Women in Science

Promoting engagement in science and math through hands-on experiences, professional development, and community-building opportunities.

Overview

The Women in Science and Math (WISe) program at RIT supports growth and engagement in science and mathematics through hands-on experiences, professional development, and community-building opportunities. WISe creates a collaborative environment where students and faculty from all backgrounds can grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully in STEM.

The program serves K–12 learners through outreach, supports undergraduate and graduate students with academic and career resources, and offers leadership and advancement opportunities for faculty.

WISe was founded to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM, but its programs are open to all College of Science community members, regardless of gender.

Programs and Opportunities

SMASH Experience

The Summer Math Applications in Science with Hands-On Experience, or SMASH, is a week-long summer camp for rising eighth graders, with an emphasis on encouraging girls to explore science and math. SMASH introduces campers to the many ways math and science are used in the real world. Through hands-on activities, campers increase their skills and self-efficacy in STEM disciplines.

SMASH was founded to address the underrepresentation of women and girls in science and math, but is open to all students regardless of gender.

Learn More about SMASH

student presenting research at a conference

Student Travel Award

The WISe Student Travel Award supports RIT College of Science students who plan to present at STEM-related conferences. This award helps reduce financial barriers for travel and participation, encouraging professional development and networking.

Apply Here about the student travel award

Graduate School and REU Bootcamps

WISe hosts annual bootcamps to help students explore advanced education and research opportunities. Sessions provide guidance on applications, personal statements, and navigating graduate and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs.

Watch for Upcoming Events!

Building Community & Advancing STEM

WISe strengthens the STEM community at RIT and beyond by fostering connection, growth, and outreach.

WISe connects RIT students with the local community through STEM-focused outreach events. These experiences help spark interest in science and math at a young age while building leadership skills among student volunteers. Past outreach events have included:

Boys and Girls Club activities
Girl Scouts’ STEM-A-PALOOZA
RIT’s Girls Soaring into STEM
Imagine RIT

Science camps at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

WISe supports the advancement of faculty in the College of Science through:

Professional development seminars.
Mentorship for pre-tenure and mid-career faculty.
Workshops on research strategy and academic leadership.
Networking with invited speakers and campus leaders.

The program also collaborates with college and university administration to identify opportunities that support faculty success and leadership.

The WISe Coffee Chat Series provides informal spaces for faculty, staff, and students to gather and share experiences related to STEM careers, work-life balance, and professional development. These conversations foster connection, awareness, and shared learning across the College.