3/5/02
AU WORKSHOP TO ENCOURAGE MINORITIES IN HUMAN SCIENCES
AUBURN -- A March 14-16 workshop by faculty in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University will focus on identifying and mentoring junior faculty and graduate students who are planning research careers in the human and developmental sciences.
The workshop, "Research Careers in the Developmental and Human Sciences: Enhancing Diversity through Mentoring and Collaboration," will be at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. It begins March 14, with a 6:30 p.m. reception.
The agenda begins March 15 with panel discussions, including a 9 a.m. session on "What are the incentives that support a decision to embark on a research career in the Human and Developmental Sciences?"; followed by a 1:30 p.m. session on "Creating an Atmosphere in your Department/College Supportive of Research Careers (even in programs that have little history of supporting research faculty)".
James Jones, professor of Psychology at the University of Delaware and director of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Psychological Association, will give a keynote address on "What We Know is Linked to Who We Are: The Function of Human Diversity in the Human Sciences and the Need for a Diversity Academy," at 5:30 p.m.
The workshop ends March 16 following a panel discussion on "Getting External Funding for Faculty Research: Federal Sources."
The workshop has two primary aims: to provide information and mentoring for faculty and students training for research careers in the social, human and developmental sciences; and to promote research collaborations between young scientists and faculty in the Developmental and Human sciences at Auburn, says Gregory Pettit, an Alumni Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Pettit and Brian Vaughn, Human Sciences professor of child development, are planning and coordinating the workshop.
"We hope that young, talented scholars and students attending the workshop will be able to identify both why a research career might be desirable and fulfilling and how careers in these fields are initiated and nurtured," Pettit said. "In part, this will entail the stories of more senior faculty who have successfully accomplished these goals and will also include some nuts and bolts discussion of how the federal granting agencies function to promote research."
Pettit and Vaughn are co-directors of the new Center for Children, Youth and Families on the AU campus. The workshop serves also as a means to bring the CCYF to the attention of young scientists who may be interested in participating with Center faculty in research initiatives being planned through the Center.
The workshop is partially underwritten by a planning grant awarded by the National Science Foundation in support of a research center proposal under the NSF Children's Research Initiative. It is also sponsored by AU's Office of the Provost, the Office of Vice President for Outreach, the Office of Vice President for Research, the College of Human Sciences and Department of Human Development and Family Studies in AU's College of Human Sciences.
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mar02: AU-workshop