The Courage Campaign presents the first installment of a three-part evening seminar series dedicated to empowering women to confront systemic injustices. This season's theme, 'Mind the Gap: Paving the Way for Equal Opportunities and Fair Compensation', kicks off with a talk by Zhou Fang, founder of Intersectional Group LLC. 

Join us for a night of learning as we delve into Pay Transparency movements in the U.S., examining its impact on states like New York, Colorado, Washington, and California. Discover whether it's a fleeting trend or a future necessity for Oregon, and understand why pay transparency matters for individuals and businesses alike. Don't miss this opportunity to unravel the complexities of a critical issue shaping the employment landscape.

A career transition can be a challenging time wherever you are in your employment or educational journey. You may be looking to freshen up your interview skills, explore different avenues to find new opportunities, or understand how to manage big life changes in a healthy manner. The upcoming WIS PDX Professional Development Mixer “A Mock Interview Mingle” is a great place to begin.

This event will feature a short presentation on navigating through career transitions and the do’s and don'ts of the interview process. You will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews with other attendees and gain insights on what employers look for in a candidate from our experienced interview experts. You will also have the chance to network with others across the full spectrum of fields and career paths in the sciences. There will be unlimited pizza and a raffle drawing for some great WIS gear.

This all-ages mixer will take place on March 19th from 6:00 to 8:30 (check-in begins at 5:30) at Lucky Labrador Beer Hall in NW Portland. We encourage anyone from any career level to attend to get resume advice and engage with our Women in Science community!

Speaker:

Amanda Ingmire is a connector, convener, and collaborative strategist. She is a Licensed Architect and Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with 15 years of experience working in the built environment. Amanda’s work at DEQ is focused on addressing the full life cycle impacts of the built environment while centering equity, racial justice, and wellbeing. She conducts research, develops projects and programs, consults on state building projects, serves as an advisor and provides expert testimony to numerous boards, commissions, businesses, and government entities, and collaborates with many partners to advance a holistic, systems approach to addressing some of our biggest challenges.

Cost: $10, includes admission to the event, food, and drink ticket.

2024 WIS SciComm Scholarships - Request for Applications (RFA)

Looking to build your SciComm skills and grow your professional networks? WIS is offering scholarships to attend the Association of Science Communicators SCIENCE TALK ‘24 conference in Portland. Apply now!

Application deadline: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 11:59 PM Pacific
Who can apply: Science trainees (i.e., those not professionally engaged in science communications) of any historically marginalized gender in the Portland metro area
What the scholarship covers: One (1) Trainee registration ticket for ASC’s SCIENCE TALK ‘24 conference
Conference dates: April 11–12, 2024
Conference in-person location: The Tiffany Center in Portland, OR
More conference information can be found here:
https://www.associationofsciencecommunicators.org/conferences/science-talk-24/

Who can apply?

• Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must identify as a historically marginalized gender. This includes cisgender women, transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and all gender identities which have been systematically oppressed by those in power throughout history.

• Applicants must live or work within the Portland metropolitan area.
  Applicants must NOT be professionally engaged in science communications full-time (e.g., scientific writer or illustrator). This scholarship is geared towards undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and other trainees in science.

  What does this scholarship cover?

  This scholarship covers the cost of one (1) SCIENCE TALK ‘24 registration ticket. Registration rates vary by access level (in-person or virtual-only) and ASC membership status. Please see the SCIENCE TALK '24 website for more information on registration options: https://www.associationofsciencecommunicators.org/conferences/science-talk-24/

  
  How many scholarships will be awarded?

  WIS aims to award around $500 total in scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the registration levels requested by awardees (see above).
  

  How will this scholarship be awarded?

  Scholarship funds will be awarded after the SCIENCE TALK ‘24 conference in the form of reimbursement by Venmo, PayPal, or mailed check.

  
  What are the application components?

  
  Applicants will be asked to provide the following:

• Name and email address

• Demographic information

• Statement of benefit to applicant and community (500 words or less) – Please describe the following in up to 500 words: (1) your professional and/or educational goals and how attending this conference will help you achieve them; (2) how you will share or implement what you learn from this conference to positively impact your community.

• Other funding sources – Please list other sources of funding available to you for professional development (e.g., fellowships with conference funds, funds from mentor/department/institute, other travel awards), and indicate whether you would be able to attend SCIENCE TALK without a WIS scholarship.

