Women in Science at Columbia
Fostering inclusion and a diverse, supportive scientific community at Columbia.
About
Women in Science at Columbia (WISC) is a graduate student organization dedicated to the advancement of women and underrepresented groups in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Our members are individuals who are pursuing or have advanced degrees in the STEM fields and are considering different career paths. We welcome the involvement of anyone who supports our mission, including women and men from all different academic backgrounds.
We host various events for outreach, networking, mentoring, and professional development. The goal of these events is not only to encourage more women to enter the STEM fields, but to also provide support for individuals already in the STEM fields. All these events are planned by volunteers who wish to seek to give WISC members opportunities that not provided by most graduate departments.
Events
Girls’ Science Day
Know a budding female scientist or engineer? We invite middle school girls around the city to come to Columbia and learn about science in this day-long program of hands-on activities and experiments!
STEM Starters
We encourage and invite middle school and high school students from the Harlem area to come to Columbia and perform interactive experiments to learn more about different topics in science.
Campus Happy Hours & Socials
Social events are held for all WISC members to meet others from different departments both on- and off-campus.
& more.
FAQ
Can men join?
Yes! We welcome any supporters of women in science, and this includes men. Men can participate in all WISC events and take on leadership roles as part of our WISC Board or Event Chairs.
Do I have to be a PhD student to join? Are you open to post-docs?
We are open to anyone who is pursuing or has an advanced degree in the STEM fields. This means that PhD students, Master’s students, post-docs, medical/dental/nursing students, and research assistants are more than welcome to participate in our events and be part of our WISC Board.
Do I have to be in a STEM field to join?
While most of our events are catered to researchers in STEM, there are plenty of opportunities for people who are interested in and/or support STEM education, especially with outreach events like Girls’ Science Day and Science Saturday Starters. Feel free to contact the event chairs for specific information.
Are you open to undergraduates?
Again, most WISC events are catered to full-time researchers in STEM who are considering professional STEM careers. There are a few opportunities for undergraduate involvement in mentoring and outreach. Please contact the event chairs of those events for specific information.
How do I apply for an open position?
Our positions are open to anyone who is interested and wants to help out. Just email us at wisc.group@gmail.com and let us know what position you’d like!
Can I split the responsibilities a position with a friend?
Yes! While rewarding, WISC events and duties can take a lot of work to execute so you are more than welcome to split open positions between friends to lighten your load.
How do I join your email list?
Click here to subscribe. Please do not email us with requests to join our mailing list unless you are having technical difficulties.
Can I list my involvement with WISC on fellowship applications?
Yes, of course! We know that your leadership in WISC looks great on those applications. Be proud of your accomplishments and show them off!
I have some ideas for WISC events. Who should I talk to?
If you have an idea for an entirely new event, please contact the WISC co-presidents at wisc.group@gmail.com. If your ideas are for or related to an existing event, please contact that event chair.