Illustrated by Madison Echlin
—The Association for Women in Science, or AWIS, is a global network of women and allies that are dedicated to advancing the path for women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
“AWIS has been a part of my professional life on and off for decades,” MSU Pharmacology and Toxicology Professor Stephanie Watts said in a statement. “In the last few years, AWIS had upped its game in hosting webinars, networks and communications that help women in science simply be more connected.”
According to the 2019-2020 Annual Student and Workforce Data Report that emerged pre-COVID, women make up roughly 52% of MSU’s undergrads, 57% of graduates, 47% of faculty and 60.7% of support staff, which is over 20,000 women that could use this organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting women in their academic and professional careers.
“As an AWIS member through the partnership, MSU community members are eligible to be members at the National Level,” AWIS Membership Manager Abby Swett said in a statement. “Therefore, there won’t be weekly meetings. It isn’t a club that meets on campus. If students want to gather to view a program or chat as AWIS, that’s totally doable, but will have to be organized on campus, we won’t be planning any events.”
With an AWIS membership, members can explore relevant topics via the webinar series. A weekly newsletter will be sent out alongside members-only content. Members will receive a digital subscription to AWIS Magazine to read about women’s contributions to STEM and how those actions impacted society.
“The mission and vision of the Association for Women in Science align with not only Michigan State University’s mission and vision, but also many of the goals of our university-wide strategic plan and academic strategic plan,” MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff said in a statement. “With our shared commitments to promoting equity and inclusion, mentoring, and leadership opportunities for women in science, I am confident that MSU’s community of scholars will benefit from the broad range of resources and programming that AWIS brings to this partnership.”
Scholarship opportunities will also be available for students to support their professional development and academic advancement.
Through the AWIS event calendar, students will be able to register for both local and national events. All MSU students, staff and faculty are welcome to join.
“The Association for Women in Science is pleased to welcome MSU to our community with its strong roots in agriculture and applied science,” AWIS CEO Meredith Gibson said in a statement. “AWIS’ professional development programs, network, and scholarship opportunities will enhance the academic and career trajectories of MSU students and faculty. We look forward to collaborating with them to advance women in science.”
All those that are interested can join AWIS through its online form.
“My hope and expectation is that MSU members of AWIS will gravitate to and engage with the things offered by AWIS and that AWIS can look to MSU as an incredible resource for (women) scientists in virtually all scientific fields: hard science, biological science, data science, engineering … and the list goes on,” Watts said in a statement.
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