• Optional statement of barriers to professional development (300 words or less) – WIS is committed to equity in STEM and seeks to support individuals belonging to groups excluded from STEM due to race/ethnicity, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, housing status, and/or other factors. If you are comfortable describing such barriers to your professional development, you may do so here.

  
  When and how will my application be assessed?

  
  WIS aims to notify applicants of their award status within two weeks of the application deadline to allow awardees time to register for the conference. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of WIS volunteers using a standardized rubric. The following categories will be scored:

• clarity of proposal

• impact

• need
  

  For any questions, please contact us at scholarships@womeninsciencepdx.org. We look forward to your submissions!

Join us Wednesday, February 21st from 5:30-8:00 pm @ SE Lucky Lab for the next WIS PDX Happy Hour! This is a free informal networking event with no specific programming. Just come and mingle in the communal area. We’ll take over several tables and put out signs so you can easily find the group. No need to register or sign up in advance.

Hope to see you there!

Come join us for a discussion with Karen Thiebes on how we can improve our science communication effectively! This is a virtual event and will take place February 15th from 12-1 pm. Sign up using our link to receive the virtual invite!

Creating a professional elevator pitch is a skill that is typically under-emphasized, yet vitally important to career development. Learning how to most effectively sell yourself adds value to networking opportunities and allows you to make a great first impression to everyone you meet in the professional sphere.

This mixer event, sponsored by the Biophysical Society, will include a short talk by Dr. Jackie Wirz on identifying transferable skills from one's educational and professional experiences as well as a brief workshop section on developing a short "elevator pitch" based on those identified skills. Attendees will pair up and practice delivering their elevator pitches to one another. Select students from the Oregon State Biophysical Society Student Chapter will be invited to present their elevator pitches to the entire group. Following that, attendees will be free to network with one another until the end of the event.

This all-ages mixer will take place on November 9th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm (check-in begins at 5:30pm) at Lucky Labrador Beer Hall in NW Portland. We encourage anyone from any career level to attend.

Event schedule:

5:30 - 6:00 Event check-in and pizza
6:00 - 6:30 Presentation on identifying transferable skills and crafting an elevator pitch by Dr. Jackie Wirz
6:30 - 6:50 Brief workshop/guided activity on developing elevator pitch
6:50 - 7:10 Participants are paired up for elevator pitch practice
7:15 - 7:30 Selected students present their elevator pitches to the entire group
7:30 - 8:30 Opening networking session

We hope to see you there!

Please email info@womeninsciencepdx.org if you need cost assistance to be able to attend this event.

Our Code of Conduct is strictly enforced at all WIS PDX events.

Help support events like this by donating to WIS PDX. No donation is too small.

Go Recycle Yourself: Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation

Is it true that we can 3D print organs?
Can we transplant a brain yet?
Do celebrities get organs faster?
Why donate at all?

Organ, eye, and tissue donation are essential parts of modern medicine, but there is still a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about the field. In this talk, we will explore the amazing, sometimes grotesque but always fascinating science behind organ donation and debunk some of the most common myths.

Why is this topic important? There are 111,000 people on the organ donation wait list right now – as if Autzen (Go Ducks!), Reser (Go Beavs!), and the Moda Center (Go Blazers!) were all filled to capacity! Nearly 1 in 20 people will benefit from a tissue donation during their lives. Join in the conversation as we learn more about the history of organ donation, how it saves lives, and how the science continues to make science fiction into science fact.

If you’ve been to a Science on Tap lately, you already know our speaker as one of our beloved and enthusiastic emcees of the show! Now we get a chance to learn about one of her passions.

Bio: Dr. Jackie Wirz is a biochemist by training, a nonprofit executive by profession, and a passionate community advocate. Her research career spanned 15 years and included DNA repair to the structural properties of skin. She spent 10 years as a faculty member and dean at OHSU, and currently serves as the executive director of Donate Life Northwest.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.

Are you ready to explore the universe of physics career possibilities? Register today for a WIS-PDX virtual Lunch & Learn seminar highlighting the journeys and insights of three physicists with specialties in microscopy, particle physics, and nuclear policy.

Panelists:

Join us Tuesday, October 17 from 5:30-8:00 pm @ SE Lucky Lab for the last WIS PDX Happy Hour of the year! This is a free informal networking event with no specific programming. Just come and mingle in the communal area. We’ll take over several tables and put out signs so you can easily find the group. No need to register or sign up in advance.

