Formalized with a signing ceremony inside Tuohy Hall’s Alumni Room, the new Women’s Research Coalition (WRC) at St. Joseph’s University, New York will provide support, mentorship and community for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
While the number of women in STEM fields continues to rise, the community remains underrepresented. According to a 2023 report from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, only 35 percent of those employed in STEM occupations were women.
Inspired by the University’s mission to develop responsible leaders and committed citizens, WRC’s goal is to provide women with opportunities for academic growth, collaboration and mentorship.
The effort to get the WRC off the ground was led by Delina Charles ’26, a psychology major on the Brooklyn Campus. Charles is the student president of SJNY Brooklyn’s Psychology Club and a past winner of the Outstanding Student Organization Leader Award.
In her own words, Charles wanted to give “hardworking, intelligent and resilient young women” the platform they deserve.
“I noticed the fact that research at St. Joseph’s is dominated by women,” Charles said. “This is not common around the world; we have something very special here. Our passion is to represent underrepresented communities through scientific research, for the greater good.”
Serving as head advisor is Anna Rita Egbert, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.
“As a professor of psychology, I believe that my role extends beyond teaching and research—it is about fostering an environment where all voices, particularly women, can thrive,” said Egbert. “Supporting the Women’s Research Coalition aligns with our university’s core values of integrity, intellectual rigor, spiritual values, social responsibility and service.”
WRC is officially an extension of the Department of Psychology, but WRC is open to all students across the Brooklyn campus who are interested in research, no matter their field of study.
“Promoting professional development is also a key focus, as I believe in the power of mentorship and collaboration, creating spaces for women in psychology to connect with one another and grow through networking events and workshops,” Egbert added.
According to Egbert, it is essential to build a supportive community where women can openly share challenges and triumphs and help each other navigate the complexities of academia.
As the fall semester comes to a close, WRC is planning its spring calendar, which will include a mix of events and professional development opportunities such as mentorships, research and grant writing workshops, and networking opportunities.
