The Challenges of Motherhood and a Career in Science and Engineering

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Oftentimes women in many types of jobs are faced with the tough question of how to balance their work lives with their family lives. And in the male-dominated world of science and engineering, this question is particularly tricky to answer.

Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are coming together to present a set of panel discussions on exploring the challenges of balancing a career in science with motherhood.

"Motherhood and Success in Science and Engineering" will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 18, at Northwestern's Hardin Hall, Rebecca Crown Center, 633 Clark Street, Evanston campus. A second panel discussion will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the University of Chicago.

Lisa Wolf-Wendel, a professor of higher education at the University of Kansas, will moderate the discussion. Her area of research is gender and academia, with a focus on issues of motherhood and academic life. Panelists will include contributors to the book "Motherhood, The Elephant in the Laboratory: Women Scientists Speak Out."

In addition to the panel event, Wolf-Wendel will present two seminars based on her research Tuesday, May 19. "Faculty Life and Family Balance: Achieving Both Realms" will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Baldwin Auditorium, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center on Northwestern's Chicago campus. The seminar will be repeated on the Evanston campus at 3 p.m. in the McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center.

The program is intended for younger and earliest career scientists and engineers, especially graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows and early-career faculty in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Men are welcome to attend.

More information and registration can be found online.