Hope to see you there!

Women in Science Portland’s Professional Development Scholarships enable Oregon graduate students to enhance their career development by attending conferences, workshops, courses, and related opportunities. Awards are given twice per year, in Spring and Fall.

Application link: https://forms.gle/rU5wfm53SG2zEqRw8
Application deadline: Monday, October 16, 2023, 11:59 PM PT

Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a historically marginalized gender. Our definition of historically marginalized gender identities includes cisgender women, transgender women, transgender men, nonbinary individuals, and all gender identities which have been systematically oppressed by those in power throughout history.
- Be currently enrolled in a STEM graduate program (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Oregon.
- NOT have received a WIS Professional Development Scholarship during the previous award cycle.

What can this scholarship be used for?
Scholarship funds may be used to support attendance at in-person or virtual professional development events, including research conferences, workshops, and courses. Examples of covered expenses include registration, course materials, abstract submission fees, travel, and accommodations.

What is the scholarship amount?
Applicants may request up to $500.

How many scholarships will be awarded?
WIS aims to fund up to $2000 in Professional Development Scholarships. The exact number of awardees will depend on the number of applicants, quality of applications, and funding amounts requested by applicants.

How will this scholarship be awarded?
Scholarship funds will be awarded after the event in the form of reimbursement by PayPal or mailed check. **Funds must be used within one year of award notice.**

What are the application components?
Applicants will be asked to provide the following:
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Event information: Name and date(s) of event, estimated budget and scholarship amount requested
- Information on other funding sources for professional development (e.g., fellowships with conference funds, funds from mentor, other travel awards) and ability to attend event without a WIS scholarship
- Statement of benefit to applicant (300 words or less) – Please describe your professional goals and how attending this event will help you achieve these goals.
- Statement of scholarship benefit to community (300 words or less) – Please describe how attending this event will help you enhance your community.
- Optional statement of barriers to professional development (300 words or less) – WIS is committed to equity in STEM and seeks to support individuals belonging to groups excluded from STEM due to race/ethnicity, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, housing status, and/or other factors. If you are comfortable describing such barriers to your professional development, you may do so here.

When and how will my application be assessed?
We aim to review applications within one month following the deadline and will contact applicants with our decision shortly thereafter. Applications will be blinded and scored by a committee of WIS volunteers using a standardized rubric grading the following: clarity of proposal, benefit to applicant, benefit to community, and need.
For any questions, please check out our website or contact us at scholarships@womeninsciencepdx.org. We look forward to your submissions!

WIS Professional Development Scholarships – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can WIS volunteers apply for this scholarship?
Yes! We just ask that you refrain from participating in the scholarship review process for the cycle during which you applied.

Can this scholarship be used to pay for my tuition?
No, scholarship funds may not be used for graduate program tuition and fees.

Do I need an existing funding source in order to apply?
No, existing funding is not necessary to apply for this scholarship. However, if professional development expenses exceed the maximum amount of the scholarship, the difference may be funded by another source (e.g., mentor, other awards).

Do I need a faculty sponsor?
No, a faculty sponsor is not required to apply for this scholarship.

What if I’m unable to afford the award expenses up front due to financial circumstances?
If awardees are unable to afford professional development expenses up front, WIS can provide earlier reimbursement (i.e., reimburse the awardee after they pay for conference registration, but before the conference has occurred), or directly purchase for the awardee (i.e., pay for the conference registration itself on behalf of awardee). Early reimbursement or direct purchase is subject to approval by WIS leadership. Please reach out to scholarships@womeninsciencepdx.org if either arrangement is needed.

What are some examples of community benefit from this scholarship?
Broadly speaking, we intend for awardees to share the knowledge gained from their professional development activities with their peers. Some examples include writing a post for the WIS PDX blog, making a guest appearance on the WISterhood Podcast, or organizing a workshop at your institute using your newfound skills. We welcome your creative ideas for achieving this goal!

Join us Tuesday, September 26 from 5:30-8:00 pm @ SE Lucky Lab for the next WIS PDX Happy Hour!

This is a free informal networking event with no specific programming. Just come and mingle in the communal area.

We’ll take over several tables and put out signs so you can easily find the group. No need to register or sign up in advance.

Hope to see you there!

Are you interested in careers investigating and advocating for a sustainable future? Join us for an upcoming career panel featuring women with backgrounds in environmental activism, research, and education.

