February 2002

========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 1, 2002
Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.

**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Today is the first day of our QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students. The quiz question for this week is: Who was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in Mathematics? In what year did she receive it and from what university? (Hint: a trail to the answer can be found on the GEM-SET web page at http://www.gem-set.org) Send your answers to GEM-SET@uic.edu. Students who answer correctly will be listed on the "GEM Scholars" web page.

GEM-SET will be highlighting African American women scientists, engineers, and technology experts during February, African American History Month. Check out the web site for some resourceful links on these topics!

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ALISON IN NH
I am interested in working with Astronomy and hopefully NASA, but I am also interested in an engineering field, what would you say would be a good engineering field to go into with Astronomy?

A: FROM MENTOR TERESA ESSER IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Alison, NASA is required to spin out many of its technologies into the private sector. You could visit the NASA technology transfer center in your region to find out which of NASA's technologies are being commercialized now.
http://www.ctc.org/
CTC, Inc.
University of New Hampshire
35 Colovos Road
Durham, NH 03824

A: FROM MENTOR MICHELLE MOENSSENS, GENERAL MOTORS FORT WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT IN FORT WAYNE, IN
Alison, A good field to look at would be Aerospace Engineering. My college (West Virginia University) offered that program. You could also combine it with a Mechanical Engineering degree, it only took one more year to have two
Bachelor's degrees. While I am solely a Mechanical Engineer (by degree) I would recommend that if you were going to do Aerospace to look at the dual degree. In my opinion, Aerospace Engineering can be limiting, while a
Mechanical Engineering degree would open up many more doors and make yourself more useful in the workplace. However, if you feel that ME is not for you, Aerospace is still an excellent choice. There is also Aeronautical
Engineering, however it does not deal with "space". To check out the curriculum (at the school I went to--although it will still give you a good base for what other school programs will be like), go to
http://www.cemr.wvu.edu/%7Ewwwmae/ I hope you will find it useful.

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE KATIE D. IN REGION V
I find science and discovery very interesting but I am also very good with words. I don't want to be a journalist so what are some other career choices that combine science, discovery, and writing?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
Science itself involves a lot of writing - writing grant proposals, writing up research results, and sometimes writing books. In fact, writing ability is a good predictor of success among those with similarly adequate math and reasoning ability. A few scientists also write fiction - the physicist Alan Lightman comes to mind. I enjoyed his little book Einstein's Dreams, in which he imagines different worlds in which time behaves differently. In checking how to spell "Alan" via amazon.com I learned that he's an author of 45 different entries there! That's a lot of writing.

In industry, lots of scientists become managers of the technical workforce. The ability to communicate - in writing and speaking - is essential there. The business management has to understand what the technical staff is doing in order to decide to support it, and the technical staff needs to understand what the company wants. The heads of research department are the vital link in the process.

Rejoice that you have talent on both sides of the alphanumeric divide!

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE HEATHER J. IN REGION V
I have a question. I would like to be an art teacher and I heard art is just like science. Is this true?

A: FROM MENTOR ELYSSA MARGOLIS, PhD Candidate, UCSF/UC BERKELEY, CA
There are many different answers to this question. There are certainly many artists who are very scientific about their work, and many scientists who are so creative and aesthetically oriented that you might consider
them artistic in their work. Some classic examples of the intersection of art and science include the works of M. C. Escher, and images of fractals and chaos (see http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/frac/ or
http://www.mathemagicimages.com/fractals/fractalintro.htm) Another good example is the mobiles of Alexander Calder; for him to build a kinetic sculpture (a sculpture with moving parts but no power source to make the parts move), he had to have at least an intuitive, if not explicit, understanding of physical principles like gravity, center of
mass, air flow, and friction. There is a lot of science built into art of any kind though, if you think about it. If you want to paint a picture, you have to think about perspective, lighting and shadows, physical relationships in space, etc., which all involve some elements of physics and/or mathematics. In order to accurately draw or paint a plant or animal, you need to understand the anatomy of it.

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LAUREN S. IN CT
I love many types of fields in science such as paleontology, astronomy, archaeology, geology and working with microscopes. But I would like to know how will I discover what the field of science that I will be working in
is? Also, around what age should I have a pretty good idea of what field I will be working in?

A: FROM MENTOR ELYSSA MARGOLIS, PhD Candidate, UCSF/UC BERKELEY, CA
The best way to figure it out is to work in different fields. The experience of doing any kind of work has the potential for telling you if you really do enjoy it, or if you really actually would not want to do it for a career. Some people absolutely fall in love with one type of science, and some people enjoy all different things and wind up working in a particular field because of the opportunities available. Some people stay in the same field throughout their career, and some people work in many different fields at different times. And, some select few work in a
number of different fields all at the same time. In my experience, it was enough to know that I was interested in science and engineering when I chose a college. I went to Harvey Mudd College (in southern California), and their engineering degree is in general engineering, so I actually learned about all different fields of engineering and did not have to choose. From classes and research projects, I figured out that I liked chemical engineering and computer
modeling, especially computational modeling. When I decided I wanted to go to grad school to get my doctorate, I decided to choose a Bioengineering program because I wanted to do engineering in a field that would have a direct effect on human health. I thought I would do something like write computer programs to predict drug effectiveness or how radiation therapy effects different tissues or even how blood flows through the heart. Two and a half years later (I'm 24 and at the UC Berkeley/UCSF Bioengineering graduate program) I have decided that my interest is "drug design for the brain" and I work in a pain and addiction lab where I record how neurons fire in rat brains, and how different drugs effect that firing.

*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE GRETA H. IN MINNESOT
I am kind of interested in the mechanical field, such as working on cars and engines. Are there any females in this line of work, and what kind of discrimination do they have to deal with?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JENNILYNN H. IN MD
I am very interested in Chemistry and Math, but I do not know which careers these subjects are most applied. I was wondering what types of careers might be interesting to someone who excels in Chemistry and Math?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ALEXX M. IN IL
I was just wondering, if I were to be a vet, but I did not want to be a surgeon, is it possible to do one without the other? I probably wouldn't mind it although I was just unsure.
___
END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 4, 2002
Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Optional QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! The quiz question for this week is: Who was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in Mathematics? In what year did she receive it and from what university? (Hint: a trail to the answer can be found on the GEM-SET web page at http://www.gem-set.org) Send your answers to GEM-SET@uic.edu. Students who answer correctly will be listed on the "GEM Scholars" web page.

GEM-SET will be highlighting African American women scientists, engineers, and technology experts during February, African American History Month. Check out the web site for some resourceful links on these topics!
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE KATIE D. IN REGION V
I find science and discovery very interesting but I am also very good with words. I don't want to be a journalist so what are some other career choices that combine science, discovery, and writing?

A. FROM MENTOR DEBORAH GRUBBE, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & HEALTH FOR DUPONT IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
Katie, I had a similar situation. I was selected the outstanding student in English upon graduating high school, yet I wanted to study math and science! I decided to focus on engineering, and today I am a chemical engineer, who has to write reports and presentations for myself and for others. My English skills come in handy EVERY day! I am currently a manager, so communication skills are even more important sometimes than my technical know-how. My friend, a mechanical engineer, has a dual degree in mechanical engineering and English. She is one of the best communicators I know! In fact, all kinds of scientists and engineers need to be able to write and speak well! Some engineers even become lawyers, where they use their writing skills even more!
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE GRETA H. IN MINNESOTA
I am kind of interested in the mechanical field, such as working on cars and engines. Are there any females in this line of work, and what kind of discrimination do they have to deal with?

A. FROM MENTOR DEBORAH GRUBBE, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND HEALTH, DUPONT, WILMINGTON, DE
Greta, you are asking a good question! Yes, there are females that work in and all around the automotive industry. In fact, a group of women engineers helped to design one of the Ford Minivans! As for the discrimination piece, let me say this. The whole world is full of discrimination. It is everywhere, in every profession, and in every workplace. Discrimination is, unfortunately, in your school, on your street corner and in your church. It is also in the workplace. The only way to help discrimination to go away is to get involved and to make it go away for you and for the others that work around you. Many working women and men work hard everyday to make sure WE define OURSELVES, and that we do not others limit us, define our studies, and tell us what we can and cannot do!

A: FROM MENTOR CASSIE FENOSEFF, DESIGN RELEASE ENGINEER AT GENERAL MOTORS NORTH AMERICA IN PONTIAC, MI
Yes, of course there are females that work on cars and engines. I work for General Motors and spent time working in the engine area and it was one of my favorite assignments. There is always a chance to encounter discrimination for any reason in any job (or store, or school, etc.). I wouldn't let that deter you from pursuing that you want to do.

