The WISE office is on the University of Michigan’s central campus in the Undergraduate Science Building. You can find us in room 3236 on the third floor of the USB at 204 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109. We look forward to hearing from you!
Victoria Alden
WISE Program Officer
Victoria Alden calls on her experience in program development, STEM outreach, informal education, and evaluation methods to design, host, and refine our signature programming. She works with student groups to create impactful programs, other UM units to better serve the needs of women in STEM, and community partners to meet or mentor the leaders and best at Michigan. Reach out to Victoria if you want to collaborate with WISE for your programs and events or promote your events to our audience of women in STEM at U-M. If she doesn’t have an answer to your question about Women in Science and Engineering, she knows who will.
Rachel Barnes
Project & Event Manager
Rachel Barnes brings 5 years of event experience to the WISE team. She combines her skills in organizing meaningful projects/events with her passion for empowering students in higher education to further the mission of WISE: helping students succeed in STEM! Reach out to Rachel if you have questions about our events or ambassador program, would like to partner with us, or you have information you would like to share in our newsletter or via social media.
Amy Chappuis
Development & External Relations Director
Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication from Lake Forest College in 2009. Since then, she has worked in various positions, including Assistant Director of Special Events, at Northwestern University, and most recently as Senior Associate Director of Alumni Relations in Michigan Medicine’s Office of Development. Amy brings with her a wealth of experience in fundraising, both professionally and as a volunteer. If you are interested in learning more about ways to support WISE, please reach out to Amy.
Elena Gallo, PhD
WISE Faculty Director
Elena Gallo is committed to student success in her teaching, research and in WISE. As a faculty member in Astronomy, her scholarship includes studies of black holes. Reach out to Elena if you are interested in contributing to the success of WISE through partnership or donations.
Ronotta Holliday
WISE Senior Administrative Assistant
Though her path has not been easy, Ronotta Holliday has persisted in both her education and supporting other women. Early in her career, Ronotta directed a community center in a low-income neighborhood, where she spent a lot of time working with girls to enhance their self-esteem and academic performance. Ronotta could relate to the experiences of these young women and was determined to make a difference. She secured a grant from the city of Ann Arbor to continue this work and partnered with the Women’s Center of America to create an empowerment program for girls. In 2009, Ronotta made the leap to return to school full-time, earning her Associate’s Degree from Washtenaw Community College and then transferring to earn her B.A. in psychology with a minor in marketing at the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Though she faced financial hardships during these years, Ronotta never gave up. Ronotta went on to work as a Senior Clerk and Administrative Assistant for Michigan Dining, where she continued to learn and excel. Tapping into her marketing skills, Ronotta rebranded Java Blu coffee shop into a Starbucks Café and helped run events that resulted in several dining awards. She has also worked as a freelance marketing assistant for multiple companies, including BNA Management, and a Business Assistant for Michigan Radio. Now a mother of two, Ronotta is only more determined to demonstrate that it is never too late to achieve your dreams. Ronotta recently earned a master’s degree in marketing.
Rachel Niemer, PhD
WISE Managing Director
Rachel Niemer aims to make higher education more equitable and just. As managing director of Women in Science and Engineering at University of Michigan, Rachel collaboratively develops initiatives to support the academic and professional success of women and gender minorities in STEM programs on campus. Rachel would love to hear from you about your experiences in STEM!