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  • Snapshot of AWIS-Chicago Area Chapter 1978 -1988

    by Marion Thurnauer,
    member of AWIS-CAC since its inception and President (1987-88)

    Backdrop

    During the last year I came across a file containing documents pertaining to AWIS -CAC (Chicago Area Chapter).   I have been a member of AWIS-CAC since its inception.  However, the extent of my participation with the Chapter has varied over the years.  One of the so-called silver linings of our current isolation is that I have been able to re-establish some interactions with Chicago AWIS virtually, as I currently live in Boulder, Colorado. 

    Here I present a selective ‘history’ of AWIS-CAC from its formation in 1978 until 1988.  The ‘history’ is selective because it reflects the material I have saved and my involvement with the Chapter.  My goal is to present the activities of the Chapter and hopefully a perspective on why   AWIS-CAC has remained relevant for forty-two years. 

    First, I briefly digress.  I received my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Chicago and joined Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) as a Post-Doc in 1974.  I was promoted to a Scientific Staff position – Assistant Scientist in 1977.  Subsequently, I moved through the ‘ranks’ and currently I am retired with the title Distinguished Fellow Emeritus.  During my career (thirty years) at Argonne, I also served eight years as Director of the Chemistry Division.  I was president of AWIS-CAC, June, 1987 – December, 1988.  Following my term as president, I became involved with establishing and forwarding the Women in Science and Technology (WIST) program at ANL and committed less time to AWIS-CAC.

    Inception of AWIS-CAC

    My first memory of AWIS-CAC is from April, 1978 when I was invited to an informal lunchtime meeting in the cafeteria meeting room.  I believe that this was my first experience (in the four years I had been at ANL) seeing so many women scientists in one room – many more than I had imagined as I was alone as a female PhD staff in the Chemistry Division (the different ANL divisions are scattered over a large campus).  As I recall the main discussion at the meeting was whether or not to form a Chicago-area chapter of AWIS or form an ANL organization called LINK (I do not remember much about LINK, including the acronym.).  It may be that because of the potential for forming a Chicago Area Chapter of AWIS, some attendees came from outside ANL; and this would explain the perception of a relatively large group of women.

    It was decided to proceed and establish the Chicago Area Chapter (CAC) of AWIS. (see attached AWIS-CAC Formed 1978.pdf article in Suburban Life Graphic, July 26, 1978).

    Apparently, LINK was also formed. I believe that LINK was an activity organized and run by ANL management (perhaps the Affirmative Action Office – an archaic title that one could argue morphed into Diversity and Inclusion offices today.)  I do not know how long LINK functioned.  I mention this detail to point out an observation; the programs that endure and continue to make an impact are those that are organized and run by the stakeholders.

    AWIS-CAC Activities, 1987-88

    Once formed, CAC was a very active chapter, holding meetings all over the Greater Chicago area.  The number of members and activities varied over the years.  For example, during the period I was president, the membership/participation was low. Nevertheless, we (a few women, many from DuPage County) maintained the Chapter, and I am happy to see how well the Chapter is doing today.

    I have copies of AWIS-CAC Newsletters from 1987 and 1988 (June/July 1987, Sept/Oct 1987, Nov/Dec 1987, Nov/Dec 1988).  They provide more than a glimpse of Chapter activities and interesting reading.  I select two newsletters and accompanying material to highlight, as I consider them to be most informative. (note the AWIS-CAC logo)

    I attach a copy of the Newsletter.June.July 1987.pdf.  This Newsletter provides a detailed ‘flavor’ of AWIS activities, and includes the AWIS-CAC outgoing President’s (Betty Windom) Annual Report for 1986 and the 1986 AWIS-CAC Treasurer’s Report.  The chapter was very busy in spite of the declining membership (one can see actual membership numbers – 1983-1986 in the treasurer’s report).

    I attachNewsletter Nov.Dec 1988.pdf.  In an attempt to increase membership, we mailed this Newsletter to 104 national AWIS members in the greater Chicago-land area who were not AWIS-CAC members.  We included an AWIS-CAC information/profile page and a page listing Major AWIS-CAC Activities 1981-1988 Addendum Newsletter 1988.pdf.

    In a separate attachment I provide a Long List Past Activities.pdf that includes more activities than the one-page Addendum list.

