News & Press

Connect July 2026

Wed, 8 Jul 2026 02:05:00 GMT

GWIS Connect - July 2026

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JULY 2026

GWIS Connect is a periodical for GWIS national and chapter news. Subscribe

What a year for GWIS!
From a milestone national conference in Rapid City to trailblazing new leaders and chapters shaping our global community, momentum is building. Discover the highlights, meet the visionaries leading the way, and find out how you can join the excitement as we look forward to another groundbreaking year.
This issue contains

President's Message
2026-2027 GWIS Elected Leaders
2026 GWIS National Conference
GWIS Meritorious Service Award
2025-2026 Presidential Recognition Awardees
GWIS Meritorious Service Award
Gratitude to 2025-2026 Donors
GWIS Podcast
Volunteer on a Committee
GWIS Chapter News Update

President's Message

Strengthening Our Legacy Together

Dear GWIS Members,

It is an honor to serve as President of Graduate Women in Science. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I look forward to working alongside each of you as we build upon the extraordinary legacy of this organization.

More than a century ago, a group of visionary women recognized that scientific excellence could not flourish without community. At a time when women were often excluded from professional scientific networks, they created one of their own: an organization founded not only to advance women in science, but also to ensure that collaboration, mentorship, and scholarly excellence would remain central to scientific progress. Their vision has carried Graduate Women in Science through more than a century of discovery, leadership, and service.

Today, we start our 106th year as an international community of more than 900 members representing diverse scientific disciplines and career stages. Our growth reflects the dedication of generations of members and leaders who have adapted the organization to meet the changing needs of scientists while remaining steadfast in our mission to support women pursuing excellence in research.

Our recent National Conference, hosted by the Black Hills Chapter in Rapid City, South Dakota, was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community and the friendships that have always been at the heart of GWIS. We now look forward to gathering again at the 2027 GWIS National Conference, hosted by the Oklahoma Chapter on June 10-12, and I encourage all members to join us as we celebrate science, collaboration, and community.

As I begin this new chapter of leadership alongside the President-Elect - Dr. Carissa Philippi and Vice president - Dr. Andrea Rasjic , I am excited about the opportunities before us. My goal is to build upon GWIS' strong foundation by continuing to foster an environment where members can connect, collaborate, and grow. I look forward to working with our chapters, committees, and members to strengthen engagement across the organization, support professional development, celebrate the accomplishments of our members, and continue raising the visibility of women across all scientific disciplines.
Above all, I hope to foster a GWIS community where every member feels connected, valued, and supported in pursuing scientific excellence. The legacy of GWIS has always been about more than advancing women in science. It is about building a community where mentorship, friendship, and mutual support enable each of us to achieve more together than we could alone.

As we move forward together, let us continue to honor the vision of our founders while thoughtfully building on the strengths of our organization. By working together and supporting one another, we can ensure that the values that have defined GWIS for more than a century continue to guide and inspire future generations of scientists.
Thank you for being part of the GWIS community. I look forward to serving you and working alongside all of you in the year ahead.

In solidarity and science,
Sarah Oladejo
President, Graduate Women in Science

2026–2027 GWIS Elected Leaders

We are excited to announce the 2026–2027 GWIS leadership team:
President: Sarah Oladejo, previously President-Elect.
President-Elect: Dr. Carissa Philippi, Associate Professor, University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Vice President: Dr. Andrea Rajsic, Research Scientist, Brown University.
Treasurer: Hafsat Alabere, Ph.D. candidate, West Virginia University.
Membership: Mana Rassaeikashuk, Ph.D. candidate, Texas Southern University.
Nominating: Dr. Raman Singh, Associate Professor, Amity University Madhya Pradesh.
Board: Dr. Brooke Long-Fox, past President and founder of the Black Hills Chapter.
At-Large Representatives: Hannaneh Ghavanloughajar and Oluwaseun Obaado.
Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the new team.

Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted, and supported this transition. Congratulations to the incoming team.

