We are excited to announce the launch of a new program – the McCutchen Research Scholars in STEM Program – for women and nonbinary students of color in STEM. This program will provide on-campus and off-campus mentoring and experiential learning opportunities during the 2024 summer with Lafayette alumnae of color who are leaders in the STEM fields.
The McCutchen Research Scholars in STEM Program is a professional development initiative to empower and support women and non-binary Lafayette students of color to strengthen their career pathways and leadership in the STEM fields. Through both on-campus and off-campus mentoring and experiential learning opportunities with alumnae of color, we seek to better attract, retain, and advance women and nonbinary students of color in STEM. This program is being spearheaded by Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education, which strives to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of historically-marginalized groups (e.g. based on race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality) so that there is equality of opportunity for all in STEM.
McCutchen Research Scholars in STEM will be expected to work for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer. Students will be paid ($10/hour) for 36.25 hours/week, with the mentor determining the particular day-to-day distribution of the hours. Students will receive funding for housing as well as transportation to and from the locale (at the beginning and end of the experience).
The application form can be found here. Applications are due Monday, March 18, 2024 by 11:59 PM.
We are thrilled to have three Lafayette alumnae who will serve as mentors for students selected as McCutchen Research Scholars in STEM. Here are names and details about the experiences provided by each alumnae.
Dr. Kareema J. Gray ‘94 (Biology) PhD, MSW
Associate Professor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work Program Director & Department Chair
The Department of Social Work – College of Business & Professional Studies
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
Details about working with Dr. Gray can be found here.
Dr. Lenora E. Johnson ‘81 (Biology), Ph.D., MPH
Director of the Office of Science Policy, Engagement, Education, and Communications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Details about working with Dr. Johnson can be found here.
Dr. Buffie Longmire-Avital ‘02 (Psychology), PhD
Professor of Psychology
Director, Black Lumen Project: An Equity Initiative
Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring
Elon University
Elon, NC
Details about working with Dr. Longmire-Avital can be found here.