Why are humans the only species that reads fiction, tells jokes, and shares photos on Instagram? In this talk, I will explore this question of human uniqueness by examining what makes the human mind so different from that of other animals. I will first discuss recent work in comparative cognition that shows a number of ways that other animals are strikingly similar to humans in the way they think about the world. I will also explore some key cognitive differences between humans and other animals that make the human species different from other animals but also a bit less rational than you might expect.

Title of Talk: Local modulation of carrier density in graphene-ferroelectric field effect transistors through flexoelectric switching Anna is a PhD candidate working under the advisement of Dr. Matthew Dawber in the Artificially Layered Ferroelectric Oxides group at Stony Brook University (SBU). Her PhD thesis work focuses on the use of a ferroelectric (FE) material to harness the electric functionalities of graphene (Gr) by engineering Gr-FE Field Effect Transistors. In these devices, the underlying FE superlattice layer is used to control the charge state of the Gr channel. This work deals with various aspects of growth, fabrication and characterization of thin films, superlattices, and nano-scale devices.

Vine infection by viruses can significantly affect wine production and shorten the lifetime of the vineyard. One newly discovered virus called "Red Blotch Disease" has a set of symptoms that begin to appear in late August in California red wine varieties. Irregular red blotches, red veins and necrosis can appear on the basal leaves of shoots and these symptoms mimic phosphorus, potassium or magnesium deficiency. The fruit of these vines do not fully mature in a timely manner, especially in sugar and acidity, resulting in wines with reduced fruit character and a thinner mouth feel. There is no cure and the recommendation is to replant, a costly solution. To mitigate the economic impact, Stockert has been using X-rays to develop methods that might aid plant metabolism by supplementing a specific nutrient to prolong the life of the vineyard. The first in her family to earn a College degree, Stockert has been investigating for more than 17 years grapevines and wine fermentation dynamics. Cookies at 4:00 p.m.

This talk has three parts: 1. I discuss the phenomenon of understanding – our ordinary experience of understanding the objects and events in our environment. Normally we do not pay attention to the understanding process itself, but just to what is understood (e.g. I understand the ordinary things you say, but do not enquire how it is that I understand them); here we focus upon the process. I argue that understanding holds an important key to the nature of human cognition—our ability to think and reason. 2. Next I examine the process of self-organization – the process whereby a type of general order arises from local interactions between parts of an originally chaotic system. Self-organization is so-called because the order is not controlled by any agent external to the system. Many familiar phenomena are self-organized, from rush-hour traffic patterns to ant hills, as well as many organic processes within our bodies. 3. Finally, I attempt to show that understanding is a self-organizing process. In considering cognitive functions in the brain, I take a top-down rather than a bottom-up approach. A top-down approach starts with a general system, in this case our conscious awareness of understanding, and breaks it down into (sometimes unconscious) subsystems. I argue that the sort of understanding we are familiar with is possible only through the self-organized subsystems of our ordinary understanding of our situation and environment.

Come meet the FY2017 BWIS Executive Board to voice your concerns, learn about our future events and volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there and bring a friend! Brookhaven Women in Science is a diverse community that promotes equal opportunity and advancement for all women in support of world-class science. BWIS is a volunteer-run non-profit funded by BSA and membership fees. If you have any questions, please email agoldberg@bnl.gov.

The ability to create synthetic materials that mimic the structural and mechanical properties of native tissues, like skin and fibrous tissues, is crucial for many biomaterials applications. Unfortunately, design of such materials remains a significant challenge. Many native tissues and synthetic soft biomaterials are comprised of polymer networks. What are the minimum properties that must be build into a synthetic polymer network in order to reproduce the properties of native tissues? Dr. Bhatia will discuss this issue, while drawing parallels between lessons learned from design of soft materials and challenges faced by women in science and engineering fields.

Come meet the FY2017 BWIS Executive Board to voice your concerns, learn about our future events and volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there and bring a friend! Brookhaven Women in Science is a diverse community that promotes equal opportunity and advancement for all women in support of world-class science. BWIS is a volunteer-run non-profit funded by BSA and membership fees. If you have any questions, please email agoldberg@bnl.gov.

