Dr. Nelson will carry out research in particle theory. The time period that she will be at University of California-Santa Barbara coincides with the workshop "Weak Interactions" which will take place at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Santa Barbara. This subject overlaps with her research interests and she will collaborate with several of the people attending the workshop. Dr. Nelson's research will focus on several aspects of the general area of electroweak symmetry breaking: electroweak baryogenesis, and dynamical supersymmetry breaking in the visible sector. Interactive activities at the host institution include: presenting a participatory seminar course for UCSB upper division physics majors on theoretical physics in order to encourage talented undergraduates to continue their involvement in physics, attending and giving research seminars and collaborating with the faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