2026 GWIS National Conference — Rapid City

The 105th GWIS National Conference, "Thriving Through Change: The Power of Scientific Community," took place June 11–13 in Rapid City, SD. Hosted by the Black Hills Chapter, the event brought together 41 participants from 25 organizations, including international attendees. The program included research presentations, a leadership workshop, and opportunities for networking and community-building across scientific disciplines.
Congratulations to our GWIS Lightning Talk and Poster Presentation Award winners: Fengyao Li (Boston College), Suchi Parvin Biki (South Dakota State University), Lydia Ostmo (Oklahoma State University), Anan Mahabub Aboni (Black Hills State), Jumoke Omotosho (Ball State), Aisling Hall and Rimjhim Sharma (South Dakota Mines). Thank you to the 2026 Planning Committee and everyone who made the event a success.

2025–2026 Presidential Recognition Awardees

The GWIS Presidential Recognitions honor sustained service, leadership, and contributions that strengthen GWIS outside the scope of our formal awards. This year's recipients reflect what we mean by Connect, Lead, and Empower.
Lead Award — Zoe Hansen (Fellowships program leadership, 2023–2026) and Vidya Narayanaswamy (GWIS Podcast leadership)
Empower Award — Faizah Alabi (member visibility through News Digest, Empower, and the Member Spotlight) and Aaliyah Carter (Public Relations leadership and rebuilding GWIS social media)
Connect Award — Charlotte Eaton (Honorary Membership Award Chair) and Kendall Langsten (GWIS programming leadership)
Chapter Leadership Award — Natalie Ford (Penn State Chapter's Grad School 101 programming)
Chapter Excellence Award — Northeast Oklahoma Chapter, recognized for outstanding chapter-wide achievement in programming, outreach, professional development, and community engagement.
Presidential Service Recognitions also go to: Nafisa Jadavji (Past President), Anna Kowalkowski (Treasurer), Sumaiya Chowdhury (Technology Chair), Veena Prasad (Media Chair), Aubrey Jeffries (Fellowships Committee, continuing as Director), and Amanda Koenig (Finance Committee, continuing as Director) — for service in national leadership, governance, and committee roles.

GWIS Meritorious Service Award

Aubrey Jeffries is being honored with the Meritorious Service Award for her outstanding leadership of the GWIS National Fellowships Program. Since becoming Fellowships Coordinator in 2020, she has dedicated six years to expanding the program, increasing its scale and impact, and distributing significant research funding. Aubrey has also improved the program’s sustainability by creating operational resources, streamlining processes, and mentoring new leaders. Her efforts have strengthened the fellowships program’s role in advancing GWIS’s mission. Although she is stepping down from the Fellowships Committee, Aubrey will continue contributing to GWIS as a member of the Board of Directors.

With Gratitude to our 2025–2026 Donors

Judy Artley & C.T. Moses

Lauren Coppola

Rachel Clark Cole

Carol Gross

Helen Haller

Hartley Corporation & Alexandra Platt

Mary M. Hurlocker

Jennifer L. Ingram

David Mann

Jane Sharer Maier

Regina Vidaver

GWIS Podcast: Designing a Career That Actually Matters

In this GWIS podcast episode, Geethapriya “Priya” Setty reflects on designing a meaningful career across patient care, healthcare leadership, and systems change. Drawing on her experience as an occupational therapist and healthcare leader, Priya shares insights on curiosity, adaptability, collaboration, and building a career rooted in purpose and impact. Spotify

Volunteer Interest Form — Now Open

Completing the form does not obligate you to any specific position. It simply lets leadership know you are interested and helps us find a role that suits you. GWIS offers opportunities for members to collaborate across chapters on focused projects such as syntheses, data analysis, policy briefs, webinars, and publishable work, including 6-month to 1-year Research Collaboration Groups. Volunteers are essential to all GWIS activities, from fellowships and awards to communications, programming, membership, DEI, and governance. This year, we especially welcome volunteers for newsletter editing, social media, member spotlights, honorary membership interviews, donor outreach, chapter engagement, and a new pilot initiative. Whether you can contribute a few hours a month or take on a leadership role, we encourage you to get involved.

Help shape the year ahead!

