SHPE - Winter 2009 - (Page 38)

CONFERENCE 2008 Seminar Encourages Grad Degree Completion The fourth annual Graduate Institute welcomed 24 advanced degree students from across the United States. During two days, they participated in a series of insightful seminars and networked with representatives from prestigious institutions and other Hispanic graduate students. As a whole, the experience retooled and refocused them to persist toward degree completion. With the market’s recent fluctuations, funding was a primary concern for most participants. Two of the seminars featured funding opportunities through the National Academies and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute as well as the implications of changing U.S. and Arizona demography on the market and job opportunities. Alfonso Ortega, Ph.D., a former NSF Program Officer now with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University, described the importance of approaching the office most closely related to one’s research. He also offered advice to obtain funding under NSF’s “fundamental knowledge” mission. “Have a core area and steer it toward an emerging area,” he explained. “Nanotechnology was all the buzz; now it’s energy. So one doing research Dr. David Villegas SHPE/GEM Award recipient Jáuregui, Educator Andrea Rocha with of the Year AHETEMS’ Gary Cruz. in nanotechnology can apply it to the energy field. This is what one must do in order to be successful in academia.” The Graduate Institute also covered topics related to managing the advisor-advisee relationship, understanding generational differences, transitioning from a student to a professor, becoming a leader in the graduate school environment and mastering the thesis/dissertation process. For those considering graduate school, the GRE/Grad Lab, co-hosted by the National GEM Consortium, prepared undergraduate students for the rigors of selecting a competitive program, preparing a perfect application and securing sufficient funding. In addition to a Princeton Review GRE study session, they also participated in the Graduate School Fair. ■ Ken Krehbiel Participants of this year’s Graduate Institute received top-notch instruction on funding opportunities as well as practical advice. Jóvenes con Ganas de Avanzar By Luis Mendoza, AHETEMS K-12 & Curriculum Coordinator AHETEMS’ fourth annual Pre-College Symposia was the nation’s largest national conference for college bound Hispanic students in STEM. Attracting 750 local and out-of-state middle and high school students, it included an exciting audio, visual and olfactory chemical reaction show, a mock Science Bowl competition, a unique TurnTable-ism technology presentation as well as hands-on activities and competitions. Students also toured the University of Arizona in Tucson, this year’s academic host. The high school students engaged in a series of workshops on “College Choice,” “Financial Aid and Scholarships” and “Careers & Curriculum in Science and Engineering.” Universities, government agencies and corporations from the Industrial PartnerSHPE Council lead the presentations. At the Career Fair, students had the unique opportunity to meet representatives from 35 highly recognized universities and national organizations. For the fourth consecutive year, the Department of Defense sponsored the pre-college dinner. Academic Excellence and Leadership Awards were given to four current high school seniors, and one teacher was recognized as the K-12 Educator of the Year. The evening’s keynote speaker was Jaime Escalante, portrayed in the movie Stand and Deliver for his exceptional devotion to the success of his students. His powerful message focused on educational success through self-discipline, or “ganas,” something that everyone has but doesn’t necessarily use. The Pre-College Symposia was a huge success. We extend our thanks to our partners, supporters and volunteers for making this event possible. A special thanks goes to our sponsors: 3M, Alcoa Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Caterpillar Foundation, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Intel Corporation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States Navy and University of Arizona. ■ Escalante works his math magic. Hands-on activities demonstrate that science and math are fun. 38 SHPE ❘ Winter 2009 Photos courtesy of SHPE Photo courtesy of SHPE

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Winter 2009

SHPE - Winter 2009 Contents President's Letter Browser Calendar Professional Chapter Leaders - Providing the Right Resources at the Right Time Closing the Expectation Gap - Summit Addresses ‘Diploma to Nowhere’ Conference 2008 A Career Building Diversity in Engineering Education Graduate STEM Degrees Extend Technical Reach Programs & Services Inner Circle Employer Profile Regional Roundup Annual Report Advertisers Index

SHPE - Winter 2009

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