A: FROM MENTOR HEATHER SULLIVAN, PRODUCT ENGINEER AT DAIMLERCHRYSLER IN DETROIT, MI
I've been working in the auto industry for 8 years. Yes, there are women in this line of work, but not as many as other industries. Many companies have "diversity" objectives (they are trying to get more women in management positions), so women or minorities who are equally qualified as their male counterparts theoretically have a greater chance of being promoted. Discrimination varies a great deal depending on where you work. The manufacturing environment tends to be worse than the "white collar" office setting. There have been some lawsuits in recent years regarding discrimination at major automotive manufacturing plants, and the companies have launched educational programs to prevent discrimination. There are many opportunities to get involved with cars -- you could be a mechanic, an engineer, an assembly line worker, a race car driver -- how "hands on" do you want to be? If you are interested in engineering, I recommend that you get involved with the student chapter of SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) at which ever university you go to. There are some student competitions you can get involved in to get some "hands on" experience with cars (for example, the Solar Car Challenge). After your sophomore year, you should look into getting a summer internship with a company you are interested in working for.

A: FROM MENTOR SUZANNE FRANKS, PHD, DIRECTOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN MANHATTAN, KS
A: Greta, a good major for you to consider if you are interested in cars and engines would be mechanical engineering. While it is true that the percentage of women who major in mechanical engineering is somewhat lower than other kinds of engineering, like chemical or biomedical, there are more and more women all the time. Over the
past 5 to 10 years, the automotive industry has gotten very interested in actively recruiting women mechanical engineers because they realize now how much women can bring to car design. Women buy cars, for themselves or for family use, and they want to see particular features for convenience and comfort. They want the cars to be
designed to accommodate their bodies - to be able to reach the pedals and see out the front easily at the same time; to have airbags that provide safety and do not increase the chance of injury (the first airbags were very hazardous to women, especially smaller women, because they were designed for the typical male body and did not take into account that women are often smaller and sit closer to the steering wheel). So women engineers have brought
a large benefit to automotive design because they have a perspective that men engineers have not always had in the past. Some car companies have recently featured their top women design engineers in commercials on TV. As in any field where women have been scarce and men have dominated, a woman who is a mechanical engineer may run into
some discrimination at various times in her career. However, the situation is much, much better than it was even just 10 or 20 years ago. Many companies take a "no tolerance" approach to harassment or discrimination of any kind, because they want to protect themselves against lawsuits and because they value the contributions of a diverse workforce. The last company I worked for before I came back to the university had a "no tolerance" policy - if you were found to have harassed or discriminated against anyone, on any grounds (sexual, racial, etc.), you were fired.
Among all the women students currently studying engineering at K-State, three of the ones I know very well are studying mechanical engineering and are interested in cars and engines just like you. Each of them is very happy with her choice. Two of them have already had summer internship experiences that they really liked. Don't let an abstract fear of discrimination keep you from doing something you love. You could run into jerks anywhere, in any kind of job. I have found that it is much easier to deal with any kind of adversity when I am doing something that I love to do.

A: FROM MENTOR JACQUELYN JURGA, MECHANGICAL DESIGN, FABRICATION MANAGER AT CABOT CORPORATION IN REGION I
Hi Greta- I am a mechanical design and fabrication manager for Cabot Corp. with a Mechanical engineering background. My team specializes in designing and building burners for our Carbon Black manufacturing
facilities around the world. These 'burners' are similar to jet engines - not car engines... but similar enough (on a larger scale) to be able to answer you. So, to the first part of your question, YES - there are women
in the mechanical field. Not as many as I'd like to see, but a few more every year. I also see a couple every year who have a hard time dealing with the competition (remember men like competition and you will be working with mostly men) and drop out. Where women tend to be better at negotiation and win-win solutions to projects & problems, men prefer that it a game they 'win' at. All in all I think we are gaining momentum in the non-traditional roles and careers. With the tools available today - you don't need the brut strength of yesteryear to handle the heavy
components, and most companies have weight limits for their employees to use as guidelines for safety issues. I am
petite, 5'1" and 110 lbs. and I am asked many times why I do what I do. I no longer design or assemble my ideas, as I have worked my way into management. However I keep my early years close to heart and know what the
fabricators, machinists and assemblers have as challenges. Discrimination issues can vary between companies. I have 10 men working for me right now, and we get along great, and management values my 'soft' skills that I bring into the heavy mechanical field. I have only had one woman work for me in this field - but she was great, had a gift for the small details, tenacious at quality. She left on maternity leave, and I am after her to come back to work soon. Most adults know the boundaries and are up to date on being 'politically correct' when in mixed company. I have found some problems when working with men from the old school ideals. You know -- Men work and women stay at home. They need to be educated, and you can do that with a smile, good sense of humor and an "I can do it too"
attitude. You will find those most adamant about you being in the wrong field will become ardent supporters after you prove yourself. Speaking of proving yourself: you WILL need to do that - over and over again. Few will take you seriously or for your word that you can keep up with the men's capacity and quality. The respect and foundation you build early on will be well worth it -- so plan on 'paying your dues' with long hours and studies. I was fortunate that men I was working with in different companies took me under their wings and shared the secrets of the trade (I
was a tool designer back then) and mentored me. I hope you can find a mentor when you go into the workforce as you will find it a great help. Whether you are thinking of a mechanical engineering degree or of a hands-on type career, you will have your challenges, but well worth the effort if that is what you love to do. Best of luck to you. Follow your dreams. Keep your chin up and a smile on your face -- give it all you've got and you will do fine.

A: FROM MENTOR CAROL TOMAN, DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF TECHNICAL STAFF AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. IN NAPERVILLE, IL
Greta, I'll bet you're the kind of person that always has to take things apart to see how they work! My brother drove my parents crazy when he disassembled things that were working. They started collecting broken things for him to fix just so he'd leave the small appliances alone. Today he's a mechanical engineer working for Honeywell in Phoenix. He started there working on jet engines for commercial airplanes and now works mostly on tanks for the government. He says there aren't very many women in his field but that overt discrimination is not an issue. The
women are respected as important members of the team and there is absolutely no tolerance for sexual harassment. I think that is probably the case for women engineers working for any of the big companies. On the other hand, I suspect that a woman car mechanic would face discrimination and harassment almost daily until she overcomes all the trouble and gets established as a competent, tough, no-nonsense professional. This is just my guess that most car dealerships and auto shops are not very woman-friendly based on how I feel when I take my car for service and
ask detailed questions of the mechanics. (BTW, I can rebuild a carburetor with the best of them ... of course, carburetors are almost extinct in favor of fuel injection!) I really do think that women benefit greatly in prestige and respect when they get a college degree in engineering. Good luck.

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JENNILYNN H. IN MD
I am very interested in Chemistry and Math, but I do not know which careers these subjects are most applied. I was wondering what types of careers might be interesting to someone who excels in Chemistry and Math?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL AT BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
Math is very useful in chemistry, so there's no reason you can't use both in the same career. [I don't think many pure mathematicians use much chemistry, though! Outside of the kitchen.] These are fine interests from which you can branch out into whatever direction appeals to you most after you learn more. There are theoretical chemists who apply advanced math to explaining how molecules behave. Even theorists find industrial jobs as well as academic one - some I know have worked on polymers and plastics, paint, automobile tires and synthetic materials. Many kinds of technical careers in medicine, quality control, synthesis of new compounds and materials,
pharmaceuticals, are open to people good at chemistry and math. Applications extend into geochemistry and the oil industry, over into biology. The study of the genome and the proteins of an organism gets so complicated that high-powered math and computing are needed to grasp it all. So there are lots of possibilities.

A: FROM MENTOR DEBORAH GRUBBE, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND HEALTH, DUPONT, WILMINGTON, DE
Jennilynn, I am a chemical engineer. That is one profession that combines chemistry and math. I take my knowledge of chemistry, math, and engineering principles like energy, mass balance and momentum, and combine all of those things to make products that we cannot live without. For examples, chemical engineers make the nylon and polyester fibers that are in your clothes. We make Lycra(R), the stretch fiber that is in your bathing suit and your exercise outfit. We make titanium dioxide, the chemical that gives makeup its hiding power over zits and makes eye shadow work. That very same titanium dioxide is in toothpaste to make it white, and is in the center filling of Oreo cookies! We make gasoline so cars can run. We make synthetic rubber for the tires of our bikes and our cars.
Chemical engineers also make freeze dried orange juice, help purify milk, and make drugs to help sick people get better. As you can see, Chemical engineers do a lot of things to help make the world a better place.

