FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shelley O’Brien
202-588-8175
obrien@awis.org
Association for Women in Science Re-establishes Indianapolis Chapter
WASHINGTON DC, January 6, 2025 – The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Indianapolis Chapter. Led by Dr. Natasha Louise Tilston, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine, the AWIS Indianapolis Chapter will give local students, faculty, and professionals an opportunity to connect with one other and further their career development.
“When I moved to Indianapolis in 2022, I knew no one and struggled to find opportunities for science outreach,” said Dr. Tilston. “That’s when I decided to explore starting a local AWIS chapter. During my research, I discovered that Indianapolis had a very active chapter in the 1980s, and it just felt right to bring it back. Since then, I’ve met incredible women who are excited to build this community. Today, we have an amazing, supportive board, and our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone who wants to be part of this community—somewhere they can seek advice, forge connections, and rely on one another.”
In addition to supporting its members, the Indianapolis chapter will focus on supporting the next generation. Dr. Tilston explained, “Giving back to the community has always been important to me, and through AWIS, we hope to launch impactful programs with local schools to promote STEM and show that science is for everyone!”
Dr. Tilston has been a member of AWIS for four years. “I first learned about AWIS from a faculty member who was deeply involved in outreach activities. Her enthusiasm sparked my curiosity, and the more I discovered about AWIS, the more eager I became to join. This organization has given me a platform to share my experiences, volunteer, and support women at various career stages. Being part of such a supportive network has also significantly boosted my confidence, which has been particularly valuable as I stepped into my new role of running my own lab.”
Dr. Tilston is planning the chapter’s first program to give those interested a chance to connect and says, “I want women and our allies to know that AWIS offers a community of like-minded people who genuinely support each other,” she says. “In such a competitive world, it’s rare to find people who are truly rooting for you. Like any community, our chapter will require effort and engagement for all of us to fully benefit from it.”
To learn more about the Indianapolis Chapter and meet the remarkable board members who worked hard to bring it to life, visit their website at https://awisindianapolis.org/. Also, keep an eye out for details on their first program, which will be in mid-January —a meet-and-greet at a local pub. “Everyone is welcome!” says Dr. Tilston. Details will be available on the website soon.
If you are interested in joining or volunteering for the AWIS Indianapolis Chapter, reach out via email to awisindianapolis@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9580786/.
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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 1.2M women in science and 4M 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 7,800 members. AWIS communications inspire over 63,000 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.