• 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

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

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
X (Twitter): @GWISci and @GWIS_UWMadison
Bluesky: @gwis.bsky.social and @gwis-madison.bsky.social
Instagram: @graduatewomeninscience and @gwis_madisonwi
 

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!

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
 

🌟 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.

• National Fellowship Program
• Honorary Membership Awards
• National Conference 2026
• Member's Spotlight Nomination Form
• Podcast December 2025
• Book Club January 2026
• Nominations for Leadership Positions
• Follow GWIS on Social
• Chapter News

GWIS National Fellowship Program invites you to serve on the committee for the 2026-2027 fellowship competition. The committee plays a critical role in advancing the fellowship program’s goal to recognize emerging women scholars with great potential and to advance the participation of women in STEM, Life Science, and related Social Science fields. This is a great opportunity to hone leadership skills, expand professional networks, advance the mission of GWIS, and gain practical experience as a grant administrator.

If you are interested in participating as a fellowship committee member please complete the committee member interest form and if you are interested in participating as an expert reviewer please complete the reviewer interest form.

Fellowship committee members and reviewers may not be 2026-2027 fellowship applicants. 

The GWIS National Fellowship Program committee is pleased to welcome researchers to apply for the 2026-2027 funding cycle. Graduate students, postdocs, and early career faculty women conducting hypothesis-driven research anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. A maximum funding amount of $10,000 can be requested. Proposed projects can last for up to 12 months, with the award period following the academic year (July 1 2026 - June 30 2027).

Applications are due on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. 

Questions? Contact: fellowships@gwis.org

For more details and instructions for applicants, visit the link below.

We are inviting nominations for outstanding women scientists in the following categories:

• The Bette Barnes Promising Young Scientist Award
• The Florence R. Sabin Research Excellence Award
• The Jean E. Simmons Science Education Excellence Award
• Science Communications Award

Deadline: January 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST. 

Questions? Contact: hmac@gwis.org

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
 

🌟 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.

• 2026-2027 National Fellowship Program Committee
• National Conference 2026
• Member's Spotlight Nomination Form
• GWIS Webinar 
• GWIS International Chapter News
• GWIS Madison Events: Tech Transfer & Personal Finance Seminars
• GWIS Penn State Chapter News
• GWIS Syracuse Chapter News
• Nominations for Leadership Positions
• Follow GWIS on Social

GWIS National Fellowship Program invites you to serve on the committee for the 2026-2027 fellowship competition. The committee plays a critical role in advancing the fellowship program’s goal to recognize emerging women scholars with great potential and to advance the participation of women in STEM, Life Science, and related Social Science fields. This is a great opportunity to hone leadership skills, expand professional networks, advance the mission of GWIS, and gain practical experience as a grant administrator.

If you are interested in participating as a fellowship committee member please complete the committee member interest form and if you are interested in participating as an expert reviewer please complete the reviewer interest form.

Fellowship committee members and reviewers may not be 2026-2027 fellowship applicants. 

Laura Haney, a third-year PhD student in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at SUNY Upstate, has had a productive season of research dissemination. Laura recently delivered a research talk at the Binghamton Graduate Student Organization Symposium. In December, she traveled to Philadelphia to present a poster at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Annual Meeting. Laura was also recently featured in the Upstate Graduate Student Spotlight, recognizing her contributions to the academic community.

Juthi Biswas recently returned from Germany, where she represented the community at the International Herpesvirus Workshop by presenting her latest research. In addition to her travels, Juthi has been prolific in the lab, co-authoring two significant new publications:

Antiviral Research (May 2025): Investigating how targeting the host transcription factor HSF1 can prevent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication.

Science Signaling (August 2024): Exploring the delivery of US28 by HCMV particles and its role in suppressing lytic replication in monocytes.

Chapter Highlights: What’s Next?

The Syracuse chapter remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in science through ongoing initiatives: 

Interview Series: They are continuing the series highlighting the journeys and achievements of accomplished graduate women scientists at the institution.
Upcoming Guest Speaker: They are currently planning an invited guest-speaker event, which will be followed by a poster session specifically for student presenters to showcase their latest work.

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
 

🌟 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.

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

Stay tuned! New chapter updates arriving next month.

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
 

🌟 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.

• Giving Tuesday
• National Fellowship Program
• Honorary Membership Awards
• National Conference 2026
• Book Club
• Nominations for Leadership Positions
• Follow GWIS on Social
• Chapter News

GWIS National Fellowship Program invites you to serve on the committee for the 2026-2027 fellowship competition. The committee plays a critical role in advancing the fellowship program’s goal to recognize emerging women scholars with great potential and to advance the participation of women in STEM, Life Science, and related Social Science fields. This is a great opportunity to hone leadership skills, expand professional networks, advance the mission of GWIS, and gain practical experience as a grant administrator.

If you are interested in participating as a fellowship committee member please complete the committee member interest form and if you are interested in participating as an expert reviewer please complete the reviewer interest form.

Fellowship committee members and reviewers may not be 2026-2027 fellowship applicants. 

The GWIS National Fellowship Program committee is pleased to welcome researchers to apply for the 2026-2027 funding cycle. Graduate students, postdocs, and early career faculty women conducting hypothesis-driven research anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. A maximum funding amount of $10,000 can be requested. Proposed projects can last for up to 12 months, with the award period following the academic year (July 1 2026 - June 30 2027).

Applications are due on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. 

Questions? Contact: fellowships@gwis.org

For more details and instructions for applicants, visit the link below.

We are inviting nominations for outstanding women scientists in the following categories:

• The Bette Barnes Promising Young Scientist Award
• The Florence R. Sabin Research Excellence Award
• The Jean E. Simmons Science Education Excellence Award
• Science Communications Award

Deadline: January 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST. 

