were from the newly formed Inland
Empire Chapter, whereas the remaining participants
were from LAVC, the host Chapter. The meeting
was a full success. The officers were able to get to
know each other and promote some collaborative
activities. As a result, this upcoming April, the
LAVC and Inland Empire Chapter will co-organize
an event dedicated to fostering opportunities for
scientists in industry. The following month, the San
Diego Chapter will be organizing the Women in
Science and Technology (WIST) Conference, which
will mark the 30th anniversary of the AWIS San
Diego Chapter.
This social event was an excellent opportunity to
network and exchange ideas. It was proposed that to
make this an annual event. Tracy Blois and April
Shiflett provided outstanding and nicely presented
food, wine (yes, there was also wine tasting), and
swags bags.
RRReeeccceeennnttt EEEvvveeennntttsss
www.awislavc.org LA/Ventura AWIS Page 10
By Lorena Griparic
On Dec 9, 2012, AWIS LAVC and Inland
Empire Chapter members gathered at the
home of our President April to celebrate
the end of the year 2012. Approximately
20 members and significant others
attended. This social was a very
successful event, with an animated white
elephant gift exchange, and plenty of
good food and drinks. We thank April for
hosting!
Editors: Lorena Griparic and Jessica Christenson
Benefit for Members: Interested in expanding your professional network? Need a job?
LA/VC AWIS Chapter members can begin taking immediate advantage of the networking opportunities provided
by this organization by getting “LinkedIn”. This is also a forum used for job postings. Note that this opportunity is
for members only. It is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Join the LA/Ventura County of AWIS
2. Go to http://www.linkedin.com/
3. Sign in to your account or if you are new to Linked In, create your account
4. Search for the group “LAVC AWIS”
5. Select “Join this group” ♦