Used in inkjet printheads the precise control and manipulation of fluids that are constrained in small volumes emerged in the 1980s. Used in DNA chips, micro-propulsion and microfluidic designs are being applied in the understanding of biological systems. Dr. Perry's research focuses on the use of graphene to develop high throughput technologies to understand the dynamics of biological and biomimetic materials. She is actively engaged in teaching and inspires students to work at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and engineering. Coffee and cookies at 4:00 p.m.

Come meet the FY2017 BWIS Executive Board to voice your concerns, learn about our future events and volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there and bring a friend! Brookhaven Women in Science is a diverse community that promotes equal opportunity and advancement for all women in support of world-class science. BWIS is a volunteer-run non-profit funded by BSA and membership fees. If you have any questions, please email agoldberg@bnl.gov.

The death of massive stars is accompanied by dramatic phenomena, known as supernovae, shining with the luminosity of over a billion of Suns. A subset of these supernovae are also accompanied by strong explosive events in gamma-rays, known as gamma-ray bursts. These are the most energetic explosions that we have witnessed in the Universe. Once the explosion is over, what is left behind are exotic compact objects, known as neutron stars and black holes. In this talk I will describe some of my research on gamma-ray bursts, as well as on neutron stars and black holes. I will particularly discuss a subset of neutron stars, known as 'magnetars', which are the strongest magnetized objects known in the Universe.

Come meet the FY2017 BWIS Executive Board to learn about our future events and other volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there and bring a friend! Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization based at BNL supporting the advancement of women in science. It is open to anyone, men and women, working in BNL whether they are employed by BNL or their home institution.

Dr. Maria Michta, microbiologist and Olympic racewalker, will talk about her life's journey as a student, academic, and athlete. Ever since she was a child, Dr. Michta wanted to be an Olympic athlete. She started race walking as a freshman at Sachem High School, eventually making it to the Olympics in London and Rio. Maria applies the same discipline, belief, and motivation to her training as an athlete as she applies to her professional life as an academic. Dr. Michta will talk on what it takes to become a scientist and an athlete, disciplines that are quite similar.

Come meet the FY2017 BWIS Executive Board to learn about our future events and other volunteer opportunities. We hope to see you there and bring a friend!

The Lab community is invited to attend the 2016 Gertrude Scharff-Goldhaber Award Event. Kathryn Meehan, the 2016 Goldhaber Award recipient will make her presentation by Skype. Featured speakers include Alfred (Fred) Scharff Goldhaber (son of Gertrude), who is a Professor at the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook University. Fred will be speaking about his mother's career as a woman scientist, particularly here at BNL, and of her participation in the formation of Brookhaven Women in Science and other programs at BNL that still thrive today. In addition we will have Camille van der Watt who will talk about her experiences attending the Lab-sponsored SciComp-100 Workshop this summer. A reception will be held following the award ceremony in honor of Gertrude Scharff-Goldhaber and all the participants

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime produced by some of the most energetic astrophysical events in the Universe. These spacetime waves are very weakly interacting. This makes them difficult to detect, but allows us to observe the interior dynamics of violent systems that are obscured to telescopes, which rely on radiated light. The Advanced LIGO detectors are engineered to sense gravitational waves, which produce tiny fluctuations in the relative distance between points in space as they pass. The detectors' sensitivity is equivalent to measuring a change in distance between Earth and Alpha Centauri, the closest star to our sun, as small as the thickness of a human hair. On September 14, 2015, LIGO made history with the detection of gravitational waves from binary black hole merger GW150914. 1.3 billion years prior and far, far away, two black holes about 36 and 29 times the mass of the sun collided, forming a bigger black hole roughly 62 times the mass of the sun. This event radiated an enormous amount of energy in gravitational waves in less than 20 milliseconds; more energy than 3 suns would radiate over many billions of years. GW150914 was the first direct detection of gravitational waves, a prediction of Einstein's theory of general relativity, and the first observation of a binary black hole merger. During the same observing run, LIGO discovered another gravitational wave signal from a different binary black hole merger on December 26, 2015 (GW151226). These observed events reveal a population of binary black hole systems in the Universe with mass and spin properties never before measured. This talk will cover astrophysical sources of gravitational waves, the gravitational wave signals detected during Advanced LIGO's first observing run, noise sources and technical challenges for the Advanced LIGO detectors, and the prospects for future observing runs.

Come meet the board, find out about our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. All are welcome!

