Women in Science & Engineering

Left to right: UMassD College of Engineering & WID—GBC scholarship recipients Raena Gaston, Kelley Chanaphay, Lois Konadu, Tabitha Aguiar, and Erika Caushi.

Five UMass Dartmouth undergraduate students have been awarded the College of Engineering & Women in Defense—Greater Boston Chapter (WID—GBC) 2021 scholarship. The awards are given to students who have an interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense and/or are affiliated with the UMass Dartmouth Women in Engineering Engagement Community.

“These scholarships encourage young women to dive headfirst into fields that need more female leaders, such as STEM-based industries like tech, defense, security, and the many fields of engineering,” said Dr. Jean VanderGheynst, dean of the College of Engineering. In 2019, VanderGheynst co-created the College of Engineering & WID—GBC “Empowering Women in Science & Engineering” event with UMassD alumna Diane Phillips ‘84, vice president of Boston Operations for JRAD, to help support female students seeking to enter the US STEM workforce.

Each recipient was honored at the Empowering Women in Science & Engineering” event on Tuesday, October 26. UMassD alumnae and industry professionals discussed engineering-based work, technologies, and career opportunities in the defense industry, shared their career advice, and made connections with each of the students during a speed networking session. In addition to receiving a $1,000 scholarship, Innovation Women, a speaker’s bureau for entrepreneurial, technical, and professional women, provided 5-year scholarships for all the winners.

“The basic challenges associated with gender bias in the workplace still exist,” said Phillips. “By showcasing positive role models and creating paths for females to excel, I hope we can overcome these obstacles for all.”

Above Alumni returned to UMass Dartmouth to share their experiences as professional engineers, network with students, and help raise funds for scholarships. (l to r): Laurra Winters ’98, director of the Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility; Abigail Keith ‘20, electrical engineer 2 at Raytheon; Melissa Pijoan ‘18, logistics engineer & software depot activation lead for Applied Research Solutions; Jean VanderGheynst, dean of the College of Engineering; Diane Phillips ‘84, vice president of Boston Operations for JRAD; ML Mackey, CEO and co-founder of Beacon Interactive Systems; & Patricia Eno, engineering manager, from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Right Laurra Winters ’98, director of the Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility, coaching students during a speed networking session.