YWIB-Pittsburgh: Exploring Women’s Health at Magee-Womens Research Institute

On February 25, 2026, Young Women In Bio (YWIB) Pittsburgh hosted 40 high school students at the Magee-Womens Research Institute in Pittsburgh (MWRI) for an interactive look at careers in women’s health research. The event opened with remarks from Pam Moalli, MD, PhD, Interim Director of MWRI, who shared statistics on women’s health and emphasized the need for more research on maternal and fetal mortality and women’s cancer outcomes, and encouraged students to consider STEM careers. Students then rotated through four labs led by Judy Yanowitz, PhD; Sandra Cascio, PhD; Janet Catov, PhD; and Sarah Munyoki, taking part in hands-on activities. The group later gathered for pizza and a career panel featuring MWRI researchers Melissa Diamint, Georgia Rae Atkins, and Calandra Matoushaya, who discussed their career paths and answered questions. The event concluded with informal networking between students and faculty. Interest was especially high, with students attending from schools across the Pittsburgh region, and YWIB Pittsburgh Ambassadors Maddie Crowe, Teresa Sheng, and Siya Kher were also present. The partnership between YWIB and MWRI is expected to continue with future events and opportunities, such as MWRI’s summer research program for high school students.

Submitted by Edwina Kinchington