Graduate Women in Physics

Cornell's Graduate Women in Physics (GWP) group is a an organization designed to encourage camaraderie among female graduate students and postdocs in physics, astronomy, and applied and engineering physics. The group serves as a medium through which women in physics can explore common interests. Through social events and the discussion of related issues, we hope to enrich the graduate experience of women in these fields by forming a peer support base and by just having fun together!

GWP sponsors monthly lunches for members to get to know each other and to discuss upcoming academic, networking, and social events. Funding for these lunches is provided by the physics, a&ep, and astronomy departments. We also organize meals with colloquium speakers and faculty, including recently Karin Dahmen and Neal Lane, in order to increase interactions with female role models and to engage in discussion of issues related to women in physics. Social activities are intiated by members and have included indoor rock climbing, movie nights, and informal lunches. These events are subsidized by the GPSAFC. Members are encouraged to utilize the group for practice delivery of presentations for conferences and group meetings and for the discussion of science related problems.

GWP encourages outreach and mentoring. Many members participate in Expand Your Horizons and CCMR outreach or tutoring, and some may form mentoring connections with interested undergraduates. Links to other women in science organizations on campus are being developed. GWP continues to grow and become more active as its members strengthen their connections.