Virginia Valian, Ph.D.
November 5, 2004
"Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women"

Dr. Virginia Valian, Professor of Psychology and Linguistics at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, is the author of Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women, and a noted expert in the field of gender and career advancement. Throughout the day Dr. Valian presented to various groups at URI, including a chairs & administrators breakfast gathering, a graduate student seminar, and a lunch discussion with women STEM faculty. In the afternoon, a very well-attended public lecture was held in the Galanti Lounge where Dr. Valian referred to compelling social science data to explain why so few women are at the top of their professions across all fields (science, law, medicine, academics, industry, and business).

Dr. Robert Drago, Ph.D.
October 21, 2005
"Making Work and Family Compatible for Faculty: Challenges and Strategies for Change"

. . . as part of ADVANCE Day of URI Research Week

This fall, ADVANCE was invited to participate in URI's first "Research Week" sponsored by the University Research Office. The morning activities included a panel presentation of the fascinating research our exceptional ADVANCE 2004 faculty hires are conducting, attended by over 60 people. A luncheon immediately followed, featuring Judith Swift, Interim Vice Provost and Professor of Communication Studies & Theatre, speaking most eloquently and entertainingly on the professional advancement of women and how to use humor and theater to promote change: Advancing our Vision from STEM to Stern.

In the afternoon, our visiting keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Drago, Professor of Labor Relations & Women's Studies at Penn State University, reviewed his groundbreaking work on the use of bias avoidance and bias resistance tactics in the academy by faculty who have care giving responsibilities: Making Work and Family Compatible for Faculty: Challenges and Strategies for Change. The day culminated in a rollicking Cabaret Performance by Susan Boyce, Charles Cofone, and Judith Swift: Science & Glitz - A Differential Equation (ADVANCE now has its very own song!), followed by a reception. ADVANCE would like to extend sincere thanks to the Research Office and all those who supported us on that great day.