Penrose’s Connecting students A year of Back Page: 02│ black hole proof 03│ and industry 04│ successful advocacy 08│ Bias in letters of recommendation

January 2021 • Vol. 30, No. 1 aps.org/apsnews

A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS GOVERNANCE APS Sends Letter to Biden Transition Team Outlining New APS CEO: Jonathan Bagger Science Policy Priorities BY JONATHAN BAGGER BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON Editor's note: In December, incoming APS CEO Jonathan Bagger met with PS has sent a letter to APS staff to introduce himself and President-elect Joe Biden’s answer questions. We asked him transition team, requesting A to prepare an edited version of his that he consider policy recom- introductory remarks for the entire mendations across six issue areas membership of APS. while calling for his administra- tion to “set a bold path to return the United States to its position t goes almost without saying of global leadership in science, that I am both excited and technology, and innovation.” I honored to be joining the Authored in December American Physical Society as its next CEO. I look forward to building by then-APS President Phil Jonathan Bagger Bucksbaum, the letter urges Biden matically improve the current state • Stimulus Support for Scientific on the many accomplishments of to consider recommendations in the of America’s scientific enterprise Community: Provide supple- my predecessor, Kate Kirby. But following areas: COVID-19 stimulus and put us on a trajectory to emerge mental funding of at least $26 before I speak about APS, I should back on track. It was a wonderful support; international collabora- from the pandemic prepared to billion, as outlined in the Research tell you a bit about myself. experience. (High school physics tions and research security; visas both compete and cooperate with Investment to Spark the Economy I grew up in New Jersey, the was another matter; the labs with and immigration; domestic work- our global counterparts,” wrote (RISE) Act, for the federal science oldest of four children, and the water and ripple tanks were mem- force; nuclear threat reduction; Bucksbaum. agencies in any future COVID relief only one who went into science. My orable for all the wrong reasons.) and climate change. Current APS President Jim Gates legislation. journey started in middle school I went to Dartmouth College in “Many of our recommendations added, “These priorities will not • International Collaborations & with a terrific physical science New Hampshire, where I had an align with plans you offered during only benefit the physics commu- Research Security: To help achieve course. We had great fun doing amazing freshman year course the campaign and can be executed nity, but they will, if implemented, an appropriate balance between experiments almost every day, dis- taught by Bruce Pipes. Oh, did immediately, within your first 100 lead to outcomes that could improve national security and the research covering our own laws of physics, we struggle, but my friends from days in office, or as part of your the lives of many Americans.” requirements of open science, with greater or lesser success. that experience remain friends initial budget request to Congress. The recommendations, as stated Every so often, the teacher, Matt in the letter, are as follows: Their implementation would dra- BIDEN LETTER CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Kashuba, stepped in and nudged us BAGGER CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

CAREERS MEETINGS Careers 2021 Provides Up-to-Date Lessons Learned from a Successful Year Online Content for Job Seekers BY LEAH POFFENBERGER BY LEAH POFFENBERGER arly in 2020, APS made Meetings at APS. “Broadcasting the knowledge of physics through the tough call to cancel a science conference can be a bit APS meetings is a core mission ast year, APS launched Careers its in-person meetings, like TV, and you have to pay for activity and one in which APS and 2020, the first APS Careers E shutting down two of its largest technicians, a production manager its members jointly invest both guide, featuring nearly 80 L conferences. The APS Meetings and airtime…There is a lot of value time and resources." pages of articles, profiles, and other Department has been able to to these meetings, but also a cost— APS has also learned that most content aimed at students, early quickly pivot to organizing con- but we’re trying to make them as participants register just before a career physicists, and other job ferences in the online world and affordable as possible while still virtual event. "Unlike an in-person seekers. While some of the plans lending support to APS member- making them happen.”On top of meeting which has fixed as well to distribute hard copies of the ship units holding their annual that, he adds, there are more than as variable costs that depend on guide at in-person APS meetings meetings in 2020. a million organizations that hold attendance, a virtual meeting is were thwarted by COVID-19, the community in 2021 and to get this In November, three APS Divisions conferences and demand for virtual primarily a fixed cost," explained online edition garnered 85,000 into the hands of as many members held their annual meetings online, meetings has surged owing to the Gould. "Regardless of whether 10 views, supplying valuable career as possible.” testing new virtual meeting plat- COVID-19 pandemic. people or 10,000 people actually advice to APS members. Like its predecessor, Careers forms, and recorded higher than “Companies charge money to participate, APS has to work with The next edition of the guide— 2021 will be available online, and average attendance numbers at run these meetings, and espe- its vendor far in advance to accom- Careers 2021—is ready to launch, a hard copy will be mailed to every each meeting. The Division of cially for large meetings—you modate the estimated maximum with new, up-to-date content for undergraduate member of APS, Nuclear Physics (DNP) attracted can’t have a Zoom session with number of participants to ensure today’s job seekers. Careers 2021 but there are plans in place to get over 1300 attendees, more than 10,000 people so we have to have a high-quality experience." contains new articles on career more copies to attendees of APS their typical attendance of around a company that has a lot of servers In 2020, APS tested a number paths in physics, APS career-re- meetings. 800. The Division of Plasma Physics and bandwidth,” says Michael of virtual platforms and a number lated programs, and an employer “The [National Mentoring (DPP) and the Division of Fluid Brown, DPP Chair Elect and pro- of pricing structures. "The goal of directory of companies currently Community] conference is going Dynamics (DFD) drew 2200 and fessor at Swarthmore College. “One APS meetings, whether in person looking to hire physicists. to do a physical mailing to every 3200 attendees respectively. thing these companies provide is or virtually, continues to be making “We’re really excited to be registered attendee and copies will These highly successful that they record everything, and them financially accessible to phys- putting this guide out again,” says be mailed out after the Conference meetings come at a time of rising the talks are available for a year icists from across the world while Crystal Bailey, Head of Careers costs to hold conferences online, afterwards. Virtually everything maintaining easy access to the Programs at APS. “We’re hoping especially for meetings with thou- that whole week was recorded. If highest quality content, whether to really push this out to the APS GUIDE CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 sands of registrants signing on at you still have your registration, it’s live or asynchronous," said Gould. the same time. DNP, DPP, and DFD like the conference is still going In order to support and broad- were among the first online APS on. That’s a service that isn’t free.” cast the elements of an online meetings to charge a registration According to APS Chief Financial meeting, from live talks to poster fee—about half of the usual cost Officer Jane Hopkins Gould, APS- sessions to virtual exhibit halls, to register for an APS meeting for sponsored meetings are not a profit both DPP and DFD opted to use regular members with a larger maker for the Society. "While Bravura Technologies to host their discount for students. it is our goal to cover all of the meetings. Bravura has partnered “Running these conferences direct costs, most meetings do with APS before on the phone app can cost a lot of money—there’s not produce sufficient revenue for in-person March and April a whole production element to to cover the direct costs plus the meetings. DNP opted to partner putting on a virtual meeting,” internally allocated costs," she says Hunter Clemens, Director of notes. "Advancing and diffusing ONLINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 2 • January 2021

