CPCS Professor Bette Woody, Ph.D., hopes her journey to the University of Duisburg, Germany, results in a series of exchanges between UMass Boston and the German institution.
Woody was invited to guest lecture on her research into the "Glass Ceiling," real or perceived limits on promotions and potential of women in the work force. She is spending two weeks in November at the school where she hopes to not only share her work with students interested in the study of women in the work force, but also to learn more about Germany's work and school systems.
"What they're really interested in is the American way and how that's done," she said. She plans to lecture on diversity in the work place and on programs for advancing women in the work force."It's an adventure for me," said Woody, who does not speak German but hopes that doesn't prevent one-on-one discussions with professors and students. "Just seeing what the German university system is will be interesting."
Woody was nominated for the trip by a former UMass Boston student visiting from the German institution. She is among seven guest lecturers invited to the University of Duisburg throughout the year.
Woody is one of 16 researchers from around the country who conducted studies on the Glass Ceiling for the Department of Labor several years back. She has spent almost 10 years on her research.
Woody also plans to investigate creating an exchange program while she is in Germany. This exchange, she hopes,would share the two countries' views on work, business, and the economy."Quite often they're for language and culture," she said, "not often for social science or science or engineering... I think in the future it would be nice to have people come and explore." Woody also expects to present findings from her trip to the UMass Boston community.