Volunteer on a Committee

CHAPTER NEWS

Northeast Oklahoma Chapter — Conference Sweep

Chapter President (Aaliyah Carter), Treasurer (Lydia Ostmo), and Event Coordinator (Fahmida Hossain) attended the GWIS National Conference in Rapid City this June.
Beyond making new friends and exploring downtown Rapid City, the trip turned into a clean sweep for the NEOK chapter. Lydia Ostmo won 3rd place in the Lightning Talk competition for her work on inflammatory biomarkers in chronic colitis. Aaliyah Carter received the 2025–2026 GWIS Empower Award for her leadership in Public Relations and rebuilding GWIS social media. The Northeast Oklahoma Chapter received the 2025–2026 GWIS Chapter Excellence Award. We're proud of this team and grateful to every member who made the year possible. More to come on what's next for the chapter in our next update.

Lydia Ostmo: 3rd place for her lightning talk, “Investigating Inflammatory Biomarkers in Response to Chronic Colitis in Rats.”
Instagram: gwis_neok

BlueSky: gwis-neok

LinkedIn: Northeast Oklahoma Chapter of Graduate Women in Science

Member's Spotlight Nomination Form

We would love to celebrate the achievements of GWIS members in our newsletter! Please use this link to share your accomplishments and upload your photo to be featured!

MORE FUN IMAGES FROM THE JUST CONCLUDED CONFERENCE

Read the latest GWIS Connect

Read the latest GWIS Empower

Read the latest GWIS Lead

Read the latest News Digest

Get Involved with GWIS!

Support and be part of a growing network of women scientists.

Join or Renew

Volunteer on a Committee

East

Greater Maryland
Delaware
National Capital
New York Capital
Syracuse, NY
State College, PA
Hershey, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
West Liberty, WV

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Midwest

Iowa City, IA
Chicago, IL
Mid-Michigan
Milwaukee, WI
Rolla, MO
St. Louis, MO
Madison, WI
Central Ohio OH

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South

Auburn, AL
Austin, TX
Central Kentucky
Eastern North Carolina
Hattiesburg, MS
Nashville, TN
Puerto Rico
Research Triangle, NC
Tuscaloosa, AL

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North

Twin Cities, MN
Missoula, MT
Grand Forks, ND
Eastern South Dakota
Black Hills, SD

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West

Northern Colorado
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA

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International Chapter

If interested in participating in the International Chapter's WhatsApp group, please send an email to the International Chapter with the subject “WhatsApp for International”.

About GWIS

For more than 105 years, Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) has supported women scientists through fellowship, leadership, research, mentorship, and community. Founded in 1921, GWIS is an international interdisciplinary society dedicated to advancing the participation and recognition of women in science and fostering scientific research through grants, awards, and fellowships. Guided by our mission to build a global community that inspires, supports, recognizes, and empowers women in science, GWIS works to Connect, Lead, and Empower scientists across disciplines and career stages. Through national programming, chapter-based engagement, professional development, leadership opportunities, and research funding, GWIS provides members with meaningful ways to build networks, share expertise, and support one another’s professional goals. Today, GWIS includes more than 900 members across 20+ active chapters who are “United in Friendship through Science” and committed to advancing women in science. Learn more at www.gwis.org.

Contact GWIS
244 5th Ave, Suite #1825
New York, NY 10001
www.gwis.org

President
Sarah Oladejo
President-Elect
Carissa Philippi
Vice President
Andrea Rasjic
Editor
Faizah Alabi
Recoding and Corresponding Secretary
Samantha Hamilton
Archivist
Judy Artley
Technology Chair
Open
PR Chair
Aaliyah Carter
GWIS Connect Copy Editor
Tanisha Bhimwal
Chapter News Editor
Marc Ruder

Copyright © 2026 Graduate Women in Science, All rights reserved.
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Connect June 2026

Wed, 3 Jun 2026 02:23:00 GMT

Connect May 2026

Wed, 6 May 2026 02:19:00 GMT

GWIS Connect - May 2026

View this email in your browser

April 2026

GWIS Connect is a periodical for GWIS national and chapter news. Subscribe

In This Issue:

National Conference 2026
GWIS Podcast
Member's Spotlight Nomination Form
GWIS Mid-Michigan Chapter News
GWIS Syracruse Chapter News
GWIS Milwaukee Chapter News
Call for Leadership and Volunteers
Follow GWIS on Social

GWIS National Conference 2026

Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) is excited to announce the 2026 GWIS National Conference, hosted by the Black Hills Chapter in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The GWIS National Conference is held annually and hosted by a different chapter each year. It provides an opportunity for GWIS members from across chapters to gather in person, share research, develop leadership skills, and build lasting professional connections. The conference will feature invited talks, panel discussions, lightning talks, research posters, and time for networking and collaboration.

