Liz Carpenter
Scientist
Dairy Science
Encourages women to use and develop their scientific abilities to achieve their full potential.
Biographical Information
Dr Liz Carpenter is encouraging women to use and develop their scientific abilities to achieve their full potential.
From personal experience, she knows that the work of AWIS (Association for Women In the Sciences) benefits both personal growth as well as securing New Zealand's reputation in the global science community.
"Like many similar sorts of initiatives, AWIS provides a focus and network allowing women interested, or working, in the sciences to hare information, experiences and skills. Equally, we act as the 'mouth piece' to explore and speak on issues related to women and science. This helps our profi le but also helps to encourage and instil confi dence in women looking for scientifi c careers.
After achieving a BSc (Hons) and completing her PhD at Australian National University, Liz looked for a post-graduate research position.
She returned to New Zealand to take up a position at Massey University. She heard about AWIS and set up the Palmerston North branch. Liz had some interesting experiences along the way.
While working at a tertiary teaching institution which was updating its staff name board, she was asked which name she would like. (i.e. Elizabeth or Liz). "I had noticed that the male staff were referred to as "Dr J. Smith" and "Prof T. Jones", and the women were "Dr Tracy Brown" and "Mrs Edna Sharples". I asked for "Dr E. Carpenter". "Oh" was the reply. "I don't think you can have that - it has to be Liz or Elizabeth". I repeated I would like Dr E. Carpenter. I was told that it was important to have my full name there so that people wouldn't be surprised if they came to visit and met a woman and not a man. Good grief - this was 1995! I did get my name written as I requested, eventually."
AWIS has a number of structured activities. Members keep in touch quarterly via a newsletter which profiles members who are making a difference to science through their work. A esignated website www.awis.org.nz is updated regularly and provides access and information regarding regular branch, or national, meetings and initiatives.
Liz was also a convenor for the AWIS 2005 conference committee.