Women and Gender Minorities in Physics
Mission
Our mission is to create a welcoming and supportive community for women and gender minorities in physics, where members can connect, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging. We foster these connections through social activities, which creates opportunities to engage with faculty who share similar identities and experiences. We strive to reduce isolation and create a space where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and support one another. We keep members informed about events and initiatives within the department and across campus to encourage broader engagement.
What We Do and Where
● Organize social events for members to connect
● Provide personal care products
● Share scholarship, research, and volunteer opportunities
Our meetings are held in Duncan Hall, room 348 (same room as the SJSU Physics & Astronomy
Club!). This is also where W*iP provides feminine hygiene products for members, so
don’t be afraid to ask our officers about them. The room is open daily for students
to study and socialize!
Our club communicates through the SJSU Physics and Astronomy Club’s Discord server
and through our own Instagram page called wip_sjsu, so follow us on Instagram and
join the Discord server!
Current Officers
Co-President: Mariana Rojas-Montoya
Co-President: Emily Foreman
Treasurer: Brittney Shavor
Faculty Advisor: Brianne Gutmann
Meet Our Founders (Club founded in 2025)
Mariana Rojas-Montoya
Mariana is a graduate student who completed her bachelor’s degree in physics at SJSU,
and is currently completing her master’s degree in physics at SJSU as well. Her research
background focuses on experimental optics & lasers, and physics education research
(PER).
Emily Foreman
Emily is an undergraduate student who is currently completing her bachelor’s degree
in physics at SJSU. Her research background focuses on nuclear science and isotope
production. She also does research related to how physicists influence certain policies.
Brittney Shavor
Brittney is a graduate student who completed her bachelor’s degree in physics at Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo, and is currently completing her master’s degree in physics at
SJSU. Her research background focuses on astrophysics & cosmology, galaxy photometry
& spectroscopy, and
telescope instrumentation.
Brianne Gutmann
Dr. Brianne Gutmann is a professor at SJSU who began teaching during the Fall of 2022.
Their research background focuses on ethics, science, & society, online HW & mastery
learning, LGBTQ+ experiences in STEM, and community building in STEM.
