A decade ago, there was a dearth of female faculty members in the science departments at most universities around the country, and the University of Rhode Island was no different. But thanks in part to a grant from the National Science Foundation in 2003, URI is celebrating the 10th anniversary of an initiative that has recruited a growing number of women to science faculty positions and established policies and programs that have created a more welcoming and supportive environment for them.The NSF ADVANCE program awarded URI $3.5 million, with a 20 percent match from the University, which was largely used to hire nine female faculty members in the physics, oceanography, engineering, and life science programs.Those hired through the grant include Kathleen Donohue, Katherine Kelley, Rebecca Robinson and Tatiana Rynearson at the Graduate School of Oceanography. Additionally, GSO benefits greatly from Bethany Jenkins in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences; Bethany has a joint appointment with GSO.”The hiring of four young female scientists in 2008 through the NSF Advance Program literally changed the face of the faculty at the Graduate School of Oceanography,” said David Smith, GSO associate dean. “We have seen increases in the number of women graduate students over the years, and it is great to see that now being reflected in the makeup of the faculty. Most importantly, these new faculty members have been contributing greatly to our mission. All four have earned tenure and I expect their research efforts will continue to enhance GSO’s international reputation for years to come.”“The program has a visible legacy, and even though the grant funding is gone, and more needs to be done, we’re still moving in the right direction,” said Barbara Silver, assistant research professor and director of the ADVANCE initiative at URI. “It all started with those first nine faculty hires. They’re all tenured now, they’re all successful, and they’re all still here. What is most affirming is the gratitude they have for the ADVANCE program. That’s a great feather in our cap.”For more information please see the related press release.Pictured (left to right): Professors Kathleen Donohue, Katherine Kelley, Rebecca Robinson, Tatiana Rynearson