The 2026 conference theme, Thriving Through Change: The Power of Scientific Community, highlights how collaboration, mentorship, and scientific networks help researchers navigate change and thrive at every stage of their careers.

Join us as we Connect, Lead, and Empower the next generation of scientists.

Conference Information

📍 Location

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Rapid City, South Dakota

Pete Lien & Sons Lecture Hall (NMI 246)

📅 Scientific Conference

June 13, 2026

Conference Schedule

8:00 – 9:00 am

Check-in & Coffee

9:00 – 9:30 am

Welcome Address

9:30 – 10:00 am

Lead

10:00 – 10:30 am

Empower

10:30 – 11:00 am

Connect

11:00 – 12:30 pm

Lunch & Poster Session

12:30 – 2:00 pm

Keynote Address

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Lightning Talks

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Panel: Navigating Careers, Collaboration, and Resilience

Additional Conference Events

Conference Social

📅 Friday, June 12

🕚 5:00–8:00 pm

📍 Jolly Lane Greenhouse

Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Tour

📅 TBD

📍 Lead, South Dakota

National Governance Meetings

Q4 National Council Meeting

📅 Sunday, June 11, 2026

🕚 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Mountain

📍 Nucor Mineral Industries Building (Room 201)

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Rapid City, SD

Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

National Grand Chapter Meeting

📅 Sunday, June 12, 2026

🕚 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Mountain

📍 Nucor Mineral Industries Building (Room 201)

Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

All members are welcome to attend and participate.

Call for Abstracts

We invite submissions for:

• Poster presentations

• Lightning talks

These sessions provide an opportunity for students and early-career researchers to share their work and receive feedback from the GWIS community.

Submit an abstract by April 30, 2026:

https://forms.gle/pAbQ7pbEgBJN63ZF8

Travel Grants

GWIS will offer travel grants of $250 to help offset travel costs to attend the National Grand Chapter meeting.

To apply, contact:

📧 long-fox@gwis.org

📧 treasurer@gwis.org

Registration

Attendance is free, and all conference activities and meals are complimentary.

Reserve your spot by May 11, 2026:

https://forms.gle/pAbQ7pbEgBJN63ZF8

Travel Information

✈ Flights

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport and is served by Delta, United, American, and Allegiant Airlines.

🚗 Rental Cars

Rental cars are available at Rapid City Regional Airport through Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

🚐 Carpool Options

Conference organizers will coordinate optional carpooling and airport pickup/drop-off for attendees.

Accommodations

Dormitory-style accommodations are being arranged on campus.

• $40 per night per room (no linens)

• Each room accommodates up to two guests

• Shared restroom facilities on each floor

Optional linen bundles will be available for $30.

Additional booking details will be provided soon. If you are interested in campus accommodations, please indicate this when completing the conference registration form.

A Legacy of Scientific Community and Collaboration

Graduate Women in Science traces its origins to 1921, when twelve women graduate students at Cornell University gathered to create a community for women scientists who were often isolated in their research programs. Their vision—to build connection, collaboration, and mutual support—continues to shape GWIS today.

Since the first national meeting in 1922, the GWIS National Conference has brought members together annually to share research, exchange ideas, and strengthen the global community of women in science.

GWIS Podcast

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.

Member's Spotlight Nomination Form

We would love to celebrate the achievements of GWIS members in our newsletter! Please use this link to share your accomplishments and upload your photo to be featured!

GWIS MID-MICHIGAN CHAPTER NEWS

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.

GWIS SYRACRUSE CHAPTER NEWS

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.

GWIS Milwaukee Chapter Chapter News

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.

