Interview: Lynnette Madsen
2014 AVS Recognition for Excellence in Leadership Recipient
The AVS Membership Committee is recognizing Lynnette Madsen, National Science Foundation, for Excellence in Leadership. The AVS seeks to recognize individuals who not only excel in science and/or engineering, but who also, through mentoring, have enhanced the careers of future generations who might not otherwise have considered or had access to opportunities in science, engineering, and technology. Their leadership in the effort to develop fully the world's human resources is critical to the best scientific and engineering progress.
Q: Describe a typical day in your life.
A: A typical work weekday is as follows -wake (sort-of - usually I am not a morning person); Cycle to work (and finish the waking process); work (e-mails, phone calls, informal and formal meetings, and attend to proposals and other tasks); cycle home (think about work and then plan dinner/evening); make dinner and then relax! Finally, I get 8 hours of sleep.
Q: What are your leisurely interests and activities?
A: This year much of my spare time has been consumed by working on two books. I am writing a book called "Inspirational Profiles of Successful Women: Ceramic and Glass Scientists and Engineers" under a contract with Wiley--it will feature profiles of 100 esteemed women. As well, I am editing a book with Erik B. Svedberg called "Materials Research for Manufacturing: An Industrial Perspective of Turning Materials into New Products Science" under a contract with Springer for inclusion in the Springer Series in Materials. The chapters in this book offer research and manufacturing perspectives from different companies. Both books will be finished in 2014 and in print by 2015.
Q: Choose one word you feel explains you best.
A: Busy
Q: What do you feel you are best known for?
A: Directing the Ceramics Program at the National Science Foundation.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: Naturally, telling people that they will be recommended for a grant is a positive--everyone is happy to hear that their research will be funded. Collectively these grants set the direction in the field--so selecting the proposals is a very fulfilling part of the job. A favorite part is improving the working climate for faculty and their research--there are many facets to this aspect and all are enjoyable. The best thing that happens, almost on a daily basis, is receiving reviews of proposals--without them, I cannot do my job.
Q: How did you become affiliated with AVS?
A: In 1986, I took my first AVS short course on Vacuum Technology which impressed me very much and was helpful in my job. However, it was my first national meeting in 1989 that truly captured my interest in AVS. The quality of the talks, the exciting Q&A that followed most presentations, as well as the friendliness and collegiality of the members (that was very evident both at the very early morning AVS 5k run and during the long evening of dancing to a live band).
Q: Have you always wanted to be a member? What motivated you to join?
A: Over the years, it has felt more and more that attending the annual meeting is a reunion with colleagues and friends. A turning point in my involvement in AVS was being asked to take on a responsibility and as well to join a committee. My thanks go to Professor Bridget Rogers for reaching out and talking to me about the Society.
Q: Do you belong to any other organizations?
A: Yes, I serve on the advisory board for the Rosalind Franklin Society. I have been a member of ACerS for many years and more recently I joined both AAAS and MRS. Many societies are important to me: e.g., SHPE, SACNAS, SWE, WEPAN, and AWIS.
Q: What has been your paramount experience with AVS?
A: I am thrilled to be elected to the position of Trustee--thank you for your trust. I will do my best to meet the expectations of this position.
Q: If you could leave one piece of advice for our future generations, whether it is science related or not, what would it be?
A: My career advice is to seek out advice/mentors, take risks, publish in quality journals, and become engaged with a professional society.