In the intriguing world of subatomic physics, neutrinos form the most bizarre tiny entities known to date. Well, they may be tiny, but the world surrounding them is astonishingly big. Today scientists study these elusive particles to understand the biggest puzzles in the universe, from the structure of the atom to the formation of a star. As the popular saying goes, "Whenever anything cool happens in the universe, neutrinos are usually involved." Although more than a trillion of these little particles pass unnoticed through our bodies every second of the day, neutrinos still remain largely mysterious. These famously shy particles are notoriously difficult to detect given how rarely they interact with normal matter. How rare you ask? Let's say in your entire lifetime, perhaps one neutrino will interact with an atom in your body and seriously, you should feel fortunate that it is that way. Also, the weird fact that these ghostly particles can "morph" into one another makes it even more difficult to detect them. Despite all these challenges, researchers have managed to capture a handful of them by building immense and exquisitely sensitive detectors in some of the most remote places of the planet such as deep in the Antarctic ice, miles under a mine in Canada and deep under a mountain in Japan. Come for an hour to be mesmerized by the scientific adventures in the wonderful world of neutrinos and how they can help us unlock some of the deepest secrets of the universe.

Prosper, a high-energy physics experimentalist, is among the U.S. scientists who played a significant role in the search for and 2012 discovery of the Higgs boson, the particle that proves the existence of the Higgs field, which gives mass to elementary particles. His research interests include high-energy physics, cosmology, advanced analysis methods and Bayesian statistics. At Florida State, Prosper is the Kirby Kemper Professor of Physics and has been a leader in experimental high-energy physics for many years and has built a robust research record while contributing significantly to collaborations at both Fermilab and CERN. He earned a doctorate in experimental physics from the University of Manchester in 1980.

This symposium will celebrate the accomplishment of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Lecturers and panelists will discuss the impact of women in STEM careers, on the work environment, and on the economy; how we as a society can improve women participation in STEM fields. Bringing together women from academia, government, and private sectors, this event will also help up-and-coming young professionals learn about women's experiences in STEM fields

Brookhaven Lab's Associate Laboratory Director for Environment, Safety, and Health, Gail Mattson, will speak on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs available to young women embarking on STEM careers. All are welcome. All visitors to the Laboratory 16 and older must bring a photo I.D. Mattson is a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). SWE develops outreach and professional programs to inspire and encourage the next generation of women engineers. Highlights of successful and innovative STEM programs will be presented, along with information on other STEM organizations around the world.

Refreshments served before the talk.

Please join us for BWIS Monthly Board Meeting. Come meet the 2015 Board and see how you can participate!

BWIS cordially invites you to our Annual Wine & Cheese Event. PLEASE JOIN US THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5TH 2015 AT 5:15 PM TO 7:00 PM AT THE ISB BUILDING 734 UPSTAIRS LOBBY FOR WINE, CHEESE & CONVERSATION With Brookhaven Women in Science Guest speaker, Louise Hanson, will talk briefly about the history of BWIS.

As scientist and educator Dr. Zeri will discuss the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) techniques in the study of cancer, bacterial growth, and pathogen defense mechanisms. Winner of the renowned Eisenhower Fellowship to enhance STEM education programs Dr Zeri will present her activities to enhance STEM education programs for low-income girls in Brazil. She is also interested in the portrayal of women and girls in the media, and how this impacts their career aspirations. She will also share her experiences and challenges as a woman in Science. Refreshments will be available before the talk at 4:00 p.m.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Professor Boston studies the spectacular underground landscapes of Earth, caves, using them as models for the subsurfaces of other planets. Some of the most magnificent and chemically extreme caves on Earth are inhabited by an amazing array of microorganisms. She studies these unique lifeforms and the physical, chemical and mineral biosignatures that they leave behind. Such traces can be used to provide a "Field Guide to Unknown Organisms" for developing life detection space missions can also provide the basis for future human habitations on other planets. All are welcome. Visitors to the Lab 16 and older must have photo ID.

