Frequently Asked Questions about the AWIS Fellows Program

What is the AWIS Fellows Program?

The Executive Board of AWIS created the Fellows Program in 1996 to recognize and honor women and men who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the achievement of equity for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

What Does It Mean to be a Fellow?

AWIS Fellows contribute knowledge to the success of the Association and sustain their demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women in STEM.

Who are the Fellows?

Fellows represent all segments of society including government, business, education, and the non-for-profit community. Since the first cohort of Fellows in 1996, AWIS has selected 129 women and men to be honored as Fellows.

While representing a wide range of professional backgrounds, experience and expertise, Fellows share certain key characteristics that define leaders. A Fellow is one who… 

• Advances diversity of thought;
• Advocates for equity;
• Promotes leadership.

For a complete list of AWIS Fellows, click here>>>

How Do I Become a Fellow?

AWIS Fellows are nominated by an AWIS member, recommended by the Selection Committee, and elected by the AWIS Executive Board. Members of the Selection Committee are appointed by the President of AWIS and serve in an advisory capacity.

Nominees need not be AWIS members.

The call for nominations is issued each fall, with nomination materials due in mid-December. In January, a selection committee reviews nominations and selects new Fellows for recognition at the AWIS Award Reception that is held in conjunction with the AAAS annual meeting in February of each year.

What are the Requirements of a Nominee? 

• Nominees have made significant contributions to the promotion of women in STEM through scholarship, leadership, education, mentoring, advocacy, or service.  

• Nominees have demonstrated commitment to issues of women in STEM and/or made significant contributions to the mission of AWIS. 

• Self nominations are not accepted.

• Nominees can be an AWIS member, but membership in AWIS is not required. 

• Nominees may not be currently serving on the Executive Board of AWIS.

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

The individual initiating the nomination must be an AWIS member. 

A candidate’s information must be current including the nominee’s accomplishments. 

Nominators must notify the candidate that they have been nominated.

All nominators will receive acknowledgement of their submission (s) and notification of the selection committee’s final decision.

What Information Do I Need to Include About My Nominee?

Personal Data

Provide the complete name, home and business addresses and note whether candidate is an active AWIS member.

Summary of Accomplishments (Citation)

State concisely (15 words or less) the most important professional and extracurricular (e.g. mentoring) accomplishment(s) for which the candidate should be recognized. Avoid abbreviations, acronyms (unless explained) or technical jargon which may not be obvious to evaluators.

Education

Provide degrees (B.S., Ph.D., or equivalent) and accurate name and location of educational institutions.

Professional Experience

List employers and position titles starting with the most recent. Include a one-line description of responsibilities for each position. For multiple positions in the same organization, list the most recent and important assignments.

Candidate's Accomplishments

In approximately 350 words, describe the accomplishments that qualify the candidate including outstanding support of women in STEM.

  

What is the Deadline for Nomination?

The deadline for submission is December 15, 2007.

Return completed applications to:

AWIS Fellows Selection Committee

c/o National Office

Association for Women in Science

1200 New York Ave., NW Suite 650

Washington, DC 20005
awis@awis.org