    One can see from the Newsletters that AWIS-CAC continued many activities regardless of the number of members. Most meetings had a speaker on topics of interest, e.g., science, education, outreach related.  I recall inviting an early career scientist to speak.  She was so appreciative to have the opportunity and experience to speak about her research regardless of the small audience. 

    The Newsletters show AWIS activities included giving out awards, providing judges for local science fairs, annually presenting plaques and monetary prizes to students at the Chicago Public Schools Science Fair held at the Museum of Science and Industry, and maintaining a Speaker’s Bureau to provide speakers on request to local schools and events. 

    As I read the lists of past activities, I am struck by how many of the activities are outreach activities, impacting relatively large audiences.  I was not present at the “helping her LOOK AHEAD” workshops, but it was common knowledge that they were highly successful.  When we organized the first “Science Careers in Search of Women” workshop, for college women, at Argonne in 1987 (third item on short list), the “helping her LOOK AHEAD” workshops provided a template.  The “Science Careers in Search of Women Conference” is still held annually for high school students.  Last year it was a virtual conference. 

    The museum exhibit “MY DAUGHTER, THE SCIENTIST” had a relatively long run at the Museum of Science and Industry and also became a traveling exhibit.  In the September/October 1987 Newsletter, I wrote “.. we recently received a letter from a teacher in Massachusetts who learned about AWIS-CAC via advance publicity from the Museum of Science, Boston, which will be showing the exhibit MY DAUGHTER, THE SCIENTIST.” She was requesting a copy of the “Bibliography of Career Pamphlets” [see below] which also originated from AWIS-CAC.

     AWIS-CAC received a request from National AWIS to coordinate activities and plan symposia for the AAAS meeting held in Chicago in February, 1987.  This activity is described in Betty Windham’s summary (Newsletter June.July 1987.pdf).

    AWIS-CAC published a 37 page Bibliography of Career Pamphlets and other useful material (1984) updated 1988 (see attached Front Page Bibliography.pdf ).  This document was very popular and available from National AWIS and AWIS CAC.  (This was the time before widespread availability of the internet and Google.)

    Involvement in Congressional Task Force

    The 1988 Annual Report.pdf of my tenure as President June 1987 – December 1988 is attached.  One activity summarized in my annual report, is Testimony to the Congressionally-Mandated Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in Science and Technology.  I also attach a copy of my Testimony MCT.pdf.  Information about the Task Force can be found in the attached Interim Report.pdf from the AWIS National Newsletter.

    I was encouraged that the Task Force was mandated and held hearings in seven US cities in 1987 and 1988.  The attached Interim Report.pdf states “The role of minorities, women, and people with disabilities in science and engineering is widely seen only as an equity issue, not as the key to future national strength in science and technology.”   I recall articles and discussions during the time of the hearings, that posed the question “Who will do science in the year 2020?”  At the time students choosing science and engineering were predominantly white males.  Demographic projections showed that by 2000, white males would make-up only 25% of the US work force. 

    I do not know what if any specific actions were taken in response to the Task Force Report.  However, unforeseen events, such as the breakup of the Soviet Union, in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to some extent ameliorated the demographic issues.  Students and scientists from Eastern Europe, Russia, and Asia joined the US scientific workforce.  However, in 2021 the goals and recommendations outlined in the Interim Report have not changed.

    As I was considering how to present this AWIS-CAC history, I received the following in my Email Inbox on 1/5/2021:

    “The Journal of Chemical Education announces a call for papers for an upcoming special issue on diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in chemistry education research and practice. Nationally, students exit chemistry and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at rates that threaten the stability of the STEM workforce.  The departure of women and ethnic and racial minorities from many STEM disciplines can be twice as high than other student groups. This departure is preventing the nation from realizing an inclusive and resilient economy.”  (entire announcement attached: Call for Papers JChemEd)

    After receiving this email, I thought, “In some ways, the AWIS-CAC Testimony MCT could be recycled today.”  Note: Words from the Testimony:  ‘Our purpose is to tell you about programs we have organized which have been designed specifically to: 1) provide career counseling to young women; 2) encourage young women to stay in science; and 3) educate the general community …’

    All of this is a long way of saying: In my opinion, AWIS and AWIS-CAC has endured and remained relevant because the organizations have not strayed from their original goals and values.  (for goals and values see:  Addendum Newsletter 1988).  The AWIS-CAC activities described above are as relevant today (perhaps with some updating) as they were thirty years ago.  Many members have dedicated volunteer time to outreach activities that at the time had significant impact on a number of young women and teachers.  At the same time, AWIS served (serves) to provide networking and visibility for its members.

