NDSU Women in Research
Women in Research (WIR) is an NDSU organization that provides a platform for all NDSU female researchers to exchange their research, grant-writing, teaching, and other professional experiences. The group meets regularly to share research agendas, perspectives, and skills that are particularly beneficial for the female-scholar community at NDSU. The group welcomes all female faculty as well as female research scholars and scientists to attend our sessions and meetings (men are welcome to attend as well).
2026-2027 Events
Nov. 12: NDSU Center for Social Research: Connecting Data, Research, and Learning
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 11:30 am -1 pm, Memorial Union, Sahnish
- RSVP by Nov. 5 to Erin Conwell
Nancy Hodur, PhD, Director of the NDSU Center for Social Research
High-quality, localized data is essential for NDSU to support research, inform academic work, and better understand ND communities. Join the CSR for a highlight of applied research services, current research initiatives, and the newly redesigned data platform – NDCompass. Discover how to access reliable North Dakota demographic and socio-economic data and applied research to enhance research, grant writing, and classroom engagement.
History
WIR was founded by Dr. Kathleen Slobin as WISMET (Women in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology) about in early 2000. The goal was to attract a grant to NDSU that supports the advancement of women in the STEM sciences. The group is now known as ADVANCE/FORWARD developed out of WISMET. They began as FORWARD in 2002 and received the NSF ADVANCE grant in 2008.
In 2008, funding for WISMET changed from EPSCoR to the Provost’s Office. Together with this change of funding, membership was opened to all female faculty of NDSU. The name was subsequently changed to WIR to reflect the inclusiveness of the organization. WIR fulfills a niche within NDSU that provides a platform for female faculty to present their research and network.
2026-27 Co-Chairs
- Erin Conwell, NDSU Associate Professor, Psychology
- Anna Maria Visilia, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
- Diana Lopez-Soto, Assistant Professor, Duin Endowed Fellow of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering