FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shelley O’Brien
202-827-9798
obrien@awis.org
AWIS Announces 2026 Loyalty Circle Inductees
WASHINGTON DC, September 4, 2026 – The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is proud to recognize Drs. Ellie Brown, Elizabeth Ivey, and Deborah Mowshowitz as the newest members of the AWIS Loyalty Circle. This program was established to honor individuals with 40 years of AWIS membership.
“AWIS attracts individuals like Ellie, Betty, and Deborah who are passionate about science, but what keeps them engaged is the opportunity to be part of something bigger.,” said Meredith Gibson, CEO of AWIS. “Our members don’t just benefit from community, they help build it and shape a more inclusive future for the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators. We are so grateful to them for their dedication to AWIS.”
Meet the inductees:
- Eleanor M. Brown is a retired agricultural researcher whose work bridges fundamental protein science with applied industries such as food, leather, and textiles, with a strong emphasis on collagen and dairy proteins. She has served in multiple leadership roles for the AWIS Philadelphia Chapter and currently serves as the communications chair.
- Elizabeth Ivey is Professor Emerita of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hartford. She served as President of AWIS in 2004 and was instrumental in growing the AWIS Endowment Fund during her tenure. She is widely respected for her interdisciplinary leadership, her commitment to empowering women in STEM, and her contributions to higher education and public service.
- Deborah Mowshowitz is a biochemist and a professor at Columbia University where she also serves as Director of Undergraduate Programs and Lab Operations. Her students rate her Introduction to Biology course as very challenging, thanks to her unique approach that also teaches problem-solving and critical thinking.
For a complete list of members in the AWIS Loyalty Circle, please visit awis.org/awis-loyalty-circle. To become a member, visit https://awis.org/join.
If you’d like to support the AWIS mission with a donation, please visit https://awis.org/donate. Thank you!
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About AWIS: Founded in 1971, AWIS is dedicated to driving equity and excellence in STEM by championing the interests of women across all disciplines and employment sectors so they can achieve their full potential. AWIS advocacy initiatives are committed to driving systemic change to support the 12.3M women in STEM. Our supportive community provides a sense of belonging, as well as career resources, scholarships, and opportunities for networking, mentoring, volunteering, recognition, and professional development to over 7,000 members. AWIS communications inspire over 67,000 social media followers, 32,000 monthly website visitors, and 24,000 newsletter subscribers globally. To become an AWIS member, learn about partner opportunities, or donate visit www.awis.org