WIEP Builds Community of Support for Women through College, continued

IBM Executive-on-Loan Marilyn Smith, second from right, talks with chemical engineering major Nora Tucker, at left, and electrical and computer engineering major Aditi Kapoor, at right, about programs for undergraduate women in the college as well as younger girls.

Undergraduates often meet the women faculty in their departments for the first time in lunch gatherings held in the WIEP Resource Center, where all women in a department can gather in an informal setting. Faculty and graduate students have the opportunity to meet and discuss research issues in similar gatherings. "These informal gatherings are a great way to bridge the gap between women in the college," said Alina Shosky, a senior in electrical and computer engineering and student coordinator for the departmental lunches.

Another continuing program is the Engineering Badge Days for Girl Scouts and Brownies. "The girls love doing experiments and anything with their hands — and especially anything that's messy!" said Tamara Qureshi, a chemical engineering junior, who along with aerospace engineering junior Erica Raine, coordinates the activities.

The program recently underwent a change in leadership. Jill Tietjen left a lasting imprint on the program after three successful years putting the program on a solid financial footing. Bev Louie is enthusiastically taking over the director's position, bringing a background in industry, research, and teaching in chemical engineering and in the Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory.

"I'm looking forward to developing more ways to support our women in the college," she says.

http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/WIEP