Attendees at the WISE Conference listening to speakers and engaging in discussions.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThe 33rd annual WISE conference at Texas A&M University empowered women in STEM with inspiring talks, interactive sessions, and discussions. Attendees learned about overcoming barriers, navigating career paths, and addressing the gender pay gap in academia, all while fostering a strong community spirit among women pursuing careers in science and engineering.
College Station, Texas – The vibrant atmosphere of Texas A&M University recently buzzed with energy as the 33rd annual Susan M. Arseven ’75 Conference for Women in Science and Engineering, known as WISE, kicked off right in the heart of the Memorial Student Center. This year’s event was packed with inspiring stories, valuable insights, and discussions aimed at empowering women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Attendees at the WISE conference were in for a treat, as they got to hear from a lineup of seven remarkable speakers, all hailing from various colleges within Texas A&M University. This diversity provided participants with a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise that spanned different disciplines. Among the standout highlights was the keynote address by Fuhui Tong, Ph.D., who set an inspiring tone for the day.
The conference was designed to be interactive, allowing passionate attendees to engage directly with the speakers. Several breakout sessions featured prominent figures such as Tatyana Igumenova, Ph.D., and Dr. Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH. These sessions provided a platform for discussions focused on overcoming barriers and achieving success in male-dominated fields.
Dr. Gastel shared her insights on navigating the unpredictability of career paths, urging attendees to embrace uncertainty rather than shy away from it. She emphasized that it’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out and invited everyone to consider their unique journey as a valuable part of their personal and professional development. With so many women historically underrepresented in high-ranking academic positions and often found in non-tenure tracks, such encouragement is vital.
Another critical topic on the agenda was the gender pay gap in academia. Studies indicate that female professors earn roughly 81% of what their male counterparts make. This stark reality was brought into focus throughout the conference, showcasing the need for continued advocacy and support for women in STEM fields.
The origins of the WISE conference date back to 1992, when women in the chemistry department at Texas A&M recognized the struggles faced by their peers who were dropping out in despair due to feelings of isolation. Since then, WISE has been committed to fostering a supportive community for women pursuing STEM degrees.
Throughout the conference, six esteemed professors participated in three breakout sessions, sharing stories of their successes and career development. Speakers included renowned figures such as Ivett Leyva, Department Head of Aerospace Engineering; Tapasree Roy Sarkar, an assistant professor of biology; Perla Balbuena from chemical engineering and chemistry; and Natalie Johnson, an associate professor of environmental health. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, showcasing the variety of paths available in science and engineering.
Dr. Igumenova captivated the audience with her journey in physics and biology, where she faced and overcame numerous gender biases. She has published an impressive 45 research articles and has established one of the few nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) labs in Central Texas. As the pioneer in this field at Texas A&M, she financed and built her lab from scratch, demonstrating the power of determination and vision.
Both Dr. Gastel and Dr. Igumenova echoed a crucial message for all attendees—to seize unexpected opportunities and embrace risks in their educational journeys. In an era where academic policies may pose challenges, the importance of perseverance and innovation in achieving one’s goals has never been more apparent.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that the WISE conference had once again succeeded in its mission to support and inspire women in science, engineering, and technology fields. The shared experiences and knowledge exchanged at the event fostered a strong sense of community, reminding everyone that together, they can pave the way for future generations.
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