EDUCATION Physics REU Leadership Group Gathers Online for First Virtual Meeting BY LEAH POFFENBERGER January 1965: Roger Penrose’s seminal proof of he National Science included opportunities for REU site black holes Foundation’s Research leaders to get to know one another T Experiences for and their programs, followed by a Undergraduates (REUs) present panel on supporting underrepre- he eminent physicist Roger Penrose won important opportunities for under- sented minorities at REUs. the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics “for the graduate students to gain valuable “A highlight of meeting was T discovery that black hole formation is research skills and complete the panel discussion on support a robust prediction of the general theory of projects that may not be possible and recruitment of minority relativity,” sharing the prize with Reinhard at their home institutions. In order students, featuring three panel- Genzel and Andrea Ghez, “for the discovery of to keep REUs running this past ists: Arlene Modeste Knowles from a supermassive compact object at the center of summer when in-person programs the American Institute of Physics, our galaxy.” But the rough concept of a black were shut down, physics REU site who spoke about the AIP TEAM-Up hole dates back to the 18th century, before Albert leaders banded together to share report, Ramone Lopez (University of Einstein had even formulated his general theory of resources and ideas for successful Texas at Arlington), and Alexander relativity and before Penrose's discovery in 1965. British astronomer John Michell wrote a programs. Rudolph (Cal Poly Pomona, Cal- Roger Penrose The NSF Physics REU Leadership Bridge),” says Brián Clash, Senior foundational paper in November 1783, later Group (NPRLG) is an organization of Coordinator in the APS Programs published in the Royal Society’s journal, that was REU site leaders, funded by NSF and Department. “That session was par- the first to speculate on the existence of black partnering with APS to ensure the ticularly good because the various hole-like objects. His intent was to discover a continued success of physics REUs. panelists provided a lot of sound useful method to determine the mass of a star. Last summer, APS was awarded a advice and research-based guidance He thought he could measure how much the $120,000 grant from NSF to support to attendees. Many attendees had speed of light was reduced by passing light from NPRLG with activities for ongoing questions about the best ways to a star through a prism; it ought to be deflected REUs, as well as to fund an online attract the interest of minority differently because of the reduced energy. He workshop for REU leaders that was students and how to be intentional could conceivably compare the refracted images held November 12–14. about doing so—people were really of different stars to determine the difference in The 2020 Physics REU Workshop engaged in that session.” their surface gravity, and from that, calculate virtually brought together both The last day of the meeting their respective masses. current REU leadership and indi- focused on developing common Michell understood the concept of escape viduals interested in starting REUs assessment tools to benefit indi- velocity and that this critical speed would be at their own institutions for three vidual REU sites and the entire determined by the mass and size of the star. days to discuss how to launch or physics REU community. He pondered what would happen if a star were improve their programs, how to "I like to think of the 50+ Physics so massive, and its gravity so strong, that the assess program impact, and how REU sites across the US as hubs escape velocity was equivalent to the speed of to recruit diverse REU participants. of opportunity for undergrads to light. He concluded: APS was responsible for assisting advance their careers, with the “If the semi-diameter of a sphere of the same density as the Sun in the proportion of with planning and logistics and NPRLG connecting these hubs into Diagram from Penrose's paper in Physical Review five hundred to one, and by supposing light to be running the technical pieces of a network," says Daniel Serrano, Letters showing the progression of matter (bottom) the meeting to ensure a seamless NPRLG Chair. "The site directors' attracted by the same force in proportion to its into a black hole singularity (heavy vertical line). online meeting experience. meetings allow us to shape and [mass] with other bodies, all light emitted from Nearly 40 attendees joined the strengthen those connections by such a body would be made to return towards serving at the front during World War I. While meeting, which is the first NPRLG coming up with common values it, by its own proper gravity.” sheltering from heavy gunfire, Schwarzschild meeting held since 2016. The first and goals, planning collabora- This would render that star invisible to astron- found himself fiddling with different solutions to day of the meeting featured a session tive activities around them, and omers. He thought there could be many such Einstein’s field equations, eventually discovering aimed at potential REU leaders or sharing ideas about how to make objects in the universe, undetectable because a point where those equations “blew up.” This representatives from institutions our programs better." they emitted no light. Michell also speculated work was an early mathematical description interested in partnering with REUs that the motion of binary star systems could help of what we now know as a black hole. (Robert in the future. NSF program officers scientists indirectly detect these “dark stars.” To learn more about NPRLG, visit aps. Some 13 years later, French polymath Pierre Dicke is credited with coining the term in 1960, were on hand to answer questions. org/programs/education/undergrad/ Simon LaPlace independently came to a similar although it was John Wheeler who popularized it.) The second day of the conference physicsreu/nprlg.cfm. conclusion. In his 1796 treatise, Exposition du For several decades afterwards, physicists Systeme du Monde, he specifically considered the largely considered black holes to be purely case for a star four times the density of the Sun theoretical exotic objects, rather than some- and provided an explicit mathematical formula thing that might actually exist in the universe. for Michell’s “dark star” hypothesis. Granted, in the 1930s, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Over 100 years later, Albert Einstein developed Hartland Snyder mathematically demonstrated his general theory of relativity, revolutionizing that a massive star could collapse to form a black our understanding of spacetime and gravity, hole. They concluded in a 1939 paper that the thereby opening up an entirely new realm of the- a black hole would close “itself off from any oretical possibilities. Physicists began exploring communication with a distant observer; only its those possibilities almost immediately, most notably Karl Schwarzschild, who was then HISTORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Series II, Vol. 30, No. 1 APS COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES 2021 General Councilors Balantekin* (Division of Nuclear Physics), Elizabeth January 2021 Gabriela Gonzalez, Vivian F. Incera*, Simmons (Division of Particles and Fields), Stuart President Robert McKeown*, Robin L. B. Selinger* Henderson (Division of Physics of Beams), Amitava © 2020 American Physical Society Sylvester J. Gates*, Brown Theoretical Physics Bhattacharjee* (Division of Plasma Physics), TBD Center, Brown University International Councilors (Division of Polymer Physics), Charles H. Bennett Karen Hallberg, Ursula Keller, (Division of Quantum Information), Heinrich Jaeger Editor...... David Voss President-Elect Ahmadou Wagué*, Enge Wang (Division of Soft Matter), Laurie McNeil (Forum on Frances Hellman*, University of California, Education), LaNell Williams* (Forum on Graduate Staff Science Writer...... Leah Poffenberger Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Chair, Nominating Committee Student Affairs), Virginia Trimble (Forum on the Contributing Correspondents ...... Sophia Chen and Alaina G. Levine Laboratory Maria Spiropulu, Caltech History of Physics), Jim Adams (Forum on Industrial Design and Production ...... Leanne Poteet and Applied Physics), Emanuela Barzi (Forum on Vice President Chair, Panel on Public Affairs International Physics), Beverly Karplus Hartline* Robert Rosner*, The University of Chicago William Collins, Lawrence Berkeley National (Forum on Physics and Society), Nadia Fomin Laboratory (Southeastern Section), Nora Berrah* (New England APS News (ISSN: 1058-8132) is published APS News, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD Past President Section) monthly, except for a combined July-August 20740-3844, Email: [email protected]. Philip H. Bucksbaum*, Stanford University and Editor in Chief issue, 11 times per year, by the American Phys- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Michael Thoennessen, Michigan State University Senior Management Team ical Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, Subscriptions: APS News is an on-membership (on leave) Jonathan A. Bagger, Chief Executive Officer; MD 20740-3844, (301) 209-3200. It contains publication delivered by Periodical Mail Postage Chief Executive Officer Mark Doyle, Chief Information Officer; news of the Society and of its Divisions, Topical Paid at College Park, MD and at additional mail- Jonathan A. Bagger, American Physical Society Division, Forum, and Section Councilors Jane Hopkins Gould, Chief Financial Officer; Groups, Sections, and Forums; advance infor- ing offices. Michael Coleman Miller (Division of Astrophysics), Beth Gunzel, Chief Human Resources Officer; mation on meetings of the Society; and reports Speaker of the Council David Schultz (Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Matthew M. Salter, Publisher; to the Society by its committees and task forces, For address changes, please send both the old Baha Balantekin*, University of Wisconsin Optical Physics), Daniel Fisher (Division of Biological Francis Slakey, Chief External Affairs Officer.; as well as opinions. and new addresses, and, if possible, include a Physics), Tanja Cuk (Division of Chemical Physics), James W. Taylor, Deputy Executive Officer and mailing label from a recent issue. Changes can be Treasurer William Halperin (Division of Condensed Matter Chief Operating Officer; Letters to the editor are welcomed from the emailed to [email protected]. Postmaster: James Hollenhorst*, Agilent Technologies Physics), James Freericks (Division of Computational Michael Thoennessen, Editor in Chief membership. Letters must be signed and should Send address changes to APS News, Membership Physics), Howard Stone (Division of Fluid Dynamics), include an address and daytime telephone num- Department, American Physical Society, One Corporate Secretary Manuela Campanelli (Division of Gravitational ber. APS reserves the right to select and to edit Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3844. Jeanette Russo, American Physical Society Physics), John Fourkas (Division of Laser Science), * Voting Members of the APS Board of Directors for length and clarity. All correspondence re- TBD (Division of Materials Physics), Baha garding APS News should be directed to: Editor, Coden: ANWSEN ISSN: 1058-8132 January 2021 • 3

CAREERS MEMBERSHIP UNITS APS IMPact Mentoring Program The APS Division of Nuclear Physics Helps Foster Connections Between BY ABIGAIL DOVE

