Fostering development of women faculty in geotechnical engineering

A one-day workshop was convened to address obstacles to success of American women
faculty in Geotechnical Engineering. The workshop, sponsored by the National Science
Foundation (NSF), was held in October 2003, in conjunction with another workshop for
the United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research(USUCGER). At that time, the 17 participants represented 40% of all tenure-track women faculty in Geotechnical Engineering at American universities. The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss academic career issues, including diversity, research,
teaching and service. Concerns voiced by the participants spanned all of these topics.
The leading need that emerged was for childcare during professional activities away from home. For most major concerns, specific action items resulted, and these are presented. The NSF, USUCGER, professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, university governance, and the women faculty themselves were seen as potential catalysts for problem-solving. Some concerns such as service loads and recognition for diversity-based contributions still defied the envisioning of specific action items.