The Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) aims to promote the inclusion and success of all women pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)-related career at Case Western Reserve University through leadership, mentorship, and outreach. WISER also provides opportunities for professional skill development, collaboration with campus and community partners, and a sense of community in STEM.
WISER is open to all CWRU students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) with an interest in promoting the inclusion of underrepresented individuals in science, technology, engineering and math (including medicine).
New members and guests are always welcome at all WISER events, as are all interested CWRU faculty and staff. WISER sponsors a variety of programs and events, including Peer Mentoring, monthly meetings, social outings, field trips, and opportunities for professional and educational enrichment. These activities are designed to stimulate discussion and thought about issues related to being a woman in STEM, to help build skills for success in the university and beyond, and to build a community around women in STEM at CWRU.
WISER Lounge - Sears 545
WISER students are able to gather and meet in the WISER lounge. The room is centrally located on campus, and set up for conversation, napping, and working. The lounge also has computers and a printer available specifically for student use.
WISER Programs
WISER works to provide programming for its members and the CWRU community all year long, often in collaboration with the Mather Center and other student organizations.
Some of WISER's most popular programming is listed below:
An annual event where students can engage with woman-identified professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland area.
The Peer Mentoring Program pairs first-year students with upper-level students in a similar major or field of study. It is a great way to ease the transition to college, help solidify future career and educational goals, and make new friends.
Applications are open at the beginning of the summer for the class starting in the fall. Matches are made and partners notified in early fall.
Pairs will attend a kick-off event, and a training and information session. Mentoring pairs typically meet once a month during the academic year to get advice, support, discuss classes, majors, career paths, and go to WISER events together. There is a social "peer mentor partners" event each semester, with a wrap-up celebration at the end of spring semester.
For more information review our WISER Peer Mentoring Handout or email wiser@case.edu.
Each year during Engineers Week, WISER hosts a light bulb drop competition where the CWRU community can showcase their engineering skills to celebrate all the contributions that engineers make to society.
Throughout the year WISER students connect with local schools to support and encourage young people interested in STEM.
Current professionals in STEM fields discuss their careers and other topics aimed at supporting young women in STEM and helps create networking opportunities.
Nandini Sharma, former WISER President 2011-2012, SEVA Program founder
In the spring semester of 2010, WISER adopted an underprivileged public school in Bangalore, India through a non-profit organization called Soujanya Sevashrama (SEVA). SEVA has is an international outreach program called Nurture a School Annually (NASA).
Seva, means "service" in Sanskrit. WISER hopes to promote the goals and vision of SEVA and aims to build and sustain a long-term commitment to the outreach program while representing Case Western Reserve University and WISER as leaders in social entrepreneurship.
For more information, or to get involved, please contact the WISER SEVA Coordinator.
SEVA Schoolroom
SEVA Schoolhouse
WISER hosts monthly General Body meetings, where the topics range from community building to professional development. They also host many one time events, including networking events, gingerbread house building competitions, and community outreach events.
WISER Leadership Team
Michelle Lo
Michelle is a fourth-year Computer Science and Data Science dual major. She has been a part of WISER since her freshman year and loves to help out in the community, like mentoring underclassmen. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, trying new foods, watching movies, over-engineering her spreadsheets, and bothering her cat.
Ruth Boampong
Ruth Boampong is currently a senior majoring in Neuoscience as a Pre-Med student. She is from Corona, California, and aspires to become an OB-GYN. Ruth has always wanted to create a safe haven for other women. That is why she joined WISER, to promote a nice environment for other women wanting to make a difference in the STEM field. In her free time, she loves to read, play video games, and go on hikes!
Karisa Liaw
Karisa is a senior studying physics and neuroscience and aspires to go into medical physics. On campus, she's also involved with research, Epic Movement, Cru, and the Physics & Astronomy Club. She loves being a part of WISER and creating a supportive community to celebrate the success of women in STEM fields!
Michelle Gimba
Michelle Gimba is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Psychology. She has been a member of WISER since her sophomore year and is passionate about serving her community while promoting mental and physical health awareness. Along with her role in WISER, she is a part of Kids Against Hunger, and she is a peer health educator with CWRU University Health and Counseling Services. In her free time, she loves watching Formula 1 races, cooking, swimming, and karaoke.
Michelle Rhee
Michelle Rhee is a junior studying biology as a pre-medical student. She is passionate about providing access and awareness to more health education, leading her to join WISER as a public relations chair. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and ice skating.
Kohko Kamimura
Kohko is a sopomore Biomedical Engineering major on the Computing Track, and looking to double major in a Computer Science BA. In her free time, she enjoys fencing, baking, and playing the cello. Her favorite spots around campus are Presti's, the Medical Library, and the Flora Stone Mather Center!
Siena Phan
Siena is a Sophomore from Vietnam! She is studying Biology, minoring in Chemistry and Mathematics. Siena is not only the Recruitment Chair, but she is also involved in Vietnamese Student Association as an Event Coordinator. She really loves watching movies & reading in her spare time. She is definitely a "live-to-eat" person who would never turn down good food!
Kailyn Smith
Kailyn is a senior Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering double major. Along with WISER, she is also on the CWRU swim team and teaches swim lessons on the weekends. She enjoys writing and baking in her free time, and loves cheesy horror movies. After undergrad, she will be completing he MS in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Aeronautics.
Anushka Aravindan
Anushka is a sophomore Biomedical Engineering - biomaterials track major. She does research in the polymer science department. In her free time she likes to spend time with friends and family, and she also enjoys going out to eat. She is really excited to be a part of WISER again this year!
Hiya Kachhawa
Hiya is a junior studying Neuroscience and Psychology on the pre-med track. On campus, she's involved with Case Western Human Rights Initiative exec, the Case Neuroscience Society, neuroscience research at The Cleveland Clinic and is passionate about mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship and mentorship. She loves dancing, reading, traveling, working on a startup and building supportive communities that empower women in STEM!
Kasey Thomas
Kasey is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering with a focus in biomaterials and is also pre-med. She runs cross country and track on campus and enjoys participating in clubs like WISER and MedWish! In her spare time, she likes to read, bake, and paint. Kasey is excited to continue helping WISER create a safe environment to keep women in STEM inspired!
Ruhi Sachar
Ruhi is a Sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering and hoping to minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. Apart from WISER, she is a part of the CWRU Badminton Competitive Team and CWRU Baja. In her free time, she enjoys being active, running her nail business and doing random sidequests.
Harper Smyth
Harper is a second-year Biochemistry major on the ore-med fast track, hoping to minor in Medical Sociology. Outside of class, she volunteers through CCEL and participates in different student organizations on campus. In her free time, Harper enjoys cooking and baking, going to the beach, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.
Lhana Cruz
Lhana Cruz is a freshman studying Data Science and Finance, minoring in Marketing. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and conversations for women in STEM. Outside of WISER, she is also involved in AKPsi, ACM-W, and Ultimate Frisbee. In her free time, she enjoys photography, fashion, and rock climbing.
Meara Evans
Meara Evans is a freshman studying Physics and Neuroscience on the pre-med pathway. She's committed to promoting equitable healthcare and education. Outside of WISER, she is also involved in various service-oriented organizations, such as the Brain Exercise Initiative and Case Cares. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, watching movies, and yoga.
WISER in the news
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September 22, 2025