Questions? Contact: hmac@gwis.org

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
 

🌟 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.

Contact GWIS

244 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

• GWIS National Fellowship Program - Apply for the 2026-27 funding cycle
• GWIS Honorary Membership Award 2026
• GWIS National Conference 2026 - save the date!
• Call for GWIS Volunteers
• Follow GWIS on Social
• GWIS Chapter News

The GWIS National Fellowship Program committee is pleased to welcome researchers to apply for the 2026-2027 funding cycle. Graduate students, postdocs, and early career faculty women conducting hypothesis-driven research anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. A maximum funding amount of $10,000 can be requested. Proposed projects can last for up to 12 months, with the award period following the academic year (July 1 2026 - June 30 2027).

Applications are due on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. 

Please direct all questions regarding the program s to the program officers at fellowships@gwis.org.

For more details and instructions for applicants, visit the link below.

We are inviting nominations for outstanding women scientists in the following categories:

• The Bette Barnes Promising Young Scientist Award
• The Florence R. Sabin Research Excellence Award
• The Jean E. Simmons Science Education Excellence Award
• Science Communications Award

Deadline: January 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST. 

🌟 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. 

More 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.

Contact GWIS

PO Box 7
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
www.gwis.org

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

GWIS Connect Copy Editor:
Selina Bruckner
Chapter News Editor:
Marc Ruder

• Message from the 2025-26 GWIS President
• GWIS 2024-25 Fellowship Awardees and Honorable Mentions
• GWIS National Committee Opening
• GWIS Programming Committee: 4th Annual Book Club
• GWIS National Mingle
• GWIS Events Google Calendar
• Join the GWIS Slack Channel
• GWIS Career Center
• GWIS Chapter News
• Discount code for Svaha USA STEAM-themed clothing

United in Friendship Through Science: A Century of Community and Change

Dear GWIS Members,

As we begin our 105th year as the Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), we look with admiration for our founders, for the members who built this organization across generations, and for each of you who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in science, in equity, and in community.

This year marks 105 years since Adele Lewis Grant gathered twelve women graduate students atCornell University for a picnic in May 1921.In an era when women had only just won the right to vote and were often excluded from the full life of scientific academia, these women created their own space. They founded what would become Sigma Delta Epsilon, now GWIS, to support one anotherprofessionally, intellectually, and socially. Their vision was enduring: science should be open to everyone, andfriendship was not separate from science but foundational to its advancement.

This vision has carried us far-from that first meeting at Cornell with only a small group of graduatestudents to over 20 chapters across the globe and an international society that amplifies thevoices of women in all scientific disciplines.

Today, we continued to honor our past and advance our mission. Our archives at Cornell were listed online, ensuring our history remains accessible. The GWIS National Fellowship Program (NFP) continues to support outstanding researchers at pivotal career stages. We’ve also launchednew initiatives that foster engagement and highlight the work of our members: including a bookclub, invited speakers, science documentary coffee chats, and social media campaigns. Lookingahead,we are excited to announce that the 2026 National Conference will be hosted by the Black HillsChapterin Rapid City, South Dakota (June 11–13). This promises to be an inspiring gathering, and I hopemany ofyou will join us there.

GWIS has evolved in name, in scope, and in reach, but our symbols and spirit remain. The originalbadge of Sigma Delta Epsilon (designed by Dr. Viola Graham) depicted the interconnectedness ofdisciplines and the unity of purpose shared by women in science. Though we no longer use ourGreek name, we still honor its legacy: United in Friendship Through Science.

As we look to the future, we invite each of you to reflect on what that motto means today. In aworld still marked by inequality, uncertainty, and complex challenges, how do we foster friendships that upliftand inspire us, and science that includes everyone? How do we support each other as we navigate the challenges of research, teaching, leadership, and life?

We look forward to finding those answers with you and hope that, in your own space, you’rechampioning a more inclusive and empowering vision of science.

In solidarity and science,

Brooke Long-Fox
President, Graduate Women in Science

Sarah Oladejo
President-Elect, Graduate Women in Science

Carissa Philippi
Vice President, Graduate Women in Science

Meet the ten awardees of the 2024-25 GWIS Fellowship Program. Their project proposals were outstanding and we are excited to hear about their experiences this year. Also, we have 25 honorable mentions who submitted an application. Interested in knowing what this year's awardees proposed? 

Join us for GWIS’s 4th annual Book Club!
Over the next few months (July-September), we’ll be reading Mischievous Creatures: The Forgotten Sisters Who Transformed Early American Science by Catherine McNeur. The book, published in 2023, is widely available at libraries or check at your local bookstore (if nothing else get it from Amazon). This book uncovers the lives and work of Margaretta Hare Morris and Elizabeth Carrington Morris, sisters and scientists in early America. This portrait of two unsung pioneers places women firmly at the center of the birth of American science.

Scan the QR code or follow the link to get more information: https://forms.gle/YSLD91Kwo5pKy9ij9

Chapters 1-6 discussion: Friday, August 22nd, 2025, 8pm WAT and BST/4pm ADT/3pm EDT/2pm CDT/1pm MDT/12pm PDT/9am HDT (this meeting time favors US timezones) 

Chapters 7-11 discussion: Friday, September 19th, 2025, 3pm WAT and BST/11am ADT/10am EDT/9am CDT/8am MDT/7am PST/4am HST (this meeting time favors African and European timezones)

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 GWIS

PO Box 7
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
www.gwis.org

President
Brooke Long-Fox
Editor
Zoey Jiang 
Membership
Ogochukwu Ozotta

GWIS Connect Copy Editor:
Selina Bruckner
Chapter News Editor:
Can Dong