    Thoughts about the future

    The last year, 2020, brought incredible unexpected events.  We certainly did not predict all that happened during the last year from the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests, the election and attack on the Capitol building.  I agree with those who say we are at a pivotal point, poised to see societal change.  We cannot predict how these changes will play out, but we are witnessing much that is positive relevant to AWIS, women in STEM.  For example, women have gained visibility:  several articles have been written about the women who have made major contributions to COVID vaccine discovery and development.  See this article published in Bloomberg, for example.

    Many women scientists are called upon to comment publicly on COVID-19 issues and questions.  I read that because of the pandemic, there is a surge in students applying to medical schools.  I am hopeful that we will see a similar surge in students interested in STEM fields as they are now witnessing science in real time.  

    On the other hand, the pandemic has resulted in unpredicted setbacks for women.  Many are being challenged to find new ways to manage childcare and facilitate online learning.  Some are dropping out of the workforce. 

    Again, as I was writing this, my weekly issue of the American Chemical Society’s ‘Chemical and Engineering News’, Jan 18/25, 2021 arrived in my Inbox.  The attached C&ENews.pdf and the link below of the same article from this issue: ‘How COVID 19 Has Changed the Culture of Science’ (the Good and the Bad and the Unknown) expresses the issues I mention above and more.  I recommend reading the article.

    At the same time, we are experiencing an incredible (to me) and hopefully authentic focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity triggered by the events that led to the Black Lives Matter protests and the realization that people of color are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.  I am encouraged to read the important issue of unconscious bias was discussed in David Brooks, NYTimes Opinion Piece, January 1, 2021.  Although he was mainly referring to racial bias his comments are relevant to the gender bias, we have recognized and studied for at least twenty plus years.

    Of course, I must add – 100 years after women gained the right to vote—we have elected a woman Vice President; and importantly, the news media continue to point out that Kamala Harris’s election is historic.

    Bottom line:  I am cautiously optimistic that the new emphasis on diversity and equity across many fields, e.g., music, entertainment, science, etc., is authentic.  I hope this snapshot (1978-1988) of AWIS-CAC illustrates that organizations such as AWIS have laid the groundwork and continue to develop the tools to be proactive in addressing both the positive and negative issues that will be the outcome of these challenging times. 

  • February 2021 SOTM: Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

    Laura Ellman

    by J. K. Wenderott

    When asked about her career path, Laura Ellman, current Illinois State Senator representing District 21, expressed she has been “driven by curiosity.” These are words Ellman has taken to heart as she has followed her interests though an education in math and statistics to jobs at manufacturing and engineering companies to working as an assessor at Argonne National Laboratory to politics. Her advice: “If you’re curious, do it.”

    Ellman attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, for her bachelor’s degree where she majored in Math. She then completed her master’s degree in Applied Statistics at the University of Iowa, carpooling there daily with two other women: one working toward her master’s in Library Science and another getting her PhD in Classics. Research assistantships led her to a career in manufacturing and engineering where she worked at several companies including Alcoa, Molex, and Phonak on a variety of end products from Post-it notes and connectors to hearing aids and circuit boards. In her varied positions, she used data to prioritize and understand problems. Along the way, she became familiar with the engineering design process and using and experimenting on different types of materials.

    These experiences are only pieces of the rich tapestry that is Ellman’s journey. There are mentions of side jobs; she taught math at a culinary and hospitality institute in Chicago and repaired clarinets. What to many are transitory thoughts, Ellman turns into realities. Her description of her foray into politics is as fantastic as it is simple. Every now and then, she mentioned, the thought “I should run for office” would come by. She did not have prior experience in politics, but she was aware of the data and the potential. In 2016, after sifting through data from past elections in her district, Ellman seized on the opportunity to run for the Illinois State Senate. She was sworn in early 2019. Her new position offered much to learn and to appreciate. “Things were moving. It was exhilarating – not only the speed at which things were happening, but the speed at which things were coming at me.” Her vast experiences have benefited her in a role that involves such an array of people and topics. “To meet people that are so passionate about their particular topic is a blessing – to be exposed to it and learn from them is a joy.”

