Loyola University Chicago

Gannon Center for Women and Leadership

WISER

The WISER (Women in Science Enabling Research) program was designed in 1993 to provide undergraduate women at Loyola University Chicago with an introduction to laboratory research, and to create a community of scientists through which undergraduate women could be mentored and encouraged toward careers in the sciences. Students are welcome to participate in and attend lectures, panel discussions, and workshops organized by WISER. Undergraduate students are also invited to apply to the Laura L. Mayer Summer Mentorship Program as a means of gaining laboratory experience. This mentorship provides each student with a $2500 stipend. 

In its most recent report in 2017, the Office of the Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that women constituted only 24% of the United States labor force employed in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). This is barely an improvement on 1994 statistics that indicated that 22% of the STEM labor force was comprised of women. Conversely, the U.S. workforce includes approximately 47% of women. In an effort to provide and support undergraduate women potentially interested in a career in the sciences, the WISER program continues to provide mentoring, build community, and give women tools to explore careers in science and research.

WISER Mentorship opportunities (faculty projects) for summer 2024 can be found here.

Click here to learn about the Summer 2023 Internship Projects.