A: FROM MENTOR SUZANNE FRANKS, PHD, DIRECTOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN MANHATTAN, KS
A: Jennilynn, a good major to consider would be chemical engineering, because it combines both chemistry and math. Chemical engineers can go into many different kinds of careers. Last year, our chemical engineering graduates at Kansas State University went to work for many, many different kinds of companies, including petroleum companies, pharmaceutical companies, electronics (Motorola, Intel), agricultural and food industry businesses,
engineering consultant firms, companies like Dupont, Dow, Proctor & Gamble, and many others. Many more chemical engineers these days are getting into what is known as biochemical engineering. A good place to learn more about what chemical engineers (and other kinds of engineers) do, is www.engineergirl.org. Explore their career page. Also, you can submit questions to women working in just about any engineering field through this site.

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ALEXX M. IN IL
I was just wondering, if I were to be a vet, but I did not want to be a surgeon, is it possible to do one without the other? I probably wouldn't mind it although I was just unsure.

A: FROM MENTOR HALEY MURPHY, DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT ZOO NEW ENGLAND IN BOSTON, MA
As a veterinarian- you have to learn both medicine and surgery to get through vet school. As far as what you do when you graduate- you could very easily not do surgery. There are specialties in medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, herd health, government, infectious diseases etc. The list could go on and on. To avoid learning surgery altogether would be impossible but having to do it on a regular basis once you are established would be easy.

A: FROM MENTOR SHARON ROSH, DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT EDGEBROOK ANIMAL HOSPITIAL IN EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ
To Alexx, Yes, you can be a veterinarian without being a surgeon, but you will receive surgical training while in vet school. Most general practitioners perform surgery, but you can choose otherwise and still have a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.

A. FROM MENTOR DEBORAH GRUBBE, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND HEALTH, DUPONT, WILMINGTON, DE
Alexx, you pose a good question. Most vets are in business or practice with another vet. Perhaps in this group of vet you can choose someone who can be the surgeon, and then you can pass all the surgery cases on to her or him? That way, you do not have to be the surgeon! I think most large animal and small animal vets are trained to do some surgery. However, I also know that there are special hospitals and special vets that do only surgery. For example, if a dog breaks its leg really bad, then a special vet surgeon will do surgery and fix the leg with pins and screws and
plates, much like a people surgeon would fix a persons leg, and not every doctor is trained to do that...!

A: FROM MENTOR ANNALIESE BRATCHER, INFOR TECH TRAINER AT U. KENTUCKY
Yes, Alexx, you can definitely be a vet without being required to perform surgery as a routine duty. For instance, some vets work as a part of a vet clinic in which some of the vets specialize in performing surgeries and other vets specialize in other areas. However, I think you'd need to show your ability to perform surgeries in order to graduate from vet school. If you love science and animals and don't want to be involved in performing any surgeries, you could consider related careers such as animal behavioralist, zoologist, and marine biologist.
*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEN S. IN IL
I'm a Sophomore who really does not know what career path to choose. I' m just an average student in average level classes. My grades are average. I have an interest in psychology. What are my chances in getting accepted into
college? Will a smaller size college be better and what other fields are out there that one can use her degree in psychology?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
I was wondering why white cats don't glow under a black light, while other white things do?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEAN M. OF MASSACHUSETTS
How many years did it take to get your degree in computer engineering and how many times did you change your major throughout college?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
Is there a high demand for orthopedic surgeons right now? On average, how much do these doctors make a year?
___
END

=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 5, 2002

Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Optional QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! The quiz question for this week is: Who was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in Mathematics? In what year did she receive it and from what university? (Hint: a trail to the answer can be found on the GEM-SET web page at http://www.gem-set.org) Send your answers to GEM-SET@uic.edu. Students who answer correctly will be listed on the "GEM Scholars" web page.
GEM-SET will be highlighting African American women scientists, engineers, and technology experts during February, African American History Month. Check out the web site for some resourceful links on these topics! **********
Q: FROM MENTEE KATIE D. IN REGION V
I find science and discovery very interesting but I am also very good with words. I don't want to be a journalist so what are some other career choices that combine science, discovery, and writing?

A: FROM MENTOR NANCY VANDLING, ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION, PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PITTSBURGH, PA
I envy you because I am not very good with words. I struggle when I have to write long documents. When I was going to college for engineering, I did not understand why I needed all the English and writing classes. However, in my job position I am writing almost every day or reviewing someone's written work - specifications, agreements, permits, applications, letters, proposals, work orders, job descriptions, newsletters, reports, meeting minutes, etc. Writing is very important in any career or job position that you pursue and helps the progress of work by clearly defining what has been completed or what needs to be completed. Career choices include: engineering, geologists, technical writing (specifications, public documents, legal documents, equipment/instruction manuals, reports), lab or research scientist or technicians, lawyers or legal aids, media relations (public statements, public presentations, newsletters, videos), marketing/graphics, and historical / archaeological.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEN S. IN IL
I'm a Sophomore who really does not know what career path to choose. I' m just an average student in average level classes. My grades are average. I have an interest in psychology. What are my chances in getting accepted into college? Will a smaller size college be better and what other fields are out there that one can use her degree in psychology?

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN IL
Jen, Your chance of getting into college is 100%! You may not be able to get into an Ivy League College, but you probably do not want to either. If you want to get into a competitive college, you will need to keep working on your grades and get involved in community projects and in extracurricular activities at school. Volunteer. Get involved in activities that will help you decide on a career. Learn what you like and dislike. List these extracurricular on the college application. The size of the college depends on you. Do you like to have more direct contact with the teachers? Are you more comfortable participating in class if it's a small class? If so, you should look into smaller colleges. If you feel that you could get better grades if you had direct contact, even though you feel uncomfortable with it, maybe you should take the risk and go to a smaller college. In the long run, it may help your grades and you will get used to the smaller classes.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
I was wondering why white cats don't glow under a black light, while other white things do?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
Interesting question! How many kinds of white things have you tried? The glow is fluorescence - from some molecules absorbing the short-wavelength, high-energy ultraviolet light and emitting the energy as longer-wavelength, lower-energy visible light. To look white, the emitted light has to cover the range of the visible spectrum, including all the colors. Detergents have "whitening agents" added so that clothes washed in them are brighter than they would be otherwise because of this phenomenon. It wouldn't surprise me to find that white office paper does too... I'll like to hear what range of white things you've tested. Evidently natural cat fur doesn't have this sort of whitening agent - and I bet you don't wash your cat in detergent! I know one thing other that doesn't fluoresce: the substance that false teeth were made from in the old days. I have a capped front tooth because of a childhood sledding accident, and on a blind date at the top of Boston's Prudential Center where there was a 'black-light' room I could see in a mirror that my false tooth _absorbed_ all the light and looked totally black! Not a pretty sight. Ever since, I've avoided black light or kept my mouth shut!
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEAN M. OF MASSACHUSETTS
How many years did it take to get your degree in computer engineering and how many times did you change your major throughout college?

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN IL
Jean, I graduated from college in 4.5 years. I also went to summer school one year to take a class over. I changed my major once. I started out in Elementary Education and found that I LOVE kids, but HATED disciplining kids. I had taken a FORTRAN class and decided that I really liked it and should go into that field. So, before my 3rd year of college, I changed to Computer Science. Because I was behind in the curriculum from changing majors, I needed to take extra classes. Also, I took an advanced class that combined two lower level classes, hoping to save time. I had gotten good grades all my life and things came easily to me. But, this particular class was too hard for me. I learned a lot, but did not like the grade I received. Also, our college was changing from punch cards to main frames and I was having a hard time with this change. And yet, using punch cards took longer to complete assignments. So, one summer, I took the class over. And this time, I got an A. You can always make things work. Do not worry about changing majors if you realize something new about yourself. The new path may offer new challenges and may take you longer, but it's worth it.

A: FROM MENTOR MEG WILLIAMS, TECHNICAL MANAGER, COMPAQ CORPORATION IN NASHUA, NH
Jean, my degree is in a BS in Computer Science. It was focused on the concepts and technologies to develop and design software. My classes were divided between High-level Math and Computer Science course, e.g. programming, data base structures, operating system design, etc.. I also had 2 semesters of hardware design. A Computer engineering major would have you focus more on the concepts and technologies for hardware development and design. Your classes would include some High-Level math but with less focus on algorithmic math, fundamental Electrical Engineering courses, and then Computer Design. I made the choice to study Computer Science before I entered my Freshman year of college. I had no experience at the time, but I was exceptional in math. I had a couple cousins in the computer field who were encouraging me into that major. My first programming course was my first term in college and learning everything at once was exceedingly hard. Fortunately, my other classes were primarily review and I could concentrate on programming. I took me 4 years to complete my degree, which was the standard for the time I was in school. Now it seems most schools are trying to include coop opportunities into their programs so 5 years may be closer to the standard. I have known a fair number of women who have made their way into computer programming/engineering from other fields. I don't think there is any right path here. However I do think that once you have an engineering degree it is easier to get other degrees. I can attest to this by the fact that I have a BS in CS and a Masters in Organizational Development.

