Alison Sinadinos, an IUPUI graduate, has begun her new IU position as the assistant director of the Women in STEM Living-Learning Center, just in time for the Women in STEM LLC’s 10-year anniversary at the end of this year. Sinadinos is originally from Chicago but has been living in Bloomington for nine years. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary studies with a focus on recreational therapy and the behavior of work teams. She then obtained a Master’s Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from IUPUI.
Sinadinos was drawn to the assistant director position because of the opportunity to help students learn and grow outside of the classroom. “Post graduate school, I worked six years professionally in the resident halls and truly endured the residence hall aspect of student life,” said Sinadinos, “the residence halls are so much more than just a place that students sleep. Residence halls are students’ home away from home and are a place where learning continues and development happens.
Melissa Blunck, the director of IU Undergraduate Research and the WSTEM LLC, said, “we are very excited to have Alison join the Office of Engaged Learning and bring new ideas to the Women in STEM LLC.”
Blunck, Sinadinos, and their colleagues are currently working on initial goals for the WSTEM LLC. The LLC is focused on recruiting more students to join the community including women of color, first generation students, and other underrepresented groups. They are also working to expand opportunities for all women in STEM across the IU campus.
“I am really looking forward to working with Alison as we improve and expand the outreach of the Women in STEM LLC,” said OVPUE’s Associate Vice Provost Martha Oakley, “she brings a wealth of experience in residential life, a wonderful curiosity about science, and strong experience working with staff and students across our campus.”
Long-term, the WSTEM LLC faculty leaders plan to provide more complete support systems beyond the living-learning community to those who are underrepresented in STEM disciplines like minority women. “The LCC is in its tenth year and I hope to celebrate that while also looking towards the future and how we can continue to grow the LLC and provide more opportunities for more student who are interested in STEM to become part of the community,” said Sinadinos, “I hope to assist the community in becoming a resource for more students.”
The Women in STEM LLC is IU’s premiere community for women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a part of the IU Office of Engaged Learning and in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Residential Programs and Services, the WSTEM LLC helps students harness the skills and experiences needed to thrive in STEM fields, all while finding a sense of belonging on campus through community, faculty mentorships, and summer research programs.
To learn more about the Women in STEM LLC, its mission, or to support the LLC, visit: womeninstem.indiana.edu
