Say Hello to the Team!
Cal Poly Women in Physics (CPWiP) is a student club affiliated with ASI and the Cal Poly Physics Department.  The club was started in 2009 with the goal of providing support for female physics majors, who represent less than 15 percent of all students in the department.  Social events, professional development, conference attendance, and research opportunities are promoted by the club for the benefit of all physics majors, regardless of gender.  Please let us know how we can help, and we hope to see you at our next event!
Julia Francescutti
President
Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m the WiP president this year! I’m starting my fourth year as a physics major with computer science and astronomy minors. My Cal Poly journey was slightly complicated since I spent my freshman year at home doing COVID learning online. This was tough and I knew basically nobody going into my second year in person. Once I got here though, the physics community was so amazing in helping me find my place and my closest friends at this school! I’m so excited for this role this year because I want to help keep our physics department positive, inclusive, and the most welcoming. We definitely have a special place at Cal Poly, and I can’t wait to introduce it to you all :)
Maré Sutphen
Vice President
My name is Maré Sutphen, and I am a fourth year Physics major with a minor in Astronomy. I have research experience in Physics education, and find student learning fascinating. I am also a member of Alpha Chi Omega and work as a Recruitment Chair. I am passionate about creating an equitable environment in the Cal Poly community, and WiP has given me the space to insight change from within the Physics Department.
Matilda Eriksson
Treasurer
I’m Matilda, a 3rd year physics major with a minor in Astronomy. I my free time, I like to read, hang out with friends, and play ping pong. I like working with WiP because the club helps create a community for the students in our department, so please feel free to come up and say hello if you see me around! :)
Ria Jhala
Event Coordinator
My name is Ria Jhala and I'm a 4th year Physics Major, and Astronomy Minor. I love being outdoors, cooking and trying out different recipes, watching movies (and talking about them), and all kinds of music! I'm part of one of Cal Poly's acapella clubs, 'That's the Key,' and I've been involved in the choir program for most of my time here. The physics community at Cal Poly has provided me with support, strong friendships, and great memories, so I'm excited to have a hand in maintaining that community for other physicists! Being a part of WiP gives me the chance to contribute to creating a strong and supportive network for the growth and success of women in the field of physics.
Olivia Rourke
Secretary
I'm Olivia and I am the secretary for WiP this year. I am a 3rd year physics major with a minor in astronomy. I love being part of WiP because of the friends I’ve made. WiP has allowed me to meet a lot of people who take the same classes and share similar interests as me. WiP has been an easy and fun way for me to find friends in the physics community.
Geetika Gopidas
Publicist
Hi! My name is Geetika and I'm a third-year physics major also minoring in Astronomy and possibly computer science. I'm super excited to be one of the co-publicists for WiP again this year! In SLO, I like going to farmer's market and exploring downtown. At home, I enjoy reading and watching trashy reality TV :)
Breanne Evans
Publicist
My name is Bre, adn I am the current publicist for WiP. Additioanlly, I handle event coordination as needed. I am a double major in both Physics and Enviornmental Engineering. I am also President of the Eventing Club on campus and work in the machine shop.
Sam Allen
Senator
My name is Samantha Allen, I also go by Sam. I am a fourth year, and I have completed a minor in astronomy. I care about WIP because it helps to create a stronger community within the larger physics, and WIP creates a safe space for important conversations to held.
Colleen Marlow
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Marlow is the faculty advisor for the Cal Poly Women in Physics chapter. Her research specializes in electronic behavior in nanosystems and gaze shift dynamics in the human visual systems. Her interests include gardening, enjoying the outdoors, cooking and baking.