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de Gerald James Holton, Gerhard Sonnert, Henry A. Murray Research Center

This study explored two alternative models for the later careers of successful women scientists: the "glass ceiling" and the "threshold." Specifically, Holton asked whether distinguished women scientists, having overcome gender-specific barriers during training, continued to face such obstacles (indicating a "glass ceiling") or reached a "threshold" after which their careers proceeded without such barriers. The sample consisted of 804 scientists, including 295 women, all of whom were former Bunting Fellows, National Research Council Associates, or National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellows. This subsample of women represents a significant portion of elite female scientists in the country. Participants received a lengthy questionnaire focusing on experiences during graduate school and the fellowship, research style, current employment, personal history, and influences in career selection. Over the course of the next two years, a subsample of 200 participants (approximately half men and half women matched for academic age, field, and current position) participated in face-to-face interviews. These took from two to three hours, were semi-structured, and consisted of in-depth questions on similar topics. The Murray Center has original questionnaires, interviews and computer-accessible data for all participants.