Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence

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Speaker Series

FREE STUDENT SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES

The 2020 student summer speaker series hosted live, interactive events where participants asked their most pressing questions and share their thoughts and ideas. Topics included everything from life management skills, to preparing for graduate school, to exploring different careers and pathways in STEM.

On behalf of the LSMRCE leadership team, we thank all our collaborators, invited speakers, and students in making this series a success. Stay tuned for additional series in the Fall.

RECORDED SESSIONS

Abstracts & Posters

Join the Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows from Wisc-AMP to learn about research abstracts and poster presentations. Alexius Lampkins and Darian James will demonstrate how to best showcase your research outcomes at a professional research conference. This session covers: Basic components and requirements of a research poster; What differentiates a good poster from a winning poster; Presenting to different audiences; Best practices in delivering the research presentation at a poster session

Download PowerPoint | Resources

Applying to Graduate School

Dr. Cammi Valdez leads a discussion about the process of applying to and selecting a graduate schools. Panelists include current and past graduate students Maria Gonzalez from Virginia Tech, Ailon Haileyesus from Stryker, Rodrigue Mbog from University of Southern Illinois, and Kayla Titialii Torres from University of Kentucky

Download PowerPoint | PhD Programs of Interest Template

Brand Management

Learn what personal branding is, why personal branding is important in promoting your skills, and how to leverage social media to promote your brand.

Download PowerPoint

Career Pathways in STEM! - July Session

Panelists Dr. Jessica Esquivel from Fermilab, Paul Faronbi from Nestle Purina, and Dr. Marquicia Pierce from TSRL, Inc., share their stories navigating to where they are today. Topics include: imposter syndrome challenges, taking risks when opportunities present themselves, and being a minority in a majority space.

Download PowerPoint

Career Pathways in STEM! - June Session

Panelists Dr. Silvia Alvarez-Clare, Tree Ecologist from Morton Arboretum, Mr. Wilson Darko, Power Systems Engineer from Eaton Corporation, and Dr. Pamella Shaw, Assistant Dean of Admissions from The Ohio State University, share their stories navigating to where they are today. Topics include: what it takes to succeed in STEM, flexibility to change careers, making your own opportunities in STEM, and being a minority in a majority space.

Download PowerPoint

De-Stress & Motivate!

Discover strategies to cope with the added stress and challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic. Anique Ruiz and Brian Thomas share tips for staying motivated and healthy, along with tools for setting up a home-work space and working amidst home distractions.

Download PowerPoint | De-Stress & Motivate Resources

Funding Graduate School

Dr. Cammi Valdez leads a discussion on strategies and mechanisms to fund graduate school. Topics include funding package options, budgeting in grad school, fellowship opportunities, when to apply for funding, and where to find fellowships. Dr. Ana Chicas Mosier joins the conversation to share her experience applying to and holding several graduate fellowships and answers questions from prospective graduate students.

Graduate School Budget Scenario | Graduate School Budget Worksheet | Download PowerPoint | Resources

Networking in the New Normal

Brian Thomas leads a discussion on how networking has changed with social distancing. Learn the importance of professional networks in making the connections that lead to jobs, research opportunities, and much more.

Download PowerPoint | Download Professional Org List

PhD? Why not me!

Dr. Cammi Valdez leads a discussion on graduate school. Topics include: factors to consider, different graduate school pathways, application process, and application components.

Download PowerPoint

Time Management

Learn practical time management skills and techniques to be more productive and effective in meeting the demands of their academic, professional, and personal life.

Download PowerPoint Time Management Resources