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Calling All Scientist Moms: Tell Us Your Story

Courtesy of Emily Monosson

Later this month on Living Lab, we’ll be talking about Motherhood: The Elephant in the Laboratory. Do you have a story to share?

Female scientists are a species prone to attrition. Women make up more than half of all undergraduate science majors but less than 30% of full-time, tenured or tenure-track scientists. The demands of motherhood have been identified as one major culprit. And, yes, I mean motherhood, not parenthood. Research shows women's careers are disproportionately impacted by having children.

Motherhood: The Elephant in the Laboratory is an anthology of first-person essays about the challenges and choices involved in juggling a demanding career in science and the demands of a family, edited by scientist and mom Emily Monosson. The essays span nearly forty years, allowing insights into what has (and hasn't) changed. And each of the 34 essayists brings a fascinating perspective to any conversation about the attrition of women in science.

They do not have a corner on the market, though. We’d like to add your voice to our conversation. And not just moms. We know that - for better or for worse - this is increasingly an issue for dads as well.

What’s the hardest choice you’ve ever had to make when it comes to your family and your research? Did you pursue an alternative career?  Forgo a family? Or find a way to make it all work?

Call (508)548-9600 x103 to share your story. We look forward to hearing from you!

And to those who tried to use the web-based audio recorded originally posted here, we apologize. We were never able to get it to work. We hope you'll give us (and our 20th century technology) a second chance.

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