Call for Leadership and Volunteers

🌟 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

Volunteer

Follow GWIS for the Latest News

East

Greater Maryland
Delaware
National Capital
New York Capital
Syracuse, NY
State College, PA
Hershey, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
West Liberty, WV

Midwest

Iowa City, IA
Chicago, IL
Mid-Michigan
Milwaukee, WI
Rolla, MO
St. Louis, MO
Madison, WI
Central Ohio OH

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South

Auburn, AL
Austin, TX
Central Kentucky
Eastern North Carolina
Hattiesburg, MS
Nashville, TN
Puerto Rico
Research Triangle, NC
Tuscaloosa, AL

North

Twin Cities, MN
Missoula, MT
Grand Forks, ND
Eastern South Dakota
Black Hills, SD

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West

Northern Colorado
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA

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International Chapter

If interested in participating in the International Chapter's WhatsApp group, please send an email to International Chapter with the subject “Whatsapp for International”.

Get Involved with GWIS!

Support and be part of a growing network of women scientists.

Join or Renew

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.

Contact GWIS244 Fifth Avenue, Suite #1825
New York, NY 10001
www.gwis.org

President
Brooke Long-Fox
Editor
Veena Prasad
Membership
Bavya Mavila Chathoth

GWIS Connect Copy Editor:
Tanisha Bhimwal
Chapter News Editor:
Marc Ruder

Copyright © 2026 Graduate Women in Science, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to GWIS newsletters.

Our mailing address is:

Graduate Women in Science

244 5th Ave, Suite #1825

New York, NY 10001

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Connect April 2026

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 04:34:00 GMT

April 2026

GWIS Connect is a periodical for GWIS national and chapter news. Subscribe

In This Issue:

National Conference 2026
GWIS Webinar
Member's Spotlight Nomination Form
GWIS Madison Chapter News
GWIS Black Hills Chapter News
Nominations for Leadership Positions
Follow GWIS on Social

GWIS National Conference 2026

Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) is excited to announce the 2026 GWIS National Conference, hosted by the Black Hills Chapter in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Join us as we Connect, Lead, and Empower the next generation of scientists.

Conference Information

📍 Location

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Rapid City, South Dakota

Pete Lien & Sons Lecture Hall (NMI 246)

📅 Scientific Conference

June 13, 2026

Conference Schedule

8:00 – 9:00 am

Check-in & Coffee

9:00 – 9:30 am

Welcome Address

9:30 – 10:00 am

Lead

10:00 – 10:30 am

Empower

10:30 – 11:00 am

Connect

11:00 – 12:30 pm

Lunch & Poster Session

12:30 – 2:00 pm

Keynote Address

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Lightning Talks

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Panel: Navigating Careers, Collaboration, and Resilience

Additional Conference Events

Conference Social

📅 Friday, June 12

🕚 5:00–8:00 pm

📍 Jolly Lane Greenhouse

Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Tour

📅 TBD

📍 Lead, South Dakota

National Governance Meetings

Q4 National Council Meeting

📅 Sunday, June 11, 2026

🕚 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Mountain

📍 Nucor Mineral Industries Building (Room 201)

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Rapid City, SD

Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

National Grand Chapter Meeting

📅 Sunday, June 12, 2026

🕚 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Mountain

📍 Nucor Mineral Industries Building (Room 201)

Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

All members are welcome to attend and participate.

Call for Abstracts

We invite submissions for:

• Poster presentations

• Lightning talks

These sessions provide an opportunity for students and early-career researchers to share their work and receive feedback from the GWIS community.

Submit an abstract by April 30, 2026:

https://forms.gle/pAbQ7pbEgBJN63ZF8

Travel Grants

GWIS will offer travel grants of $250 to help offset travel costs to attend the National Grand Chapter meeting.

To apply, contact:

📧 long-fox@gwis.org

📧 treasurer@gwis.org

Registration

Attendance is free, and all conference activities and meals are complimentary.

Reserve your spot by May 11, 2026:

https://forms.gle/pAbQ7pbEgBJN63ZF8

Travel Information

✈ Flights

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport and is served by Delta, United, American, and Allegiant Airlines.

🚗 Rental Cars

Rental cars are available at Rapid City Regional Airport through Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

🚐 Carpool Options

Conference organizers will coordinate optional carpooling and airport pickup/drop-off for attendees.

