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Please listen to the GWIS podcast by Vidya Narayanaswamy
Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aJBgHnxY921MAbItTshxX?si=-5hbRGslQTyPngniNvKvIg&nd=1&dlsi=cf32f5aa6aa74068

Geethapriya “Priya” Setty is a healthcare leader whose journey reflects curiosity, purpose, and adaptability. Beginning her career in patient care as an occupational therapist, she transitioned into broader roles within healthcare, where she now focuses on connecting people, systems, and ideas to drive meaningful impact. Known for her thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach, Priya brings a unique perspective shaped by both hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how change happens across complex environments.

Women in Science Career Panel

The Mid-Michigan Chapter organized a successful Women in Science Careers Panel with Alyssa Green as the Social and Professional Development Chair. At the Women in Science Careers Panel, they invited local women in a variety of science careers to speak with GWIS members and undergraduate mentees from the undergraduate mentoring program. Panelist expertise spanned different career stages and fields including academia, science communication, science policy, and research consulting. They discussed general research and career advice, but also the unique experiences and challenges women may face in the science workforce.

Elementary School Science Nights

The GWIS Mid-Michigan Outreach Committee participated in four local elementary school science nights this spring. They had different booths at each event, where they facilitated a hands-on science activity that introduced students to a new concept and allowed them to engage with it creatively. These activities included a microscopic world station, where students learned how to use microscopes and experienced first-hand how different things can look when magnified, as well as a build-a-microbe activity, where students learned about the structures and shapes that help bacteria survive, before designing their own microbe.

Campfire Science Night

In April, the GWIS Mid-Michigan Outreach Committee collaborated with Woldumar Nature Center to host a Campfire Science Night, as a part of the larger Michigan State University Science Festival. This was the largest event of the year, with nearly 100 participants, and included over ten different hands-on science activities for participants to engage with, including dissecting owl pellets, learning how to use a telescope to identify constellations, and learning about the important relationship between plants and pollinators. At the end of the night, participants gathered around the campfire for a colorful fire demonstration and an explanation of the chemistry behind the changing colors.

The GWIS Syracuse chapter is back to its workshops and events. The Syracuse Chapter is hosting an upcoming workshop session to help second- and first-year graduate students prepare for their qualifying exam. This is an engaging QA and breakout session with PhD candidates who have successfully navigated their qualifying exams across departments. This is a workshop for students to get real, practical advice; ask questions; learn strategies that actually work; and connect with senior graduate students. 

The members are also going to numerous conferences nationally and internationally. Most recently, Hadil Gadelrab participated in the American Association of Cancer Research conferences. She presented a poster at the AACR IO (Immunology conference) and received the scholar-in-training award.  In addition, Laura Haney gave a talk at the EMBO (Structure and Function of the Cytoskeleton) in Paris. Furthermore, Avipsha Datta won the President's Award for the best student talk at the SUNY Upstate Students Research Day. 

The GWIS Milwaukee Chapter has had an active and engaging spring, focused on building community, promoting scientific dialogue, and creating meaningful networking opportunities. We kicked off the semester with a Trivia Night & Social at Pilot Project Brewing, bringing members together in a relaxed setting to connect and build community.

In February, members participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Milwaukee Public Museum, where they learned about the curation and care of scientific collections across disciplines including botany, geology, and anthropology. This event provided a unique opportunity to engage with science outside of the traditional academic setting.

Most recently, they hosted our “Science & Sip” event at Sugar Maple, featuring a talk by Dr. Jennifer Tuscher (Medical College of Wisconsin) on cutting-edge neuroscience research related to brain reward circuitry and addiction. The event combined accessible science communication with a casual, social atmosphere, fostering both learning and connection among attendees.

Looking ahead, they are preparing our annual fundraiser in May to support the Scientific Advancement Award, which provides funding for research and professional development. They are excited to continue hosting events throughout the semester that support connection, growth, and advancement within our GWIS community.

🌟 We're Recruiting Volunteers! 🌟

We're seeking dedicated volunteers to serve in national leadership and committee roles! Most roles involve just a few hours each month. All career stages and backgrounds are welcome. 

Question? Contact: president@gwis.org

About GWIS

Founded in 1921, Graduate Women in Science is an inter-disciplinary society of scientists who collectively seek to advance the participation and recognition of women in science and to foster research through grants, awards and fellowships. We comprise over 30 active chapters of more than 900 women who are "United in Friendship through Science" to support and inspire member professional goals and mutual appreciation of science. Learn more at www.gwis.org.