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April 2006

Minutes of the Wednesday, April 19, 2006 Meeting of the School of Medicine Committee on the Status of Women and Minorities.

Attending: Dr. Margaret Biber, Dr. Cathy Cooper, Karen Cropsey, Dr. Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, Dr. Shoba Ghosh, Ms. Carol Hampton, Dr. Saba Masho, Dr. Janet Niemier, Dr. Rita Shiang, Ms. Mireille Truong

Dr. Rita Shiang called the meeting to order at 4:15pm.

1. Introductions

2. Research Infrastructure Discussion with Guests, Ann Nichols-Casebolt, PhD, Associate VP for Research Development, VCU Office of the Vice President for Research, and Gordon Archer, MD, Associate Dean for Research VCU School of Medicine.
   1. Dr. Ann Nichols-Casebolt handed out several materials: an organization structure chart of the Office of the Vice President for Research, information on “Technology Transfer Basics” and information on the “GENIUS” database. The “GENIUS” database was presented to the administrative faculty at a recent meeting. The database is a helpful tool to look for researchers and experts in any research area of interest at VCU.
      
      Dr. Ann Nichols-Casebolt described several new positions created in order to fill in unmet needs such as support for navigation of the research submission process (including paperwork management).  The Office of the VP for Research is currently planning annual research workshop series and is creating a “help desk” model to mediate the electronic transition of research submissions. This will entail setting up workstations during the transition time in the Dean's office area and at the VCU biotech center. There will also be training sessions available for June submissions.  Another initiative mentioned was the development of post-doctorate services as well as an advisory committee to evaluate post-doc needs.
   2. Dr. Gordon Archer spoke about the current recruiting efforts. The Dean’s office is conducting a broad discipline search for mid level investigators in neurosciences and immunology. The searches are being done by theme rather than departments. There is also a search for a biostatistics chair. COSOWAM has volunteered to send a list of members of the committee in order to facilitate the recruitment of women for the current and future open positions.
      

      Dr. Gordon Archer encouraged COSOWAM members to promote the “GENIUS” database. It was mentioned that the MSBII building replacing the current Nursing school building will provide open labs, a large number of benches as well as an arcade for poster sessions. Different departments will be sharing the same physical space (i.e. floor) in order to encourage the interdisciplinary research model. Promote GENIUS. Needs to come from the Dean’s office.

1. The possibility of mock grant study sections was also discussed.
2. COSOWAM offered its support in providing representation on any committees under the SOM department of research and the Office of the VP for Research.
3. Both Dr. Ann Nichols-Casebolt and Dr. Gordon Archer were very receptive. COSOWAM was grateful for their presence at the meeting and for their willingness to help and provide support.
3. Followup: Benchmarking: Representation of Women and Minority Faculty (Presentation to Dean and Chairs 4/12/06)- Dr. Saba Masho, Diane Bishop, Carol Hampton
   1. A copy of the presentation given to the Dean and Chairs was handed out (green handout)
   2. Dr. Saba Masho’s report is also posted on the website.

 Meeting adjourned at 5:40pm.

Next COSOWAM meeting: May 17, 2006.

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