Accommodations

Dormitory-style accommodations are being arranged on campus.

• $40 per night per room (no linens)

• Each room accommodates up to two guests

• Shared restroom facilities on each floor

Optional linen bundles will be available for $30.

Additional booking details will be provided soon. If you are interested in campus accommodations, please indicate this when completing the conference registration form.

A Legacy of Scientific Community and Collaboration

GWIS Webinar

Please join us on April 15th at 11am CDT to support our Fellowship winners!
Link to register: https://forms.gle/zEdL8KqamY9jD9p7A

Member's Spotlight Nomination Form

We would love to celebrate the achievements of GWIS members in our newsletter! Please use this link to share your accomplishments and upload your photo to be featured!

GWIS MADISON CHAPTER NEWS

The Madison Chapter of Graduate Women in Science has had an eventful and productive semester! We kicked things off with a well-attended Spring Kick-Off Social, followed by a Personal Finances Seminar hosted by Dr. Carolina Mendoza-Cavazos. As a financial coach and UW-Madison PhD alumna, Dr. Mendoza provided our members with essential strategies for budgeting on a graduate stipend and tips for future investing.

Academic & Professional Highlights

3 Minute Thesis (3MT): In collaboration with the UW-Madison Graduate School, we hosted the annual 3MT competition. After a series of compelling presentations, our top three winners took home cash prizes of up to $1,000. We are thrilled to cheer on our first-place winner as they move forward to represent UW-Madison at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) regional competition!

Biotech Industry Tour: Building on our successful tour of Promega in December, our professional development series aimed to provide our members with exposure to local biotech companies will be heading to Elephas in April!

Scholarship Opportunity: We are currently accepting applications for the Ruth Dickie Scholarship. This is a fantastic opportunity for our members to secure funding for their research and professional goals.

Community & Social Events
Our members recently got together at a local pub, the Great Dane, as well as attended a Badger basketball game. These events remain a cornerstone of our mission to build a supportive community for scientists across all fields. Stay tuned for our upcoming Board Game Night!

FOLLOW ON

LinkedIn: @Graduate Women in Science Beta Chapter at University of Wisconsin-Madison or @Fong Liew or @Loren D. Lopez Rivera
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GWIS Black Hills Chapter News

Aisling Hall, Black Hills Chapter member, defended her MS thesis!

Her research involves the study of aquatic macroinvertebrates in three tributaries of the Kootenai River. They are studying the timing and composition of macroinvertebrate drift in this area to better understand the food source supply from the tributaries into the mainstem.

Fun Fact: Her favorite part of the fieldwork was being able to experience the Kootenai River area and all its beauty. She has so many beautiful photos of the tributaries and study sites!

Nominations for 2026-2027
Executive Board and Elected Leadership

We are excited to announce the open positions on the National GWIS Executive Board and Committees that are now accepting applications. All eligible members are invited to apply or to nominate someone who would be an excellent fit for leadership.

Open Positions:
 President-Elect
 Vice-President
 Treasurer
 Member, Board of Directors
 National At-Large Member
 Member, Membership Committee
 Member, Nominating Committee

Deadline: Mid-April

Questions? Contact: nominating@gwis.org

Self-Nominate

Call for Leadership and Volunteers

Volunteer

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About GWIS

Connect March 2026

Wed, 4 Mar 2026 01:41:00 GMT

March 2026

GWIS Connect is a periodical for GWIS national and chapter news. Subscribe

In This Issue:

National Conference 2026
Member's Spotlight Nomination Form
GWIS Webinar
Chapter News
Nominations for Leadership Positions
Follow GWIS on Social

GWIS National Conference 2026

Member's Spotlight Nomination Form

We would love to celebrate the achievements of GWIS members in our newsletter! Please use this link to share your accomplishments and upload your photo to be featured!

GWIS Webinar

Join us on March 27th at 1pm CST to hear about Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna's work and life! She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida. Her talk is titled 'Robotically Exploring Silicic Volcanism on the Moon" and it is bound to be an interesting and engaging talk! The link to register is: https://forms.gle/VWNj3rt3HVHAxwtV9

CHAPTER NEWS

Stay tuned! New chapter updates arriving next month.