Graduate Dissertation Fellows Program Alumni Network

A Brief History of the GDF Program


Where are they now?
Where are they now?

In 1994, graduate student Chris Golde, a member of the IRWG graduate research network, suggested that the Institute should establish a dissertation writing program for students working on women's and gender themes. She received the James Lyons Award for her idea in 1995. (Chris is now the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education at Stanford University.) The GDF program was established in 1994, at the time of Iris Litt's directorship. Louise Rosenberg provided the program's core funding and has supported the program ever since.

Since its establishment, the Institute has had 99 graduate fellows. Seventy-five percent of those who have completed their Ph.D.s are now working in academia, with the majority in tenured or tenure track positions. Others work in nonprofits, government, management consultancy, or are self-employed. A significant majority continue to be closely engaged in women's or gender issues. While most of the former GDFs are resident in the US, some are in Canada, the UK, Belgium, Germany and China. In the US, most are clustered on the West and East Coasts and around Chicago.

To find out more about the gender researchers who have participated in the GDF program, read our "yearbook" (updated September 2008) The Graduate Dissertation Fellows, 1994-2008: Where are they now?


GDF Reunion 2008


The Institute hosted its first reunion for GDF alumni on May 2, 2008. We hope to hold a reunion every two or three years.

Kari Zimmerman (2006-07), Barbara Clayton (1997-98) and Nick Graves (Advisory Council).
Kari Zimmerman (2006-07), Barbara Clayton (1997-98)
and Nick Graves (Advisory Council).

Isabelle Meuret (1999-2000) and Kate Washington (1996-97).
Isabelle Meuret (1999-2000) and Kate Washington (1996-97).

Sharon Meers (Advisory Council), Barbara Clayton, and Jessica Payette (2006-07).
Sharon Meers (Advisory Council),
Barbara Clayton, and Jessica Payette (2006-07).

Kate Washington, Kari Zimmerman, and Brenda Frink (2007-08).
Kate Washington, Kari Zimmerman,
and Brenda Frink (2007-08).

Christine Min Wotipka (1999-2000), Sarah Richardson (2007-08), Michelle Cale (Associate Director), Chantal Matkin Dolan (1996-97).
Christine Min Wotipka (1999-2000), Sarah Richardson (2007-08),
Michelle Cale (Associate Director), Chantal Matkin Dolan (1996-97).

Gretchen Anderson (1999-2000), Andrea Henderson (2004-05), and Sharon Meers.
Gretchen Anderson (1999-2000),
Andrea Henderson (2004-05), and Sharon Meers.


Isabelle Meuret delivering her paper on
Isabelle Meuret delivering her paper
on "Writing Size Zero."

Londa Schiebinger and Nick Graves.
Londa Schiebinger and Nick Graves.

Back row: Isabelle Meuret, Valerie Jones (2007-08), Jessica Payette, Barbara Clayton, Saskia Traill (2001-02), Kate Washington, Chantal Dolan, Lisa Thompson (1998-99) Front row: Andrea Henderson, Christine Min Wotipka, Sarah Richardson, Kari Zimmerman, Gretchen Anderson
Back row: Isabelle Meuret, Valerie Jones (2007-08),
Jessica Payette, Barbara Clayton,
Saskia Traill (2001-02), Kate Washington,
Chantal Dolan, Lisa Thompson (1998-99)
Front row: Andrea Henderson, Christine Min Wotipka,
Sarah Richardson, Kari Zimmerman, Gretchen Anderson