Hosted by: Linda Bowerman

2015 Goldhaber Award Seminar and Lunch Reception

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

The discoveries and wonder of science have great capacity to inspire. Ágnes Mócsy, a theoretical physicist, will discuss how as a physicist and professor at an art and design institute she has been able to share this inspiration with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and use it to build cross-sections between physics and art. Mócsy will discuss how breaking down barriers between art and science may better propagate the scientific way of seeing the world.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

The structure of human hair has been extensively studied over the last 70 years. However, its detailed structure has proven to be elusive. Dr. Stanic, a scientist at LNLS - Brazil, and Dr. Evans-Lutterodt, a scientist at Brookhaven Lab's NSLS II, used very small beams of x-ray light, a fraction of a single hair diameter, to image the detailed structure of human hair. These results may lead to the development of new and better hair products.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Women have played key roles in Astronomy since the ancient times of Babylon and Alexandria. Nonetheless, if you ask the public to name some astronomers throughout history, they will most likely list men. In this talk, we will look into the rich history of contributions of women to astronomy. More time will be dedicated to important discoveries made by Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Vera Cooper Rubin, Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and Carolyn Porco. All of them have sometimes struggled with society's ideas of women's "appropriate roles". Each woman's challenges were different and met in their own way.

Hosted by: Christina Swinson

BWIS board meting - all members welcome Preliminary Agenda Financial reports (CARE workshop, High-school career day, seminars) Events organization (super salad, tech transfer talk, presentation skills workshop, diversity meeting report) Goldhaber prize progress

Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) is presenting the 2015 Renate W. Chasman Scholarship to Kristine Horvat Thursday, April 23, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Physics Seminar Lounge, Bldg. 510B. Named after Renate Chasman, a renowned physicist who worked at Brookhaven, the $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a woman are are undergraduate seniors or gradate students doing research at BNL in the STEM disciplines (e in science, engineering, or mathematics. Refreshments will be served at the reception.

Hosted by: Christina Swinson

Open to Stony Brook and BNL early career scientists and Postdocs, CARE 2015 will focus on career development. The workshop will explore the options available to early-career scientists in addition to the traditional R&D and academic pathways. Invited speakers will describe their career paths and discuss the special requirements and planning involved in achieving their goals. An interactive session will guide participants in developing prototype Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

Invited speakers: Dr. Nancy Goroff and Dr. Ágnes Mócsy Panelists: Nathalie Bouet, Betsy Dowd, Kathleen Flint Elm, Deena Ghoul, Arnavi Varshney,Glenda Denicolo, Marci Lobel, Jennifer McDermott, Evgeniya Rubin, Megan Russ, Eva Songcuan Speed date a Scientist: selected panelists will be available for a one on one Q&A

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Cheryl Hayashi, a biology professor from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), will give a talk at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory on Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 4:30 p.m., in the Physics Department Large Conference Room, Building 510A. Sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science, the event is free and open to the public. All visitors to the Laboratory 16 and older must bring a photo I.D.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Contacts: Jane Koropsak, (631) 344-4909 or Peter Genzer, (631) 344-3174 Visual Neuroscientist Susana Martinez-Conde to talk on "Neuromagic" at Brookhaven Lab, 10/23 Susana Martinez-Conde, director of the Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, SUNY Down State Medical Center, will give a talk at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at 4:30 p.m., in the Physics Department Large Conference Room, Building 510A. Sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science, the event is free and open to the public. All visitors to the Laboratory 16 and older must bring a photo I.D. Susana Martinez-Conde is the co-founder of an exciting new discipline: neuromagic. The implications of neuromagicâ€"as this emerging research field is being calledâ€"go beyond illuminating our behavior; early research points to new approaches from the diagnosis of autism to marketing techniques and education. In her talk titled "Sleights of Mind" she will talk about her worldwide studies exploring magic and how its principles apply to our behavior. Illusions are perceptual experiences that do not match physical reality. The study of illusions is critical to understanding the basic brain mechanisms of sensory perception, as well as to curing various neural diseases. Martinez-Conde will discuss how the theory and practice used by magicians and illusionists can contribute to the investigation of the brain's powers of observation. Magic tricks can be cognitive illusions that fool the hardwired processes of attention and awareness in the human brain. The illusion community studying these techniques includes visual scientists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, painterpainters, mathematicians and graphic designersâ€"all of whom may use a variety of methods to unveil the underpinnings of illusory perception.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

The 1/2-day seminar will include talks from several successful women who will address topics such as work-life balance and gender issues. -Mina Bissell (Distinguished Scientist, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory) Wife, Mother, Scientist?" Or is it The Other Way Around? -Surita Bhatia (Associate Professor, Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory) Strengthening Your Networks and Responding to Stress and Strain: What Women in STEM Can Learn From Soft Materials -Suzanne Davidson (Chief Financial Officer, Brookhaven National Laboratory) Introvert or Extrovert: Does Gender Matter? -Barbara Howie (Atorney at Law, President, Enterprising and Professional Women) How Lena Madesin Phillips Changed the World for Women -Gillian Winters (Vice President Long Island Physics Teachers Association, Smithtown School

