Graduate Women in Science and Engineering

Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) is a graduate student group dedicated to identifying and breaking down the barriers limiting the representation of women of all backgrounds in STEM careers, and empowering their participation and advancement. The club is the Northeastern chapter of the larger New England GWiSE organization.

GWiSE has four pillars: professional development, community service, outreach, and advocacy. To advance all four, GWiSE hosts a broad range of programming, including panel discussions on changing labor dynamics and career opportunities, the “Three Minute Thesis” competition in which doctoral students describe their theses in three minutes for prizes, volunteer events with groups like Community Servings and the American Cancer Society, pitch deck and LinkedIn workshops, and social events like dessert swaps and embroidery lessons.

GWiSE engages with the local Boston community by participating in STEM outreach events, often in partnership with the Northeastern Center for STEM Education. In the past, these have included volunteering at community college student visits, Engineering Week, and the Boston Public Schools science fair.

GWiSE’s hundreds of members include students from master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs across Northeastern’s colleges​​. While the group’s programming focuses on people who identify as women, meetings are open to all grad students regardless of gender. GWiSE is a three-time winner of the Husky Award for Organizational Excellence from the Student Life Awards, in 2014, 2022, and 2024.

My GWiSE community has given me so much support during some difficult times, reminding me of what I am capable of accomplishing

Miyuki Gomez, vice president