Association for Women in Science (AWIS)

Association for Women in Science (AWIS)

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is a non-profit national organization working to promote women's activities in all fields of science, mathematics and engineering. AWIS has over 70 chapters nationwide including one in St. Louis, founded at the Washington University School of Medicine. AWIS-STL serves as a resource for scientists in St. Louis by providing information about science careers, funding, and policy, and facilitating networking and providing collegial support for one another. AWIS holds special seminars and discussions; recent examples include a panel of successful women in academic positions and a discussion of gender differences in science.

To receive announcements of AWIS events and news or for more information on the St. Louis chapter and its programs, please visit the AWIS-St. Louis chapter yahoo groups page.

First-Gen Scholars (FGS)

First-Gen Scholars (FGS)

​First-Gen Scholars (FGS) is a campus organization for graduate students and postdocs who are first-generation students and/or from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We are determined to give graduate students and postdocs from those disadvantaged backgrounds visibility, a voice, and a place to feel comfortable in academic research. FGS supports the needs of its members through tailored mentoring, professional development opportunities, campus and community outreach, and inclusive programming across Washington University. FGS hopes to create an inclusive environment for first-generation and low-socioeconomic status graduate students and postdocs as a forum for the unique challenges that those disadvantaged persons face both on a daily basis and on a larger scale. For more information, connect with us at @FirstGenWUSTL on Twitter or email fgs.washu@gmail.com.

InPrint

InPrint

InPrint is a trainee-run scientific editing network and resource that provides free, confidential editing of scientific communications to the Washington University research community. The group’s mission is to improve the quality of scientific communication, encourage discussions among authors, enhance communication skills, and support trainees’ professional development. InPrint​ offers a variety of editing services including reviewing documents for organization of content, writing structure and clarity, and use of English language. If you are interested in our services or participating as an editor, learn more at inprintscience.wustl.edu.

LGBTQMed

LGBTQMed

The LGBT He​alth Interest Group is a group of medical students dedicated to addressing the health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and physicians.

OUTgrads

OUTgrads

OUTgrads is an LGBTQIA group dedicated to developing community among Washington University graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff of all genders and sexual orientations, promoting awareness of the issues that affect our communities, and facilitating community involvement by our membership. Our organization is open to any member of the Washington University community.

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS) – WashU Chapter

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS) – WashU Chapter

​The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Chapter at WUSTL aims to fulfill the SACNAS organization mission of fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. SACNAS chapters are a powerful and inclusive source of community that provides local and regional support for college students and professionals to succeed in STEM. Collectively, our chapters are the on-the-ground ambassadors behind SACNAS’ movement to achieve true diversity in STEM.

The BALSA Group

The BALSA Group

The Biotechnology and Life Science Advising Group (BALSA) Group is a nonprofit organization operated entirely by graduate students, professional students and postdoctoral researchers from Washington University. Its mission is to provide participants with valuable real-world business experience via short-term consulting projects with local companies. These projects are intended to provide our members with a risk-free introduction to alternative career paths, the chance to meet and work with other talented BALSA consultants and leaders of the St. Louis business community, and an opportunity to significantly expand and strengthen our members' skill set. BALSA members comprised of students from the Medical, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Business and Law Schools. The BALSA Group's client base is diverse and growing, and includes customers such as: DynaLabs, LLC; Eyelten Therapeutics, Inc; Pulse Therapeutics, Inc; Sigma Aldrich and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Contact us at info@balsagroup.org for more information.​

Young Scientist Program (YSP)

Young Scientist Program (YSP)

The Young Scientist Program (YSP) is dedicated to attracting pre-college students from disadvantaged backgrounds to scientific careers through activities that emphasize hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists. Each year, YSP programming reaches hundreds of K-12 students attending St. Louis Public Schools and other regional school districts. We are entirely run by volunteers from Washington University. As scientists, we hope to encourage younger individuals to pursue careers in science by sharing our enthusiasm for what we do.

YSP is currently divided into three branches that work in concert to capture K-12 students’ interest in science early in their educational careers:

  • Teaching Teams – Teams introduce K-12 students to various scientific topics through interactive demonstrations and lessons brought directly into their classroom. Teams consist of five to ten volunteers who design and present the curricula in small groups, fostering an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions. Teaching Teams currently cover topics about anatomy & physiology, chemistry, neuroscience, genetics & genomics, ecology & evolution, and physics.
  • Summer Focus – An eight-week funded summer research internship program for high school students. Each student works directly with two Washington University volunteers: a mentor and a tutor. The mentor works one-on-one with the student in a laboratory on a specific project, while the tutor supports the student throughout their research experience. Each high school student meets weekly with their tutor to review materials related to the summer project. Students also take two courses about science communication skills and preparing to apply to colleges.
  • Continuing Mentoring – A four-year mentoring program for high school students. High school freshmen who are interested and enthusiastic about STEM are paired with a mentor. Mentors visit their students twice a month in school over their high school careers. Together, mentors & mentees engage in science-related activities as well as one-on-one professional development about ACT prep, college applications and resume writing. We are currently partnered with Soldan International Studies High School and the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience.