The Society for Women in Science (SWS) is a community created by women scientists for women scientists. We welcome scientists from all STEM disciplines, including but not limited to natural sciences, mathematical sciences, medical sciences, and engineering, at all career stages.
The primary goal of the SWS is to promote a supportive and welcoming community for all women scientists at Duke, including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty, and to celebrate the engagement and contributions of women scientists. SWS hopes to create spaces for marginalized genders to connect and foster community. This includes — but is not limited to — women, non-binary, two-spirit, and/or transgender scientists.
SWS Distinguished Lecture and Lunch Series
With funding from the Duke Office of Faculty Advancement and the Rhodes Information Initiative, the SWS hosts broad-audience lectures during the academic year, each paired with a delicious catered lunch. Each year we increase our historical ‘web of science’ as the invited speakers begin their lectures with background on a woman in their career path who inspired them and/or was influential in their scientific journey. Naming their lecture in honor of this important role model not only recognizes the efforts of other women scientists, but also highlights the important role of mentoring for our attendees. While SWS primarily aims to promote networks and celebrate the contributions of women scientists at all career stages, the events are inclusive — all scientists and allies are welcome to attend.
2024-2025 SWS Distinguished Lecture Schedule
- September 20, 2024 – Ingrid Daubechies – Math
Cathleen Synge Morawetz Distinguished Lecture in Mathematics
(Opening Remark by Dean Susan Alberts) - October 25, 2024 – Huanqian Loh – ECE/Physics
Debbie Jin Distinguished Lecture in ECE and Physics - November 15, 2024 – Anne Yoder – Biology/Ev Anth
Kathleen K. Smith Distinguished Lecture in Biology - January 24, 2025 – Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel – Statistical Science
Di Cook Distinguished Lecture in Statistical Science - February 21, 2025 – Nimmi Ramanujam – BME
- March 21, 2025 – Blanche Capel – Cell Bio
- April 25, 2025 – Suur Debrah Ayangeakaa – Population Health Sciences
Please email kathy.peterson (at) duke.edu to register to attend any or all of the lectures! Lectures and lunches are held from 12:30pm – 1:30pm in Gross Hall, room 330 (the Ahmadieh Family Grand Hall).
If you have questions or suggestions about the SWS Distinguished Lecture and Lunch Series, please email one of the organizers.
