MOMENTUM
MOMENTUM (formerly Mothers Leading Science) is a leadership development and group coaching program promoting the wellbeing, professional fulfillment, and career advancement of research-intensive faculty in the health sciences who identify as Mothers of school-aged or younger children.
Amery Treble-Barna, PhD, PC
Director & Professional Executive Coach, MOMENTUM
Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychology, and Clinical & Translational Science
Program Details
Cohort size: 12
Length: 12 months
Structure & Content:
- Three 6-hour in-person retreats (Kickoff, Mid-Year, Closing) featuring skills workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities
- 2x per month 60 to 90 min virtual sessions involving didactic content combined with group and peer coaching around critical leadership development and wellbeing themes
- ~1 hour of "pre-work" per session involving podcast episodes, brief topical articles, or reflection exercises in preparation for sessions
- Training in peer coaching skills
- Guest mentor sessions with accomplished Scientist Mother
- Executive interviewing and sponsorship opportunities
- Access to ICRE resources (e.g., mock grant review, medical editor, etc.)
Outcomes:
MOMENTUM graduates report statistically significant gains in key areas, including greater psychological empowerment, reduced burnout, improved self-efficacy, a greater sense of belonging, reduced work-family and family-work conflict, and lower parental guilt
Testimonials:
"The MOMENTUM program was a welcome opportunity for me to invest time and thought into my professional/career development amidst the steadfast support of an accomplished, authentic, smart group of moms who are going through some of the same challenges as a mom in academia. For me, MOMENTUM helped me pause the hamster wheel of the day-to-day work-life balance and gain perspective on big and small issues in my career I otherwise would not have taken the time to think about, from understanding my values to setting boundaries to gaining daily momentum on writing. I especially appreciated the connections I made with other MOMENTUM members from across the Schools of Health Sciences. I learned so much from their sharing of experiences, role modeling, and peer mentorship. Perhaps most importantly, I gained a tightknit system of support and validation that I anticipate will continue to help me achieve my personal and professional goals."
- Traci Kennedy, PhD
Department of Psychiatry
"Participating in MOMENTUM was an empowering and transformative experience. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to three elementary school-aged children with demanding extracurricular schedules has added distinctive challenges and hurdles to my academic journey. MOMENTUM provided me with invaluable tools, mentorship, and a supportive community of peers facing the same work-life challenges. MOMENTUM provided me with tools to navigate career obstacles with confidence. Through engaging workshops, insightful discussions, and practical peer coaching exercises, I honed my leadership abilities and learned how to effectively advocate for myself. The program not only equipped me with tools to excel in my career but also allowed me to form meaningful friendships with other mothers in the scientific community."
- Brooke Klatt, PhD, PT, DPT
Department of Physical Therapy
Request for Applications
Now Accepting applications for the 2026 MOMENTUM Cohort.
Submit your application by July 15, 2025.
Offers will be extended in September.
MOMENTUM Kickoff in January 2026.
Eligibility & Expectations
- Faculty appointment in a school of health sciences
- Research-intensive (must have ≥50% protected research time)
- Mother of school-age and/or younger child(ren) living in the home at least 50% of the time
- Strong interest in professional, personal, and leadership development
- Open to giving and receiving peer support
- Willing to participate in all program evaluation efforts
- Attendance expectations are 100% for in-person retreats and min. 75% for virtual sessions
- Dates of sessions are selected by polling the cohort. We, therefore, cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all schedules. If an individual is selected for the cohort but will be unable to meet the attendance expectations, they will be required to delay their participation to the following year/cohort.
Application Components
- Demographic and faculty appointment information
- Curriculum vitae
- Four short required statements plus a fifth optional statement each <250 words:
- Share what draws you to this program and why you're interested in participating
- Outline your current goals and plans for your research career
- Highlight previous activities you've engaged in for your professional and personal growth
- Describe a current challenge you're navigating and how participation in this program could support you
- (Optional) Discuss any additional caregiving duties or significant life circumstances that contribute to your overall stress (e.g., parenting a child with special needs, caring for an ill family member, single parenting, etc.)
Diversity and Inclusion
Priority will be given to current and former ICRE KL2 and CEED/ADVANCER Scholars. We would also like to specifically invite persons to apply from backgrounds often excluded from scientific careers (e.g., persons excluded based on ethnicity and race, individuals with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA, first generation college students, and other backgrounds recognized as excluded by the NIH).
We want to create an inclusive space for all mothers in science on campus. We welcome participation from anyone regardless of gender identity who identifies as a "mother"; however, we want to note that we do explore the relationship between motherhood and womanhood specifically in this program. If you have any questions about whether this program may fit your needs as a mother, please contact the Program Coordinator, Cynthia Fela, at cgf31@pitt.edu for more information.
