2023 RAISE Up Inclusive STEM Retreat

Program (4/19/23)

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 Organizers: RAISE, Kovalevsky Society, LEADERS, NSBE, O-STEM, SHPE, SWE, Women+ in Physics

Sponsor: Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education

Co-sponsors: Biology Department, Engineering Division, Gateway Career Center, Information Technology Division, Sustainability Office, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Program

Schedule

11:45-noon Registration – Marquis Lobby

12:00-1:15 Lunch and Keynote Speaker – Marquis Dining Room

Dr. Lataisia Jones, Scientific Review Officer at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health was our keynote speaker for lunch. Dr. Jones was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. within the biomedical sciences department at Florida State University and has conducted research to better understand the neural basis of conditions such as autism and movement disorders. In 2019 Dr. Jones was selected as an IF/THEN Ambassador by the American Association for the Advancement of Science as part of their initiative “to further women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers.” Dr. Jones is the leader of S.T.E.M.ing While Black, a mentoring network that supports Black scientists. She has developed outreach programs for children to help encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers, including appearances on television and radio programs, and has received a number of awards for her efforts in STEM education and advocacy for diversity in STEM.

Concurrent Sessions

• 1:30-2:05    Workshops – First Session
  • How to Network with Mark Choquette from the Gateway Career Center
    Interactive workshop on how to network. Session will include demystifying what networking is and provide concrete strategies to use. Students will practice these tools in this dynamic workshop.
  • Exploring Identity and Community at Lafayette with Robert Young and others from the Office of Intercultural Development
    Members of the Office of Intercultural Development will faciitate a conversation on identity and solidarity. We will take a bit of time to learn about ourselves and one another. We will discuss how we can be most supportive to one another so our Lafayette campus is inclusive and welcoming to all of us.
  • Conversation with Dr. Lataisia Jones
    Come have a conversation with our keynote speaker, Dr. Lataisia Jones. Hear more about her work and get to ask questions in an informal setting.
• 2:05-2:15    Break
• 2:15-2:50    Workshops – Second Session
  • LinkedIn Workshop with Sabrina Gonzalez and Alex Powell from Society of Women Engineers
    Getting the best from your LinkedIn profile! A workshop explaining the steps to make your LinkedIn platform more appealing and beneficial for your future career. Learn how recruiters use the platform, how to respectfully network whilst standing out to recruiters and connections.
  • Scientific Storytelling with Jessie Grewal from LEADERS
    Storytelling is a powerful tool when it comes to influence and persuasion. Science… is often more polarizing… and statistics… are difficult to retain. But if you blend the two together and weave them into an engaging narrative, suddenly, you can tug at heart strings and change minds.
  • Queer in STEM with Louisa Rose from Out in STEM
    oSTEM Lafayette will be facilitating a panel of students to discuss their experiences of being Queer in STEM at Lafayette. We aim to expand conversations around personal experiences both in and out of the classroom about inclusivity.

• 2:50-3:00    Break
• 3:00-3:35    Workshops – Third Session
  • Neurodiversity & Accessibility in STEM with Rachel Kimball (RAISE, Landis Center), Micheal Bonnah (RAISE, National Society of Black Engineers), and Genevieve Craig (Landis Center)
    What is neurodiversity, and how is it relevant in STEM fields? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about the bias, discrimination, and lack of accommodations that neurodivergent individuals in STEM fields face. When these differences are viewed as strengths, neurodiversity can lead to innovative problem-solving and unique perspectives. Through videos, activities, and discussion, we will better educate ourselves about neurodiversity in STEM and brainstorm actionable steps to create positive change on campus and beyond.
  • Thrive in STEM: Finding Joy Beyond STEM with Sophia Kosednar, Jessica McDivitt, and Jenna Tempkin from Women+ in Physics
    Highlighting accomplishments, advances, and accolades of young scientists who overcome barriers in STEM education AND lead successful careers encouraging others.
  • The Role of Psychological Safety in Innovation and Allyship with Millie Smith from the Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education
    Do you feel comfortable expressing your ideas or challenging decisions? Does the thought of group projects give you the heebie-jeebies? In this workshop students will learn about the concept of psychological safety, its potential barriers, and how it can impact both innovation and effective allyship. Through interactive exercises and discussions, students will leave with practical knowledge and strategies that can be applied to participation in classes, navigating group projects, and enhancing their community.

3:45-4:30   Industry/Academia Hot Seats: Alumni Panels

Informal conversations with alums from various STEM industry and academic positions:

• Graduate School in Natural Sciences
• Graduate School in Engineering
• Industry in Engineering
• Industry in Natural Sciences
• Industry in Math/Computer Science/Economics

4:30-5:30 RAISE a Glass: Mocktails, Posters, and Networking [Rockwell Eco Cafe and Courtyard]

Enjoy a mocktail and treats while interacting with alumni and learning about research conducted by students. A People’s Choice Award for best poster was given along with a $100 gift card.