President
Tracy E. Popowics, PhD, Professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington.
Tracy developed her interest in STEM studies as a biology major at Mount Holyoke College, and later earned a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Brown University. Following her graduate studies, she began studies of the biomechanics of mammalian teeth as a postdoctoral researcher at the Burke Museum and University of Washington School of Dentistry. This training led to her current position at the University of Washington School of Dentistry where she teaches embryology and histology to dental students and residents. Her research interests have expanded from the biomechanics of teeth to include other soft and hard tissues of the head and mouth. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking in the nearby mountains and gardening. She is interested in working towards equity, diversity and inclusion within STEM fields and workplaces.
Vice-President
Laura Szkolar Sienkewicz, PhD, PMP, RAC Director, Data Gov & Regulation Microsoft Health and Life Sciences
Laura Szkolar-Sienkiewicz, PhD, is a seasoned regulatory affairs and compliance professional with a background that bridges advanced scientific research and regulatory strategy. With a doctorate in biomedical materials science from the University of Manchester UK, specializing in enzymatically triggered peptide hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation and tissue engineering, Laura has built a career on translating scientific innovation into practical applications within highly regulated industries. Currently serving as Director of Data Governance and Regulation at Microsoft, Laura is recognized for the ability to interpret evolving regulatory landscapes and develop strategies that ensure organizational success while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and ethical data stewardship. Beyond professional achievements, interests include science communication, mentoring, and inspiring others to pursue careers that merge curiosity with impact.
Secretary
Searching for candidates for secretary. Please contact Tracy president@seattleawis.org if you have capacity and interest to serve on our board.
Treasurer
Reitha Weeks, PhD, Scientist and Educator.
Reitha received her BS from Oregon State University and her PhD in Genetics from the UW in 1987. She worked for 13 years in the biotech industry at multiple companies in Seattle, progressing from bench scientist to company director. Reitha was Program Manager for Science Outreach at Northwest Association for Biomedical Research from 2004-2013. She was responsible for curriculum development, workshops for teachers, educational conferences for researchers, and a variety of science outreach programs and collaborations. From 2014 to 2023, she was Program Coordinator for Shoreline Community College’s (SCC) biotech summer camps for high school students. She has been a Seattle AWIS member since 1987 and has served in many capacities on the board, most recently as treasurer and event coordinator. She is on the boards of Seattle AAUW and ORCA, as well as several Biotech Advisory Boards for high schools and SCC.
Mentoring Committee
Olivia Lenz, PhD Materials Science and Engineering
Olivia’s Linked In profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivialenz/
Events and Programs Committee
Charlotte Mesecar, MBA, BS Chemistry, PMP, Lab Manager 3, Meta Reality Labs via INSPYR
Charlotte earned her BS Chemistry degree at Western Washington University, and her MBA at Western Governors University. She is a local who has worked in scientific, safety, operational, and project management roles across Biotech/Biologics, Medical Diagnostic Testing, Aerospace Composites, and Semiconductor/Material Science industries in Washington State for the past eight plus years. Her passion for promoting women in science started in college when she did chemistry demonstrations for elementary school children. Charlotte earned her project management certificate (PMP) after designing and managing the creation of new wet lab and cleanroom spaces at Meta, and strengthened those skills by volunteering as an event planner. She enables others to excel through her servant leadership, curiosity, problem solving skills, and compassion.
Membership Committee
Miriam L. R. Meister, PhD, User Researcher, Xbox.
Miriam is a neuroscientist working in user researcher at Xbox. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Washington focused on the neural basis of memory, and how memory influences where we decide to look when we move our eyes around the world. She received her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin, and her B.A. in psychology from Haverford College outside of Philadelphia, where she learned the science of how to carefully study human behavior. Miriam is a strong advocate of promoting women into leadership positions, and has been routinely attending intellectually stimulating AWIS events in Seattle since 2014, joining in 2016. She hopes to engage in service through AWIS that uplifts women professionally and creates access to science.
Scholarship Committee
Fran Solomon, PhD, Environmental Biology Professor.
Rian de Laat
Fran earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY), and a master’s degree in environmental health and Ph.D. in fisheries from the University of Washington. She has 25 years of experience as an environmental agency biologist and is now bringing that experience to the classroom, specifically Western Washington University, College of the Environment – Salish Sea Region. She has also taught courses at universities in China and Canada, and has lectured at four universities in Japan. Her teaching focuses on endocrine disruptor chemicals and other toxic chemicals, water quality, climate change and environmental justice. Additionally, she teaches continuing education courses and gives lectures for environmental professionals, health care professionals, and diverse general public audiences. Fran is a founder and Past-President of Seattle AWIS, founder of our scholarship program, and served on the National AWIS Board for eight years. In 2005, National AWIS selected her as an AWIS Fellow for “significant contributions to the mission of AWIS by promoting women in science through scholarship, leadership, education, mentoring, advocacy, or service.” She received the “Dedicated Founding Member Award” from Seattle AWIS in 2013 and the “Outstanding Seattle AWIS Member Award” in 2018. Outside of teaching, mentoring, and women in science advocacy activities, Fran is an enthusiastic social justice activist, hiker, and traveler, and also enjoys cooking and reading.