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

The truth and beauty in quasicrystals Abstract: Like mosaics observed in our childhood kaleidoscope, quasicrystals show remarkable patterns that can not be repeated in a regular manner. Discovered in 1982 quasicrystals are very hard and break easily, like glass. Due to their unique properties they can be used to convert heat into electricity, in surface coatings for frying pans, or can be used in energy saving LED's. In this talk Senechal, Louise Wolf Kahn Professor Emerita in Mathematics and History of Science and Technology at Smith College, and Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, will discuss the beauty and applications of the patterns observed in artificial and natural quasicrystal structures.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Abstract: Gustavo Manso is Associate Professor of Finance at Haas School of Business, University of California at Berkeley. Manso's research focuses on corporate finance, financial institutions, financial markets, and entrepreneurship. Studying financial incentives, his research revealed that tolerance for early failure and reward for long-term success are essential ingredients in motivating both creativity and innovation.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

New Piece of Old Lace in My Office, Come See! Abstract: Textiles are a fascinating combination of art, anthropology, sociology, and the physical sciences. In her talk Waters will discuss how genetics and carbon dating can help in one of the biggest mysteries of the lace community - the virtual disappearance of the superfine linen thread used in 17th and early 18th centuries. A nuclear physicist, Waters is a Stony Brook Alumni and led the spallation target research efforts for the Accelerator Production of Tritium at Los Alamos.

Hosted by: BWIS

"Handcuffing the Killers: Conformational Control and Real-Time Monitoring of Caspase Proteolytic Activity," at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory on Wednesday, April 24, at 4 p.m. in Berkner Hall. Sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) and Brookhaven Science Associates (the company that manages the Lab), the talk is free and open to the public. Visitors to the Laboratory 16 or older must carry photo I.D. When mutated, damaged or old cells don't die off properly, problems like cancer, auto-immune or neurodegenerative diseases can result. Seeing how apoptosis (programmed cell death) works could help scientists identify the molecular events that cause both normal and diseased cells to die. During her talk at Brookhaven, Hardy will discuss how researchers have developed an apoptosis "reporter" that tracks the actions of caspases, molecular scissors that cut key proteins to kill cells. The group used green florescent protein and attached a small protein tail to keep it dark. When caspases are active, they chop the tail off and give scientists a glowing green view of cell death. In addition to her work as a lab leader and professor, Hardy also helped to cofound a mutual mentoring program for women faculty in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines at UMass. Inspired by the book Every Other Thursday, which describes a mutual mentoring group in the Bay Area that has been meeting for 30 years and involves several National Academy members and prominent scientists, the mentoring program at UMass continues to grow strong. Hardy will share some of the organizing principles around this highly successful mentoring group she founded and with which she continues to be involved. Hardy earned her BS and MS in chemistry and biochemistry at Utah State University in 1994. She attended graduate school at the University of Calif

Hosted by: Kathy Walker

Celebration of Women - Zonta Collaboration for Women's History Month. Lunch and speakers.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

OP2507

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Biomineralization and Biological Sensors lecture

Hosted by: Loralie Smart

Career & education tables will be set up to share information with young women students, who can interact with professionals in STEM and STEM-related fields. OEP programs, C-AD, science writing, science education, IAEA, SUNYSB WISE, and BWIS will be represented. Panel discussions with scientists from C-AD and NSLS and facility tours are scheduled.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

By 1514, reclusive cleric Nicolaus Copernicus had written and hand-copied an outline of his heliocentric theory in which he defied common sense and placed the sun, not the earth, at the center of our universe and set the earth spinning among the other planets. Over the next two decades, Copernicus expanded his theory through hundreds of observations, while compiling in secret a book-length manuscript that tantalized mathematicians and scientists throughout Europe. For fear of ridicule, he refused to publish. In 1539, young German mathematician Georg Joachim Rheticus traveled to Poland to seek out Copernicus and, in 1543, arranged to have Copernicus' manuscript published as De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres). Sobel's latest work provides an unforgettable portrait of scientific achievement, and of the ever-present tensions between science and faith. In her talk, Dava Sobel will describe the conflicting personalities and extraordinary discoveries that shaped the Copernican Revolution. She will also discuss her play, And the Sun Stood Still, in which she imagines Rheticus's struggle to convince Copernicus to let his manuscript see the light of day. Dava Sobel is an internationally bestselling, award-winning author: Longitude (1997 British Book of the Year) was made into a PBS documentary and mini-series; Galileo's Daughter (Pulitzer finalist).

