Women in Science and Engineering

What is WISE? Our History and Goals

WiSE is a network of women graduate students and post-doctoral associates working to improve the climate for women in science.

The group originated from several women-in-science initiatives sponsored at the university from 1989 through 1993. At that time, students, faculty, and administrators agreed that Duke needed to accomplish two goals: increase the number of women faculty members and students in science and engineering, and provide programmatic support for open discussion of science and gender issues. To read more on WISE's origins, visit our website.

WiSE serves as a liaison between women science and engineering students and the administration, and sponsors events in which women faculty members and students in science and engineering can come together and share experiences and ideas for change. WiSE is affiliated with the Duke University Women's Center and is supported by grants from the Office of Graduate Student Affairs and the Graduate and Professional Student Council.

What We Do : Events and Programs

Some of WISE's regular events include 

• "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" : A Panel Discussion of Graduate Women - A panel of women from the graduate and professional schools share their experiences and tips for thriving at Duke. This informative session seeks to provide a safe forum for exploring the "how to’s" and "why not’s" of graduate life as well as a great opportunity to network with women both within and outside of your school or department.

• Lunch Discussion Series - A series of lunchtime discussions during the fall and spring semesters. Topics have ranged from meetings with Deans, job skill development, to career and family balance.

• Distinguished Speaker Series - An annual event with an expert invited by WISE at the leading edge of science or engineering to speak about issues concerning women in these fields.

• WiSE OWL Awards - The WiSE Outstanding Woman Leader Awards honour current female graduate students, post-docs and laboratory technicians who have contributed not only to the scientific community through research excellence, but also to the Duke and the Durham communities through exemplary leadership and mentoring.

For other planned events forFall 2008, and more information, please visit our website. WISE events are also listed on the Women's Center Calendar of Events.

 Join us : How you can get involved

• come to our events
  
• join our email list (Instructions here)
• join our group on Facebook
• volunteer with our planning committee