Women in Science: A Place for Mentorship, Community, and More

From networking opportunities with professionals to connection-building events with like-minded students, WINS pulls back the curtain on the world of STEM.

“WINS activities help teach students about different paths in STEM and the different careers you can go into,” says Nadine. “We went to a food lab and the women there shared their experiences. It gave us insight into different opportunities. A lot of us left interested in exploring careers that we previously didn’t know existed. It was really helpful.”

In addition to visits with and presentations by professors and professional women in STEM fields, WINS students learn from one another. Each month students gather for small group lunches so they can get to know one another better. At the end of each semester, WINS hosts Seniors Speak, an event where graduating students share their stories and advice.

“A lot of students are kind of unsure of what they want to do in STEM,” explains senior Jessica Allen. Jessica is majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Studio Art. “We know we’re interested in STEM, but which part? Going to WINS talks and events shows how everything comes together. The women we connect with have so much to offer to the community. I’ve enjoyed seeing how all of their hard work pays off.”

Whether it’s finding research and lab opportunities or what to do next when you find that perfect opportunity, navigating research culture can be tricky. Conducting research and taking part in labs is crucial to a career in STEM. So connecting with those who have already done this work makes life that much easier.

“WINS has made me comfortable with the research community,” explains junior Rebecca Ronnen, a Neural Science major minoring in Public Health and Chemistry on the prehealth track. After NYU, Rebecca’s goal is to attend medical school and become a clinician. She said she wants to conduct research throughout her medical career, so understanding this field now is important. “It can be intimidating when you don’t speak the language of the people within the research community. It can be hard to know where to start. For me, WINS was helpful in navigating the culture of the lab I joined.”

Jessica echoes this sentiment. “A lot of people are nervous to apply for lab opportunities,” she says. “They’re necessary, but they can be super intimidating. Even for me as a senior, reaching out and cold-emailing labs can be overwhelming. But WINS connects you with people who know this world, and that’s been really nice.”

Interested in learning from students who’ve done it before? Or maybe you’re hoping to share your own experience with students younger than you? Mentorship is at the heart of the WINS community.

“I have mentors whom I am still in touch with even after they’ve graduated from NYU,” says Rebecca. “I also plan to continue to support the women I’ve been mentoring after I graduate from NYU. The impact of WINS mentorship is long-lasting, and it’s really exciting to be a part of.”

WINS connects juniors and seniors with first- and second-year students through its Peer Undergraduate Mentoring Program. Furthermore, the WINS Futures in STEM Mentorship program connects WINS members with high school students from low-income or underserved areas of New York City interested in pursuing a STEM path.

“I don’t just have a mentor. I also get to be a mentor to high school students who want to study STEM,” says Nadine. “We encourage them and show them they have a place in this field—that they don’t need to be overwhelmed by the lack of representation. And that leaves everyone feeling empowered.”