The Woman Scientist

This insightful and penetrating book explores the contemporary status of women scientists in the predominantly male oriented world of science. How can women working in the life sciences, the physical sciences, chemistry, medicine, and engineering maximize their potential and be recognized as truly valuable and worthy of equal respect to their male colleagues? In this honest and fascinating volume, readers are treated to a fund of knowledge and firsthand experience from both a female and a male representative of the system, each of whom has spent many years as a scientist and science administrator. Clarice M. Yentsch is a former facility director and continues as an active career oceanographer at the Bigelow Laboratory in Maine. Carl J. Sindermann, author of the acclaimed Winning the Games Scientists Play, is the former director of marine laboratories in Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey, and is now associated with the University of Miami. Together they examine the changing role of the woman scientist through the years, and offer a detailed prognosis based on current trends and patterns as evidenced by their own study. This absorbing account isolates the unique problems and dilemmas confronting women scientists both in the lab and at home. Is there gender equality in pay and promotion? How do you deal with overt or subtle sexual harassment and discrimination from a male boss, mentor, or colleague? Will marriage and motherhood ultimately destroy your career in science? How can women avoid the "invisible woman syndrome" and succeed without resorting to traditionally male power plays? In addition to advising the women who have reached the middle and upper echelons of the scientificcommunity and occupy powerful managerial positions, The Woman Scientist addresses the needs of women entry-level scientists, laboratory technicians, and assistants. These probing authors offer practical advice on how to deal with male and female bosses, and explain how to ensure that stated opinions will receive the attention and recognition they deserve. Information derived from case studies revealing the personal and frank perceptions of over 100 women scientists speaks directly to matters of vital concern to all scientists--male and female. Readers will learn, for example, how others have coped with the struggles of a "two scientist family", and how they can develop arrangements that will enhance the careers of both partners. The Woman Scientist describes how the status of women in science is improving, and offers extensive advice on career enhancement--by avoiding jobs that do not make full use of abilities, by transforming a desire to make significant scientific contributions into a rewarding career, and by taking full advantage of rapidly changing attitudes that will result in achieving equality with men in all aspects of a scientific career.