What We Do

WISAY Mentoring Program

Established by the Women in Science at Yale graduate organization (WISAY), this program has provided a unique opportunity for female undergrads to connect with Yale graduate students in the sciences.  Graduate students are able to give insight into their own undergraduate experiences, as well as their current research in the lab.  As an affiliated organization, we encourage all of our members to participate.

Undergraduate Mentoring Program

As an extension of the original, the undergraduate mentoring program was created by UWISAY to facilitate connections between under- and upperclassmen interested in the sciences.  Upperclassmen participating in the program are able to give more specific advice concerning classes, professors, and the research opportunities available for undergrads.

Women in Science Dinners

UWISAY dinners (often held in the Silliman Dining Annex) typically happen 2 to 3 times a month.  We invite professors to eat with us and speak not only of their research, but also of their personal experiences as a female in academia.  Past speakers include Professor Ann Valentine (Chemistry) and Professor Joan Steitz (MB&B), among many others.

Conference

Each winter, starting in 2012, UWISAY hosts a conference designed to bring together people, information, and resources about science for Yale’s undergraduate women. The conference features panels on many different aspects of science and education, such as research, graduate school, medical school, start-ups, and careers in industry. A keynote speaker and a mini-bazaar of science groups are also featured.

Outreach

Throughout the year, UWISAY works to collaborate with other science groups and to expose its members to all the scientific opportunities Yale has to offer. Past events have included a Sisters in Science mixer planned in conjunction with the Women in Physics and Women Active in Computer Science at Yale; a study abroad panel describing ways to spend time abroad as a science or engineering major; and a Summer in New Haven mixer featuring advice for students spending the summer in New Haven for research, classes, or community service. We also work to expand access to academic resources by compiling small databases to be used for exchanging textbooks and choosing academic advisers.

Girls’ Science Investigations (GSI)

Organized by the Yale Physics’ Department, GSI is a series of sessions (typically four per year) which provides middle school students a hands-on experience with science.  UWISAY members volunteer at GSI sessions as activity leaders, providing students assistance with projects and related basic science background information.

Community Service

In addition to GSI, we look to do science- and health-related outreach in our community whenever possible. Past events have included bringing teams to disease-related advocacy walks, fundraising for Relay for Life, and baking cookies and knitting baby hats to give to parents at the neonatal intensive care unit of Yale-New Haven Hospital.