As someone with an MS, who hopes to still get her doctorate, I find there is either a real or perceived stigma against women with regard to beginning a family. Since a woman has to spend some number of months incapacitated due to the late stages of pregnancy and the early stages of childcare, it seems her only choice is to pursue a doctorate first (and have kids possibly late in life) or to begin a family before beginning a doctorate.
Because my husband is 7 years older than I am, and because I finished my MS when I was 26, I am opting to start a family now, when the risk of Down's syndrome and other age-related complications is reduced. What I would like to ask the group is whether, in your experience, older women (e.g. age 40) are less likely to be accepted into PhD programs than students having just finished their BS or MS? I would dearly like to pursue a PhD (ecology is my passion!!), but I worry that my age at the time will prove a hindrance. Please feel free to email me at my email address (vs. replies to the group); I can compile results for anyone interested. Thank you. Sincerely, Kristina Pendergrass Research Associate, Scott-Ritchey Research Center College of Veterinary Medicine Auburn University, AL 36849 334.844.5574 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "David Inouye" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [email protected] > Subject: Career advice for scientists: the X-gals alliance > Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:36:07 -0500 > > > I'm hoping that women in ecology aren't facing all the > gender-specific barriers mentioned here: > > http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2006/10/2006100201c/careers.html >
