A snake in the nest or in a snake's nest 1: What counts as peer review for a female science educator in a chemistry department?

Abstract

Prior to my appointment as a feminist science educator in a chemistry and biochemistry department, I engaged in a discussion with my future colleagues and peers on the criteria for evaluating my tenure and promotion application. This paper discusses that process and the cultural and social capital I garnered through external funding of research projects and the publications. These activities rely on peer review, however, the question is raised who is considered a peer for a feminist science educator? I also highlight an ongoing concern that there are currently few women chemists at the higher levels of peer review in the United States and the implications this has for junior female faculty. © 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.