Chemistry student receives Graduate Student Leadership Award

The Graduate College has announced Elizabeth Neumann, a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry, as the winner of the fifth annual Graduate Student Leadership Award.

Recognized in her department for her scientific work in the area of analytical chemistry, including her recent published study on chemical analysis of the brain using mass spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, Neumann is also a strong advocate for addressing gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment in the sciences.

Neumann has worked to create conversation on these issues in a university setting, leading to the adoption of new initiatives and policy changes within the Department of Chemistry. The department nominated her for the award.

“It’s a great honor and it’s bringing to light some of the things that need to be done in STEM at our institution and others,” Neumann said. “It’s nice to have people recognize that efforts to address these issues are worthy of an award.”

Neumann contributed to the creation of a departmental climate survey as well as the formation of a departmental climate committee that is comprised of graduate students, faculty, postdocs, and staff. The committee works to raise awareness of sexual harassment and to provide education on proactive topics such as bystander intervention.

Neumann has personal experience with sexual harassment in STEM, and she began to recognize that colleagues were also going through similar experiences.

“I decided to have a conversation about it because I didn’t want anyone to sit there and feel the same way I did,” Neumann said. “So that’s how it all started, I decided I didn’t want anyone to feel that way… The fact that it will improve is just awesome.”

Neumann said it’s common for victims of sexual harassment to not pursue an investigation under Title IX, which addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault in educational settings, because of the difficulties the process presents.

Neumann’s leadership on these issues also led to the creation of a workshop for new graduate students, which is now integrated in the department’s first-year course, Professional Development for Chemists.  A corresponding third-year workshop is currently being developed to explore the topic in more depth after students have passed their PhD qualifying exams.

“Sexual harassment is a saddening aspect of scientific research that Elizabeth Neumann fought against for the better part of her time as a graduate student,” said Lloyd Munjanja, assistant director of graduate diversity and program climate in the Department of Chemistry. “I have never seen such resilience in one individual… (Elizabeth) is an unstoppable role model for women in STEM to report sexual harassment.”

Other recommenders spoke of her scientific work, her compassion, and her commitment to social justice.

“Anybody can be a supporter to a victim of sexual harassment or assault, and just understand it’s not the victims fault,” Neumann said. “The world will get better as people come forward and support the victims.”

The selection committee also named two graduate students to receive special recognition: Brianne Gutmann and Katharine Lee.

Lee, a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology, is recognized for collaborating on equity research leading to policy changes in national organizations and promoting science communication as a founding member of 21st Century Scientists.

Gutmann, a doctoral student in physics, is recognized for creating and leading the Illinois GPS physics mentoring program, including her work in diversity and creating LGBTQ+ spaces in Physics, and her work with the national Access Network for mentoring programs.

Graduate College Dean Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko observed, “The nominee pool in this year’s competition was truly extraordinary. The graduate students who were nominated exhibit some of the most admirable qualities found in the very best scholars and scientists. They are passionate, persistent, and highly motivated. These characteristics lead them to become engaged in public service for the good of our campus and the community.  We are proud of all of the applicants and, in particular, we congratulate Elizabeth for her dedication, courage, and commitment.”

The Graduate Student Leadership Award is sponsored by The Graduate College and its student advisory group, Students Advising on Graduate Education. Begun in 2015, the award was created to recognize graduate students who have exhibited outstanding service that has positively impacted the campus or wider Urbana-Champaign community.