Innovation Inside and Outside the Classroom
About
Established in 1986, the Douglass WiSE Program (Women in Science and Engineering) supports women in their STEM journeys. The program continues to provide academic and leadership opportunities, resources and community development, and mentoring and encouragement of women pursuing degrees in STEM. Formerly known as the Douglass Project, the new name given in 2021, highlights the mission and purpose of an already innovative and invaluable program.
STEM Programs

For first-year students in the School of Engineering and Douglass. Access hands-on learning, mentoring, networking, and innovative programming centered on professional development and academic enhancement. Students connect with peers enrolled in engineering core courses and have the advantage of tutoring support services provided in residence.

A STEM-focused enrichment program that offers students the opportunity to participate in academic research. Students have access to peer mentors, monthly STEM-related workshops, an Introduction to Scientific Research course, a research stipend for summer research, special STEM travel grants, and exceptional academic support.
Upcoming Opportunities
Douglass STEM Voices
"It is both fulfilling and challenging. It is completely different working hands on in a lab than in lecture. Every day I go into lab, I leave feeling accomplished. I know the work my lab does is innovative and meaningful" - Ariana Belton

Meet the Staff

Lydia Prendergast
Dr. Lydia Prendergast is the Associate Dean and Director of Douglass WiSE. Dean P, as many students call her, has worked in higher ed for over 20 years. She is a 3-time alumna of Rutgers in engineering and STEM education. Her dissertation focused on a hands-on learning experience for first-years and is the basis of the Intro to Engineering course in the Douglass Engineering LLC. Dr. Prendergast is passionate about providing engaging STEM experiences.

Buvaneswari Narayanan
Associate Director of Douglass WiSE and the Director of the Bunting Cobb Sciences Living-Learning Community
Dr. Buvaneswari Narayanan is the Associate Director of Douglass WiSE and the Director of the Bunting Cobb Sciences Living-Learning Community. Dr. Narayanan has over 10 years of experience in the research, education and service sector of higher education. She has a doctorate in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Higher Education. She is passionate about STEM education and providing quality programming for student development.

Lorne S. Joseph
Dr. Lorne S. Joseph is the Director of Engineering and STEM Research Initiatives at Douglass WiSE. She is an alumna of University of the Virgin Islands (B.S. Chemistry) and the Rutgers School of Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering). Lorne is an ardent steward of STEM with a passion for supporting and mentoring Women in Science and Engineering.

Hayet Bensetti-Benbader
Director of the Computer Science Leaning and Living Community
Hayet Bensetti-Benbader is the director of the Computer Science Learning and Living Community. Dr. Bensetti is known for her international and multi-cultural background. She completed her studies at ENA (Ecole National d'Administration) in Algeria, IFID in Tunisia, including a doctorate in Education Technology Leadership from NJCU. Dr. Bensetti is a technology steward with a mission to improve learning experiences through successful instructional design.

Nathalie Adam
Graduate Student Assistant to the Douglass WiSE
Nathalie Adam is a 3rd year medical student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Nathalie is a Douglass alum & graduated from Rutgers University, Honors College in 2019 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Nathalie’s experience with Douglass includes being apart of the Bunting-Cobb Sciences Living-Learning Community as a graduate mentor for three years. Nathalie’s goal is to be a constant resource to young women by providing guidance based on her own experiences.
Ready to Apply?
There are currently no open applications for STEM programs. Check back here for more details!