Hope Concannon was invited to serve as a speaker this past
weekend about her experiences as a high school teacher during a career panel at
the first Southeast Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics held on the
campus of Duke University January 15-17, 2010. The goal of the conference was
“to help undergraduate women continue in physics by providing them with the
opportunity to experience a professional conference, information about graduate
school and professions in physics, and access to other women in physics of all
ages with whom they can share experiences, advice, and ideas.” The program
included research talks by faculty, panel discussions about careers in physics
and graduate school, presentations and discussions about women in physics, and laboratory
tours. The college students were very interested in hearing views about the
similarities and differences of teaching at the high school and college level,
and what factors might go into the choice of teaching in high school versus
college. They were especially curious about Dr. Concannon’s background as she
completed graduate studies in physics before choosing to enter the teaching
profession. Because women in physics are still a small minority, many questions
also focused on panelists' experiences in a male-dominated field and the
“family-friendliness” of different career options. The conference proved a wonderful experience
for everyone involved.
Dr. Hope Concannon
Upper School Physics & Math Teacher
