Women in STEM: Scholarships, Mentorship, and Diversity in Engineering
From a young age, Anya Ellis displayed a keen interest in STEM.
“I remember saving money from a lemonade stand to buy my first microscope and study insects on slides,” she shared. Now a freshman at Georgia Tech, Anya is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering. She is one of several young women awarded scholarships by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), thanks to the efforts of 3M corporate scientist Jayshree Seth.
Jayshree, known for her groundbreaking work in product development and holding 80 patents, has also authored three books aimed at guiding aspiring scientists, engineers, and leaders in STEM. In 2020, she collaborated with SWE to establish the Jayshree Seth Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM, using all proceeds from her book sales to fund it. So far, nearly $30,000 has been awarded to five recipients.
“This scholarship is not just financial support; it’s a reminder of my belonging in STEM,” said Anya.
Jayshree attributes her success to a strong support network and advocates for mentorship to inspire more women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in engineering, manufacturing, and the sciences. “Diversity in these fields leads to greater impact. A diverse workforce is a stronger workforce,” she emphasized.
The 2023 scholarship recipient, Janae Gillus, is a computer engineering student at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Growing up in a family of engineers, Janae was exposed to STEM early, attending National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) meetings as a child and learning coding in fourth grade. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, “It’s challenging being the only female or Black student, but finding a more diverse STEM community at college has been reassuring.”
The 2022 recipient, Olanrewaju Famakinwa, is studying chemical and biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Inspired by her grandmother’s math lessons and her love for chemistry, she found her path in chemical engineering with encouragement from her mother. “This scholarship motivates me to give back. I want my work to positively impact others,” said Olanrewaju.
Appointed as 3M’s first Chief Science Advocate in 2018, Jayshree leverages her expertise to highlight the importance of science and diversity in STEM. She is the fourth woman and first female engineer inducted into 3M’s Carlton Society, a prestigious recognition of innovation.
Through her books, including The Heart of Science trilogy, Jayshree continues to mentor aspiring STEM professionals while supporting scholarships with all proceeds. “Education is the greatest gift we can give,” she said.
The following the recipients of the scholarship:
“I remember saving money from a lemonade stand to buy my first microscope and study insects on slides,” she shared. Now a freshman at Georgia Tech, Anya is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering. She is one of several young women awarded scholarships by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), thanks to the efforts of 3M corporate scientist Jayshree Seth.
Jayshree, known for her groundbreaking work in product development and holding 80 patents, has also authored three books aimed at guiding aspiring scientists, engineers, and leaders in STEM. In 2020, she collaborated with SWE to establish the Jayshree Seth Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM, using all proceeds from her book sales to fund it. So far, nearly $30,000 has been awarded to five recipients.
“This scholarship is not just financial support; it’s a reminder of my belonging in STEM,” said Anya.
Jayshree attributes her success to a strong support network and advocates for mentorship to inspire more women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in engineering, manufacturing, and the sciences. “Diversity in these fields leads to greater impact. A diverse workforce is a stronger workforce,” she emphasized.
The 2023 scholarship recipient, Janae Gillus, is a computer engineering student at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Growing up in a family of engineers, Janae was exposed to STEM early, attending National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) meetings as a child and learning coding in fourth grade. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, “It’s challenging being the only female or Black student, but finding a more diverse STEM community at college has been reassuring.”
The 2022 recipient, Olanrewaju Famakinwa, is studying chemical and biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Inspired by her grandmother’s math lessons and her love for chemistry, she found her path in chemical engineering with encouragement from her mother. “This scholarship motivates me to give back. I want my work to positively impact others,” said Olanrewaju.
Appointed as 3M’s first Chief Science Advocate in 2018, Jayshree leverages her expertise to highlight the importance of science and diversity in STEM. She is the fourth woman and first female engineer inducted into 3M’s Carlton Society, a prestigious recognition of innovation.
Through her books, including The Heart of Science trilogy, Jayshree continues to mentor aspiring STEM professionals while supporting scholarships with all proceeds. “Education is the greatest gift we can give,” she said.
The following the recipients of the scholarship:
- 2024: Anya Ellis, Georgia Tech (Biomedical Engineering)
- 2023: Janae Gillus, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Computer Engineering); Judy Ojeiwa, University of Utah (Computer Engineering)
- 2022: Olanrewaju Famakinwa, Johns Hopkins University (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)
- 2021: Jhane Sulcer, Georgia Tech (Mechanical Engineering)
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