Alex Helman: Great Strides for Women in Science
Alex Helman, who recently succeeded in the defense of her dissertation, has accepted a full-time position with the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM) where she will be working on a project on the retention of women in science.
Alex first worked with the CWSEM while participating in the prestigious Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship. This fellowship, as part of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, brings students from all around the world. The goal of the Fellowship is to give these students a better understanding of the role they play in strengthening science and technology for the betterment of mankind. Among their methods in achieving this goal are workshops that discuss ethics and societal issues, as well as mentorships to give their students experience.
As a part of this fellowship, Alex was placed with the CWSEM where they developed one of the most essential reports for everyone within the field of academics. In recent years, the participation of women in science has been greatly improved. However, as women enter fields that have been male-dominated in the past, they face many barriers. Among these barriers: Sexual Harassment.
Together with CWSEM, Alex worked on the report, Sexual Harassment of Women, which explores the influence of sexual harassment on the career advancement of women in science, engineering, and medicine. The report reviews research on the extent of sexual harassment in the workplace, and how that harassment affects recruitment, retention, and advancement of women within these fields. To learn more, or to read the report, click here.
Alex Helman’s contributions to this crucial report will help ensure the future of science. The Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine were so impressed with her efforts that they invited her back to a full-time position where she can continue her research and aid to women within the scientific community. We are all proud of Alex’s achievements, and wish her only the best in her future endeavors!
