In the aftermath of the comments made by Harvard University president Lawrence Summers about women’s scientific and mathematical abilities, there have been many debates about the role of women in the sciences. DTM has recently been featured in the debate with the publication of an article in The Washington Post about DTM staff scientist Vera Rubin. The story discussed not only Rubin’s position in the debate but also that of her family, particularly her eldest daughter, who is also an astronomer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The article, published on 17 March, can be viewed online here (registration required).

With numerous women working at DTM, the debate has been a frequent topic of discussion among staff and postdocs both on and off the campus. Postdoctoral fellow Saavik Ford was recently featured in the Northeast Public Radio’s program, “Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Their Role Models and Mentors.” The program focused on the disparity between the number of women earning Ph.D.s and the number of women who have been given high-level positions in these fields. Audio files of the program can be downloaded here.