On Wednesday, January 29, The Science Coalition (TSC) celebrated the launch of the first-ever Congressional Women in STEM Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., Haley Stevens, D-Mich., and Jackie Walorski, R-Ind. The bipartisan caucus is designed to help support and increase the number of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which builds a foundation for a diverse talent pipeline and advances innovative, groundbreaking research.
“As a member of The Science Coalition, Stony Brook University is proud to help establish the first-ever congressional caucus to support the next generation of women researchers,” said Lauren Brookmeyer, President of the Science Coalition and Director of Government Relations at Stony Brook University. “The four lawmakers serving as co-chairs should be commended for their leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of women researchers, America’s scientific enterprise, and the unique partnership between our universities and federal research agencies. Strengthening diversity in these research fields is essential to expanding our economy, spurring innovation, and maintaining our nation’s global competitiveness.”
With a historic number of women in Congress, including many with STEM backgrounds and in leadership positions on science and research issues, the caucus promotes policies, programs, and initiatives that support diversity in the talent pool of STEM fields.
“I was one of 10 women in my engineering major,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Thirty years later, the numbers haven’t really changed. That’s why we launched the Women in STEM Caucus. For too long, the STEM community has felt inaccessible to women and underrepresented minorities. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to give STEM a much needed makeover. Our mission is clear: Show women, girls, and underrepresented minorities that STEM is for everyone.”
The caucus not only gives a permanent voice on Capitol Hill to those committed to advancing women in STEM fields, but prioritizes connecting with local researchers across the country and understanding the life-changing work they are doing in coordination with national labs, federal research agencies, American universities, and the private sector.
“I’m proud of Stony Brook’s efforts helping women recognize their abilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Nicole S. Sampson, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University. “It is a privilege to be part of the Stony Brook faculty who mentor female students to solve critical problems for society and simultaneously build a foundation for a successful career in STEM. Our many training programs provide resources to support women in STEM, and I’m confident that Stony Brook will continue to inspire women to pursue their scientific passions as they advance our technical understanding of an ever-changing landscape.”
Learn more about how TSC universities like Stony Brook support women in STEM by visiting sciencecoalition.org/women-in-stem/.
Add comment