Major: Mathematics
Joyce Yen ('95) is the director of the University of Washington ADVANCE Center for Institutional Change. She has been a leader in eight National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health-funded projects to support and mentor early-career STEM faculty and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
She recently received a 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), recognizing mentors for their efforts to inspire and encourage individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities in STEM and to ensure that all Americans can fully participate in science, mathematics and technology. The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the awards program on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
"Several of my own science and engineering mentoring icons have previously been recognized with this same award," she said. "I am humbled to walk in their footsteps."
The PAESMEM profile shared that she creates community and connections, facilitates career and leadership skills acquisition, fosters agency and self-efficacy, and is responsive to mentee needs. She works to develop organizations and cultures where people from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups in STEM are valued in academia.
Yen has been honored with the 2004 UNL Outstanding Young Alumni Award, 2012 UW David B. Thorud Leadership Award, and 2017 Women in Engineering ProActive Network's Inclusive Culture and Equity Award.
- Read more: Profile of Joyce Yen from the Department of Mathematics