Students and Industry ith over 2,600 members, BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON the Division of Nuclear W Physics (DNP) is a home he website for the APS for physicists who study how matter IMPact Mentoring Program, in the universe evolved, the current T the Society’s resource for matter composition of the universe, connecting young physicists and the properties of nuclei that with industry mentors, has been exist in both chemical elements relaunched with a new look and and stars. better tools. According to Dan “Nuclear physics topics can be Pisano, Director of Industrial viewed as five vibrant and inter- Engagement at APS, the refreshed connected subfields,” according to site “appears to be fostering some DNP chair Krishna Kumar (UMass useful mentoring of students Amherst). Broadly, these include the and early-career physicists with structure of nuclei, nuclear astro- industry representatives.” physics, the structure of protons and The goal of the IMPact Mentoring neutrons (so-called “cold quantum Program is to match students, post- chromodynamics"), the study of docs, and early-career physicists quarks and gluons at high tem- with industry representatives to APS recommends four interactions perature (so-called “hot quantum over 90 days. At the conclusion of provide advice about careers in chromodynamics"), and the study Nuclear physicists will be busy in coming years as new instruments like the industry. The mentoring site started their interactions or at 90 days of the fundamental nuclear forces Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University (pictured) come in 2015 and currently has generated (whichever comes first) a ques- and their role in the evolution of online. IMAGE: FRIB/MSU about 300 active matches between tionnaire is sent out to gauge the the early universe. mentors and mentees. degree of satisfaction. The survey This is an especially busy time in The upgraded site, which has results after 90 days show that the world of nuclear physics given was a resounding success, drawing “And at the professor level it falls been available for about two months, 96% of mentors would “certainly” the construction of two major new 1,400 people—nearly double its to about 8%.” DNP in particular is now more user-friendly, featuring do this again, and 87% of mentees accelerator facilities: the Facility normal attendance on the order is composed of about 15% women, new graphics. Most importantly, the would “certainly” recommend the for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at of 700 to 900. This was mainly placing it among the top five APS site’s matching algorithm has been program to a peer. Michigan State University and driven by increased engagement divisions for gender diversity, but adapted to accommodate interna- The program is part of APS’s the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at from young scientists and scientists with room for growth. tional members who wish to be vision that “all graduating phys- Brookhaven National Lab. Slated to from abroad. An important action the mentors or mentees. icists consider APS their home start operations as soon as 2022, “This was our first fully online division has taken to this end is “This platform recognizes that professional society throughout FRIB will provide intense beams of meeting, and our focus was on the establishment of the DNP Allies we’re all interconnected. We hope their career,” according to Francis rare isotopes (that is, short-lived ensuring that the membership was Program, an intervention to ensure that students from all parts of the Slakey, APS Chief External Affairs atomic nuclei not normally found able to get the same exposure to the that conferences are as inclusive world will be able to connect with Officer. on Earth) that will allow further state of research in a wide variety of and as comfortable for people as a mentor in any country in which “We know that more than 70% study into nuclear structure, the topics as in an in-person meeting,” possible and to reduce the impact they wish to work. Likewise, those of graduating physicists secure origins of elements, and the forces explained Kumar. “The feedback harassment (whether intended or mentors who may also be seeking employment within the industrial that shaped the development of the from the membership has been unintended) may have on the field to hire can tap into a global pool sector, and one way that APS can universe in the moments after the very positive.” of nuclear physics. The program of young physics talent,” said help to prepare them for business Big Bang. “From the perspective of inter- trains “allies” from the nuclear Amy Flatten, APS Director of careers is by partnering them with Groundbreaking for nationalism, it was a huge success,” physics community to help people International Affairs, in a recent experts in industry,” said Pisano, the construction of EIC—a added Greene. “I’m hoping that we who may feel harassed. Wearing APS News article about the topic adding that physics departments 2.4-mile-circumference particle can maintain a virtual component bright orange scarves or armbands, (see APS News, December 2020). are often not in a position to focus collider—occurred last September. in future meetings to maintain the allies are easily identifiable at APS members who want to on such skills due their primary This facility will be uniquely international participation. There the DNP Annual Meeting and are become mentors can sign on to emphasis on research. positioned to address important is very good science being done all on alert for anyone who may be the site and complete a brief profile To complement the goal of the questions about nucleons (that is, over the world, and we don’t often feeling uncomfortable and avail- to help ensure that mentees will IMPact program, Pisano has also neutrons and protons), including have the opportunity to hear about able to talk and provide guidance be introduced to the most appro- teamed with Crystal Bailey, Head of how mass and spin arise and the this outside of big meetings.” to meeting participants who have priate mentors. Similarly, APS Career Programs at APS, to develop a possible emergent properties of DNP is also very active at the APS experienced harassment. “There members who want to be matched to new webinar series highlighting key dense systems of gluons. “It is a April Meeting, where it sponsors a is still so much work to do around a mentor can register and complete skills and knowledge young phys- very exciting time,” noted DNP vice- mix of dedicated sessions on nuclear representation,” noted Greene, a brief profile indicating the area in icists need to succeed in industry. chair Vickie Greene (Vanderbilt), physics as well as joint sessions “Especially for a younger person which they wish to receive advice. “Industry employers already “Things really come alive when partnered with APS units such in nuclear physics, it doesn’t take The site’s matching algorithm clearly value what physics gradu- these new machines come online.” as the Divisions of Gravitational many negative comments before then scans all available mentors ates bring to their companies, but A particular point of pride for Physics (DGRAV), Astrophysics they can get discouraged about the and selects those who match the they have also pointed out that DNP is its long-running, mid-Oc- (DAP), and Particles and Fields field as a whole.” mentee’s area of interest. The list other key skills and knowledge tober Annual Meeting. This meeting (DPF)—encouraging cross-talk and Greene also highlighted of potential matches is presented could be stronger in new hires; this showcases the latest developments collaboration among these closely increased public outreach about the to the mentee who can then reach webinar series will help students in all the subfields of nuclear related branches of physics. exciting advances in nuclear physics out to make contact with one of build these skills,” said Bailey in a physics, with an emphasis on new Looking to the future, the DNP as a goal for DNP. “Taxpayers are the mentors. recent APS News article (APS News, experimental results and notable executive committee’s goals are funding much of this research, Mentees can seek advice on a October 2020). theoretical developments. Besides many. “Coming into a leader- and they should get some fun out variety of career topics, and there Visit the APS IMPact website a large selection of invited and ship role, my primary focus was of it,” she pointed out. is no minimum or maximum length (impact.aps.org) to learn more about contributed talks from across the to further cement what I see as Overall, with a well-deserved of time a mentee and a mentor the mentoring program. spectrum of nuclear physics, the DNP’s greatest strength, which is reputation, DNP stands out as can interact with one another.. meeting also includes a selection to bring together broad swaths of a cornerstone of research and innovation at APS. “Science isn’t The interaction is solely at the The author is Senior Press Secretary of topical workshops, a popular researchers and applied physics discretion of the two parties, but in the APS Office of External Affairs. Women in Science Social, a town practitioners who are interested something that happens in a hall meeting where DNP members in a deeper understanding of in vacuum,” Greene explained. “It can express their concerns and the inner workings of the universe takes place in the context of a com- opinions, and multiple poster over the entire range of observable munity, and DNP represents that sessions. length scales—from subatomic to community.” According to Kumar, Kumar explained that an intergalactic,” explained Kumar. “Any APS member who has a keen important emphasis at this meeting Since the onset of the COVID-19 interest in the physical universe is engaging DNP’s newest members pandemic, this emphasis has and the problems, challenges and and providing a platform for under- extended to ensuring that DNP techniques that are employed and graduates and graduate students members are able to communicate further developed to advance our HELP GROW AND ADVANCE SCIENCE to delve deeper into the field. and network with the same pace fundamental understanding of its WITH YOUR PLANNED GIFT TO APS. Indeed, the DNP Annual Meeting and intensity as before, despite fundamental constituents, evolu- is an important rite of passage for pandemic-related restrictions. tion and observed properties would Making a planned gift is one of the easiest ways many nuclear physicists. “If you’re Complementing this, Greene profit from engagement within our to support the programs and initiatives of APS. a nuclear physicist in training, your underscored the importance of pro- vibrant membership.” Membership in the Society’s Legacy Circle is our way More information on this unit of acknowledging your generous support for the first presentation will likely be at moting the participation of women benefit of generations of scientists. the Divisional Meeting,” noted and under-represented minorities can be found on the DNP website. Greene. “This exposure is very in the nuclear physics community. LEARN MORE important for young people.” “It’s still the case in physics that go.aps.org/legacycircle Despite the change to a virtual participation on the part of women The author is a freelance writer in format, DNP’s 2020 Annual Meeting is only about 20%,” she explained, Stockholm, Sweden 4 • January 2021

