MPOWIR

MPOWIR is a community-based program supporting physical oceanographers from late graduate school through the early stages of their careers. Its mission is to make mentoring more widely available and effective by extending opportunities beyond individual institutions, reducing barriers to career development, and improving the retention of junior scientists, with particular attention to women in the field.

The program offers mentor groups, mentor training, career resources, a directory, career profiles, publications, webinars, and opportunities to connect through forums at major scientific meetings. Its activities also include the Pattullo Conference and virtual conferences for women+ early-career scientists. MPOWIR provides a website, blog, library, mentoring guide, and information about jobs, professional societies, and networks to help participants navigate their careers.

To understand retention in physical oceanography and assess the program’s impact, MPOWIR collects statistics and interviews from past and current U.S. Ph.D. graduates. Scientists can get involved by joining activities, contributing suggestions or career profiles, and connecting through the MPOWIR LinkedIn group.