This annual networking event marks the conclusion of our Mentoring Program and brings together our inspiring mentors, mentees, and program alumni to share experiences, forge new connections, and strengthen the professional network of mothers in STEMM. The event begins with a series of keynote talks from renowned mothers in STEMM and distinguished leaders across various fields. These inspiring talks, which are open to the public, showcase relatable journeys of mothers navigating diverse career paths within STEMM. Following the keynote session, attendees will participate in interactive networking sessions in breakout rooms and a speed-dating session designed to connect mentors, mentees, and alumni one-on-one.
Join us to share experiences, grow your professional network and be part of a incredible community of mothers in STEMM!
Fee Non-Members: 15 EUR
Members: FREE
If you are a member of Mothers in Science, please login to the Member Hub to register for FREE:
We offer ticket wavers and membership discounts to solo parents, jobseekers, people living in developing nations and those struggling financially. Contact us to apply.
PROGRAM
| Time ET | Time CET | Agenda | Speaker |
| 9:00AM |
3:00PM |
Introduction | Isabel Torres Co-Founder & CEO, Mothers in Science |
| 9:15AM | 3:15PM |
Session I - Keynote talks OPEN TO EVERYONE |
Adrienne Watson Chief Scientific Officer, World Precision Instruments Kristen Verhey Professor at University of Michigan Medical School, USA Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi Team Leader at KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Kenya |
| 10:45AM |
4:45PM |
Break | |
| 11:00AM | 5:00PM |
Session II - Networking Sessions EXCLUSIVE TO PROGRAM ALUMNI |
Breakout Rooms: 1) Mom Guilt and Other Career Obstacles 2) Overcoming Maternity Bias 3) Networking and Career Advancement Strategies 4) Burnout and the Work-Life Balance Myth |
| 11:50AM |
5:50PM |
Break | |
| 12:00PM | 6:00PM | Session III - Speed Dating EXCLUSIVE TO PROGRAM ALUMNI |
Speakers:
Adrienne Watson Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi Kristen Verhey Isabel Torres |
| 12:30PM |
6:30PM |
Closing | Isabel Torres |
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Adrienne Watson
Chief Scientific Officer, World Precision Instruments
Dr. Adrienne Watson completed her Ph.D. at
the University of Minnesota where she utilized the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to uncover novel cancer genes and potential candidates for targeted cancer therapy and preclinical models. After completing her postdoct
focusing on tumor antigens and cancer vaccine development at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Watson joined
Recombinetics in 2013, where she led the development and deployment of gene-editing
technology to engineer swine models for various preclinical applications. In 2021, Dr. Watson
became the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Therillume Inc., a biotechnology therapeutics
company focused on bringing precision medicine to brain tumors. In 2023, Dr. Watson joined
World Precision Instruments (WPI) as Chief Scientific Officer, where she has found synergy
between her passion for therapeutic development and innovative biotechnology with WPI’s
nearly 60-year history of leading the field in engineering and developing scientific
instrumentation for researchers and clinicians. Dr. Watson brings with her expertise in drug
discovery, a thirst for innovation, experience developing IP, an extensive industry and academic
network, and a passion for people leadership.
Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi
Chair, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi & Team Leader, KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research
Dr. Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Nairobi's Faculty of Health Sciences. She is also the Team Leader at KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington. With a strong focus on women's health, HIV transmission, and prevention, Dr. Mureithi's research has significantly contributed to improving health outcomes in Kenya and beyond. Supported by prestigious grants, such as those from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Mureithi is deeply committed to building research capacity and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her roles encompass an array of research interests including HIV vaccine research, tissue repair innovations, and stress response in HIV studies, with impactful collaborations across global institutions.
Twitter: @Docmureithi | Instagram: @doc_mariannemureithi
Kristen Verhey
Professor and Associate Chair of Research & Faculty Affairs, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
Dr. Kristen Verhey is the A. Kent Christensen Collegiate Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology in the Medical School and Professor of Biophysics in the College of Lieterature Science & Arts. She received her B.S. from the University of Michigan and her Ph.D. from Harvard University where she also did her postdoctoral work. She has been on the UM faculty since 2002. She served as Interim Chair of Cell and Developmental Biology and is currently the Associate Chair of Research & Faculty Affairs. She serves on several editorial boards of several journals in the field, national and international study sections, and committees for the American Society of Cell Biology and the Biophysical Society. Her research interests include the role of cytoskeletal filaments and motor proteins in cellular organization, chemomechanical coupling in molecular motor proteins, and assembly and function of primary cilia.
Twitter: @kjverhey1