ONCAMPUS Suzanne Lepore, international sales specialist for SPEX CertiPrep, Inc., gives WISE advice to Cinthia Mejia ’13, Gabriela Terlemezian, and Colleen DeVoti
Women Students in Science and Math Benefit from Mentoring Program Talented women students majoring in math or science have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and explore careers in their majors and related disciplines through the University’s WISE program.
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WISE, which stands for Women in Science and Engineering, offers students individualized mentoring, networking with women professionals in the sciences, special lectures and talks, a shadowing opportunity, and visits to a range of corporate and educational locations. Students interested in participating must submit an
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Yvonne Cangelosi, president of SPEX CertiPrep, agrees to review a rÉsumÉ for Cinthia Mejia ‘13
application endorsed by a University faculty member that also includes an essay about their career goals. “The program is ideal for any female student considering a career in the sciences,” says Eliana Antoniou, associate professor of mathematics, who has been involved with WISE since 2002 and served as director since 2006. “It enables undergraduate women to work closely with their peers and faculty, and connect with mentors who serve as role models and who can offer advice and guidance.” Students involved with the program agree with Antoniou’s assessment. “Professor Antoniou is constantly looking for internship opportunities for students,” says Samantha Gracias, a biology major. “Bringing in the speakers helps us gain networking contacts. Being a member of the program has given me more insight on the various fields available,
not only in biology but also in math and engineering.” Antoniou understands first-hand the value mentoring can provide for a woman in the sciences. A native of Cyprus, she came to the United States to study math at The College of New Jersey, where an administrator was a mentor and encouraged her to apply to graduate school. Later, at NJIT, where she earned a doctorate in mathematics, a professor saw her teaching skills and helped her forge a career in academia. “I so much relate to my students,” she says. “I always excelled in math and received a lot of positive reinforcement. I fought for what I wanted to do, and this program is an opportunity for me to help other women who have the talent and ambition to succeed.”