A: FROM MENTOR AIMEE WILLOZ, STAFF FIRMWARE TEST ENGINEER AT SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY IN MN
Hi Jean! It took me about four years to finish my B.S. in Computer Engineering (I went to Iowa State). I say "about", because my path was a little unusual, for two reasons. One: I did two co-op semesters (I highly recommend this, by the way. It's a great way to get a taste of what the jobs will be like!). Two: I overlapped my master's degree and my bachelor's degree. Graduate classes aren't available as often, so I left a couple of the undergraduate engineering electives (which were always available) until last. All that really meant is that it took me six years (and a summer) to complete my B.S.! :-) I actually didn't change my major at all (by sheer luck and supportive parents!). I had a very hard time deciding what to major in when I first enrolled. Because I liked computers, my parents suggested either Cpr E or CS (Computer Science), and I chose Cpr E. I came close to changing my major in my sophomore year. The first three or four semesters are tough -- there are a lot of difficult classes, and it's hard to understand what type of work you'll do when you graduate, because you don't know enough yet! My parents convinced me to stick it out for another semester and take a few fun electives to take some of the pressure off. I did that -- now it's fifteen years later, and I've never been sorry! I also want to mention that Computer Engineering programs can vary quite a lot between schools. My recommendation is to look at the curriculum of each of the schools you're considering. If you like the curriculum, you'll probably like the types of jobs that curriculum will best prepare you for. ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) audits engineering and technology programs. So, as an example, ABET would audit the Computer Engineering program at Iowa State University and grant that program accreditation based on the audit results. Their website (www.abet.org) has good information on what accreditation means, what to think about when choosing a university, etc., as well as the current list of accredited engineering and technology programs. Good luck!
*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
Is there a high demand for orthopedic surgeons right now? On average, how much do these doctors make a year? **********
Q: FROM MENTEE ABBE Y. IN CT
Up until now my chemistry class has mainly been focusing on calculations, something I was very good at. Now, our class is turning more towards history and we have been having quizzes on our previous night's reading assignments. I feel that I know the information well, but the wording on the quizzes confuses me and somehow I end up doing poorly and am afraid these marks will hinder my grade. Do you have any advice for study tips?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE BETH F. IN KY
I'm interested in philosophy, but are there any careers dealing with the subject that don't involve teaching? **********
Q: FROM METEE MELINDA W. IN REGION III
How long does it take to become a biologist and is it fun?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE MELINDA W. IN REGION III
How long were you in school to get your job and how long did it take you to get into the career in which you are in now?
___ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 6, 2002
Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions. Optional QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! The quiz question for this week is: Who was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in Mathematics? In what year did she receive it and from what university?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ABBE Y. IN CT
Up until now my chemistry class has mainly been focusing on calculations, something I was very good at. Now, our class is turning more towards history and we have been having quizzes on our previous night's reading assignments. I feel that I know the information well, but the wording on the quizzes hinder my grade. Do you have any advice for study tips?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL AT BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
First of all, take heart - the equations are the hard part for most students, and they are the real content of chemistry.
Poorly worded questions are all too common - I'm sure I'm not the only teacher to be shocked at how many students didn't read a question they way I meant it to be read. You should go over the old quizzes and analyze why the wording confused you - compare what you thought it meant with what the teacher must have tried to mean. One common way that students misinterpreted my questions was that they tried to see what the "trick" was, when I was trying to be as straightforward as possible. The simplest interpretation of a question can be the best. If you talk with your teacher about how you'd read the questions, you can alert him or her to the possibility that the questions weren't perfectly clear, and make him or her try harder to be clear next time. Also, if it's permitted to ask for clarification during the quiz, do that - chances are that if a question isn't clear to you, it's not clear to others as well, and everyone will benefit from a little on-the-spot explanation. I hope this helps!

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS, RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER AT HALLMARK CARDS, KANSAS CITY, MO
Memorizing people and dates can be difficult. My trusty ole' never fail method is read it, write it, and write it again. By the second time I have written it down I seem to remember it.

**********
Q: FROM MENTEE BETH F. IN KY
I'm interested in philosophy, but are there any careers dealing with the subject that don't involve teaching?

A: FROM MENTOR ANNALIESE BRATCHER, INFO TECH TRAINER AT U. KENTUCKY
Beth, I know a young woman who got a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, then went to Medical School. She is now a physician who specializes in Medical Ethics. That field is amazing. Specialists are facing new issues like
human cloning, "test tube babies," advanced directives and many other things. There is also a need for Business ethicists, legal ethicists. So, if an area of philosophy that interests you is ethics, you can look at many
professional setting in which you might apply your knowledge. Some philosophers combine religious training to become chaplains in hospital, prisons or the military. Others combine educational psychology or psychiatric training to become counselors, psychiatrists, therapists, etc. Another field to consider is library and information science. In large academic libraries with well-developed philosophy collections, a philosophy Bachelors and a Masters of Library Science is greatly valued.

**********
Q: FROM METEE MELINDA W. IN REGION III
How long does it take to become a biologist and is it fun?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE MELINDA W. IN REGION III
How long were you in school to get your job and how long did it take you to get into the career in which you are in now?

A: FROM MENTOR AMY MCMILLAN, NRC POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE AT US EPA IN CINCINNATI, OH
Hi Melinda - to answer both of your questions. I am a biologist and it is a lot of fun. I have done many things as a biologist but now I study population genetics and I really love it. I have a Ph.D. in Biology but you can be a biologist with a Bachelor's degree (about 4 or 5 years of school after high school), or a Master's degree (another 2 to 3 years) or a Ph.D. (another 6 to 7 years). My path to a Ph.D. took the long end of all of these times (so about 15 years) but I changed my mind a few times, took a break here and there to work for a while, got married, had a baby, and moved a few times! You can do it much faster if you really want. I had a lot of fun along the way doing all the different things I did and I love my career now. I like having my Ph.D. because I (mostly) am my own boss and manage many different projects. However, when I had a Bachelor's I loved the job I did because I had a great project, a great mentor, and was outdoors more than I am now! I also loved the job I had after my Master's degree - so where you want to stop is entirely up to you and what you most want to do!

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS, RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER AT HALLMARK CARDS, KANSAS CITY, MO
Normally it would take 4 years of schooling to be able to obtain a position like mine. Plus, I interned 2 summers with Hallmark during college. I think you will find that 4 years of college to get a degree and doing summer internships will help you tremendously when you are looking for a job after you graduate.

A: FROM MENTOR MINI VARUGHESE, PHD, STEMCELL TECHNOLOGIES IN MD
BS took four years and my Ph.D. took 6 years. Then postdoctoral training for 2 1/2 years. During my postdoctoral training, I discovered the grim reality of the Ph.D. job market. Far, far too many Ph.D.'s and not enough jobs in academia or biotechnology for bench scientists. So after extensive networking, I landed a job as a scientific sales representative. I know this is not my final job, even though I love it extensively. It is a path in my career development. Todays woman will not have one job her whole life. You will move around, gain experience, diversity and develop your career. I may decide to go into scientific marketing, product management, sales management, or join the federal government in a science/industry, regulatory/administrative position. To be able to move around and have the choice of where you want to go, you have to maintain a network. How? The easiest way is to become active in a professional organization. Not just join, but be active and keep active. The network will take off from there.

*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
Why is it that when I eat raw store bought carrots they give me the hiccups, but when I eat raw organic or home grown carrots they don't?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMY B. IN IL
I have been interested in dolphins and aquatic mammals since early on. I am now a freshman in high school, and I would like to know what are some good colleges for this field. Also do you know any ways of internship that would help in this field? (Especially in the Chicago-land area) Are their any web-sites I could visit to get more info?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
Is there a high demand for orthopedic surgeons right now? On average, how much do these doctors make a year?
___
END

=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 7, 2002

Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO<HTTP: www.gem-set.org http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions. Optional QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! The quiz question for this week is: Who was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in Mathematics? In what year did she receive it and from what university?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ABBE Y. IN CT
Up until now my chemistry class has mainly been focusing on calculations, something I was very good at. Now, our class is turning more towards history and we have been having quizzes on our previous night's reading assignments. I feel that I know the information well, but the wording on the quizzes confuses me and somehow I end up doing poorly and am afraid these marks will hinder my grade. Do you have any advice for study tips?

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS, RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER AT HALLMARK CARDS, KANSAS CITY, MO
Memorizing people and dates can be difficult. My trusty ole' never fail method is read it, write it, and write it again. By the second time I have written it down I seem to remember it.

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
Absolutely! Writing fixes anything in your memory better than simply staring at it does. Drawing chemical structures for practice makes it harder to make silly mistakes when drawing them on a test. Drawing diagrams makes you think about the content and prepares you for creating diagrams on tests. My college roommate used to make written outlines of all the course material, then an outline of the outline, repeating until it was really really clear what was the most important stuff.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
Why is it that when I eat raw store bought carrots they give me the hiccups, but when I eat raw organic or home grown carrots they don't?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
Verrrry interesting! Have you tried a blind test - have someone prepare two or three kinds of carrots so that they look exactly the same, make up a code for which is which, and have a second person who doesn't know the code or know which is which present them to you. The carrots should be, if possible, equally fresh-seeming and at the same temperature (not warm from the summer garden vs. weeks old straight from the fridge.) Do you still react differently? If so, you've got the beginnings of a bioassay - you could separate different components of the carrots and test which make you hiccup! It would be easier on you if you had some mice (or rabbits!) that reacted the same way. Does the effect persist when carrots are cooked, or when they are turned into juice? You could ask lots of questions. Does anybody else react the same way?

A: FROM MENTOR ANNALIESE BRATCHER, INFOR TECH TRAINER AT U. KENTUCKY
This is a great question, Amanda! My husband is so sensitive to the pesticides, herbicides, etc. used on apples that he can only eat organic apples. In addition to chemicals that might affect the carrots you eat, fertilizers and other variations are also suspect. In today's world, genetically modified crops are also suspect. People with no allergy to wheat, could be allergic to it if a GMO process that involves another food slices introduces genetic components of the other food into the wheat. Organic under most standards means chemical-free, non-GMO, and restricted types of fertilizers. Be aware that the term "organic" is not universally standardized. However, you can track "California standard," "Oregon standard" etc. to see what total restrictions apply in that particular type of standard.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMY B. IN IL
I have been interested in dolphins and aquatic mammals since early on. I am now a freshman in high school, and I would like to know what are some good colleges for this field. Also do you know any ways of internship that would help in this field? (Especially in the Chicago-land area) Are their any web-sites I could visit to get more info?

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NAPERVILLE, IL
Amy, call the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. They have internships and allow volunteers to help out with the animals. It sounds like a great place to learn. They also will know the schools at which they look for employees. The John G. Shedd Aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. The phone number is: (312)939-2426. The url:<HTTP: www.sheddnet.org http://www.sheddnet.org/ You can get to the same site, with<HTTP: www.shedd.org http://www.shedd.org/ Good Luck!
*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE DAVIDA S. IN IL
I've been considering applying to IMSA (Illinois Math and Science Academy) and I'm currently in 8th grade and would apply next year. I was wondering if any of the mentors have been to IMSA and have any advice on what kind of school it is and preparing to go there? Also, what do they look for in an applying student and filling out the application?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
Is there a high demand for orthopedic surgeons right now? On average, how much do these doctors make a year? ___ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 8, 2002

Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO<HTTP: www.gem-set.org http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions.
**********
Optional QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! The quiz question for this week is: Reva K. Williams is known as the first African American woman astrophysicist to successfully ????????????? (fill in the blank). **********
Q: FROM MENTEE DAVIDA S. IN IL
I've been considering applying to IMSA (Illinois Math and Science Academy) and I'm currently in 8th grade and would apply next year. I was wondering if any of the mentors have been to IMSA and have any advice on what kind of school it is and preparing to go there? Also, what do they look for in an applying student and filling out the application?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
The son and daughter of a college friend of mine went to IMSA - they are now out of college (Brown and Carleton, respectively, majoring in math and art, respectively) and off to a good start in their careers. I visited there once, briefly - the Academy was shiny new and looked very high-tech. My impression was that it is an excellent school and that you'd have very stimulating classmates with lots of interests, though their ability in math and science brought them together. I was jealous that there had been no such high school for me.
***********
Q: FROM METEE MELINDA W. IN REGION III
How long does it take to become a biologist and is it fun?

A: FROM MENTOR KELLY BROWN, PRINCIPAL BIOLOGIST, MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, KANSAS CITY, MO
It took me 4 years for the BS degree and 6 for the PhD. Then 2.5 years at one postdoc and 3 at the second postdoc. What I want to emphasize is that although this seems like a long time, you can have a lot of very interesting experiences. For example, I did my first postdoc in England, and it was an incredible experience. Each day was an adventure! As a biologist in training, you can work many exciting experiences into your training. I have been all over the US, Europe, Japan and Taiwan in my business travels as a scientist during the training period. I have met many fascinating and wonderful people. If you get a chance to live in another country, I strongly recommend that you take advantage of it-it really helps you to grow as a person.
*************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE REBECCA H. IN WI
Are there really any jobs out there in wildlife biology or is it really hard to find a job? I've heard that if you get your pilot's license along with a degree in wildlife biology jobs are easy to find. Is that true?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE NATALIE F. IN REGION V
I'm in 7th grade and am 13, and just finished writing a children's story (22,000 words) I decided to try to get it published. Of course I've been trying to get short stories, not even one page long, published since I was in third grade. But I never knew much about the wide variety of publishers, so I'd send them to the major publishing houses in New York. Of course they'd all be rejected, I didn't have the right type of publisher. I finally found some helpful guides at the library and searched through for the right type of publishers and now I'm actually about to sign a contract. But I don't know if I want to have my career as a writer when I grow up, or something else. I used to want to work in part of a bank and manage the financial section or something like that, like my dad does. How will I know what I want to be if I have more than one idea?
************
Q: FROM MENTEE SALLY J. IN REGION V
Is it hard to be scientist?
***********
Q: FROM MENTEE VICTORIA P. IN REGION I
What are some good colleges that offer chemistry-related courses? Can I take chemistry and science related courses and still take other courses like art? If you are taking chemistry at the high school junior level, do you need a strong background in math?
***********
___ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 11, 2002

Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO<HTTP: www.gem-set.org http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions.
**********
QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place GEM-Scholar awards will be presented to the students who answer the most quiz questions correctly. The quiz question for this week is: Reva K. Williams is known as the first African American woman astrophysicist to successfully ????????????? (fill in the blank). Hint: You will find a clue to the answer at http://www.gem-set.org
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE DAVIDA S. IN IL I've been considering applying to IMSA (Illinois Math and Science Academy) and I'm currently in 8th grade and would apply next year. I was wondering if any of the mentors have been to IMSA and have any advice on what kind of school it is and preparing to go there? Also, what do they look for in an applying student and filling out the application?

A: FROM MENTOR CAROL TOMAN, DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF TECHNICAL STAFF AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NAPERVILLE, IL
I don't know very much about IMSA except that it is very well respected and that the students must live at the school -- no commuting home at night. Also, perhaps unfounded, I heard it said that the language classes are weaker that at other schools since they concentrate so much on math and science. The mentors have emphasized many times that language skills are very important in technology jobs, so if it's true that IMSA doesn't offer strong language classes, then maybe you'd want to supplement your coursework with activities that sharpen your reading and writing skills. Check out their website at www.imsa.edu.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE REBECCA H. IN WI
Are there really any jobs out there in wildlife biology or is it really hard to find a job? I've heard that if you get your pilot's license along with a degree in wildlife biology jobs are easy to find. Is that true?

A: FROM MENTOR LINDA FUSELIER, GRADUATE STUDENT IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF KY, IN LEXINGTON, KY
There ARE jobs in wildlife biology whether you can fly or not. Many jobs are with government agencies - state or federal. Getting a job as a supervising biologist can be very competitive but temporary technician jobs abound. In general, it's important to get your foot in the door as soon as possible by doing volunteer work at a national park or wildlife refuge and meeting the folks that do the work in which you are interested. Also, government agencies are often looking for women to fill biologist positions in fields such as forestry, game hunting and trapping, etc. that are traditionally held by men. Having a pilot's license might be helpful if you plan to work in Alaska, but for most wildlife jobs, it's not going to do much for you. However, it's always good to have skills that set you apart from other applicants.
************
Q: FROM MENTEE SALLY J. IN REGION V
Is it hard to be scientist?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
It takes brains and the willingness to use them. A research career takes a lot of dedication - long hours - and so, for that matter, does teaching. But it's not boring! Science is all about new ideas, new explanations, testing ideas and improving the best interpretation of how the world works, inventing new useful things. In contrast, think of all the repetitive jobs that can also take long hours but where the _only_ reward is a paycheck. The thrill of discovering something, of being the first person in the world to understand something, just can't be beat. So many people have worked long, long hours at hard physical labor - think farming, think miners, think factory work, think housework before there was electricity - that doing science seems more like play than like work. A lot of scientists feel that way about their work. It's more fun than anything else they could do. It's competitive - but people love competitive sports, and most science is a lot kinder to the body. You don't find 35-year-old scientists physically crippled like professional athletes. We have it pretty good! And there's more room near the top for scientists than for athletes and artists - the utility of what we do means that society is willing to employ more of us than the very best few, and pay them well. And for women, I've always thought that the standards by which scientific work is judged are a lot less gender-biased than in more humanistic work. It's debatable whether women have different styles or are more likely to be interested in different subjects. But the law of gravity works equally for men and women; logic is the same; a proof is valid or invalid and ad hominem / ad feminam attacks get less credence than they do outside of science. I have no scientific evidence to back up my opinion here, but I do believe it firmly. When women do good science, male scientists ignore it at their peril - they have to take those good results into account in their own work or be left behind. When women write good novels, men seem to get away without reading them, dismissing their point of view and subject matter as trivial or uninteresting.

