2024 RAISE Up Inclusive STEM Retreat

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 11:45 to 4:45

Program (2/13/24)

This retreat aimed to equip, empower and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM through interactive sessions and dynamic networking opportunities to promote a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive STEM community. All students, faculty and staff were welcome to attend.

Mission Statement: The goal of the retreat was to educate, empower, and inspire Lafayette students, faculty, and staff by offering dynamic and interactive programming with workshops, networking opportunities, and alumni panels.

Retreat Program

11:45-1:15  Lunch & Keynote Speaker – Marquis Dining Hall

We were thrilled to welcome Joel Bervell as the keynote speaker at lunch! Joel Bervell is a Ghanaian-American medical student, science communicator, and host of ‘The Dose’ Podcast. Known as the ‘Medical Mythbuster’ online, with 850,000+ followers, he addresses health disparities on TikTok and Instagram. Bervell has spoken at major institutions, participated in the White House Healthcare Leaders Roundtable, and earned accolades for his impactful work, including being named a Scientific American ‘Revolutionary.’ 

Concurrent Sessions in RISC

1:30-2:10    Workshop Session I

  1. A Conversation with Joel Bervell
  2. Science Identity 
  3. Mentorship and Allies in STEM

2:10-2:20     Break 

2:20-3:00    Workshop Session II

  1. Being a Student of Color in STEM
  2. Managing the Financial Costs of Being a Student in STEM
  3. Sexuality and Gender in STEM
  4. Demonstrating Science

3:00-3:10     Break 

3:10-3:50    Hot Seat Sessions with Alumni in STEM

Informal conversations with alums from various STEM industry and academic positions. Come learn about their experiences and get your questions answered!

3:50-4:00     Break

4:00-4:45    RAISE a Glass and Poster Session 

  • Posters on Research Studies and Innovation Initiatives
  • Resource Booths: Gateway Career Center; Scholarships and Fellowships in STEM; Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education; and more!
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Mocktails and Appetizers

Illustration created during 2024 "Raise a Glass" discussion session