    Her experiences in industry and exposure to different technologies have informed her work at the Statehouse. “Having an appreciation for innovation and investment in innovation and new technologies – I think it can lend itself to better policy.” Ellman sees her policy work pushing to meet three major challenges: creating equity, building a strong and thriving middle class, and promoting our future. “If we don’t engage and build and educate every brain that’s out there, then we are doing ourselves and our children a disservice.” Related specifically to equity in STEM, Ellman said it is important to “to remove barriers to learning and advancing STEM for everybody, particularly marginalized and underrepresented populations.” Though 2020 brought with it many challenges, Ellman is focused to “become the best Senator I can be.”

    The message Ellman has for those interested in politics? “I recommend running for office.” She also noted great need for those with STEM backgrounds to consider running. “Having more scientists and STEM people in politics would be great.” For those with STEM backgrounds considering a political future, 3.14 Action Fund provides training and resources.

    Ellman grew up near Chicago and currently lives in the western suburbs. Her term in the Illinois State Senate runs through 2023. In Ellman’s free time (at least prior to the pandemic), she enjoys playing basketball, a hobby she has had for over 25 years. Learn more about Ellman’s work in the Illinois General Assembly here.

  • Farewell 2020 Message from Outgoing AWIS Chicago President Mary Khetani

  • December 2020 SOTM: Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski, PhD

    Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski

    By Shreya Chandrasekar, 2nd year PhD student at the Loyola University Chicago

    Throughout this pandemic, I have cycled through feeling like the world couldn’t be a larger, more isolated place and feeling like we are so inextricably connected despite our physical distances. On this specific day when I talked with Dr. Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski, a Loyola University Chicago alum who is now a Vice President in the Global Strategic Networks team at Elsevier, the world did indeed feel small and connected. In addition to her numerous professional accomplishments which have been featured previously by AWIS on several occasions (2004 Spring, 2011 Fall, and 2017 Summer), her charming demeanor left me truly inspired to not only succeed as a PhD student but also pioneer new paths for myself and others while doing so. While I could fill pages with the honors Dr. Falk-Krzesinski has received along her distinguished career path, this feature will showcase her roots in advocacy and the subsequent opportunities she helped to create for herself and for those that would come after her.

    Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was an advocate for her colleagues right from the early days of her career. As a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago, just as I currently find myself, she was an active member of the Graduate Student Council at the Health Sciences Campus, advocating for good health insurance benefits for graduate and medical students. Her experiences outside of lab, as part of the Graduate Student Council, not only enabled her to drive change but also helped her develop the skills necessary for working with different members of the university and navigating bureaucracy. While Dr. Falk-Krzesinski discovered her passion for biology back in high school, it was through positions and opportunities like these with the Graduate Student Council that she was able to foray into and lay the foundation for her current role in research development and intelligence at Elsevier.

    On a more personal level, one of my biggest takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was her ability to create opportunities where they did not previously exist. In doing so, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski opened doors for herself and, perhaps more importantly, created a legacy for generations of women scientists to follow. For example, very early on, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski knew that she wanted to teach, but opportunities to teach as a graduate student were limited at her institution. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski did not let that deter her. She reached out to the head of her department and requested that she be put in contact with professors at the undergraduate campus who were looking for teaching assistants. By seeking out this opportunity, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was able to get firsthand experience with teaching, relieving some of the pressure of “knowing without trying” and taking control of her future career path. This trailblazing spirit has echoed throughout her career journey.

    Beyond teaching experience, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also constantly sought out opportunities for professional development and training to add new skills to her arsenal that further enabled her to map out her career from Loyola University forward. Most recently, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski earned an Executive Scholar Certificate in General Management from the prestigious Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also believes that in order to have a diverse and fulfilling career trajectory, one must endeavor to engage deeply with one’s colleagues, a perspective that has fueled her research and activities in team science. In doing so, you become more than just your job profile to your colleagues and vice versa. In addition, while women are all too often faced with the responsibilities of child and elder care and the burden of battling implicit and explicit biases at the workplace, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski acknowledges that these challenges have been easier to overcome with the tremendous support of her family and empathetic colleagues.