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Together, APS OGA and Society Members Set Record for Actions in 2020 BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON

he APS Office of Government • Provide ramp-up funding to Affairs (APS OGA) set a restart labs; and T record in 2020 by facilitating • Enhance domestic STEM more than 18,000 contacts from scholarships. APS members to federal policy- makers and their staff. Members Nearly 1,000 APS members par- helped advance the Society’s science ticipated in a grassroots campaign policy priorities through op-ed to encourage their legislators to placements, emails to Congress, follow the recommendations laid public comments, social media out in Bucksbaum’s letter. posts, phone calls, and visits to DC Legislation quickly emerged and district congressional offices. in Congress that advanced the “I’m extremely proud of the recommendations. The Research dedication this year from both APS Investment to Spark the Economy members and our staff. Working (RISE) Act, called for the authori- together, we saw a record number zation of approximately $26 billion of actions by APS members, advo- in research relief funding to the Nearly 70 APS members participated in the 2020 Congressional Visits Day to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Society's cating for physics and amplifying federal science agencies, enabling science policy priorities. their voices for science. The number them “to extend grant funding of contacts made to congressional awarded prior to the COVID-19 tool by high-tech companies. “As a result, 12 Republicans con- process as a means to quickly deliver and executive branch officials is pandemic, support training exten- With support from APS’s Office of tacted by APS members agreed to timely information to Congress and more than seven times our total in sions for graduate students and International Affairs and Office of sign the letter from Stivers, tilting the Administration. 2019,” said Mark Elsesser, Interim postdoctoral researchers to alle- Industrial Engagement, APS OGA the issue in our favor,” said Slakey APS faced yet another obstacle Director of APS OGA. viate the disruption to the R&D job developed a plan to stimulate House following the campaign. Mike Mayo, after the Department of Homeland market, and enable the refurbish- Republicans to publicly defend OPT. an APS member and tech firm owner Security (DHS) proposed a rule Advocating During ment or replacement of equipment Congressional Visits Day 2020 Francis Slakey, APS Chief in Austin, also played a role in the change to eliminate the current damaged because of the COVID-19 External Affairs Officer, worked with OPT campaign by writing an op-ed “duration of status” guidelines that In January 2020, the office kicked disruption.” the office of US Rep. Steve Stivers that appeared in the Austin Business allow international students who off the new year with APS’s annual Through multiple campaigns (R-15th-OH) on a letter defending Journal. APS OGA led another grass- study in the US on certain visas— Congressional Visits Day, when across three months, including OPT, which could then be signed roots campaign on the matter. such as F and J visas—to remain nearly 70 APS members advocated one in conjunction with 22 other by additional Republicans and sent To prevent further attacks on in the country for as long as they for the Society’s science policy pri- scientific societies, APS members to the Trump Administration. APS OPT, APS OGA developed a new maintain compliance with their orities on Capitol Hill. Representing connected with legislators through members were asked to contact report process that is designed terms of admission. The proposed 26 states across the country, groups phone calls, emails, and social their congressional representa- to yield brief policy reports on rule change would have replaced the of these volunteers participated in media more than 3,000 times, tives during the weekend to meet a a short timeline (fewer than six duration of status term limit with an nearly 100 meetings to make the leading to the bill being passed tight deadline impacting a potential months). The initial report, titled arbitrary and restrictive two- and case for science policy priorities out of committee in the Senate and executive order. And they rose to “How International Students and four-year limit, depending on one’s determined by APS members and generating more than 140 co-spon- the occasion. Researchers Benefit the United country of origin. In response, APS leadership. During the meetings, sors in the House. “I’m delighted that more than States: Their Experiences, Their mounted a campaign to collect and APS volunteers requested that 500 APS members, all constituents Stories,” is centered on a collec- submit as many unique comments members of Congress: support the Pushing Back Against Trump Executive Actions of key House Republicans, took tion of personal stories from APS as possible to DHS with a goal to Combating Sexual Harassment in action that weekend, making phone members highlighting the impor- Science Act; cosponsor the Keep Last year was also marked by calls and sending personal emails,” tance of OPT and J-1 visa programs. STEM Talent Act; preserve methane many White House executive actions Slakey said following the campaign. APS OGA will use the new report ADVOCACY CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 emissions regulations on the oil that harmed international students and gas industry; introduce legis- who are essential to the physics lation to keep the Federal Helium community and vital to the US Reserve open and create a robust scientific enterprise. On July 6, Signal Boost is a monthly email video newsletter helium recycling program; and for example, the US Immigration alerting APS members to policy issues and identifying include funding increases of at and Customs Enforcement (ICE) opportunities to get involved. Past issues are available at go.aps.org/2nr298D. Join Our Mailing List: visit the least 4 percent real growth for key division of the Department of sign-up page at go.aps.org/2nqGtJP. science agencies during the fiscal Homeland Security announced a year 2021 appropriations process. rule change that would have forced international students currently Responding to the COVID-19 in the US to return to their home Pandemic countries or switch to an institution FYI: SCIENCE POLICY NEWS FROM AIP After the COVID-19 pandemic offering in-person instruction if hit in March, APS’s immediate their current institution had offered top priority was ensuring that only online courses last fall. US Arrests of Scientists Roil Research Community graduate students and postdocs Harvard and MIT filed suit BY MITCH AMBROSE could continue to be financially sup- against the rule, and APS rapidly ported via federal grants during the developed an amicus brief to support health crisis. Following a grassroots their case. Sixteen scientific orga- ne year ago this month, Though DOJ has prosecuted campaign and direct lobbying by nizations, including the American Harvard University several industry researchers the Society, federal agencies agreed Association for the Advancement O Chemistry Department for trade secret theft, the cases to allow students and postdocs to of Science and the Optical Society, Chair Charles Lieber was arrested involving university-based sci- be supported from current grants. joined the APS brief in the Amicus for falsely denying to federal inves- entists largely hinge on a variety As part of the Society’s ongoing Brief. Caving to this widespread tigators that he had participated in of fraud charges, such as failing to response to the health crisis, 2020 opposition, ICE rescinded the July a talent recruitment program sup- disclose funds received from China. APS President Phil Bucksbaum 6 directive. ported by the Chinese government. In concert with DOJ, over the past sent a letter to the House Science “The government capitulated The Department of Justice (DOJ) two years grantmaking agencies Committee outlining policy initia- entirely,” said 2020 APS President later added charges of filing false such as the National Institutes of researchers, such as suspending or tives that would help the physics Phil Bucksbaum following ICE’s tax returns, alleging Lieber failed Health (NIH) and National Science terminating their grants. community overcome challenges decision. Before ICE’s decision to to report income received from the Foundation (NSF) have ramped up The scale of the firings and posed by the pandemic, which has rescind the order, 260 legislators Wuhan University of Technology, investigations of researchers sus- enforcement actions has unsettled impacted APS members in myriad were contacted by APS members.. which recruited him to establish a pected of failing to disclose foreign many in the research community, ways, including a severe reduc- “These actions show the impor- research lab. sources of grant support or other with some advocacy groups arguing tion of research activity at many tance of an organization reacting The case marked an escala- foreign ties. the government is unfairly tar- of the nation’s laboratories and quickly, and they also show that tion in DOJ’s “China Initiative,” In June 2020, NIH reported it geting scientists with connections universities. the science community can truly which it launched in November had contacted institutions with to China and harshly punishing “I want APS members to know make a difference,” said Bucksbaum 2018 to increase resources devoted concerns about 189 scientists, of what amount to administrative that the Society is working hard following the good news. to prosecuting cases involving the which 175 had some form of undis- violations. Meanwhile, federal offi- to help get our physics community APS faced another challenge misappropriation of US-funded closed connection to China, such as cials maintain they are rooting out through and beyond this pandemic,” after hearing reports that the research, among other matters. To significant employment contracts serious violations of agency policies said Bucksbaum after he wrote Optional Practical Training (OPT) date, the department has charged with Chinese universities. It also and research norms concerning the letter. He asked Congress to program might be curtailed or even more than 25 researchers through revealed that 54 of the scientists transparency and reciprocity in take the several steps to help eliminated. OPT enables highly the initiative, of which the majority resigned or were fired as a result international collaborations. restore research after labs reopen, skilled international students who are university professors or visiting of the investigations. NSF subse- Another escalation in the China including: completed their studies in the US to academics. Many of the cases are quently disclosed that based on Initiative came when five visiting still pending, including that of similar investigations it had taken • Provide partial- and full-grant gain work experience for a period Lieber, who has pled not guilty. administrative actions against 25 cost extensions; of time and is used as a recruiting ARRESTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 January 2021 • 5

