TCNJ Forms Women in Science Network

It’s no secret that a good portion of personal success is dependent upon who you know. Networking with peers and professionals can provide job opportunities and career direction, as well as the chance to form friendships with those who have the same dreams and desires as you do.

That’s what the School of Science is attempting to do with the creation of the Women in Science Network. "We hope that it will create a stronger network of women in science at TCNJ, and that we can help extend that network into the industry," said Deborah Knox, interim dean of the School of Science, who is coordinating the program with the help of Assistant Dean Patricia VanHise.

The fledgling organization held its first event, "An Evening for Women in Science," on November 2 in a lecture hall appropriately located in the Science Complex. The goal of this gathering was to "explore what it means to be a woman in science," said Knox.

"An Evening for Women in Science" included a panel discussion featuring four female scientists from Johnson & Johnson’s Pharmaceutical Research and Development Department and a dessert reception. More than 60 people, including a handful of men, attended.

Speakers included Sharon Burke, associate scientist—neurological disorders; Patricia Pelton, principal scientist—biology; Pilar Lim, director, biostatistics; and Danielle Coppola, benefit risk physician. All believe that their careers in science have enhanced their lives outside of work by augmenting their overall curiosity, decision-making abilities, and, as Coppola, the mother of two young sons, noted, their skills in "the art of persuasion."

Fueled by questions from the audience and moderator Paula Y. Maas, the College's assistant director of assessment in the office of Institutional Research and associate director of scheduling, discussion topics ranged from balancing career and personal life to how the speakers measure personal success. "I think the women were very honest with their reflections and their answers to the students' questions," said Knox. "The students' questions were varied, focusing on personal direction as well as broader considerations."

Nearly all of the panelists stressed that while it’s a good idea to have a post-graduation plan, new grads should not expect to stick to it.

Burke had originally planned to pursue a Ph.D. immediately after graduation, but instead moved to New Jersey from Massachusetts with her Air Force fiancé and ended up at Johnson & Johnson after a succession of other jobs. She is currently working on a master’s degree.

Coppola admitted that she "really didn’t know the scope of what I could do with a medical degree" when she graduated from Tulane University’s School of Medicine. She is still considering the possibility of practicing medicine again in the future.

Future plans for the Women in Science Network include an online communication system and peer mentoring, both of which are scheduled to be up and running sometime this month. Next semester, keep an eye out for additional coaching, networking, and scientific seminars, as well as a panel discussion by female faculty members from the School of Science focusing on graduate school and the life of a faculty member.

Judging by the outcome of the group’s first event, Women in Science is going to be an asset to the campus community. "We had a strong turnout, and the panel provided exactly the interaction that we hoped for," Knox explained. "It was a great success!"