    Dr. Falk-Krzesinski’s most recent endeavor in support of women in STEMM fields is the recent research report, The Researcher Journey Through a Gender Lens, which examines critical issues and performance in research through a gender lens using quantitative and qualitative research methods covering 16 regions and 26 subject areas. The report aims to elucidate the role gender plays within the research enterprise in terms of both diversity and inclusion, offering powerful data-driven insights for research institutions to inform evidence-based policies and interventions, and inspire further research studies. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also continues to be deeply involved with the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP), an organization that she co-founded over a decade ago to help advance interdisciplinary research and capacity-building initiatives and establish a network of collaborative professionals in research development.

    Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was awarded the initial AWIS Chicago Distinguished Service Award in 2007 in recognition of service for the advancement of women in science in the Chicago area and beyond and served as the AWIS Magazine Editor-in-Chief from 2013 – 2016.

  • AWIS-Chicago is thrilled to announce the 2020 Innovator & Motivator Awardees!

    On November 18th, 2020 AWIS Chicago celebrated the winners of our 2020 Innovator & Motivator Awards!

    • Innovator Award (Early Career): Dr. Amanda Schalk, for her entrepreneurial trajectory that has resulted in groundbreaking work on an efficacious and safer humanized and deimmunized asparaginase that could expand treatment options in acute myeloid leukemia and certain tumors including pancreatic, ovarian, and liver cancer and glioblastoma
    • Innovator Award (Mid-Senior Career): Dr. Sossina Haile, for developing and advancing our fundamental understanding of technologically relevant materials for use in energy device research, which has carved out a new space in materials science and engineering
    • Motivator Award (Early Career): Dr. Bala Chaudhary, for demonstrating significant service, support, and mentorship of women to work towards racial equity in STEMM disciplines

    We were joined by Dr. Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Vice President, Research Intelligence at Elsevier and co-author of Elsevier’s Gender report 2020: The Researcher Journey Through a Gender Lens. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski led a discussion of the report’s findings.

  • September 2020 SOTM

    Special Roundtable Feature

    Compiled by Jill Wenderott

    In light of recent events pushing the nation to take a closer look at racism embedded in our institutions, organizations, and lives, we at AWIS Chicago were interested in doing something a little different this month for our SotM feature. AWIS Chicago reiterates the statement released by AWIS National: “As we confront repeated acts of racial violence throughout our nation, AWIS doesn’t see our work as separate from this struggle. We acknowledge and stand against systemic racism, and we encourage those who share our commitment to join us in working against it.” Read more from the statement here. We also encourage you to check out the next issue of AWIS magazine, which includes an article discussing building an anti-racist research lab co-authored by our AWIS Chicago President, Mary Khetani.

    Instead of our typical SotM feature of a local scientist in the Chicagoland area, we have decided to create a roundtable feature, asking our recent SotM features to respond to the following question. We have collected their responses and commend them for their work as catalysts for lasting change.

    What opportunities do you see in your work and/or life to actively combat racism?

    “There is the opportunity in working situations to not assume someone will act one way because of their race, or to give work to someone because of their race. Do not assume even positive racial stereotypes. Just because someone is a certain color does not mean they are good at math, will be outspoken when it is needed, will negotiate better, will solve your computer problem, or will stay quiet with sensitive information. Companies need to do what they can from the applicant process on to ensure there is limited racial or gender bias. Why not use initials instead of names when collecting resumes or doing screening phone calls and videos? Make sure your recruiters don’t all look the same and switch up which type of roles they recruit for on a frequent basis. Implement more cross-functional or team-building assignments to break-apart cliques that may form due to racial similarities. Have a mentorship program in place for hourly employees.”

    Jennifer Bogs
    Environmental Manager, Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling
    SotM feature, May 2020 

                “My work as an educator in a community college setting not only provides ammunition in combatting racism but an opportunity to defeat it. As a woman of color in science, my access to a very diverse student body provides me hands-on experience that makes me understand myself, my own personal biases, and develop empathy. Equipped with knowledge and empathy, I combat racism by mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. I create opportunities and safe space for students to learn and talk about racism and take small steps to possibly defeat it. At Wright College, I reactivated and advised Wright College Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; I co-founded the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers; and currently, I am building the Wright College Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. These organizations are learning to work collaboratively to assist each other to become leaders who understand each other. The topic of racism is also incorporated in my Engineering Success Seminar class, training the next generation of engineers and scientists inclusivity, social justice, and responsibility.”

