Women in Research

12 A&S Women Faculty Featured for Their Research 

During spring 2020, Texas Tech celebrates women faculty who exemplify excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, teaching and mentoring.

4.9.2020 by Amada Castro-Crist

Texas Tech University has launched a new initiative: the Research Spotlight on Texas Tech Women Faculty. A collaboration between the Office of Research & Innovation, the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DDEI) and the Women's & Gender Studies (WGS) program, the initiative recognizes and celebrates the careers in academia and research of more than 40 women faculty across campus; 12 of them hail from the College of Arts & Sciences.

They are (with links to their stories):

Alessandra Corsi, Department of Physics & Astronomy

Amy Flowerree, Department of Philosophy

Katharine Hayhoe,Department of Political Science

Raegan Higgins, Department of Mathematics & Statistics

Kristin Hutchins, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Min-Joo Kim, Department of English

Jacalyn McComb, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management

Moira Ridley, Department of Geosciences

Emily Skidmore, Department of History

Martha Smithey, Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work

Raychel Vasseur, Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures

Terry von Ende, Department of Economics

"In general, what tends to happen across the nation is that women's accomplishments and contributions often are obscured," said Elizabeth Sharp, director of WGS. "We are trying to highlight women across fields and across campus. We think this is a great way to increase visibility of the research conducted by our women faculty."

"Academia is challenging, even frustrating at times," shared Moira Ridley, a geosciences professor in the College of Arts & Sciences. "Yet I cannot imagine any more satisfying career choice that allows such freedom and self-determination."

"We're very proud to take the opportunity during Women's History Month to highlight the artistic, scholarly and research accomplishments of Texas Tech women faculty," said Vice President of Research and Innovation Joseph A. Heppert. "It's a great opportunity to celebrate the enormous contributions they make to the university community."

The initiative is one of several at the university that supports, encourages and recognizes women Red Raiders as they work, conduct research and study at Texas Tech.

Women faculty writers also can find support through the Women Faculty Writing Program. Created in 2015 with just 17 members in two groups, the program has grown to include almost 100 members in 10 different groups, including those interested in grant writing and women of color groups. The program is the inspiration and model for writing programs at several other institutions across the U.S.

The university also supports two networks for women, the Women Full Professor Network and the Women Staff Network. Both are supported by the President's Gender Equity Council and WSG, and were created to help women connect with and support women in similar roles in an effort to increase equity and inclusion across campus.

"Through our collaborative women faculty spotlight initiative, Texas Tech University demonstrates our commitment to not simply citing our values through our strategic plan, but delivering on our promises," said Carol A. Sumner, chief diversity officer and DDEI vice president.

"Representation and visibility matters," Sumner said. "Congratulations to each and every woman on their recognition. We look forward to more opportunities to do the same."