JOURNAL PUBLISHING GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

APS Joins Other Global Physics Societies in Open for Undergraduate Women in Physics “Not only does the guide provide (CUWiP) as a tangible benefit for insight into the possible paths Access Statement those new student members,” says you can take after you get your BY DAVID VOSS Bailey. “We’re hoping if there are degree in physics, but it showcases in-person meetings in the fall that employers who are in need [of] and we will be able to take copies to appreciate people with a back- PS has joined 15 other meetings, but if not, we’re going to ground in physics. This is the best international physics work with organizers to make sure part of the career guide for me,” organizations in a call for A copies are accessible to attendees.” said Jorge Garcia, an APS Student universal access to knowledge While the main audience for Ambassador and a graduate student and a commitment to sustainable Careers 2021 is students and early at New Mexico State University, open access. The statement, titled career physicists, the wealth of about Careers 2020. “It gives you "Achieving Open Access in Physics," content contained in the guide the names of companies, what kind reaffirms the innovative ways that is potentially useful for any APS of work they do, and what degrees the physics community has long member. Those new to career they look for in an employee. This supported open access (OA) through exploration can broaden their per- gives a lot of insight into where its preprint server (arXiv.org) and spectives on what kinds of jobs are your background is needed and fully OA journals. available with Career Pathways helps focus your efforts in positions The physics societies caution, articles. Active job seekers can also and companies that are a match however, that some government benefit from advice on career devel- for you.” mandates such as requirements opment as well as the employer The employer directory included proposed by cOAlition S—a group directory of companies that are in Careers 2021 promises to be just of EU funding bodies—would harm actively recruiting. as useful, since it isn’t a re-print the freedom of researchers to choose hybrid journals, but that cOAlition American Institute of Aeronautics “Careers 2021 is also beneficial of last year’s list, but a brand-new the most appropriate venues for S would forbid researchers who and Astronautics, The American to faculty, or anyone who is in a list of companies who are currently publication and would undermine obtain funding from their member Institute of Physics, The American position to be mentoring students,” hiring. viability of physics publishing that organizations from publishing in Physical Society, AVS Science & says Bailey. “There is a wide variety “To get the most out of this depends on high-quality peer hybrid journals, including those in Technology of Materials Interfaces of career paths beyond academia guide, read it thoroughly, and to as review. the Physical Review family. and Processes, The Chinese Physical and career mentors might struggle much of an extent as possible, try to APS has long been at the forefront The statement also points out Society, The European Physical with knowing what those careers get in touch with these companies of open access, having launched its that a shift from the reader-pays Society, The Institute of Physics, The are—and this guide can help.” who put themselves in the direc- first OA journal, Physical Review subscription model to a research- Institute of Physics and Engineering Careers 2021 is the result of tory—they really are interested in Accelerators and Beams (PRAB) as er-pays OA system will require a in Medicine, The Laser Institute of the second year of a partnership hiring,” says Bailey. “These are long ago as 1998. Its current port- substantial realignment of funding America, The Optical Society, and between APS and the Institute of companies that chose to partici- folio includes five fully OA journals: structures. “Broader global financial The Society of Rheology. Physics Publishing (IOPP) to provide pate during COVID—they’re hiring Physical Review X, Physical Review support for OA will need to be in In emphasizing the joint com- high-quality career resources to now…consider using LinkedIn to Research, PRX Quantum, Physical place before most hybrid physics mitment, the statement concludes APS members. Last year’s guide, find contacts to do informational Review Accelerators and Beams, and journals can viably transition,” that “Physicists will continue to despite some setbacks in distribu- interviews and really learn about Physical Review Physics Education the statement says. “Adjustments innovate in OA and open science, tion due to COVID, received great what the company is doing.” Research. In addition, in early to the global flow of funding will and physics societies endorse any reviews from those who received 2011 APS transformed some of the take time.” and all OA models that can provide it, especially from students at the largest, most-cited, and most- The signatory group com- financially sustainable support for APS Career Guides and other resources CUWiP and those involved with the trusted peer-reviewed, primary prises 16 societies: The Acoustical author choice and the quality of peer and advice for job seekers are avail- APS Student Ambassador program. research titles in physics into hybrid Society of America, The American review and publication upon which able at aps.org/careers/. journals by offering authors an Association of Physicists in excellent physics research relies.” option to publish individual articles Medicine, The American Association open access. The joint statement of Physics Teachers, The American notes that more than 85% of Astronomical Society, The American The text of the statement is available physics papers are published in Crystallographic Association, The at go.aps.org/2Wz5bdP.

ary rran n HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 January 25 2021 REGISTER NOW gravitational field persists,” they 1965 paper in Physical Review Letters which could then be extracted from APS.ORG/MARCH concluded in a 1939 paper. entitled “Gravitational Collapse and the black hole. Roger Blandford But most of the solutions Space-Time Singularities.” and Roman Znajek later used this assumed idealized perfectly sym- Four years later, Penrose came up insight to build their own realistic metrical stars and black holes. The with his “weak cosmic censorship” model of how to generate power actual universe is much messier. conjecture, followed by his “strong with a rotating black hole. The discovery of quasars in 1963 cosmic censorship” hypothesis in No longer merely exotic objects shifted the conversation substan- 1979, which is still widely regarded existing primarily in theory, black tially, as physicists came to realize as one of the most significant unre- holes continue to fascinate physi- that the likeliest source of radiation solved challenges in theoretical cists and spur both theoretical and from the brightest known objects physics. The gist: a black hole’s experimental breakthroughs. As in the universe was matter falling singularity could not be “naked”; recognized by the Nobel committee, into a massive black hole. it had to be confined and forever Genzel and Ghez discovered the Enter Penrose, who was drawn hidden behind the veil of the event existence of a supermassive black to the challenge of figuring out a horizon. There would, however, be hole at the center of our galaxy, realistic mechanism by which black a visible, strongly curved (though helping to bring black holes to life holes might form. Penrose opted finite) exterior region. outside of theory. for what was then a rather radical Penrose even figured out a com- approach: he ignored the detailed plicated process (now called the Further Reading: geometrical structure of space time Penrose process) by which some Montgomery, Colin; Orchiston, Wayne; and focused his attention on the of a rotating black hole’s gravita- and Whittingham, Ian. (2009) topology of space. tional energy might be extracted. “Michell, LaPlace, and the origin of His breakthrough insight Specifically, spacetime is dragged the black hole concept,” Journal of occurred during a walk through along with the black hole’s rotation, Astronomical History 12(2): 90-96. London. Penrose imagined what producing a dramatic effect because Penrose, Roger. (1965) “Gravitational he called a “trapped surface”: a of the strong gravitational forces Collapse and Space-Time Singu- closed, two-dimensional surface involved. There is an “ergosphere” larities,” Physical Review Letters that directed all light rays to just outside the event horizon, and 14(3): 57-59. an infinitely dense center. This any observer within it will be carried Thorne, Kip and Hawking, Stephen. Black describes what we now call the black along with the rotation too. Holes and Time Warps: Einstein’s hole’s singularity. He also used Penrose imagined shooting Outrageous Legacy. New York: his eponymous Penrose diagrams a projectile into the ergosphere, W.W. Norton, 1994. (among other tools) to show that splitting it in half. One half falls Schirber, M. (2020) “Nobel Prize: Facing once such a trapped surface had into the black hole, and the other the Reality of Black Holes,” Physics formed, under general relativity, the escapes. This process could produce 13, 158. collapse toward the singularity is an escaping half with a greater total inevitable. The result was a January energy than the original projectile, 6 • January 2021