    Doris Espiritu
    Executive Director of Engineering Program and Professor of Chemistry, Wilbur Wright College
    SotM feature, May 2019

    “Amongst various efforts to combat racism, we are revising criteria for graduate school application reviews to make sure it promotes diversity amongst successful candidates. As former chair of our graduate program, we steadily increased representation and successful progress to degree amongst minority students, but we can always do better. I am also actively trying to promote recruitment of faculty from diverse backgrounds since from my perspective, this is one area where there is significant weakness in academic centers which may take time to resolve as successful trainees work their way through the pipeline but also clearly could benefit from added pressure in this area. This is something that I have worked on over several years both locally and at a national level. Finally, we are planning to add new components to training of faculty and trainees that enhances awareness of racism (subtle or otherwise) and identifies ways to prevent and/or address it.”

    Kay Macleod
    Associate Professor, Ben May Dept. for Cancer Research, University of Chicago
    SotM feature, November 2018

    “One of the first steps we can take to actively combat racism is to speak up when we see racist behaviors around us. I promise myself not to stay quiet when I see or hear racism directed towards me or against a colleague, family member, friend or stranger. Asking open ended questions such as ‘Why do you say that?’ can help identify behaviors that might be subconscious (or intentional in many instances!) and set limits regarding what a person can say or do around me. I cannot control another person entirely, but I can channel their behavior or attitude when around me. Big changes happen in small steps.

    It is extremely important for our University, department, program, or lab to actively support BIPOC students, faculty, and staff. One of the small steps I have done over the years is to open up my laboratory to support students from minority communities and ensuring that they have empowering and enriching experiences in research. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment, and value inclusion opening up paths for BIPOC students to succeed in academia.”

    Sangeetha Madhavan
    Associate Professor, Dept. of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago
    SotM feature, December 2019

                “Firstly, I know I don’t have all the answers, being afraid to say anything because it might be the “wrong” thing perpetuates silence and the problem. I think one part of combating racism is acknowledging its presence in forms both open and subtle around us, and not turning a blind eye to it because it’s an uncomfortable topic for those who benefit from their privilege. Let’s all confront our own implicit biases to see how we may even unknowingly be a part of the problem. How about we also listen – really listen – to the concerns and perspectives of those discriminated against? In the field of medicine for example, representation in clinical trials is still an ongoing issue, but one which the NIH has taken a strong stance to address so that new medicines can be tested on and safe for more than just the majority race and gender. I’m also a believer in mentoring and spent time working with middle school-aged boys and girls from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds in one of the Boys and Girls Clubs through Northwestern’s Science Club program. It was humbling and eye-opening and I was grateful to have the opportunity to instill confidence in these kids’ abilities and potential not only in STEM fields but in life. Let’s believe in each other. Let’s talk about the injustices that are occurring so they don’t get normalized and fade into the background with the injustices continuing. I think it’s a time for us to reach out, connect, listen, and keep our minds open to creating equality for all people and part of that is keeping the conversation going.”

    Amanda M. Schalk
    Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Enzyme by Design Inc.
    SotM feature, July 2020

  • July 2020 SOTM: Dr. Amanda M. Schalk

    Amanda M. Schalk

    By: Cindy Chiu

    “You have to be open to trying new things you never thought you could do…just give it a whirl.”

    If you’ve never thought your passion for science could develop into a zeal for handling business account reconciliations, procuring inventory, and chatting up potential investors, you’re not alone. Meet Dr. Amanda Schalk, a biochemist by training who distinctly remembers years ago perusing an advertisement for an academic program in entrepreneurship, and thinking to herself, “No, I don’t even know what that is. I’ll pass.” Today, through an ongoing process of recognizing and drawing from her own unique set of experiences and skills, Dr. Schalk is relishing her work as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Enzyme by Design, a Chicago startup that develops safer therapeutics for hard to treat cancers.

    Dr. Schalk got her start in STEM with a B.S. in Professional Biochemistry from Eastern Michigan University, and from there, she continued her studies to earn an M.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the International Max Planck Research School/University of Göttingen in Germany. With a terminal degree, Schalk found herself at a transition point and facing existential questions about her work: “I have this degree. Now what are the options of what I can do with this? Where can this lead me?”

