USM Women's Forum Spotlight

Each week, the USM Women's Forum spotlights a woman from any USM campus (faculty, staff or student) who has made a difference or impacted other women in a positive and uplifting way. These women embody the mission of the USM Women's Forum. 
Horn Point Laboratory Chapter of the Society of Women in Marine Science, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
We are proposing an inspiring group of graduate students at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Horn Point Laboratory (HPL). This group is the local chapter of the national organization Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS). The chapter was created in 2018, presently boasts 55 members and is made up of UMCES graduate students, staff, and faculty as well as scientists from local environmental organizations. The purpose of SWMS is to provide a framework for discussion, networking, and mentoring young marine scientists. Their mission is to increase the visibility and retention of women in marine science, build inclusive professional networks, and create a community of marine researchers who acknowledge and address the difficulties facing women and minorities in the marine field.

SWMS-HPL aligns beautifully with the 3-point focus of the USM Women’s Forum: empower, develop, engage. September 2019 SWMS-HPL hosted a 2-day symposium for regional SWMS chapters. This was the first Delmarva SWMS Symposium and included graduate students from the Horn Point Lab, University of Delaware, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Its purpose was to connect future leaders in the marine science field, to learn from established scientists via mentoring opportunities and panel discussions, and to disseminate research happening in the Delmarva region. Over 100 graduate students attended the daylong session to learn from a panel of marine scientists from various career levels in industry, academia, non-profit, and governmental work. The panel answered questions and shared discussions on work-life balance, potential career paths, making successful decisions as graduate students, and more. Day 2 of the symposium the SWMS-HPL members hosted an outreach event for young women (grades 6-12) from local school districts. Participants experienced STEM resources, role models, and hands-on activities. Girls rotated through activities led by the SWMS-HPL members with each activity representing a different STEM field. The event provided an opportunity to develop mentorships with female scientists and helped prepare girls to explore futures in STEM. A mentor/mentee program was created out of the incredibly positive experience for all who participated in the symposium STEM experience. These relationships provide guidance, support, and encouragement for girls to explore opportunities and careers in STEM, which is critical since the fields of earth science have one of the lowest inclusion rates of women and minorities. Throughout Covid SWMS-HPL has been a resource to delve into creative outlets incorporating the arts and marine science.

past USM WOMEN'S FORUM SPOTLIGHT Nominees

Wendolyn Velez-Torres, Coppin State University
Kelli Jackson, Coppin State University
Thelma Harrington, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Christine Tennies, Towson  University, U.S. Army Veteran
Twanda "Tia" Young, Bowie State University, Brigadier General (Retired)
Angela Odom, Life and Leadership Coach, U.S. Army Veteran
Barbara Lynne Owens, Brigadier General (Retired), Army Reserve
Donna Williams, Brigadier General (Retired), Army Reserve
Kelly Doran, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Cheryl Willis, Salisbury University
Parris Sands, Coppin State University
Ciani Wells, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
​Thomasina Boardley, Bowie State University
​Brittany Richmond, University of Baltimore
Nico Washington, The Universities at Shady Grove
Kaitlin Mills, The Universities at Shady Grove
Antieris Johnson, University of Baltimore
Frances Watson, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Joan Williams, Salisbury University
​Amber Chaney, USM Women's Forum Partner
Dr. Iona Johnson, Towson University
Dr. Danyelle Tauryce Ireland, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Karen White, Bowie State University
Dr. Parisa Meisami, The Universities at Shady Grove