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Chinese researchers were arrested I don't know. I mean, those go to to this day. (One alumna of that There are challenges and ership of APS President Jim Gates, over the summer on charges of the core of integrity at an academic course, Frances Hellman, is now opportunities along each of these offers additional hope for changing lying about their affiliations with institution. And an academic insti- APS President-Elect.) For me, that dimensions. Together with our the culture within our field. We need the Chinese military on visa appli- tution is all about disclosing sources experience sealed the deal, and in members and their elected leaders, to look at ourselves in the mirror— cations. The head of DOJ’s National of funding so that people who are due time I went off to graduate we will have to examine each of our culture and our values—because Security Division, John Demers, reading your research can figure school at Cambridge and Princeton, them. They are all important pillars in the end, addressing our short- asserted at an event last month out how to read that research. And where I studied theoretical physics. of the Society. How can we do better? comings will open our doors and that more than 1,000 Chinese that's true regardless whether your I then took positions on the West Myself, I think they reinforce each make physics better for everyone. researchers affiliated with the funding is coming from the alcohol and East Coast, eventually landing other in critical ways. Since I'm coming to APS from Chinese military subsequently left and beverage industry or whether at Johns Hopkins University in My vision for physics more TRIUMF, I'd like to share our lab- the US, purportedly prompted by the your funding is coming from the Baltimore. generally is both broad and inclu- oratory’s values with you. About arrests and an associated closure of Chinese government.” I spent twenty-five years on the sive. When I was being trained four years ago, we embarked on the Chinese consulate in Houston. He continued, “The focus faculty at Johns Hopkins. I lived in physics, we placed high walls a year-long process of commu- Demers dismissed accusations is on disclosure, and our cases in Baltimore City and raised my around ourselves. If something nity consultation, the end result that the government is engaging in there reflect a desire to tailor our family there. I grew to love the city was too complicated, we’d say, of which was a set of values to live racial profiling, remarking, “We're approach to the values of those and the community. I also grew "oh, that's chemistry," or if it was by. I think they might even apply very careful about the way we talk institutions, which are transparency to love Johns Hopkins. It was a a little too messy, we’d say, "oh, more generally: about this problem because we and academic integrity.” wonderful place to grow, especially that's biology." But that attitude is Excellence and Integrity: We have don't want it to become about the as over the years I came to know a luxury we can no longer afford. a passion for excellence in all that Chinese people.” He added, “You'll and appreciate the dedication of Today, across the globe, society The author is Director of FYI. we do. We are decisive, bold, coura- see a great mix of defendants when its medical faculty. Their sense of is facing existential issues in geous and compassionate. We take it comes to ethnic backgrounds; we Published by the American mission had a profound effect on many areas, including climate, responsibility for our actions, our are very much focused on behavior.” Institute of Physics since 1989, FYI me and on my career. energy, infectious disease, and food commitments, and our contributions Pushing back on criticism that is a trusted source of science policy Seven years ago, I was approached security. Progress will require mul- to the larger community. DOJ has leaned heavily on fraud news that is read by congressional to lead TRIUMF, Canada's particle tidisciplinary, multigenerational, Safety and Accountability: We charges rather than make more staff, federal agency heads, and accelerator center in Vancouver. The fact-based solutions. Physics, with respect the health and safety of serious allegations of criminal leading figures in the scientific lab had its origins in nuclear and its collaborative culture and analytic our workers, our visitors, and our conduct, Demers remarked, “Are community. Sign up for free FYI particle physics, but over the years approach, has much to offer. And neighbors. We build quality into those administrative violations? emails at aip.org/fyi. its mission had grown to include frankly, if we don't step up, our our processes and seek continual materials science, nuclear medicine, field will become irrelevant. improvement in all of our systems. and even commercialization. To Addressing these issues will We embrace transparency and me, TRIUMF epitomizes physics require cooperation and collabo- authenticity and hold ourselves in action—crossing boundaries ration, with many people engaged, and each other accountable. to make a difference in the lives each bringing their own talents Equity and Inclusion: We of real people. and perspectives. We will need empower our workforce and foster Call for Nominations At TRIUMF, physicists work all hands on deck—no matter an inclusive work environment, with chemists, biologists, and their race or gender or ethnicity enriching our science and our com- physicians—and with engineers, or sexual orientation or national munity. We value teamwork and APS Historic Sites technicians and tradespeople. All origin—no matter whether they're open communication to ensure that come together as one multidis- academic or industrial or interna- Propose sites that you feel should be officially everyone belongs, and all voices are ciplinary community. That's the tional. Together, we need to build recognized for their historical significance to physics. heard. We respect each other, take magic of TRIUMF. I am honored a welcoming and inclusive physics care of each other, and support the to have served as its Director, and community. success of all. Deadline: January 31, 2021 there is no question that I will miss And how can we do that? Part of go.aps.org/historic-sites it. But now it's time for me to return the solution, I am convinced, lies in During the pandemic, our values to the United States, to Maryland, changing our culture. It seems to proved helpful as we navigated the and to my home in Baltimore. me that our physics culture is one uncertainty together. We used them I have a long history with APS. of the barriers to inclusiveness. We to guide our actions and to hold Over the years, I've served on the need to challenge our assumptions each other accountable. This past editorial boards of Physical Review and to eradicate inappropriate and summer, they provided a framework Letters and Physical Review D, and unacceptable behavior. for difficult lab-wide discussions as chair of the Division of Particles I was delighted to receive the AIP about racism and its manifestations and Fields, a member of the APS TEAM-UP report, which addresses in Canada and abroad. Council and Board, a member and many of our cultural issues head-on. I am so proud that TRIUMF’s chair of various APS committees, Through my role at AAAS, where I values came from our community, and most recently as chair of the was Chair of the Physics Section, and that equity and inclusion were APS Task Force on International I made sure that the report was held to be as important as safety and Engagement. featured at the recent AAAS Annual accountability—quite a statement I am excited by all that is hap- Meeting in Seattle. from the employees of a licensed pening at APS. The Society has More recently, I was pleased nuclear facility. made great progress in building a to hear about the APS Inclusion, APS has values too, and those modern and responsive organiza- Diversity, and Equity Alliance values must guide interactions tion. I am pleased that so many staff (APS-IDEA) program. I encour- between our members and our staff, and volunteers have contributed to aged TRIUMF to join because our members with each other, and its success. APS-IDEA offers an opportunity also our behavior as representatives Looking forward, I see an orga- for Canadians to learn from their of our community. Together, we can nization with great potential, but American colleagues, and likewise, build a welcoming and inclusive I also see one facing significant for Americans to learn from the physics community. challenges across many fronts. Canadian experience. Thank you • Journal publishing is vitally for including our lab! important to APS, but it is facing I am also pleased to support the See also the interview with Jonathan enormous challenges globally, APS Delta-Phy (Change Physics) Bagger in Physics Today Online (physicstoday.org/Dec2020b). not just at APS. The publishing program, which under the lead- landscape is changing quickly, and we have to change with it.

• The pandemic has upended the aps.org/april APRIL MEETING 2021 model for scientific meetings, #apsapril but it has also opened new pos- sibilities. What is the best way quarks cosmos for our community to gather in this new era? Q2CAPRIL 17–20 ONLINE • Programs and membership must evolve to serve a new generation of APS members, many of whom Register Now have different expectations from their elders. r n naua u ran ya a nun ary ar y • Government affairs needs to nuar y an raan yar uar speak loud and clear about the 2 ann n n a a value of science and of inter- an nu uny Read online national collaboration in a aps.org/apsnews world where both have become Discounted Registration Deadline: February 26, 2021 suspect. January 2021 • 7

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Presidential Directive NSDD-189 the previous administration and effectiveness of the U.S. with Michigan State University to in plasma physics that likely should be reaffirmed. The directive and replace it with effective nuclear weapons stockpile to use existing online meeting infra- wouldn’t have been able to attend states that fundamental research is programs of training and the President without the use of structure built by the university. an in-person meeting. Brown also defined as research that is meant to education on diversity and nuclear explosive testing” for With the help of Bravura, the DPP notes the increased accessibility be published in the open literature inclusion. the last 23 years, according to and DFD meetings were able to take of meetings for international and that the products of funda- the National Nuclear Security 2. Develop incentives for our top lessons learned from the virtual attendees and others who might mental research should remain Administration’s FY 2020 research universities to create 2020 April Meeting and DAMOP not typically be able to travel. At unrestricted “to the maximum Stockpile Stewardship and meaningful lasting partner- to make even better, more user- future DPP meetings, Brown hopes extent possible.” Classification Management Plan. ships that strengthen the friendly meeting experiences. to bring some virtual components should be used if control of par- research capacity at emerging 3. Strengthen US leadership in “Every time we hold a meeting, to in-person sessions to provide ticular fundamental research is research institutions, including multinational efforts to curb we learn a little more…we’ve added more accessibility for DPP members required for national security. minority-serving institutions global proliferation of nuclear to [each meeting] every time,” says who can’t travel to the conference. • Visas and Immigration: The (MSIs), tribal colleges and uni- weapons. Clemens. “For example, during the The virtual DFD meeting also following actions should be taken versities (TCUs), historically 2020 April meeting, we didn’t have could have applications to an to help return the United States to black colleges and universi- • Climate Change: The following a method of communicating during in-person meeting: Rather than a destination of choice for inter- ties (HBCUs), and the colleges actions should be taken to reduce the poster session. At DAMOP, we attempting to run the usual 40 national students and scholars and and universities with smaller the emissions, and ultimately the added a text chat, and for these sessions simultaneously, presenters ensure that employers are able to research activities, which are concentration, of greenhouse gases: meetings, we asked for a video were invited to upload whatever recruit and hire talented individuals often in underserved states. chat for the poster session… What supplemental content they wished from around the world: 1. Include robust investments we’re trying to do at the 2021 March alongside their abstracts. Viewers 3. Encourage the federal science for basic scientific research 1. Immediately place a mora- Meeting is to make it even better.” then accessed the additional agencies to adjust grant across the appropriate federal torium on the proposed rule Since many APS meeting content—ranging from minute long application requirements as science agencies as a central “Establishing a Fixed Time attendees often rate the networking flash talks to in-depth 15-minute appropriate to account for the component to your plans to Period of Admission and an opportunities among the most presentations—on their own time current pandemic’s dispro- address climate change. Extension of Stay Procedure valuable components of in-person throughout the meeting. Ongoing portionate impact on female for Nonimmigrant Academic 2. Reverse the previous admin- meetings, online meeting orga- chat boxes for each session facil- principal investigators. Students, Exchange Visitors, istration’s final rule published nizers are working on new ways to itated a back-and-forth between and Representatives of Foreign on September 14, 2020 titled help attendees make connections. the speaker and viewers. • Nuclear Threat Reduction: The Information Media,” which is “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Dedicated networking sessions via “People could navigate through following practical steps should be currently under development. Emission Standards for New, Zoom were popular at DFD, and new the abstracts, browse content or go taken to reduce the nuclear threat: Reconstructed, and Modified opportunities will be available at deep with talks they really wanted to 2. Immediately reverse the 1. Sign a five-year extension Sources Review” and return the 2021 March Meeting to better know more about. That went really interim final rule referenced of the New Strategic Arms to the methane regulations emulate the types of in-person well, and we had almost as many as DOL Docket No. ETA- Reduction Treaty (New START). established under the Obama interactions that are common while abstracts as usual,” says Jonathan 2020-0006, implemented by Without this extension, the Administration. Additionally, milling about a convention center. Freund, DFD Meeting Chair and the previous administration, treaty will expire on February your administration should “Two things we’ll be doing for professor at University of Illinois at which is designed to inflate the 5, 2021, leaving the United begin a process to accurately March are: Having something called Urbana-Champaign. “There’s been salaries of H-1B visa holders States and Russia without assess methane emissions as 'hall networking'—right after a talk of putting this—abstracts plus and employment-based immi- any nuclear arms limitations a means to curb emissions of session, people usually go into the extra materials—in conjunction grants to the extent that their treaty or agreement in place this potent greenhouse gas. hall and continue to talk—people with in-person meetings.” services are priced out of the for the first time in nearly fifty This should be undertaken will come out of a talk’s Zoom room Looking ahead to the 2021 US labor market. years. A decision by the presi- as part of a national policy to into their own networking room for March Meeting, the APS Meetings 3. Work to reverse the deleterious dents of the United States and achieve or exceed the target set 10 to 15 minutes to talk about the Department has organized or effects on the R&D workforce Russia to extend New START by the Paris Climate Agreement session,” says Clemens. “The other provided support for 14 online of Presidential Proclamation would provide additional time of emissions reduction of 26 thing we’re going to do is create meetings over the past year, and 10052 put forward by the and a stable foundation for to 28 percent below our 2005 a networking room for each unit they hope to continue applying previous administration. further potential negotiations levels by 2025. so they can go in and chat, along lessons learned to the largest APS with Russia and potentially with some cross-topic networking meeting. 4. Support and implement policies with China on new and more Mark Elsesser, Interim Director rooms.” “Each meeting we have new that allow international ambitious arms control of the APS Office of Government While online meetings still have iterations,” says Clemens. “The students applying for an F-1 arrangements. It also would Affairs, said the Society is eager to some limitations, Brown pointed events we offer like poster sessions visa to indicate they would contribute to the fulfillment work with the Biden Administration out some ways that the virtual and networking are getting better like to stay in the United States of their disarmament obliga- to bring these recommendations DPP meeting actually benefited each time—we just have to keep after graduation and provide tions and commitments under to fruition. from its format. One informal Q&A sharpening up.” them a clear path to a green Article VI of the Treaty on the “APS has a long history of session brought together leaders card should they choose to stay Nonproliferation of Nuclear serving as a credible and reliable and work here. Weapons (NPT). resource for policymakers in the White House and across the exec- • Domestic Workforce: The fol- 2. Suspend all plans enacted by utive branch agencies. The Society lowing actions should be taken to the previous Administration will continue that trend under the help create a STEM workforce that to prepare and proceed with Biden Administration and others more closely reflects the diversity a nuclear weapons test. The to come,” he said. of our nation: United States’ Stockpile Stewarding Program has 1. Immediately rescind Executive “allowed DOE and DOD to Order 13950 put forward by The full text of the letter is available certify the safety, security, at go.aps.org/3rcENoc. BRIDGE PROGRAM ADVOCACY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 delay the proposed rule’s imple- To deal with this crisis, leaders also made the case for helium in a mentation. The campaign yielded from four APS Units - DCMP, widely circulated New York Times almost 1,600 comments. APS also DMP, DAMOP and DQI - worked op-ed. Student sent a comment representing the with APS OGA to urge Congress entire Society. to ensure that federal users, Becoming More Efficient and Effective in Advocacy Applications APS wasn’t the only organization including researchers supported to mobilize on this issue. Tens of by federal grants, maintain access Also last year, APS OGA began Now Open thousands of comments were sent to the helium marked for federal using a software platform called to DHS — but, in a significant show use remaining in the Federal Phone2Action to provide APS The APS Bridge of concern, nearly one in every 20 Helium Reserve after September members a more user-friendly way Program is an effort to to impact change in science policy. came from an APS member. 30, 2022—the date by which the increase the number of General Services Administration “I want to thank APS volunteers Making the Case for Helium will complete its disposal process. for their extraordinary dedication in physics PhDs awarded Helium continued to be an Elsesser and APS member Joseph partnering with APS OGA last year. to underrepresented important advocacy issue for APS DiVerdi, a chemistry professor at We know that many of them are minority students. OGA last year. For the past several Colorado State University, gained busy teaching classes, conducting years, academic researchers have ground toward the helium goal after research, or even finishing PhDs, experienced unsustainable price an in-district meeting with US Rep. and APS OGA wanted to ensure our increases and unreliable delivery of Joe Neguse (D-CO-2nd ). Following advocacy software is as accessible liquid helium. According to an APS the meeting, Neguse indicated that and user-friendly as possible,” said DEADLINE: MARCH 31 survey of helium users nationwide, he would take the lead on legisla- Callie Pruett, Senior Strategist for APSBRIDGEPROGRAM.ORG the average price of liquid helium tion that would require the in-kind Grassroots Advocacy. increased by nearly 25% from 2018 helium program to continue under any company that purchases the to 2019; some researchers’ prices The author is Senior Press Secretary tripled during that time. Federal Helium Reserve. DiVerdi in the APS Office of External Affairs. 8 • January 2021 THE BACK PAGE Language Matters—Writing Effective Letters of Reference HEATHER J. LEWANDOWSKI, MARIO F. BORUNDA, PATRICIA RANKIN