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS, RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER AT HALLMARK CARDS IN KANSAS CITY, MO
No it is not hard at all. The hard part is college. College classes to be a scientist are not harder than any other classes, so don't get turned off. Being a scientist can be exciting and rewarding. So I would definitely look into it more. *************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE VICTORIA P. IN REGION I
What are some good colleges that offer chemistry-related courses? Can I take chemistry and science related courses and still take other courses like art? If you are taking chemistry at the high school junior level, do you need a strong background in math?
***********
Q: FROM MENTEE NATALIE F. IN REGION V
I'm in 7th grade and am 13, and just finished writing a children's story (22,000 words) I decided to try to get it published. Of course I've been trying to get short stories, not even one page long, published since I was in third grade. But I never knew much about the wide variety of publishers, so I'd send them to the major publishing houses in New York. Of course they'd all be rejected, I didn't have the right type of publisher. I finally found some helpful guides at the library and searched through for the right type of publishers and now I'm actually about to sign a contract. But I don't know if I want to have my career as a writer when I grow up, or something else. I used to want to work in part of a bank and manage the financial section or something like that, like my dad does. How will I know what I want to be if I have more than one idea?
**********
Q:FROM MENTEE S. S. OF MASSACHUSETTS:
What is the best college to attend to become an elementary school science teacher?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
What science oriented occupations or opportunities might come up if I was interested in working with foreign children that are malnourished and unhealthy?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE KRYSTA S. IN MN
This question is for Ramona Gray. I am the girl who talked to you about the cancer cells at "Share the Future" What is the answer? Can you take the cell from the good part of your body that also has cancer and use that DNA code to change the cancerous cells DNA?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEN S. IN IL I'm thinking in majoring in child psychology. Should I also think of taking on a minor and in what field?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
Do chickens have belly buttons? If so, where are they? If not, then how do they receive nutrients from the egg?
__ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 12, 2002

Send all questions for mentors or mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO<HTTP: www.gem-set.org http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions.
**********
QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! 1st 2nd and 3rd place GEM-Scholar awards will be presented to the students who answer the most quiz questions correctly. The quiz question for this week is: Reva K. Williams is known as the first African American woman astrophysicist to successfully ????????????? (fill in the blank). Hint: You will find a clue to the answer at http://www.gem-set.org
************
Q: FROM MENTEE SALLY J. IN REGION V
Is it hard to be scientist?

A: FROM MENTOR RAMONA GRAY, STAFF CHEMIST AT MERCK IN NJ
I guess I would have to say yes and no. It was hard becoming a scientist but maintaining a level of excellence, integrity, skills, knowledge can sometimes be more challenging than hard. If you're anything like me, I love a good challenge so this was/is the right field for me. Being a scientist is also not hard. It's fun making new discoveries, new compounds that could possibly hold the key to curing one of many diseases. I work toward that goal everyday and it means a lot to me that I'm helping people in my own little way. No day is the same, it's exciting and I love what I do! Hope this helps a little.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE VICTORIA P. IN REGION I
What are some good colleges that offer chemistry-related courses? Can I take chemistry and science related courses and still take other courses like art? If you are taking chemistry at the high school junior level, do you need a strong background in math?

A: FROM MENTOR CARYN PRUDENTE,PHD, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE IN PORTLAND, ME
Hi Victoria, There are 100's of schools all over the country that have excellent chemistry programs. I recommend you think of the geographic location you are interested in going to school in and then explore the individual colleges there. You should look for a chemistry program that is ACS (American Chemical Society) accredited, and also, especially if you think you might major in chemistry, look for a program that incorporates some form of undergraduate research. You might also consider the instrumentation in the department - is it new or 30 years old, do students get to routinely use the instruments etc.. You want to get as much hands on experience as possible. If you go to a liberal arts college and major in chemistry, you can take as many art courses as you like, you may even consider a double major (career in art restoration or science illustrator). The concept of liberal arts is to give you a well rounded education spanning both the sciences and the arts - you will study math, science, English, history, art and many other classes. You have much more flexibility to choose your own courses in college as long as you are fulfilling the requirements for your major. Various high schools may have different chemistry courses and different requirements, so I'm not really able to comment on how much math you need for the chemistry course at your school, but what I can defiantly say is that if you are considering studying chemistry or science in college a strong background in math is very important. I would recommend that you take a couple math courses now (regardless of the actual requirement at your high school), this will, in the long run, prepare you for college.

A: FROM MENTOR RAMONA GRAY, STAFF CHEMIST AT MERCK IN NJ
As far as good colleges that offer chemistry-related courses.....I'm sure there are WAY too many to start typing! What you can do to narrow that list down, though, is the think about the type of college/university you might want to attend: a large vs. small school, public vs. private, coed vs. all girl, in-state vs. out of town, Midwest vs. east coast vs. west coast vs. south, etc....THEN you'll have a more manageable list. YES you can take science courses and still take other totally unrelated ones. Although I love science, I also love writing poetry, taking all types of dance/music classes. I think it makes you a more well rounded person...colleges love that, but I think people in general appreciate that also.
***********
Q: FROM MENTEE NATALIE F. IN REGION V
I'm in 7th grade and am 13, and just finished writing a children's story (22,000 words) I decided to try to get it published. Of course I've been trying to get short stories, not even one page long, published since I was in third grade. But I never knew much about the wide variety of publishers, so I'd send them to the major publishing houses in New York. Of course they'd all be rejected, I didn't have the right type of publisher. I finally found some helpful guides at the library and searched through for the right type of publishers and now I'm actually about to sign a contract. But I don't know if I want to have my career as a writer when I grow up, or something else. I used to want to work in part of a bank and manage the financial section or something like that, like my dad does. How will I know what I want to be if I have more than one idea?

A: FROM MENTOR TERESA ESSER, WRITER IN CAMBRIDGE, MA
Congratulations. Receiving a publishing contract for a piece of writing is a great achievement. If you are concerned about the legal ramifications of whatever contract you may be entering into, you should: 1) Read the contract very carefully when you are feeling calm and rational 2) Ask your parents to read the contract very carefully 3) Determine whether there are any portions of the contract that seem peculiar 4) Make a list of the clauses you feel unsure about 5) Show the contract to a literary attorney, and ask him to answer any questions you may have. Chances are that this entire process is completely unnecessary, since you are only 13 years old. It is so difficult for publishing houses to enforce the contracts they draw up with adults, I can't imagine anyone spending time and energy trying to enforce the terms of a contract drawn up with a minor. So, don't worry! Everything is fine! You have an option to publish. You can publish or not publish. That's it. Not a big deal. It sounds like you are concerned about the future career implications of publishing a children's book. Rest assured: this event is unlikely to have an impact on your future career, except to serve as a source of conversation and perhaps as a private source of confidence. Publishing a children's book will not prevent you from working in a bank. Publishing a children's book may make it easier for you to publish additional books in the future, but only if you work as hard on your future projects as you worked on this one. Congratulations again.

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NAPERVILLE, IL NATALIE F.,
It sounds like you have a lot of drive and persistence! Those are GREAT traits to have! You will figure out what you want to do by just taking different classes and taking different jobs and trying new things. When you find something that you really enjoy and could imagine doing 40+ hours per week, that will be your first choice. Do not worry, though. If you change your mind halfway through college, or after working for 5-10 years, it is not a problem. Many people change their careers throughout their lives. It's exciting. You just have to have the courage and drive to do it. And it sounds like you have that already!
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE KRYSTA S. IN MN
This question is for Ramona Gray. I am the girl who talked to you about the cancer cells at "Share the Future" What is the answer? Can you take the cell from the good part of your body that also has cancer and use that DNA code to change the cancerous cells DNA?

