Association for Women in Science-Southern Louisiana Chapter (AWIS-SL)
Liz Simon, PhD; President, Association for Women in Science-Southern Louisiana Chapter (AWIS-SL)
AWIS-SL hosted an education event at Metairie Academy Science Magnet School earlier
this year. Dr. Pia Chowdry invited AWIS-SL to visit the second grade class to teach
them about the human body.
Volunteers included: Ashlyn Anderson (graduate student representative and organizer); Grace Athas (faculty); Elizabeth Avegno (faculty); Alicia Baker (faculty); Kaitlin Couvillion (graduate student); Zaidmara Diaz (medical student); Meagan Donovan (graduate student); Lisa Harrison-Bernard (AWIS-SL Past-President, faculty); Emily Lubag (graduate student); Alyssa Ransom (AWIS-SL Secretary, faculty) and Keishla Rodriguez-Graciani (fellow). (Image, right)
AWIS-SLC hosted the 2026 Spring Mixer, “Spring Connect.” This informal gathering provided the 15 attendees with the chance to seek mentoring opportunities, and build connections within the AWIS community (images right).
The First 2025 AWIS-SL Early Career Faculty Travel Award was awarded to Dr. Amanda
Phang, Assistant Professor in the Department of 
Physiology. Phang is a long-standing and active member of AWIS-SL. She is a previous
recipient of the AWIS-SL Trainee Travel Award and has since continued to distinguish
herself as a highly productive and accomplished scientist. Phang currently serves
as the Principal Investigator on an NIH R21 grant and an LACaTS Pilot Award, reflecting
her growing leadership and success in research. Dr. Patricia Molina, AWIS-SL member
and Chair of the Department of Physiology, hosted the award ceremony during the spooky
season of Halloween last fall.
We invite anyone who is interested to join the chapter. Membership offers an exceptional opportunity to expand your professional network, engage in meaningful peer mentorship, and be part of a vibrant and supportive community. Many collaborations and lasting connections have grown out of the relationships formed within AWIS-SL. Whether you're seeking mentorship, collaboration, or simply networking, please consider becoming a part of AWIS-SL.
Please contact Liz Simon at lsimo2@lsuhsc.edu if you would like to be a member of or support AWIS-SL.
