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Hypatia (Women)

The engineering living / learning community for women

Hypatia, A Virginia Tech Living Learning Community Logo

Hypatia, the engineering learning community for women, brings together first-year engineering students in a residential environment to provide encouragement and support in their pursuit of a career in engineering.

Hypatia was named for Hypatia of Alexandria, an Egyptian scholar born around the year 360 AD. She is considered the first notable female mathematician, and she taught astronomy and philosophy. Her father was the last librarian of the famous Library of Alexandria, and he educated her as fully as if she were a male. Just as she was a great achiever and broke boundaries for the intellectual women of her time, we hope to do the same.

two women in lab

As a participant of Hypatia, students live in the same residential hall with the other women engineering students as well as upper class Hypatia mentors. Hypatia is a great choice for anyone who is interested in resources such as:

  • A community of over 300 first year female engineers taking many of the same and similar classes. It is an ideal way to make friends, get help with homework, and keep on track!
  • Over 80 female upper class engineering students who live in the community and provide tutoring, coordinate social events, and much more!
  • A seminar featuring early career-focused advice to provide a head start on internship searches and start practicing proven success strategies to help the transition from high school to college!
  • Access to faculty and graduate students whose goal is to provide encouragement and support to engineering students!
  • Living in Pritchard Hall (starting Fall 2024!) with access to a maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters and tools for personal and class projects

Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity

220 Gilbert Street (MC 0275)
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
Phone: (540) 231-7411
Email CEED