After being nominated by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Mathematical Sciences has been chosen as one of four departments across the University to receive one of four inaugural WISE AWARDS FOR FUTURE FACULTY DEVELOPMENT, selected by the Committee for Women In Science and Engineering.

This is largely a testament to all of our women faculty who are being excellent role models for the next generation. I would like to acknowledge in particular the leadership of Dr. Pam Cook in promoting the professional development of women in the faculty of Engineering as well as in the faculty of Arts and Sciences. Everybody in this department who has contributed to an improved working environment may consider themselves as receiving some recognition through this award. I hope that you realize that there is still room for much more improvement.

Following the recommendation of our Graduate Committee, the WISE committee has endorsed a personal one-time stipend supplement to three of our women graduate students who deserve particular encouragement to work towards a faculty career. Congratulations to Ana Vasilic, Paula Vasquez and Ningyi Zhang.

We hope that you and several others of our promising graduate students will become academic leaders in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Philip Broadbridge,
Chair, Department of Mathematical Sciences.