Speakers

This event is open to all!

You will receive a link to our webinar upon registering.

Our code of conduct is strictly enforced.

Save the date

Oregon Bio Women (OBW) returns for its annual CONNECT event.  Our theme this year will focus on negotiation and related business skills.  Check back as we’ll post new details soon.

Calling all WIS volunteers! You are invited to our 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Event!Come meet our new President and hear about the impact you've made to our community over the last year! There will be pizza, wine, and fun to be had!

When: Sunday, August 13 from 12-3pm
Where: Willamette Park, Shelter 12A (6404 S Beaver Ave  Portland, OR 97219)
Who: This event is for WIS volunteers!

If you are not currently a WIS volunteer but are interested in becoming one, email info@womeninsciencepdx.org to get started!

INDUSTRY-Educator Speed Networking, hosted by South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership

When?   Wednesday, AUGUST 9, 2023, 8:30am-11:45am 

Where?  IN-PERSON at Oregon Tech, Wilsonville

Who?   ALL Industry Professionals interested in building connections with K-12  educators are invited!

What?  Each company gets a table. Teachers will move from table-to-table for discussions of your industry and professional expertise. Plan to share:  1) What students need to know to get started down your career path/join your future workforce,  2) Connections between your career field and topics often taught in school, and  3) Opportunities for future guest speakers or field trips.  We encourage you, to bring a hands-on activity, if applicable, to demonstrate an aspect of your career that teachers may be able to replicate with their students in 2023-24 - this is a suggestion, not a requirement.

Please note:  It is important that we have an accurate accounting of who is attending.  If your summer plans change, please let us know if you are unable to attend.

Come join your bio-colleagues for an AI-focused panel discussion, networking, and draft brews (or wine) as we enjoy a long Oregon summer evening.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are spawning a cascading series of disruptive innovations that hold great promise in many fields, not the least being bioscience.

At the same time, a host of collateral considerations revolve around AI implementation. Nuts and bolts concerns include structuring patents for AI algorithms. And the datasets that algorithms reference may need attention in terms of copyright, privacy, or trade secrets.

New rules and policies regarding AI usage may require continued due diligence. While it may be permissible to use AI to assist in grant preparation, using that same tool in a peer review of that grant may not. 

Moderator:

•   Delfina Homen, J.D., Special Counsel, Miller Nash. Miller Nash is a nationally recognized law firm that, within the technology industry, assist clients in navigating the issues surrounding AI and its impact on their business.

Panelists:

•   Sarah Korman, Ph.D., J.D., Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Absci. Absci is a generative AI drug creation company that combines AI with scalable wet lab technologies to create better biologics for patients.

•   Kristy Lawson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Rewire AI. Rewire AI offers integrated AI for biomedical image analysis.

•   Tuan Phamdo, Chief Executive Officer, Health Technology Innovations (HTI). HTI offers cryo-EM services supported by its AI/ML platform.

•   Julie Reed, J.D., M.B.A., Partner, Miller Nash.

Disclaimer: “This presentation is provided for informational purposes only—it does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between Miller Nash LLP and any attendee. Attendees should consult legal counsel before taking action relating to the subject matter of this presentation.”

______________________________

Bio on Tap – going strong for fifteen years now – returns with its classic mix of program and networking. During our program, we’ll also welcome new Oregon Bio members, preview upcoming events, and highlight Oregon Bio news. 

July 27, 2023
Reception: 5 – 5:45 p.m. | Program: 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. | Networking: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Tickets – Oregon Bio Members*
* All employees of Oregon Bio Member companies are eligible
$45: Early bird online rate – this special rate ends July 14, 2023 at 11:30 p.m.
$55: Standard online rate

Tickets –  Non Members:
$85:  Standard online rate

Important: The address you enter during registration must match the one on file for your credit card.  Use the Get Tickets button and select at least one ticket to continue.

Please note:  Oregon Bio takes photos and videos at our events which are used for marketing purposes. By attending this event, you agree and consent to our use of your image and voice as recorded during the event. 

Tickets will be available at the door, subject to availabilty and an additional $20 fee. Oregon Bio does not offer refunds for events, however we can transfer tickets upon request.

The next WIS Happy Hour is 6/21 from 5:30-8:00 pm at The French Quarter, 3518 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR. No cost or registration is needed. Hope to see you there!