Author Archives: Mary Williams

Inclusive people management skills for research mentors

I recently attended a fantastic webinar, organized by RISE-UPP (Re-Imagining STEM Equity Utilizing Postdoctoral Pathways) and featuring Naledi Saul, Director of the UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development. I highly recommend watching this webinar, it is one of the … Continue reading

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Creating culture of support in plant sciences

Effective interpersonal interactions are crucial to all scientific enterprises. Yet most scientists, especially those in academia, have had little training in how to manage the nuanced and complex human dynamics that they must face in their professional lives. Recognizing and … Continue reading

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Listening session to discuss and envision a plant science culture that embraces collaboration and personal accountability in addressing harm

Have you ever wondered if there is a more productive way to handle harm and conflict in a work environment or professional setting? Have you heard of transformative justice but not known how to apply it? Would you like to … Continue reading

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Mentoring Working Group Update

Background Good mentoring is one of the key determinants of persistence in science. Mentoring that is culturally responsive fosters inclusivity, respect, and understanding in the mentor-mentee relationship. By acknowledging and appreciating the cultural backgrounds and experiences of their mentees, mentors … Continue reading

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Announcing the 2024 MANRRS/SACNAS Travel Award Recipients

The overarching goal of the NSF RCN project is to change the culture of plant sciences so that barriers that preclude inclusion and a sense of belonging are identified and eliminated. One of our strategies is to build alliances with … Continue reading

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2024 Bystander Intervention Workshops

One of the goals of the NSF-funded ROOT & SHOOT RCN (research coordination network) project is to work towards a culture where all are included, welcomed, and safe in our professional spaces, including conferences. Over the past two years, through … Continue reading

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Seeking volunteers to staff the ROOT & SHOOT booth at MANRRS38

The ROOT & SHOOT RCN has funds to support two student/early career scientists to attend MANRRS’ 38th Annual Conference and Career Expo March 20-24, 2024 in Chicago, IL. We ask that these volunteers spend time staffing the ROOT & SHOOT … Continue reading

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Summer 2024 undergraduate research programs with plants

Hello undergraduate students! Now is the time to investigate and apply for for summer undergraduate research programs. Below are some links to programs that are focused on or include plants science. These are paid opportunities and a fantastic way to … Continue reading

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“Mom.” A parenting epiphany

Sometimes you realize the importance of a moment only in hindsight, but sometimes you’re instantly aware that a moment has changed you forever. My parenting epiphany occurred while playing “Go Fish” with my then three-year old son. Go Fish is a simple card game; the object is … Continue reading

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I don’t know how she does it: Stories of plant scientists with children

Originally published on Plantae.org Sept 2027. A recent blog post, “How does she do it?” featured stories of women in neuroscience who have successful scientific careers and families. This post prompted a few of us who are plant scientists and … Continue reading

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