Awards are presented annually to two women who have combined scientific achievement and support of other women in science. Criteria for scientific achievement include accomplishments made in the laboratory, but not limited to academic or discovery research. Service could have been to the scientific community through professional societies or schools, or to women directly, such as mentoring and career development. The Judith Pool Award is for a senior scientist (10+ years past training) and the Ellen Weaver Award for a woman early in her career (5-10 years past training).

A third award is presented to a woman who continues to promote career development for women scientists, while her professional role has moved her to administrative or other spheres of influence (Distinguished Professional Award).

These awards are established to recognize that assisting others in career development is an important aspect of our professional life. When evaluating nominees for the awards, it is excellence in this area that is being particularly sought.

Nominees need not be AWIS members.

Judith Pool Award: in honor of Judith Poole, Ph.D., 1919-1975

Each year, the Northern California Chapters present an award in honor of Judith Pool. Judith Pool, Ph.D. was very active in promoting opportunities for women in the field of medicine and science. She was the first co-President of AWIS, formed in 1971, and the founder and first chairwoman of the Professional Women of Stanford Medical School.. Dr. Pool was an exceptional scientist, making major contributions in two areas. In the field of physiology, she was the first to measure the membrane potential of single cells. Dr. Pool was highly regarded in hematological circles, both nationally and internationally, for her work on blood coagulation. She published extensively in the field and contributions included assays of coagulation factors, in vitro synthesis of coagulation factors, studies of the anti coagulant coumadin and antibody inhibitors of factor VIII. Dr. Pool also developed a method to purify factor VIII cheaply and easily from plasma, greatly improving the lives of hemophiliacs. In 1972, Dr. Pool was promoted to Professor, making her one of the first two women to attain this position at Stanford Medical School. It was in part her struggle for recognition at Stanford that led her to co-found AWIS. In addition to her significant contributions to science and to women, she also raised three children. Judith Pool died of cancer in 1975, at the age of 56.

Ellen Weaver Award: in honor of Ellen Weaver

Each year, the Northern California Chapters of AWIS present an award in honor of Ellen Weaver. Ellen Weaver is Past-President of National AWIS. After receiving her B.A. in chemistry from Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University, she worked as an analytical chemist for the Manhattan Project and Standard Oil of Ohio and Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, CA. She returned to school, earning her M.A. in biological sciences from Stanford and her Ph.D. in genetics from UC Berkeley. Dr. Weaver worked for several years on the genetics and mechanism of photosynthesis before joining the faculty of San Jose State University. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Weaver has served San Jose State as Director of the SJSU Foundation and as Interim Executive Vice President. Retiring from teaching in 1991, she served two additional years as Associate Dean forDevelopment in the College of Science. Dr. Weaver has been an officer and director of many professional societies and organizations including Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Mills College Science Advisory Board, Associated Western Universities, Institute of Marine Resources, the Sea Grant Committee and the American Society of Plant Physiologists. Dr. Weaver is a board member of the Semper-Virens Fund, a conservation organization dedicated to acquiring and preserving natural land and scenic vistas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and thereby extending Big Basin and Castle Rock State Parks. She previously served as its President. Dr. Weaver is also on the board of The Textbook League which works towards the improvement of secondary texts in science, history, social sciences, geography and health. Dr. Weaver was an early member of AWIS, serving as membership chair from 1971-75. She was national AWIS president from 1992-1993.

Nomination Procedure:

Nominations are solicited primarily from corporate sponsors and chapter members, but other worthy nominations are welcomed. Nominations should include a brief (1-2 page) resume or CV and a letter of nomination, explaining the nominee's assistance to women in science.

To submit a nomination please contact the Nominations Committee.