Empowering Women in Science

The Marilyn Miller ’70 Summer Science Research Fund supports housing for female students undertaking summer research, easing financial barriers and allowing them to fully focus on their work.

Inspired by her own experience as one of just six physics majors during her time at Emmanuel, Marilyn is passionate about expanding opportunities for women in STEM.

“Today, there are far more opportunities for women in math and science,” she said. “By supporting individual students in their summer research, I feel that I’m making a direct and personal contribution to their future success.”

Celebrating the Next Generation of Scientists

Marilyn met the students supported by her scholarship at the 2024 Summer Research Fellows poster presentation. "It was heartening to see the students who were awarded the summer stipends from my donation," she said. "They were smart, articulate, and very enthusiastic. In the first project, research on alcohol addiction, Sabina Alvavrez '27, my awardee, a sophomore, collaborated with a junior and senior on a neuroscience project. All three planned to attend medical school after graduation."

Sabina, an international student from Mexico, reflected on how the Marilyn Miller ’70 Summer Science Research Scholarship alleviated her financial concerns and allowed her to fully engage in her research and embrace her future in neuroscience.

"Meeting Marilyn was truly an honor. As an international student from Mexico, receiving her scholarship took away the financial burden of living in Boston, allowing me to fully focus on my passion for research and gain valuable experience," she said. "The scholarship gave me the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Crofton and her research group, where I developed new lab techniques and found confidence in pursuing my neuroscience major. Marilyn’s support inspired me to stay committed to my pre-med journey, despite the challenges. Marilyn’s encouragement made me believe in the difference I can make."

Maria La Terza '25 shared her project examining the effects of PFAS on C. elegans. Following in the footsteps of her mother, a pharmacist, Maria plans to pursue graduate studies in pharmacy and sees herself as either a pharmacist or researcher in the pharmaceutical space. “It was, really, such an honor to meet Marilyn in-person and to share my research with her,” Maria said. “It is evident that she is supportive of women in the STEM field, so it meant a lot to be able to share my findings with her and talk through the significance of my work.”

Reflecting on the opportunities provided by Emmanuel, Marilyn noted, “These students are very fortunate. They gain additional experience in their fields, have the privilege of a faculty advisor, and spend the summer in Boston. I love the fact that my donation has had such a direct effect on individual students. Meeting them was a treat! When I was at Emmanuel, I spent summers of freshman and sophomore years at home in Connecticut, working at a German restaurant, washing dishes and serving at a buffet. How I would have treasured an opportunity for summer research related to my chosen field.”

After graduating in 1970, Marilyn began a career in print production and later earned her MBA from Northeastern University. She went on to work in financial services and advertising before eventually shifting her focus to more personal and community-centered work.

Today, Marilyn supports a range of causes, including education, human services, and the arts. Her commitment to Emmanuel reflects both gratitude for her own experience and a desire to create opportunities for others.

“I hear everywhere what a difference Emmanuel has made in people’s lives,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to pay it forward.”

Fond Memories of Emmanuel College

Reflecting on her time at Emmanuel, Marilyn reminisced about the small, supportive community. "I was such a shy person. I would have been swallowed up at a bigger school," she said. The College's intimate environment allowed her to thrive and make lifelong friendships. In fact, she recently played in Emmanuel’s Inaugural Golf Tournament with three fellow alumnae. Her love for Emmanuel extended beyond academics; she fondly recalled solo trips to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and keep score from the bleachers.

Marilyn's academic journey included participating in a study abroad program in Germany. This ten-week program after her junior year allowed her to live with a host family, attend classes in German literature, music, and history, and travel extensively across Europe, broadening her horizons and deepening her appreciation for different cultures.

Sister Mary Bernadette Barrett, Chair of the Physics Department, and Physics Professor Sister Camille Minichino were particularly influential during Marilyn's time at Emmanuel. Sister Camille, who later left the convent to work at Livermore Labs in California and authored many volumes of detective fiction, left a lasting impression on Marilyn. These mentors helped shape her academic and professional paths, fostering a deep appreciation for science and education.