Alumnae

Mather Alumni Network

The Mather Center alumni network seeks to build connections and community between Center alumni and current students, staff, and faculty who seek to continue to work to empower women and promote gender equity. 

Mather Center alumni can contribute in the following ways:

• Give to the Mather Center
• Become a Professional Mentor
• Participate in the Career Exploration Program
• Submit Your Story to our Alumni Page

Highlight: Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) Alumni

WISER is an Undergraduate Student Government (USG) recognized student group that helps support women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) who attend Case Western Reserve University. Members of WISER establish friendships, participate in mentorship programs, and are supported as the next generation of women in STEM through panels, educational research, and discussion.

Where Are They Now?

See what some of our WISER members have been up to since graduation and how WISER has impacted their future aspirations in STEM.

Chakira Smith

B.A. Medical Anthropology, B.A. Sociology, Global Health Certificate, 2016. Active member, Girls RISEnet Coordinator, Vice President of Outreach, President.
 
Chakira was the president of WISER in her senior year, Vice President of Outreach her junior year, and Girls RISEnet Coordinator her sophomore year. The skills she learned with WISER have allowed her to be confident to ask for things and to say no when necessary, which will be important skills to have in her future career goal of becoming a Public Health Administrator. 

Being a part of planning and volunteering at various outreach events throughout her time in WISER taught her that science is truly fun and though you are sparking interests in the girls you work with, they can teach you many things as well. As president, Chakira was able to learn the importance of the team and how to use their strengths to improve the WISER program.

Where is she now?

Chakira is completing her Master’s of Public Health at Case Western Reserve University.

Salina Zhang

Chemical Engineering B.S.E., Biology B.A., & Chemistry minor, 2016. Active member, Treasurer, Vice President.
 
Salina acted as the vice president of WISER in her senior year,  and was treasurer her sophomore and junior year. Her involvement with WISER helped her to discover her passion to work with women for the rest of her life.
 
Being a part of the WISER peer mentor program taught her the importance of strong female role models.  So she aspire to be a role model for younger girls everywhere.
 
Where is she now?
Salina is attending medical school at Case Western Reserve University.

Christiane Mhanna

‌Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Electrical Engineering minor, 2013 
Active member, Treasurer, President.

Christiane was president in her senior year and treasurer her junior year. Her skills with WISER have allowed her to effectively interact with other people in the work environment.

Volunteering with Girls' Science Club and IAGTE/SD taught her to be patient with younger students and enthusiastic about science and engineering principles.

Being president, she says, "improved her leadership, communication, and team building skills, which will help with the rest of my future."

Where is she now?

Christiane is currently in medical school at Ohio University.

Sarah Gavac

‌Biochemistry, Psychology and Sociology minor, 2013
Active member, Assistant Treasurer, VP of Finance

Sarah was an active member of WISER throughout her four years at CWRU. She was the Assistant Treasurer her third year, and was the Vice President of Finance her fourth year.

During her time with WISER, Sarah participated in the peer and professional mentoring program, Girl's Science Club, Introduce a Girl to Science/Engineering Day, and helped plan many of WISER's big (and small) events.

Aside from providing an outstanding list of activities for her CV, WISER gave her many experiences and skills that have carried over into her graduate career and beyond. Above all, Sarah learned the importance of mentoring in academia: teaching others n‌ot only what to do and how to do it, but that they can do it.

Where is she now?

Sarah is in the Doctoral Program for Social Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lauren Bootzin

‌Biomedical Engineering, 2011
Active member, WISER Treasurer, Head of Science Club

Lauren was an active member of WISER. She served as WISER treasurer and the Head of Science club for two years. Her leadership positions helped her develop organizational and time management skills.

"Running the club actually lead me to where I am now. It was a stepping stone for me to explore my interests," she says.

By working closely with 2 advisers, she was able to have recommendation letters written for her by people who knew her more than as just a student. In addition to the professional outcomes that WISER allowed her to access, this organization continues to play a role in her social life. The friends she has made within WISER continue to stay in contact. And, last but not least, "WISER swag is almost always a great conversation starter."

Where is she now?

Lauren is a 2nd-year middle school math teacher with Teach for America. She teaches on the Navajo Indian Reservation and 100% of her students are Native American.