Hosted by: Firoza Zanoni

Genetic mutations in the presenilin protein are known to cause Alzheimer's Disease. Presenilin is a multipass transmembrane protein. Going through the cell membrane multiple times it uses water to break other membrane proteins inside the water-excluding environment of the lipid bilayer, but how it catalyzes this highly unusual reaction is unclear. To help answer this question, we used a method called X-ray crystallography to determine the atomic structure of FlaK, a protein that is a close relative of presenilin. The knowledge of FlaK's atomic structure will help to shed light on presenilin's shape and function, which in turn could reveal new opportunities to treat or prevent Alzheimer's in its more common forms.

Hosted by: Kathy Walker

Award-Winning Documentary 'Pray the Devil Back to Hell' to be Shown at Brookhaven Lab, Aug. 3 July 19, 2011 Liberian women demonstrate at the American Embassy in Monrovia at the height of the civil war in July 2003 Photo Credit: Pewee Flomoku UPTON, NY — Abigail Disney’s award-winning documentary “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” will be shown at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory on Wednesday, August 3, at noon in Berkner Hall. Brookhaven Women in Science, Peconic Bay Zonta, and Suffolk County Community College’s Office of Multicultural Affairs are sponsoring the screening of the one-hour-long film that chronicles the remarkable story of a group of Liberian women — both Christian and Muslim — who banded together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their country. The public is invited to the free screening. Visitors to the Laboratory age 16 and over must bring a photo ID. Through interviews, archival footage, and striking images of Liberia, the film reconstructs the time in 2003 when women took on the violent warlords of the corrupt Charles Taylor regime, barricading the site of stalled peace talks. The women’s demonstrations culminated with Taylor’s exile and the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female head of state. The film is a compelling testimony of how women engaged in nonviolent activism can change the course of history. The film won the Jury Prize for Best Documentary when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008. Since then, it has been shown in 60 countries and has won many more awards.

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

Bacteria communicate with one another using small chemical molecules that they release into the environment. These molecules travel from cell to cell and the bacteria have receptors on their surfaces that allow them to detect and respond to the build up of the molecules. This process of cell-to-cell communication in bacteria is called “Quorum Sensing” and it allows bacteria to synchronize behavior on a population-wide scale. Bacterial behaviors controlled by quorum sensing are usually ones that are unproductive when undertaken by an individual bacterium acting alone but become effective when undertaken in unison by the group. For example, quorum sensing controls virulence, sporulation, and the exchange of DNA. Thus, quorum sensing is a mechanism that allows bacteria to function as multi-cellular organisms. Cell-to-cell communication in bacteria was likely one of the first steps in the evolution of higher organisms. Current biomedical research is focused on the development of novel anti-bacterial therapies aimed at interfering with quorum sensing. Such therapies could be used to control bacterial pathogenicity.

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

The U.S. has a poor track record of electing women. The 2010 election was the worst election for women in 30 years, resulting in a significant decline in the number of women serving in state legislatures. Less than 24 percent of state legislators nationwide are women. Less than 17 percent of the U.S. Congress is female. This under-representation of women in public office has a profound impact on policymaking. Enter the 2012 Project, a non-partisan, national campaign to increase the number of women in legislative office by identifying and engaging accomplished women 45 and older from under-represented fields and industries, like energy, technology and science. Come meet our panelists who will talk about their experiences serving in public office and working to elect women. They will explain why 2012 is such an important year and how vital it is that women in these fields run for public office. They will also help you connect with organizations that can further your bid to enter public service in practical, tangible ways. This is a must-attend session for anyone interested in making a difference in our country's future.

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

Meet the speaker - The 2012 Project: A Year of Opportunity for Women in Energy, Technology and Science - Step Forward and Run.