A: FROM MENTOR RAMONA GRAY, STAFF CHEMIST AT MERCK IN NJ HEY KRYSTA!
I hear it's pretty cold there now.....glad I misses it! : ) I remember you well and haven't stopped thinking about your question. I've been trying to get one of the biologists here to explain it to me and here's what she said: -cells have specific antigens on their surface that can identification but some of these antigens are not disease specific. It is through these antigens that doctors run tests to identify and monitor certain diseases. Cancer cells emit certain antigens that may or may not be specific to the disease, but this is what the doctors look for when they run blood tests for diagnosis. -Cancer cells are "screwy" and they (scientists) don't really know what causes these cells to act the way they do, so they can not really just replace a gene since they don't know what gene(s) is being affected, and the gene(s) will vary from cell type to cell type. The cancer cells also "spit out" genetic materials around them to keep them living and growing. For instance when a tumor is present the cancerous cells are "happy" and continue to grow. This is why the scientist think the best to deal with cancer cells is to kill them. -There is a study going on where they are pooling groups of people at different stages of cancer (and a control group) and looking at the genes to determine if there is a way of predicting if and when some will be diagnosed with cancer and what is the survival rate. They are also looking at the effects of certain therapies and their effect on survival for specific cancer types. For example they may determine that if someone has breast cancer and the tumor is removed it may not be beneficial for that person to undergo chemotherapy because the outcome (survival rate) will not be any different if they had not gone through the chemo. Of course it is much better for the patient if they did not have to exposed to these horrific treatments. But the results of this study are years away. The basic answer is that they don't really know what is causing these cells to go astray, it may be more than just a gene(s) that went crazy...but the better thing to do is to try and prevent the cells from converting from healthy to cancerous. But for now I guess their best action against cancer is to continue to kill the cancer cells. Hopes this helped...
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
Do chickens have belly buttons? If so, where are they? If not, then how do they receive nutrients from the egg?

A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL, BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE, RI
What a great question! I hope another mentor can answer it. From my efforts in the kitchen I can't recall seeing any belly buttons on chickens, even totally naked as they come from the supermarket... but from pictures I've seen of embryos I vaguely remember the egg yolk getting absorbed into the developing chicken's belly. But exactly how is the yolk attached, and does it leave any trace? Searching on "chicken embryo" turned up http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/explore/embryology/ http://anatomy.med.unsw.edu.au/cbl/embryo/OtherEmb/Chicken.htm and "chicken belly button" got me into a discussion: http://mama.indstate.edu/prentice/emb/embryol/thread.html#16 but nobody seems to have given a simple answer to this simple question! There must be someone among us who knows. I can't wait to learn the answer. *************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JULIE C. IN CT
I enjoy rock climbing, caving, hiking and kayaking. I also like science, technology and math. This is my third year volunteering at the Science Center of Connecticut. I have been able to see the different kinds of jobs there. None of the jobs combine science and the outdoors. I would like a career that combines both. Can you suggest a few careers I can look into?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE YUNJI K. IN REGION V
Can a person be a doctor for both human and animal at the same time?"
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE CHRISTINE B. IN REGION I
It seems as if all I'm doing is working to get into college. Taking classes I don't like, work I hate. When does learning the things that I'll never use stop and learning things that I really need for my career begin?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA H. IN REGION IV
What is the employment rate of pediatricians right now?
**********
Q:FROM MENTEE S. S. OF MASSACHUSETTS:
What is the best college to attend to become an elementary school science teacher?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
What science oriented occupations or opportunities might come up if I was interested in working with foreign children that are malnourished and unhealthy?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEN S. IN IL
I'm thinking in majoring in child psychology. Should I also think of taking on a minor and in what field?
__ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 13, 2002

Send all questions AND answers for mentors OR mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
**********
QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place GEM-Scholar awards will be presented to the students who answer the most quiz questions correctly. The quiz question for this week is: Reva K. Williams is known as the first African American woman astrophysicist to successfully ????????????? (fill in the blank). Hint: You will find a clue to the answer at http://www.gem-set.org
************
ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions.
************
GENERAL COMMENT FROM MENTOR NANCY VANDLING IN PITTSBURGH, PA ON GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH VOTING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENT MENTEES For all MENTEES, I am starting a lobbying campaign to make engineering as your choice for "Career-of-the-Month" for February. The week of February 18th is National Engineering Week. Choose any type of engineering it does not matter which type. We need more female engineers. As a Civil Engineer, I am biased to that field. You may ask what is a Civil Engineer - Does that mean I just get along with everyone? If you want to know what a Civil Engineer is, what Colleges there are, or how to get started, check out the website for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at http://www.asce.org/public.cfm. Another reason for choosing civil engineering is that, in the year 2002, ASCE is celebrating its' 150th anniversary and created this slogan for the anniversary - "Building a Better World". Engineers touch all aspects of your life in some way. You are the student of today that is the future engineers of tomorrow that can build a better world. Think about being an engineer!
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA T. IN MO
Do chickens have belly buttons? If so, where are they? If not, then how do they receive nutrients from the egg?

A: FROM MENTOR HAYLEY MURPHY, DVM, DIRECTOR OF VETERINARY SERVICES, ZOO NEW ENGLAND IN BOSTON, MA
In the egg, nutrients are provided to the embryo by the uptake of the yolk. The yolk sac, which is actually a sac off of the intestines, is attached by a yolk stalk and vessels to the intestines and is actually internalized into the abdomen just prior to hatching (this is why newborn chicks look like they have big bellies). This yolk provides nourishment for the first few days of life for the newborn chick. After the yolk has been consumed(usually totally gone in 5-7 days), the remnant yolk sac is converted into scar tissue and is called the vitelline or Meckel's diverticlum. So- they do have an umbilicus, where the yolk sac was internalized, but that heals over by 5-17 days of age and eventually scars over and disappears.
*************
Q: FROM MENTEE JULIE C. IN CT
I enjoy rock climbing, caving, hiking and kayaking. I also like science, technology and math. This is my third year volunteering at the Science Center of Connecticut. I have been able to see the different kinds of jobs there. None of the jobs combine science and the outdoors. I would like a career that combines both. Can you suggest a few careers I can look into?

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER HALLMARK CARDS, KC, MO
Geology, marine biology, paleontology, archeology, forestry, and kinesiology (the study of the physically active human body). It sounds like you are a very physical person so I would take an extra look at kinesiology. Try this web site www.appliedkinesiologyclinic.com and www.siue.edu
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE YUNJI K. IN REGION V
Can a person be a doctor for both human and animal at the same time?

A: FROM MENTOR HAYLEY MURPHY, DVM, DIRECTOR OF VETERINARY SERVICES, ZOO NEW ENGLAND IN BOSTON, MA
Yes- you can be a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and an MD at the same time. There are people who do this and actually it is only 2-3 years extra schooling after vet school to get MD. The basics are the same for humans and animals, its just that vets have to learn many more species

A: FROM MENTOR ANNALIESE BRATCHER, INFO TECH TRAINER, U. KENTUCKY
Certainly a person could attend both vet school and med school and chose a double career path. In rural and impoverished areas, sometimes physicians have helped animals and veterinarians have tried to help humans in life threatening situations. However, there is another route that formally combines human and animal medicine. The University of Pennsylvania has a program with a "joint" degree in human and animal medicine. I checked the U.Penn website and found some info. "The School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, an integral part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary university, exists to better the health and welfare of animals and humans." This "Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program" is described "The School of Veterinary Medicine offers . . . a six-year program leading to both a V.M.D. and a Ph.D. degree. . . The objective of the program is to prepare future veterinary medical scientists with the most modern research skills for carrying on highly sophisticated fundamental analyses of normal and abnormal life processes related to animal and human medicine. . . . trainees will be superbly qualified to become leaders in the academic community. In this connection, "academic community" is interpreted in its broadest sense to include not only the faculties of schools of veterinary medicine but also faculties of medical schools, dental schools, and university departments, as well as positions in public health, epidemiology, medical administration, behavioral sciences, and environmental health sciences. For more information, you can check this website: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/FacultyAndDepts/CSPHIL/MedicalGenetics/residencies. cfm **********
Q: FROM MENTEE CHRISTINE B. IN REGION I
It seems as if all I'm doing is working to get into college. Taking classes I don't like, work I hate. When does learning the things that I'll never use stop and learning things that I really need for my career begin?

