Navigating Pathways for STEM Student Success
The IINSPIRE Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation held its 2018-19 Annual Conference, Navigating Pathways for STEM Student Success, on February 1-2, 2019 at the Scheman Building at Iowa State Center in Ames, IA.
Keynote & Invited Speakers
Boundary Conditions in Science and Academics: Navigating Your Path Through the Universe
Leo Rodriguez, Grinnell College
I discussed some of the pathways (and their initial conditions) I ventured along in my journey to becoming a theoretical physicist in the Academy. Growing up in an environment where school was viewed more as a convenient daycare for children until they were old enough to join the family construction business in any capacity, the pathways to academic success was not very clear or even imaginable. However, my desire for trying to understand and learn about fundamental phenomena in our universe and to pursue the study of physics fueled my voyage, setting me on a course to share my experiences and expertise on the nature of black holes and their thermodynamics.
Engineering Your Success Path
Esdras Murillo, Baker Group
Life can be challenging and even more when you are in college. I know it, I was there! Those long nights studying for an exam or doing homework for a class where you have no idea what is happening. However, sometimes as we hear other people’s challenges, our become easier to see them from a different angle. In this talk, I will be taking you through my own struggles while in school, as I was a non-traditional, first-generation student and English was not my first language. You will be hearing my strategies, struggles, and successes while pursuing my electrical engineering degree. My hope is that my story can be inspirational and you can use it to propel you to achieve what you desire because sometimes we all need that extra push.
Awards Program
Undergraduate and community college students who conducted research or creative projects in STEM during the past year were invited to present their work as an oral presentation or poster presentation. Cash prizes were awarded to the students with the top three oral presentation and the top three posters in two categories, research and experiential. First place received $300.00, second place received $200.00, and third place $100.00. Students and faculty attending the event also voted for their favorite poster. The winner of the favorite poster received a cash prize of $250.00.
Faculty, staff, and students also were recognized for their achievements in pursuit of achieving the IINSPIRE LSAMP mission and for their contributions to the program.
- The Stokes Award of Outstanding Service is granted to individuals, team, or organizations associated with the IINSPIRE Alliance for service at an exemplary level, in pursuit of the LSAMP Alliance’s primary goal to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in STEM fields.
- The Excellence in Mentoring Award is presented to faculty, staff, and students who are actively involved with LSAMP students and assist students in setting and achieving their own academic, personal and professional goals.
