Kathleen Richarson
School of Materials Science and Engineering, COMSET,
Clemson University, USA
OSA member since: 2002
OSA Fellow since: 2010
Professional/Personal Highlights:
Prof. Kathleen Richardson, Clemson University, is currently professor, and past Director of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University. Prior to coming to Clemson, she spent 13 years as professor at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) at UCF. She joined UCF in 1992 following several years at the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics where she conducted research on ion-exchange strengthened laser glass, passive and active liquid crystal-based optics and sol gel-derived materials. All of her academic degrees are from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Dr. Richardson currently runs the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL) within the Center for Optical Materials Science Engineering and Technology (COMSET) where her team carries out synthesis and characterization of novel glass and glass ceramic materials for optical applications.
What is your advice for balancing one’s professional and personal life?
Sometimes the ‘normal’ is a bit out of the ordinary. Especially in a two professional (Professor) house hold when the houses aren’t always the same ones! To keep things sane requires planning and flexibility and of course, good communication. While not always perfect - (how many situations are really?), if one can get the above right, the rewards associated with personal and professional development can fit into a lifestyle that has bright spots on the home front, and at the office. And not to mention, some neat foreign locations for international conferences!
Do you have suggestions for how female scientists support each other’s careers and development?
Women are behind the times in a manner of speaking, as compared to our male counterparts who do a very good job of supporting each other through the ‘old boys’ network. We are doing a better job in recent years, through working groups and networks of academics or professional organizations (as well as our own groups who have a larger than average number of ‘alumni’ or grads that match our own gender.) The best way to get and give support is to get involved in organizations where there are other women leaders. Volunteer and get active. Then help the junior women that come along behind you.
Link for more information:
http://www.clemson.edu/mse/People/bios/Richardson.htm
Contact me:
Dr. Kathleen Richardson
Professor
School of Materials Science and Engineering
Clemson University
271D Sirrine Hall
Box 340971
Clemson, SC 29634-0971
richar3@clemson.edu
864-656-0549
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