Hosted by: Kathleen Walker

BWIS Wine & Cheese Party, 11/30 The BNL community is invited to the Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) Wine & Cheese Party to be held on Thursday, November 30, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Recreation Hall, Bldg. 317, in the apartment area. BWIS holds this event annually to thank all who have helped with and supported BWIS programs, welcome new members, and introduce the new executive board to the Laboratory community. To recruit new members, BWIS representatives will be giving out free raffle tickets at the event. Current BWIS members and those who sign up to be members at the party will be eligible to enter the raffle. Winners will be chosen during the festivities. Raffle-ticket holders must be present to win. Several bottles of wine and free one-year BWIS memberships will be given away as prizes. Both men and women are welcome to join BWIS. The group's mission is to promote the advancement of women in the scientific professions; provide a forum for the exchange of scientific, technical and professional information; and support each other's efforts on the job. BWIS also administers scholarships for women and provides educational outreach programs. Annual membership dues are $10 for BNL and BSA employees and $5 for all others. More information about BWIS and the membership application form are available at the BWIS website: http://www.bnl.gov/BWIS/. For more information about the December 10 event, contact Kathy Walker, Ext. 7105, or kwalker@bnl.gov.

Hosted by: Loralie Smart

Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) invites the BNL community to a summer reception and presentation of the Renate W. Chasman Scholarship for Women, on Thursday, September 2, from 5:15 to 7 p.m. in the Physics Seminar Lounge, Bldg. 510. Named after Renate Chasman, a renowned physicist who worked at Brookhaven, the $2,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a re-entry woman — one whose college education was interrupted, but who has returned to pursue a degree on a half time or greater basis. BWIS offers the scholarship to qualified candidates annually to encourage women to pursue careers in science, engineering, or mathematics. Refreshments will be served at the reception. For more information, contact Loralie Smart, Ext. 2425, or lsmart@bnl.gov.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Hosted by: Lynne Ecker

Always There For Me: The Developmental Significance of Early Experience With Parents 12 noon, Thursday June 17, 2010 Berkner Everett Waters Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development Professor Waters will discuss current thinking and research on the nature of children’s ties to their primary caregivers and the influence of early relationship experience on independence, parenting, social support in marriage, care for elderly parents, and mentoring. In recognition of Father’s Day, the male parent, though rarely the focus of theory or research, will not go entirely unmentioned. Professor Waters received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development. He is currently a professor of Social/Developmental Psychology at Stony Brook University where he is engaged in a wide range of research on attachment relationships from infancy through adulthood. Many women scientist have had supportive and influential male mentors and role models. BWIS is sponsoring this lecture as a thank you to our colleagues! For more information,contact Lynne Ecker, Ext. 2538, or lecker@bnl.gov The lecture is free and open to the public. Visitors age 16 and over must bring a photo ID. Sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science. Empowering Women in Science and Technology. In many areas of science, men greatly outnumber women. Almost all women scientists have had supportive and influential male mentors and role models. Therefore, our networking group would like to sponsor a lecture to celebrate Father's Day as a "Thank you" to our colleagues who have helped us in our careers. Professor Waters will discuss current thinking and research on the nature of children's ties to their primary caregivers and the influence of early relationship experiences.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

BWIS Talk & Networking: ˜Women in Physics in the U.S., April 20, 2010 Sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science, the second Brookhaven Networking meeting will feature Elizabeth H. Simmons, dean of Lyman Briggs College and a physics professor at Michigan State University (MSU), who will speak on "Women in Physics in the U.S.: Numbers, Causes, and Solutions." All BNLers are invited to the meeting, which will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, in the Science Education Center auditorium, Bldg. 438. While progress in the number of women who pursue careers in physics is evident, Simmons says that the percentage of women physicists remains low. Most of her talk will focus on recent research in social sciences that illuminates the variety of causes and suggests actions that individuals, leaders, and institutions can take to provide solutions. After completing her undergraduate degree at Harvard University in 1985, Simmons earned an M.Phil. in physics at Cambridge University as a Churchill Scholar. She returned to Harvard for her doctoral degree and postdoctoral fellowship, and then spent a decade as a professor at Boston University before joining the MSU faculty in 2003. A Fellow of the American Physical Society, Simmons won the ACE Michigan Network’s Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award in 2005. She was selected as a member of the U.S. delegation to the International Conference on Women in Physics in 2008. For more information about the event, contact Kathy Walker, Ext. 7105 or kwalker@bnl.gov, or Vivian Stojanoff, Ext. 8735, or stojanof@bnl.gov.

