Awards and Achievements
EWIS Awards Students at the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair
March 2024
EWIS recognized two young woman-identifying or gender minority-identifying students who demonstrated creativity, dedication, and perseverance in completing an exemplary research project at the Minnesota Academy of Science State Science and Engineering Fair.
EWIS member Jennifer Brown awarded McEvoy Award for Public Service and Leadership
May 2022
EWIS member Jennifer Brown is a recipient of the Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Service and Leadership for 2022. The Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Engagement and Leadership is presented to graduate and professional students who display leadership and public engagement above and beyond their normal duties and responsibilities. Candidates must demonstrate dedication and assistance that benefit an individual, group or community, or strengthen a democratic way of life.
EWIS members defend their PhD theses
April 2022
EWIS members Upasana Arvindam, Julia Riedl, and Alex Dwyer recently defended their PhD theses. Congratulations, doctors!
EWIS members recognized with Postdoc Awards
September 2021
As part of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association gave Postdoc Awards in five categories for contributions to the University's mission. Several EWIS members were honored with awards. Milagros Silva Morales received the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion award, Beth Adamowicz received the Outreach and Communication with Non-Academic Communities award, and Katharine Block received the Service to our Academic Community award. Other EWIS members nominated for awards were Katherine Murphy and Sara Osum for Impactful Research and Milagros Silva Morales also nominated for Outreach and Communication with Non-Academic Communities. Congratulations to our EWIS postdocs!
September 2021
Empowering Women in Science EWIS has been selected to receive the 2021-2022 Changemaker Award. This newly established award celebrates the visionary, innovative, and collaborative work of departments, units and student groups working to advance gender equity across identities at the University of Minnesota and beyond.
From the Women's Center: "Given the consistent efforts of EWIS in the areas of programming, policy, advocacy, outreach and mentoring, we feel that it’s quite fitting that you are the inaugural recipient of this award...We hope that you receive this acknowledgement as a show of our gratitude for colleagues and partners like EWIS who are working diligently to advance equity for people of all genders."
EWIS receives 2020-2021 Gender Equity Grant from the University of Minnesota Women's Center for a fourth year
August 2021
Women's Center Gender Equity Grants support initiatives by campus groups that advance gender equity across identities, educate and inspire feminist leaders, advance an empowering intellectual environment, and advocate for an equitable University culture and community.
EWIS launches A Friend in STEM mentorship program
October, 2020
As scientists, we know from experience that pursuing a career in STEM requires building a network of research and faculty mentors. Wee also realize that forming these connections can be difficult and intimidating. EWIS has launched A Friend in STEM, a mentorship program that connects undergraduate students interested in STEM with scientists at the University of Minnesota. It is our goal through this program to leverage our experiences in graduate school and in labs at UMN to work for students - to help inform decisions about undergraduate research, and support students if/when they choose to pursue graduate degrees. We believe that careers in STEM should be accessible to everyone and we hope that connecting with a Minnesota scientist will help students to feel welcomed to this research community. More information can be found at friendinstem.umn.edu
EWIS launches monthly newsletter
September, 2020
EWIS has launched a monthly edition highlighting the upcoming events planned for the month, a few articles about minorities in STEM, diversity and inclusion, and a third section celebrating EWIS members and allies' achievements.
The EWIS Newsletter aims to avoid sending you multiple emails each month, keep giving you materials for education on disparities in STEM, diversity and inclusion, and to empower all EWIS members and allies.
Please consider signing up for our mailing list so you can receive The EWIS Newsletter. Read the newsletter, mark your calendars with the events of your interest and share with us your achievements so we can celebrate with you!
EWIS Receives 2019-2020 Gender Equity Grant from the University of Minnesota Women's Center for the third year
The Gender Equity Grants support initiatives by employees or campus groups which will lead to a University that reflects the values of inclusiveness, fairness, diversity, excellence, and opportunity for all—with a focus on impacting the campus climate for women faculty, staff, and students, including those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women with disabilities, women with diverse sexual orientations, and women from diverse economic backgrounds. The Women's Center's Gender Equity Grants are intended to foster and support increased awareness, improved understanding, and institutional change.