    Such reflections drove Dr. Schalk’s decision in 2011 to join a translational research lab working on developing cancer drugs at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). As a postdoc in the lab, she thrived. She identified an L-asparaginase enzyme from guinea pigs with putative tumor cell killing properties and published several papers related to this work. She particularly enjoyed working with her teammates, whom she characterized as inspiring, friendly, and caring people: “The science is amazing but having a really good team to work with is, in my opinion, equally as important for success and really enjoying what you’re doing.”

    In 2016, the lab lost one of its key funding sources, part of the often unstable nature of science, precipitating another career transition for Schalk. She joined HappiLabs.org, a company in Chicago offering virtual lab management services. There, she helped biotech companies across the country with procurement, vendor interactions, inventory management, and bookkeeping, as well as writing operating protocols. At the time, she questioned, “who knows what I am going to do with this…but the fact is I have bills to pay and need a job.” 

    Though away from the lab bench, she was still meeting with her UIC colleagues about continuing to develop a cancer drug from the mammalian asparaginase that she had discovered and leveraging their protein engineering expertise to design potential therapeutics for better patient outcomes. They disclosed their idea to UIC, hoping that big pharma would take the reins from there, but it wasn’t so simple. She recalled, “Truthfully, we were naive academics and were told pretty bluntly: That’s not how it works. If you ever want to get this to patients, you’re going to have to start your own company and de-risk it.”

    In 2017, with the encouragement of the UIC Tech Transfer Office and a mentoring program through MATTER, Schalk co-founded Enzyme by Design. As it turns out, getting “booted out of the lab,” as she puts it, created a pivotal opportunity for Schalk when she returned in 2018 to the UIC research group, splitting her time there and working for the company. Among her co-founders, Schalk was the one with key experience in accounting, procurement, and operations. The company now has almost $1M in non-dilutive NIH funding as they set their sights on developing their products to get to and through Phase I and possibly Phase II clinical trials. When asked about the most gratifying aspects of her work, Schalk readily points to the many hats she wears as Chief Operating Officer. “There are always new challenges, and actually many things that might be considered mundane in running a startup – I actually really enjoy doing them because I know they keep the lights on and things moving. The science is the spotlight,” she emphasized, “but we need to stay open to get it there.”

    Dr. Schalk credits Prof. Arnon Lavie, her postdoctoral research advisor and Enzyme by Design co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, with invaluable holistic mentorship. “It’s the reason I’ve stuck with him for 10 years. He’s supportive of me developing as a scientist and developing in a more whole way in all areas of my life. He emphasizes that we should feel free to really think about the future and develop ourselves in a way that’s going to serve us.” For example, with Prof. Lavie’s support, Schalk is currently taking a year-long course in social-emotional intelligence, to better understand and develop her unique talents.

    As a woman in science, Schalk points to impostor syndrome manifested as self-doubt as a challenging factor. How does she try to overcome it herself? “It’s a process to trust myself more, value my gifts, and learn to be okay with making mistakes because that’s part of learning. Personal growth work, taking care of my mental health, taking care of myself…Having a more connected and balanced life and doing things that nourish me as a person is going to make me a better scientist and businesswoman, because it’s going to make me more direct, efficient, focused, and purposeful.” As for unemployment advice, especially in these challenging times of COVID-19, she said she could offer experienced advice against tying one’s self-worth to employment: “Having a setback or being unemployed absolutely does not mean you’re a failure even if it feels that way in the moment…really you’re just in between adventures. Who you are, including your experiences and perspective, make you valuable even if you haven’t realized it yet. Be kind to yourself; be open to a new adventure because you never know where it might lead and what you might learn. Reach out to your support network; be your own biggest fan; believe in yourself (even if you don’t want to)!” Though Schalk acknowledges that she currently spends a lot of time on work, she finds enjoyment taking in the arts, such as the Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance, which she says, “makes my brain relax and light up in a completely different and beautiful way.”

    Her adventure with Enzyme by Design is still unfolding, but Dr. Schalk is already looking ahead toward her next adventure: “Universities are developing amazing technology. More of it needs to go out into the world, and I realize just how few people there are to really herald that transition… so I’m like, okay, I might have found my niche; this is exciting.”

  • AWIS Chicago launched the Summer 2020 AWIS-Chicago Mentoring Circles program!

