>
>
> The number of foreign-born researchers earning Ph.D.'s in science
> declined by 15 percent in 1997, the first annual decline in 10 years,
> according to the report.
>
>
> Mr. Kelly, of the science board, called for "a revitalization of
> math-and-science education" from elementary school through college.
> "That will create more interest and excitement for pursuing graduate
> schools and going for Ph.D.'s," he said.
Absolute bullshit. Compared to professions of similar or lower intellectual requirements, such as law, medicine, business, or finance, sci/eng careers in this country just plain suck. The pay is much lower; the social prestige, as evidenced by Doug's 'geek shortage' comment, non-existent; the chances to move to a decision-making position, near zero. That's why most smart Americans, quite rationally, decide to do something else.
-- Enrique Diaz-Alvarez Office # (607) 255 5034 Electrical Engineering Home # (607) 272 4808 112 Phillips Hall Fax # (607) 255 4565 Cornell University mailto:enrique at ee.cornell.edu Ithaca, NY 14853 http://peta.ee.cornell.edu/~enrique