Hosted by: Vivian Stojanoff

Vivian Cody, principal research scientist at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute. Inc., and professor in the School of Medicine’s Structural Biology Department at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, will give a talk on “Applications of Structural Biology in Drug Design” on Wednesday, April 14, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Hamilton Seminar Room, Bldg. 555. The entire BNL community is invited to the talk, which is sponsored by Brookhaven Women in Science. Cody will discuss her studies of enzyme-drug complexes to design compounds that have potential for treating AIDS-related pneumonia, cancer and thyroid disease. Determining the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules can provide researchers with important information on how they function. Researchers use this data to design drugs that attack pathogens that cause disease. After earning a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 1969, Cody was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Missouri, 1969-1970, and at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Inc. (formerly the Medical Foundation of Buffalo), 1970-1972. She moved through the ranks to become the principal scientist at the institute in 2001. She joined SUNY Buffalo as an associate professor of medicine in 1979, and in 2001, she had risen to her current position. Cody has won numerous awards for her work, including the SUNY Buffalo Sustained Achievement Award in 2005. A year earlier, she received both the Women of Achievement Award from the Association of University Women and the Women of Distinction honor from the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women. She was also recognized with the YWCA Leadership in the Professions Award in 2002. Cody is a member of Zonta International, a service organization to improve the status of women, and is a member of the Zonta Club of Buffalo. For more information about the talk, contact Kathy Walker, kwalker@bnl.gov, or Vivian Stojanoff, stojan

Vivian Cody will be at the BWIS Board Meeting and talk on ZONTA. Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 31,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta's mission and objectives.

Hosted by: Lynne Ecker

BWIS Sponsors New Networking Group First Meeting Features Talk on BNL’s ‘Wellness Initiative’ Brookhaven Women in Science will hold the inaugural meeting of a new group, Brookhaven Networking, on Tuesday, March 30, at noon in Berkner Hall, Room B. At this first meeting, Melissa Bittrolff, a senior benefits representative in BNL’s Human Resources & Occupational Medicine Office, will give a talk on the Lab’s “Wellness Initiative,” in which she will discuss some of the benefits available to BNL employees that they may not know about. Bittrolff’s presentation will focus on resources available to BNL employees through the Lab and through their insurance companies to help keep them healthy. She will also give tips on how to save money on medical expenses. Join us for this great opportunity to get acquainted with fellow members. Brookhaven Women in Science has supported the educational and professional growth and development of women in the Scientific Arena through Brookhaven National Laboratory. Now, in the anniversary of our thirtieth year, we are looking to expand our mission by adding forums for networking, education, partnerships, mentoring and collegiality. Our membership is comprised of a diverse group of men and women who represent the scientific community. We are united by a common commitment to sharing our talents and expertise to provide professional growth opportunities for ourselves, our fellow members, and aspiring scientists. Please join us and be a part of making these differences become a reality! All BNLers are invited to the presentation and networking group meeting. For more information, contact Lynne Ecker, Ext. 2538, or lecker@bnl.gov.

Hosted by: Stephanie LaMontagne

All BNLers are invited to the Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) Wine & Cheese Party on Thursday, November 6, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Recreation Hall, Bldg. 317 in the apartment area. BWIS holds this event annually to thank all who have helped with and supported BWIS programs, welcome new members, and introduce the new executive board to the Laboratory community. Both men and women are welcome to join BWIS, whose primary mission is to promote the advancement of women in the scientific professions.

Hosted by: Lynne Ecker

DiTomaso will base her talk on survey data on the career experiences of 3,200 scientists and engineers from 24 major companies. Her survey findings indicate that most people who do well in their careers and make significant contributions to their organizations get assistance from others in their workplace in many forms, including offering opportunities such as good projects, providing resources that make good performance more likely, and opening up networking possibilities. DiTomaso will report on the results of the survey and provide a theoretical framework for understanding how these processes work in a research and development environment.

Hosted by: Loralie Smart

The 2008 Renate W. Chasman Scholarship for Women will be presented to Ms. Kasey Jacobs, who is entering the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Science to pursue her M.S. in Environmental Science. Light refreshments will be served at the reception.

Hosted by: BWIS

The entire BNL community is invited. BWIS Board members will be introduced.

Hosted by: Kathy Walker

Information about BWIS programs, including its scholarships, will be available, and BWIS Board members will be on hand to speak with anyone interested in joining the organization about its goals and policies. One of BWIS’s major goals is to promote the advancement of women in scientific and technical careers.