    The program was launched on July 9th 2020 with kick-off event featuring AWIS National Chief Development Officer Heather Pownall.

  • Summer 2020 Mentoring Circles Program

    We are excited to announce the launch of the Summer 2020 AWIS-Chicago Mentoring Circles program! Join us on Thursday, July 9th, 2020 from 6:30-8:00 pm CT to kick-off the program with AWIS National Chief Development Officer Heather Pownall.

    During this kick-off event we will share the overall vision for the mentoring program, review mentoring guidelines and topics, and mentors and mentees from each circle will have the opportunity to break-out for introductions and to establish the goals for each circle.

    Mentors for the 2020 Summer Mentoring Program include:

    • Laura Passe, MS, Product Manager, Process Improvement Leader, Chemist
    • Susan Ross, PhD, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UIC College of Medicine
    • Marion Thurnauer, PhD, Emeritus Senior Scientist, Argonne

    We are looking forward to meeting with each of you and sharing a community of learning and growth together!Questions? Email AWIS-Chicago President Mary Khetani at mkhetani@uic.edu

  • June 2020 SOTM: Monica Vajani

    Monica Vajani

    By Shreya Chandrasekar

    Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview Monica Vajani, a seasoned healthcare professional who currently works with CVS Health. Vajani spent her childhood on the East Coast, attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate, and ultimately put down roots in the Midwest when she started her career in the medical device industry. Multiple factors prompted her decision to pursue a career in healthcare, including a strong interest in science and math, a desire to help vulnerable populations, and the fact that many members of her extended family were healthcare professionals.  

    During her time at Washington University, Vajani started to get a better understanding of her specific interests within biomedical engineering. While combining medical sciences and engineering was relatively new at the time, it seemed like the perfect blend of Vajani’s skills and interests. At an informational session by St. Jude Medical, a company that manufactures pacemakers, defibrillators, and a myriad of other heart-related medical devices, Vajani learned about their college hire program. Subsequently, she took all the required classes and underwent a rigorous interview process to land a coveted job with this company. The job offered her the perfect opportunity to combine her interpersonal skills and scientific knowledge gleaned from working with clinicians to implant these devices. It started Vajani on her career path for the next decade where she served as a vital link between patients, clinicians, and manufacturers. This pivotal role helped her develop key skills that would enable her to later play larger roles in marketing and product development.

    After working in sales and marketing at St. Jude Medical for over 7 years, Vajani attended the prestigious Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago in order develop a deeper understanding of the business world. As a part time student, she was able to apply key classroom learnings to her role as a clinical specialist at Medtronic. Upon graduating, she spent the next leg of her career working at MATTER, helping start-ups and corporate healthcare organizations develop commercialization and innovation strategies, respectively. Her experience at MATTER prepared her well for her current role with CVS Health, where she is part of a transformation team that is tasked with building new products and services that will drive better patient experiences and outcomes. Especially in the context of the current pandemic, she has sought to turn a generally slow-responding corporate environment into one that reacts faster and more effectively. Vajani believes that the current uncertainty and malleability surrounding the healthcare environment has pushed her to take the reins and continue driving change. While speaking with her, it was obvious that she has been able to make her impact by staying abreast of the most recent advancements and emergent trends across the healthcare ecosystem – including new healthcare technology start-ups as well as mergers and acquisitions between dominant players in health insurance, pharma, and medtech.

    While Vajani’s career has been diverse, the continuous drive to help people has been critical to her success. This was a value that her mother instilled in her early in her childhood. Vajani says that her mother was very supportive of her dreams and encouraged her to challenge herself across all aspects of life. In addition to her mother, Vajani’s mentors throughout her career inspired confidence in her that pushed her to reach her professional ambitions. In just over a decade, Vajani has achieved many career goals, and she is just getting warmed up. In the future, Vajani hopes to start her own business and create a formal system that allows her to mentor and invest in small businesses.

    Navigating her career in science as a woman hasn’t always been easy, but the difficult experiences have helped Vajani develop skills to overcome challenges and fostered in her a greater appreciation for people who nurture a welcoming and productive working environment. In her free time, Vajani spends time pursuing passions, such as wheelthrown pottery. When asked what advice she would give to a woman early in her career, Vajani emphasized the importance of goal setting early on both personally and professionally, while remaining open to new, seemingly uncomfortable experiences, as these are opportunities for growth.