any of us have been working dil- an interview should not be included in a letter, igently over the last few years to even if you see it as a positive, like stressing M make the demographics of physics that a candidate could complete the project more reflective of the general population. even while getting treated for a severe illness. These longstanding efforts by many in our Instead, focus on specific accomplishments community became even more critical after (e.g., He was able to develop a new analysis the events of Summer 2020. In particular, the scheme that allowed us to account for many physics community has worked on making systematic effects in the experiment.) Discuss our culture more welcoming and our pedagogy the candidate’s specific contributions and not more inclusive. We have started to work on those of other people in the research group. initiatives designed to identify, recruit, retain, We have read many letters where a significant and promote members of marginalized groups, portion details all of a lab mate’s contributions including programs such as the APS Inclusion Heather J. Lewandowski Mario F. Borunda Patricia Rankin rather than those of the candidate. Diversity and Equity Alliance (IDEA). Besides specific accomplishments, consider Inequality in the representation of ethnic, commenting on a candidate’s broader “profes- gender, and racial diversity at all levels in sional skills” (e.g., mentorship, communication, physics is due to several disadvantages marginalized groups posit that this language might be resulting in unconvincing etc.), which are often equally important for future success in face. While institutional changes are necessary, people in letters of support. Since some agentic words like “dedication” their next position. Consider how those skills are discussed physics also depend on effective and compelling letters of are associated with female leaders and compare favorably and use language that is part of professional norms (e.g., recommendation to be successful. We are concerned that with terms such as “dominance” used to describe males, the use “collaborative” instead of “works well with others”). letter writers may be unintentionally writing weaker letters solution to removing bias from our letters is not as simple Overall, we suggest focusing on what is essential to that for students and colleagues belonging to marginalized groups. as removing all words with a potential for causing bias. specific job or nomination and not including anything not What is the evidence for this being a problem and what Similarly, racial and ethnic marginalized groups face directly related to the position or award. actions can letter writers and readers take to help reduce several stereotypes, some that are considered counter to the Finally, after reading through your letter with all of the impact of bias on an individual’s success in physics? traits of a successful individual (e.g., incompetence, machismo, these recommendations in mind, we suggest that you have and dominance in the case of Black and Latinx persons) and a colleague with a fresh perspective read through the letter What the data show some that are supportive of success (such as hardworking with a specific eye to these issues. Additionally, you may The APS Dissertation Awards provide a good example and smart for Asian individuals) [2]. Grimm et al. quantified compare the language in letters you have written for a person of the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the frequency of agentic and communal language in over from a marginalized group to your letters for candidates situations that rely on letters of recommendation. From 2,600 letters of recommendation for diagnostic radiology from a majority group. 2015 to 2019, the awardees include 16% women and 2% residency applications. To our knowledge, a study on the underrepresented minorities (URM) as compared to 29% of influence of the language used in recommendation letters Beyond writing letters the student members who describe themselves as women has not been done in a physics context, but like in physics, Although these recommendations are aimed at letter and 4% of students who described themselves as members most of the letter writers are of senior rank, white, and writers, readers who are evaluating candidates should also of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. (While APS male. The letter writers emphasize individual skills when keep them in mind. If you see language or discussions that updated its demographics reporting options in 2019 to allow describing white and Asian applicants compared to Black could invoke a gender, racial, or ethnic bias, you can note for non-binary reporting, these data include responses from and Latinx applicants. These stereotypes influence both the these things to (1) consider if they affected your evaluation when non-binary reporting was unavailable.) selection of candidates for a position and the evaluation of of the candidate and/or (2) bring it to the attention of other We can also see that efforts to combat bias may be paying their work. Similarly, just as writers need to be careful of evaluators so they can also be aware of how this might have off when it comes to prizes and fellowships, but we caution their word choices, it is equally vital that selection panels impacted their evaluation. These actions may lessen the that continued efforts are needed. Those selected for fel- and others reading the letters be aware of how language impact of biased letters. Some committees find it useful lowships (16% women, 2% URM), prizes (10% women, 2% usage influences the ranking of applications [3]. to designate one member, in particular, to ensure effective URM), and awards (17% women, 6% URM) can be compared practices are followed. How to write unbiased letters to 18% of full members that describe themselves as women Overall, taking increased care with letters of recom- and 2% that report belonging to an underrepresented group. If we are to avoid sabotaging a candidate, we need to be mendation is just one small step to reducing barriers for deliberate about the strategies we use to write supportive people from marginalized groups. As we take these imme- Letters do contain bias letters of recommendation. The ideas below come from diate smaller steps to help better promote our colleagues Some of the issues we have seen in reviewing letters publications and our own experiences reading and writing and students as a community, we must continue to work include the use of communal descriptors (eager, kind, nur- letters. (We found the University of Arizona [4] and IGEN on eliminating systemic racism and sexism from the field turing), terms that are irrelevant to the award (overcame guides [5] helpful.) of physics. their background), or statements that offer comparison to A key recommendation is to evaluate the adjectives you the marginalized group rather than the broader community are using to describe the candidate. While it is not possible to Acknowledgments (e.g., ‘given that there are so few of this marginalized group create a strict list of adjectives to use and avoid, we suggest We want to thank Ed Bertschinger, Miriam Deutsch, in physics, the nominee of this background, is a worthy avoiding words that imply supporting roles and emphasize Loren Hough, and Donnell Walton for feedback on a draft candidate’). In contrast, the most effective letters focus on adjectives associated with mastery. Accomplishments speak of this manuscript. We want to thank APS and especially these candidates’ accomplishments. louder than effort. Sometimes, asking yourself if you would Jacob Robertson for providing us with data. As letter writers, we may not always be aware of the subtle have used this language to describe a white cis-gendered ways that our language can (unintentionally) impart bias or man may help you identify problems. Heather J. Lewandowski is at JILA and the Department of Physics, judgment. In particular, there are ethnic, gender, and racial We recommend being mindful of comparisons [6]. Often University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80039. Mario F. Borunda is in stereotypes that can creep into the writing. Stereotypes letter writers will compare the candidate’s achievements to the Department of Physics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, influence both the selection of candidates for a position others in the field. A comparison to another person may be OK 74078. Patricia Rankin is in the Department of Physics, Arizona and the evaluation of their work. As an example, research tempting as a way to summarize achievements, but it can be State University, Tempe, AZ 85287. has shown that writers often “hedge” when talking about problematic in several ways. First, is this a fair comparison? members of marginalized groups using phrases like “X” Did the person have the same resources and opportunities References has potential, and “Y” may be able to lead [1]. if they were in a marginalized group? Are the two people [1] J. M. Madera, “Raising Doubt in Letters of Recommendation This type of language makes it less likely that margin- at the same place in their careers? What exactly are you for Academia: Gender Differences and Their Impact.” Journal alized groups’ members will make it further through the comparing? Everything about them or just some aspects? of Business and Psychology 34, 287 (2019). selection process. However, even comments that could have Second, do you know the person you are comparing to [2] I. J. Grimm et al., “Gender and racial bias in radiology residency been intended as supportive like “She juggles her career and well enough to be sure of the comparisons? Perhaps, you are letters of recommendation.” Journal of the American College young family well” can be problematic. How often would saying the candidate published a similar number of papers of Radiology 17, 64 (2020). such a phrase be in a letter for a male candidate? This remark to a more senior person, but, unknown to you, the senior also provides information that interviewers cannot ask for person is often added on publications while not contributing [3] L. J. Trevino et al., “Meritocracies or masculinities? The differential and is not relevant to the candidate’s qualifications. much. A reader may assume you are implying that the can- allocation of named professorships by gender in the academy.” J. Management (2015), doi.org/10.1177/0149206315599216. Human societies often associate traits with gender, race, didate is also added to papers they have not contributed to and ethnicity. Examples in western culture include the ste- significantly. A related problem is the tendency to compare [4] "Avoiding Gender Bias in Reference Writing", University of reotype of females being relationship-oriented or communal those within a particular identity. For example, writing Arizona, go.aps.org/37sCLsq. and males being achievement-oriented and agentic [2]. The “This person is the most accomplished woman in her field.” [5] "Better Letters: Equitable Practices for Reading, Writing, and perceived mismatch between the characteristics needed to does not compare a candidate to those in the discipline as a Soliciting Letters of Recommendation," University of Southern be considered a successful individual and the (communal) whole and could be interpreted as meaning the men in the California, go.aps.org/2Wtf5Os. behaviors stereotyped to females puts female leaders at a field are more accomplished generally. disadvantage. This problem is common enough that tools Unconscious bias can also influence which topics are [6] T. M. P. Tait, "Commentary: On the (ab)use of comparisons in recommendation letters," Physics Today (October 2020), doi. exist to analyze reference letters for gendered language. We included in the letter. Again, anything you cannot ask about in org/10.1063/PT.6.3.20201001a.

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