Program

Moderator: Dishari Malakar. Panelists: Dr. Cori Fletcher, Rebecca Harvey, Dr. Hasti Khoraminezhad, and Dr. Katherine Schaefer.
This panel seeks to explore the different steps of a career in academia: graduate students, postdocs, researchers, lecturers, professors, etc., with a special emphasis on applying to graduate schools. Panelists will share their path to their current career position, as well as give an overview of their day-to-day and long-term work responsibilities and goals.

This panel will feature four physicists who have pursued career paths outside academia. Kyra Chappell works at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; Dr. Sydney Swanson is a Systems Engineer at Northrup Grumman; Svitlana Owens is a Senior Scientist at NatureWorks. Each panelist will discuss their career trajectories and their choice to move outside an academic pathway. There will be time for questions from the audience and an informal discussion on navigating and choosing a non-academic path, from resume/CV-preparation to work-life balance.

Dr. Barbara Szczerbinska

The session will focus on professional skills needed to effectively perform and be successful, including how to:

• Negotiate a graduate, postdoc, or professional position in academia, industry, or at a national lab
• Interact with mentor, advisor, supervisor
• Think tactically
• Enhance personal presence and develop alliances
• Achieve professional goals

Dr. Julia Medvedeva

This session will discuss various research funding opportunities from the largest federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, including REU, IRES and summer internship programs. In addition, we will talk about department- and campus-wide initiatives as well as R&D labs, industry and international funding opportunities to help you bring your research to the next level! 

Workshop with Amber Johnston. Imposter Syndrome is a common phenomenon wherein sufferers feel that their successes and achievements are not earned. It can rob us of our successes and leaves us feeling hollow, and like we are just waiting for someone to unmask us for the fraud we think we are. It is especially common in high achievers, those in competitive fields, and those with a high level of academic success. In this workshop we will review the signs and symptoms of Imposter Syndrome, what it looks like, who is at risk, and ways to overcome it.

Panelists: Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, Dr. Nicole Roberson, Dr. Mina Esmaeelpour, Dr. Barbara Szczerbinska

This panel aims to explore the dynamic journey towards inclusive excellence which will not only include academic but also professional settings. Panelists will share their unique paths, experiences, and perspectives. The discussion will focus on the significance of diversity and inclusion in shaping vibrant and innovative environments. Panelists will offer insights into long-term commitments to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. There will be an interactive Q&A session where, participants will have the opportunity to engage with panelists directly, seeking advice on overcoming challenges. This isn’t just a discussion; it’s an invitation to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with real-world insights to make a difference.