Rian’s Linked In profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rian-de-laat/
Publicity Committee
Dharni Shah, MS in Business Analytics, Business Intelligence Engineer II, Amazon
Dharni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Mumbai University. She began her career as a Consultant at Deloitte, supporting the public services sector for the State of Montana. Driven by a passion for data and strategic problem-solving, she pursued her Master’s in Business Analytics and Project Management at the University of Connecticut in Hartford. Currently, Dharni is a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon, where she works on AWS Compute services, building data-driven solutions to support scalable cloud infrastructure. Outside of her core role, she serves as a Strategy Advisor to Future Force, an early-stage initiative focused on advancing impact in healthcare, education, and climate tech. She is also an active volunteer with Year Up, where she mentors and supports young adults in developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their careers.
Website Committee
Ijeoma (IJ) Kalu, MSc. Global Health Research Consultant, Adjunct Faculty at Bastyr University, and Research Coordinator at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (SCHARP)
IJ has a unique set of experiences spanning data management, hypothesis testing, computational algorithms, natural health interventions, clinical trial quality documentation and regulatory compliance. With two decades of expertise in research and development in bioactive and nutraceutical formulations, she has honed her skills in program management, clinical research operations, and process improvement. She currently serves as the Data Analytics Research Coordinator with SCHARP at Fred Hutch, where she ensures seamless execution of research protocols and data integrity within regulated frameworks.
IJ earned her MSc in Nutrition with an emphasis on scientific research from Bastyr University in 2015 and continues to contribute as a part-time faculty member. She is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in STEM by mentoring and advocating for women, bridging cultural gaps and driving positive change.
Banquet and Awards Committee
Reitha Weeks, PhD, Scientist and Educator.
Reitha received her BS from Oregon State University and her PhD in Genetics from the UW in 1987. She worked for 13 years in the biotech industry at multiple companies in Seattle, progressing from bench scientist to company director. Reitha was Program Manager for Science Outreach at Northwest Association for Biomedical Research from 2004-2013. She was responsible for curriculum development, workshops for teachers, educational conferences for researchers, and a variety of science outreach programs and collaborations. From 2014 to 2023, she was Program Coordinator for Shoreline Community College’s (SCC) biotech summer camps for high school students. She has been a Seattle AWIS member since 1987 and has served in many capacities on the board, most recently as treasurer and event coordinator. She is on the boards of Seattle AAUW and ORCA, as well as several Biotech Advisory Boards for high schools and SCC.
Girls in Engineering, Science and Math (GEMS) Committee
Sulagna Bharati
I am a seasoned electrical engineer with 18 years of experience in the hardware industry and a mother of two kids. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong understanding of electrical systems, hardware design, and management. My expertise lies in Hardware engineering/Semiconductor engineering and managing people and projects. I am passionate about leveraging my knowledge to drive innovation and solve complex engineering challenges.
Ria Purohit, MS in Entrepreneurship (UW), B. Tech.Electronics & Communication
I am currently a Product Manager at SimFit, an early-stage startup. My passion for math and science began in childhood, leading me to earn an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Following this, I spent five years gaining valuable experience in data administration and business analysis. My growing interest in entrepreneurship motivated me to pursue a Master’s in Entrepreneurship at the University of Washington, Seattle. Today, I am dedicated to my role at SimFit while exploring new startup ideas.
STEM is an essential and dynamically evolving field in the present era. Raising awareness among girls about STEM at an early age can inspire them to explore future opportunities in these fields. I believe GEMS is an innovative initiative to realize this vision, and I am grateful to contribute as a co-chair of this association.
Jiang Shang, Senior Data Engineer at Expedia.
Jiang had attended Women In Tech Regatta back in 2023 and came in contact with GEMs for the first time. She is passionate about volunteering for GEMs because she believes in the power of women empowerment and helping girls to succeed. By supporting GEMs, she can contribute to creating opportunities for young girls to reach their full potential. Additionally, she value the strong friendships formed through women’s networks and know that GEMs fosters a supportive community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Claire Watts, PhD, CEO of ThruWave
Claire Watts is a Seattle native who discovered her passion for STEM in her high school physics class, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics at Colgate University. She later earned a PhD in physics from Boston College, where her thesis focused on metamaterials and their applications toward novel imaging technologies. Following her doctoral studies, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Matt Reynolds’ lab in the University of Washington’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In 2018, she co-founded ThruWave, a UW spinout, and now serves as its CEO. ThruWave is an innovative tech startup that develops 3D millimeter-wave imaging solutions, enabling industries to safely and efficiently inspect the contents of sealed packages.