Stern College Delegation Attends Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Women in Science Day
Feb. 11 marked Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s sixth annual Women in Science Day (WISD), an event that celebrates and supports women in STEM. The room was decorated with scientific memorabilia including Einstein swag and colorful science-themed stickers, and placed at each table was a centerpiece featuring the biography of a fellow female scientist. This reflected a survey conducted prior to the event whereby participants were asked to submit who their scientific role model is and why. It was a subtle yet brilliant touch that personalized WISD for all.
The program included lectures, panel discussions, networking opportunities and hands-on workshops designed to empower young women pursuing careers in science and medicine. It brought together a remarkable community of women in STEM; among the room full of inspiring established professionals and graduate students was a table of aspiring undergraduate scientists from Stern College, eager to learn from those who have paved the way before them.
This year’s theme was “#fromLabtoLeadership,” providing a wonderful opportunity to learn leadership skills, gain valuable insights from women leaders, connect with researchers and enhance professional growth. Though the symposium is primarily geared towards those who are more advanced in their career, the insights offered apply to everyone.
To paraphrase Arthee Jahangir, director of postdoctoral affairs at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, their team would never have created this day in celebration of female scientists if they did not feel it was necessary in the first place. From the time that women were allowed to enter these academic spaces, they have faced numerous challenges including gender bias, hurtful stereotypes, unequal opportunities in pay and harmful rhetoric when trying to balance personal and professional pursuits. As such, WISD was more than just a conference; it was a call to action. It reinforced the need to actively seek mentorship, take on leadership roles and support one another as women navigating careers in STEM.
Beyond the insightful discussions, the event emphasized the importance of building a strong network of women across the science fields. As Adiel Arastehmanesh (SCW ‘25), the student who organized Stern’s participation, told The Commentator, “I feel so grateful to have been part of Women in Science Day at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. It was a powerful event that brought together women who shared challenges they face in the workplace and helpful tips to overcome such challenges. We also joined workshops that emphasized how to foster the success of the future women leaders in science.”
The event was truly that: women lifting each other up, learning from one another and working together to create a more inclusive future in STEM.
One of the most impactful workshops of the day was led by Dr. Amy Fox, professor and executive vice chair of Pathology at Montefiore Einstein. In candidly relating her personal experience as a woman in a male-dominated field, she spoke about embracing both one’s strengths and weaknesses to become better professionals. She also placed an equal emphasis on intellectual as well as emotional intelligence and iterated that a good leader possesses both. She said, “You’re all sitting here today in Albert Einstein College of Medicine, so there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ve all got above average IQs. What matters, though, is whether you can understand people.” In an interactive crowd work-style exercise, she encouraged attendees to recognize that areas of improvement do not automatically translate into setbacks, but rather as opportunities to refine one’s unique skill set and leadership abilities. Fox asked everyone to reflect inwards and identify if any of the stereotypes that women are accused of apply to them, such as “too emotional,” “oversharer,” “risk averse” or “can’t say no.” However, she went on to turn these tropes around by arguing that they were never impediments in the first place, and rather had only been made out to be by male colleagues.
Then in an unexpected turn of events, Fox asked a few participants to come up on stage and share their answers. The way in which these women came together to openly discuss their insecurities and sought advice and solidarity from the rest of the women in the crowd was nothing short of inspiring. Their brave vulnerability demonstrated how one’s weaker spots are nothing to be ashamed of and can be transformed into moments of growth. Fox’s ultimate message was that, “A leader’s emotional intelligence drives everyone else’s moods and behaviors.” Her words resonate deeply, reminding everyone that true success in STEM comes from self-awareness and perseverance.
Other workshops and discussions focused on navigating challenges in the workplace, fostering mentorship and sponsorship and advocating for more representation in science and medicine. Women from various scientific disciplines shared personal stories and practical strategies for overcoming barriers. These sessions encouraged many women to open up about themselves, finding solace in their shared experiences and creating a community of women made stronger together.
It was fitting that Randi Albin was the opening keynote speaker. A molecular biologist by training, Albin spent her career heading pharmaceutical teams working to create prescription drugs; she certainly has many years worth of wisdom to impart relating to leadership experience. Mikaela Amos (SCW ‘26) especially appreciated her presentation. She told The Commentator: “One particular statement that stuck with me was: ‘There is no “I” in “team,” but there is in “integrity.”” A good leader is one who can guide a team and inspire others to achieve a common goal. That is something we should all keep in mind as we work towards pursuing a meaningful and successful career, whatever it may be.”
But the impact made by the speakers did not cease at the undergraduate level. Equally moved was Professor Alyssa Schuck, a clinical professor of biology at Stern. “Attending the Women in Science day at AECOM was a great opportunity for the SCW students who participated and for me,” Schuck told The Commentator. “Visiting AECOM’s campus was impactful, and hearing from women who are farther along in their career paths was reassuring, validating and empowering,” Schuck added. Schuck’s sentiment conveys how the event moved women at all stages in their careers.
The road to an advanced science degree is long and challenging, but knowing that the women pursuing this road are part of a supportive and growing network committed to breaking barriers makes the journey all the more meaningful. As the women in science of tomorrow, this group of Stern students understand that they are part of something much greater, fostering a sense of immense constructive responsibility. It creates an awareness that it is a blessing to get to work hard, not a burden, and that a wealth of knowledge exists today in a way that no prior generation has ever had access to.
I am tremendously grateful to Albert Einstein College of Medicine for hosting such an empowering event and for inviting me to be part of it. As a young woman navigating my own path in STEM, I was inspired by its strong message: mentorship, leadership and self-empowerment are essential for success in the scientific fields. More than ever, I am excited about my future and the possibilities that lie ahead as a woman in science.
Photo Caption: Student delegation from Stern College. From left to right: Adiel Arastehmanesh, Allison Bender, Professor Alyssa Schuck, Mikaela Amos, Liora Rahmani and Hannah Mamet.
Photo Credit: Adiel Arastehmanesh