The Gender Equity Grants support initiatives by employees or campus groups which will lead to a University that reflects the values of inclusiveness, fairness, diversity, excellence, and opportunity for all—with a focus on impacting the campus climate for women faculty, staff, and students, including those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women with disabilities, women with diverse sexual orientations, and women from diverse economic backgrounds. The Women's Center's Gender Equity Grants are intended to foster and support increased awareness, improved understanding, and institutional change.
October 2018
Tijana Martinov, EWIS Executive Co-Chair from 2017-2018, was awarded the 2018 Sharon L. Doherty Award. This award is given to a University of Minnesota student who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service concerning women's issues on campus or in the broader community. Tijana, then a Ph.D. candidate in the Fife lab, was a leader of the Association of Multicultural Scientists, and an active member of the Career Development Committee within her graduate program in addition to her work with EWIS before graduating in 2018. The Doherty Award was established in 1993 and honors the work of former doctoral student and University of Minnesota alumna, Sharon Doherty, whose exhaustive efforts led to the successful Commission on Women's Students Initiative and continued University commitment to programming for women students. Tijana received a financial award, to be used in support of attendance at a national leadership conference.
October 2018
Dr. Pamela Skinner, EWIS Faculty Advisor, was awarded the 2018 Mullen/Spector/Truax Women's Leadership Award. This award is given annually to a faculty or staff woman at the University who has made outstanding contributions to women’s leadership development. Dr. Skinner, professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biological Sciences, is dedicated to training and promoting career development of female scientists. The Mullen/Spector/Truax Endowment was established in 1997 to honor Patricia Mullen, Janet Spector, and Anne Truax for their contributions to women at the University of Minnesota in their positions in Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action, the Center for Advanced Feminist Studies, and at the Minnesota Women’s Center, respectively. Dr. Skinner received a financial award to be used in support of her professional development programs and activities.
EWIS awarded the Larry Anderson Award by The Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education
April 2018
The Larry Anderson Award is given to a community member or campus partner to recognize their partnership in the work of The Aurora Center who has shown outstanding leadership as an ally in our work, programs and services. It is especially to recognize and thank Janna Dickenson, PhD, Pamela Rosato, PhD, and the members of EWIS for their intentional focus on improving the climate of the department, and making efforts to address, interrupt, and prevent sexual harassment.
EWIS member Katie Murphy, PhD, invited by several departments to present her seminar "Advocating for gender equality in the workplace: How to be an effective ally"
November 2018
Positive feedback from the presentation Katie Murphy, PhD, gave on behalf of EWIS in October, 2017, a number of campus departments and groups have invited her to speak. Dr. Murphy has now presented this seminar as the Keynote Address at the Women's Faculty Cabinet Retreat in May 2018, in a breakout session at the Department of Psychiatry Diversity and Inclusion Retreat in October of 2018, and as part of the College of Veterinary Medicine seminar series in November 2018.
July 2017
The Gender Equity Grant support initiatives by employees or campus groups which will lead to a University that reflects the values of inclusiveness, fairness, diversity, excellence, and opportunity for all—with a focus on impacting the campus climate for women faculty, staff, and students, including those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women with disabilities, women with diverse sexual orientations, and women from diverse economic backgrounds. The Women's Center's Gender Equity Grants are intended to foster and support increased awareness, improved understanding, and institutional change.
December 2017
EWIS secured a UMN Campus Climate Micro-Grant to set up a seminar to help train biomedical scientists to learn how to effectively work in diverse teams to achieve a common goal. The seminar was held during the Spring of 2018. This award was granted by the Campus Climate Engagement Team at the University of Minnesota. In its third year, CCET received over 67 applications and awarded nearly $24,000 to 31 projects. For more information on the projects awarded or on CCET click here.