Graduate Women in Science club empowers women in STEM
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Media Contact: Kayley Spielbusch | Digital Communications Specialist | 918-561-5759 | kspielb@okstate.edu
The Graduate Women in Science student club at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences connects, empowers and promotes leadership for women in STEM.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women are statistically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math, making up less than 30% of the STEM workforce.
The national GWIS chapter was founded in 1921, and there are currently more than 30 active chapters in the United States. The northeastern Oklahoma chapter at OSU-CHS was established during the fall 2024 semester and is the only chapter in the state.
“Women in STEM continue to face gender bias and sexual harassment, which disproportionately affects their careers,” said Anastasia Dodge, department of pharmacology and physiology Ph.D. student and GWIS president. “Impostor syndrome is also more prevalent among women. This may lead some to reconsider their STEM aspirations.”
GWIS aims to foster resilience and professional growth. The club has hosted several Coffee and Conversation events where established female scientists speak with club members. The scientists share their insight on topics such as navigating graduate school, postdoctoral positions and career options.
“Every scientist we feature has diverse life experiences and a wealth of knowledge,” Dodge said. “These discussions provide invaluable career advice, speaking to the unique challenges of balancing professional development with personal responsibilities.”
GWIS also co-hosts the Writing Accountability Group with the OSU-CHS library. It provides a dedicated space for students to work on dissertations, grants and other projects. This encourages collaboration and supports students at different stages of their academic journey.
"Every scientist we feature has diverse life experiences and a wealth of knowledge. These discussions provide invaluable career advice, speaking to the unique challenges of balancing professional development with personal responsibilities."
The club also hosts social gatherings to foster connections among members and has been involved with community events. Recently, they sponsored a table at the Oklahoma Aquarium’s Women in STEM Night, where members talked to women and girls of all ages about being scientists-in-training.
Dodge and the rest of the GWIS members are excited about the club's future. Two officers will attend the National GWIS Conference in St. Louis this summer. Attending the conference grants the northeastern Oklahoma chapter of GWIS the opportunity to strengthen its presence and impact through networking and presenting its research.
“We look forward to our future outreach opportunities and to continue empowering women in STEM,” Dodge said.
For more information about GWIS or to get involved, contact Anastasia Dodge at asmi239@okstate.edu.