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NAPERVILLE, IL
Christine B, your question made me smile because I remember feeling the SAME way in high school!! Even in college! Now, I realize that I do use those things that I learned in high school. You will, too. You will use them either directly in other classes, or in your job. OR, you will use HOW you learned them in other parts of your life. You will be surprised how often conversations with friends and colleagues bring up things that you never thought you'd need. Do not discount the things you are learning. You may need them someday, even if it seems obscure. Also, who knows? Maybe someday, you will change your mind about what you want to do for a career and you may go into something that needs these concepts that you hate so much now! You never know how things tie together. Some people think that everything in the universe is tied together in some way!! Try to enjoy the classes. Maybe you can try to see how it CAN be used in everyday life. Maybe your teachers have some ideas.

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER HALLMARK CARDS, KC, MO
Believe it or not but you will use almost everything you learn in high school sometime in your life. I know that sounds like a parent answer but I felt the frustration you feel when I was in high school. But I was glad I was forced to learn all the things I did because it helped me understand life and what is going on around me. When you get a college education you are getting a well rounded education which makes you a well rounded individual. So these college prep classes you take in high school will help you be ready for the college classes. This well roundedness will put you in the position for advancement in your career. For instance, you question may be "why do I have to learn about the continents and the different governments around the world if I want to be an engineer" and the answer is "because some day you may be asked to design items that will be built overseas and it would be very good for you to know how their government and financials work because you may have to form trade agreements or be able to finesse your way through government imposed restrictions". The world is becoming smaller and smaller everyday and we need to learn more about our neighbor in order to communicate and work with them.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE LEEANN M. IN KY
What science oriented occupations or opportunities might come up if I was interested in working with foreign children that are malnourished and unhealthy?

A: FROM MENTOR ANNALIESE BRATCHER, INFO TECH TRAINER, U. KENTUCKY
A friend of mine who is a registered nurse recently worked in Kenya assisting children who have HIV, AIDS, malnourishment and many other medical challenges. There is a great need internationally for health professionals and scientists to help disadvantaged people. In inner cities and rural areas of the U.S. we also have many people who would benefit from concerned, involved medical and scientific professionals. I applaud your interest in helping others and encourage you to pursue any area of interest, knowing that all types of professional assistance could help disadvantage people obtain a chance at a better life.

A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NAPERVILLE, IL
Leeann M, one idea for science-oriented careers working with malnourished children would be social work. Social sciences would take you there. OR, you can get a degree in Nutrition and work with an organization that may help these children. Another idea is a degree in medicine and work for the Peace Corps.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE REBECCA H. IN WI
Are there really any jobs out there in wildlife biology or is it really hard to find a job? I've heard that if you get your pilot's license along with a degree in wildlife biology jobs are easy to find. Is that true?

A: FROM MENTOR NANCY VANDLING, ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION, PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PITTSBURGH, PA
I bet you never thought a wildlife biologist could be employed or hired by an engineering consultant. Engineering consultants employ biologist to assist in response to environmental regulations, impacts to the environment by construction, research into what wildlife may exist in an area, and preparation of mitigation if endangered or threaten species are found. Just think of all the facilities or construction you may see in your area, on television, in magazines, or in the newspapers that may effect all the different varieties of wildlife. As an example, I work for a transit authority which is currently in the planning stage for an extension to the underground (subway) light rail transit (LRT) system. The plan is to extend the subway under the Allegheny River. We were required to perform a survey to determine if certain species of endangered or protected fish and mussels existed in the area. Our engineering consultant hired biological specialist to do the survey. The biological specialist utilized scuba diving equipment to access the river bed and evaluate what mussels, if any, existed in the area of the proposed project. In addition, they performed a fish species survey by netting fish, identifying what type they were, counting them, and then releasing them back into the river. If we had found endangered species, then we would have utilized the biological specialist to devise a plan. I know of other projects, such as replacing a bridge crossing a stream and gas pipe lines crossing streams, that required moving the mussels temporarily upstream of the construction and moving them back after construction is completed. Maybe you should consider scuba diving. Since Wisconsin is located on the Great Lakes system and there are may lakes and streams within Wisconsin, scuba diving may be beneficial. If there is a zoo or aviary near your home or if you will be on vacation near one, contact them to see what programs they offer. Our Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers many educational programs for various age groups throughout the year. Also check out your local nature conservancy groups, local or state parks, or wildlife preserves; participate in some programs - canoeing down a river and inventorying wildlife that you see or the winter bird count and identification or walking through a swamp to find amphibians. Typically, they have outings, events, or guest speakers where you can learn a great deal, have fun participating, and meet people that have the same interests. *************
NEW QUESTIONS
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE JEN S. IN IL
I'm thinking in majoring in child psychology. Should I also think of taking on a minor and in what field? **********
Q: FROM MENTEE AMANDA H. IN REGION IV
What is the employment rate of pediatricians right now?
**********
Q:FROM MENTEE S. S. OF MASSACHUSETTS:
What is the best college to attend to become an elementary school science teacher?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ALLISON IN NH
I am interested in both Engineering and Law, would I be crazy to double major in both engineering and pre law? **********
Q: FROM MENTEE KATA T. IN REGION V
What is engineering actually about? and what classes do you have to take to become one?
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE FABLEX in REGION ??
What is exactly the field of computer graphics, how much does it pay for, and is it a good career for me to go into? **********
Q: FROM MENTEE KATIE A. IN REGION V
We have been learning about moles (scientific) in Chemistry class. I understand how to use them and when, but what exactly is a mole measuring? (i.e. a gram measures mass, a mL measures volume)
__ END
=========================================================================
GEM-SET Daily Digest for February 14, 2002

Send all questions AND answers for mentors OR mentees to GEM-SET@uic.edu. We will try our best to answer your questions within 2-3 days.
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
**********
QUIZ-of-the-WEEK contest for students has begun! 1st 2nd and 3rd place GEM-Scholar awards will be presented to the students who answer the most quiz questions correctly. The quiz question for this week is: Reva K. Williams is known as the first African American woman astrophysicist to successfully ????????????? (fill in the blank). Hint: You will find a clue to the answer at http://www.gem-set.org
************
ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR GEM-SET CAREER-OF-THE-MONTH. TO PLACE YOUR VOTE GO TO http://www.gem-set.org and follow the instructions.
*************
Q: FROM MENTEE JULIE C. IN CT
I enjoy rock climbing, caving, hiking and kayaking. I also like science, technology and math. This is my third year volunteering at the Science Center of Connecticut. I have been able to see the different kinds of jobs there. None of the jobs combine science and the outdoors. I would like a career that combines both. Can you suggest a few careers I can look into?

A: FROM MENTOR MARGARET FOWLE, WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION IN VT
I would also add wildlife biology or any other biologist involved in the environmental field (conservation biology, botany, ecology, etc.) to the list Danell Oliver-Collins gave you. Wildlife biologists are generally outdoors for a good part of the year. My work combines science and the outdoors all the time - I spend most of April - July monitoring peregrine falcons and eagles, and I have to hike every day to look for the falcons, and occasionally rappel down cliffs or climb up trees to the nest sites to band young. Most wildlife biologists are very physically fit and enjoy being outside in extreme conditions.
**********
Q:FROM MENTEE S. S. OF MASSACHUSETTS:
What is the best college to attend to become an elementary school science teacher?

A: FROM MENTOR TERESA ESSER IN MA S.S.,
Many elementary school teachers get paid very little. If you are absolutely certain that you want to become an elementary school science teacher, you will not want to burden yourself with huge student loans -- unless you want to consider spending a couple years with some of the volunteer programs that "forgive" a portion of your student debt. Even then, though, you should try to keep costs down. If your family is wealthy enough to pay the full cost of college for you, then you can go to any college that has both science classes and teaching certification programs. If you will be applying for financial aid and/or taking out student loans, I recommend going to the University of Massachusetts branch that has the best teachers education program, since you're already a resident of that state and could get in-state tuition.
**********
Q: FROM MENTEE ALLISON IN NH
I am interested in both Engineering and Law, would I be crazy to double major in both engineering and pre law?

A: FROM MENTOR DANELL OLIVER-COLLINS RETAIL INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER HALLMARK CARDS, KC, MO
How about Patent law. It combines engineering, science, and the law. And since science is a big part of engineering you can get an engineering degree and be familiar with science. I know that patent law is a very good area of the law and worth a definite look. And No it is not crazy to double major many people do it; I did it. I am thrilled that you are considering engineering and law, you're off to a great start for a great career.

A:FROM MENTOR JACQUELYN JURGA, MANAGER DESIGN/FABRICATION AT CABOT CORP. IN REGION I
Hi Allison- Crazy???? No, not at all. I am a mechanical engineer and have worked with patent attorneys many times. If they have an engineering degree it is so much more helpful. The patent process