TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program

TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program offers a five-week internship experience tailored to a diverse cohort of 10 female students majoring in STEM in Japan. Our primary goal of this program is to further diminish the gender gap in the STEM fields in Japan while advancing educational equity. During the internship, implemented by and hosted at Rice University, participants delve into the intricacies of international collaboration and engagement between the U.S. and Japan. They also receive hands-on exposure to scientific research practices in the U.S. and opportunities for career exploration, English language enrichment, cultural engagement, and collaboration with American students.

This program is generously funded by Dow Chemical Japan Limited.

The 2021-2024 program information can be found here.

Program information can be found here.

 

TOMODACHI-STEM Women’s Leadership and Research Program 2024-2025

TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program Concludes with Final Presentation

On March 27, 2025, the final presentation of the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program was held in Tokyo. Approximately 20 people, including program participants and stakeholders, attended the event.
Representing the participants, Nanami Abe gave a presentation on her experience in the research internship program held at Rice University in Texas from February to March 2025. She shared insights into her research experience in an American laboratory, a visit to Dow Chemical in Houston, and her observations on the differences between female researchers in Japan and the U.S. She also spoke about her future goals inspired by the program.
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Future STEM Leaders Participate in Research Internship: 2024-2025 TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program

On February 8, 2025, the U.S. training program for the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program officially began. Ten Japanese female university students majoring in STEM fields participated in a five-week research internship at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Prior to their departure, the participants visited Dow Chemical Japan. Each student shared their research interests and what they were most excited about in the program, followed by a Q&A session with Dow employees. During the session, the participants actively engaged in discussions, asking insightful questions about career paths, work-life balance, and other topics.
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Exciting Start to the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program 2024-2025

Ten female students from universities across Japan have been selected for the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program 2024-2025 at Rice University in Houston, Texas. This program includes several weeks of virtual sessions, followed by a five-week research internship. During their stay, the students will conduct STEM research at Rice University under the guidance of professors, engage in on- and off-campus activities with their peers, and explore potential career paths.
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