New lecture series promotes professional development to SCIENCE students

CLEMSON – The College of Science is piloting a new seminar series in spring 2019, intended to equip SCIENCE students with the professional development skills they need to find enrichment opportunities available across the University.

Dubbed SciencePREP – “Promoting Research, Engagement and Professionalism” – the seminar series was spearheaded by a collaboration between the College of Science’s Student Services and a couple motivated students.

“The ultimate goal of the series is to show students how the convergence of fast-moving technologies can be used to solve real human problems, expanding their thinking to include not only ‘How can I get into grad school?’ but also ‘How can I use my education to change the world?’” said biochemistry senior, Dan Freeman.

While geared toward student development, each SciencePREP lecture also supports one or more of the University’s strategic priorities, outlined in the ClemsonFORWARD strategic plan: Research, Engagement, the Academic Core and the Living Environment – easily remembered by the acronym REAL. Organizers of the series are excited to pilot it this spring and intend to expand the lecture’s impact to meet a variety of students’ needs in the future.

The SciencePREP lecture series will run on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Watt Center, room 106. Lectures are designed for students, but are open to faculty and staff, as well. Below is the tentative lineup – all dates and topics are subject to change. Contact Jennie LaMonte (jlamont@clemson.edu) for more information.

“Listening Session” – Jan. 28

The team will lead an introductory discussion to gather what students would like to learn from the SciencePREP lecture series.

“Learning to Lead in the Clemson University Innovation Ecosystem” – Feb. 4

Mark Johnson holds the Thomas F. Hash Endowed Chair in Sustainable Development and is the founding director of the Clemson University Center for Advanced Manufacturing. This speaker will explore convergent opportunities for students to find roles in the Clemson innovation ecosystem – extending beyond campus.

“Please, Go Away: Internationalize Your Education” – Feb. 11

AJ Medford is an assistant professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech who studies materials informatics, statistics, and machine learning. His lecture will explore how students can integrate international experiences into their education and future career paths.

“Beyond Clemson University” – Feb. 18

A student panel will discuss ways they have become involved in professional development opportunities outside of Clemson University.

“Research Internships and Experiential Learning in a Global Context” – Feb. 25

Yuki Kihara, the International Programs Manager in the College of Science, and LaMonte will share resources for finding internships and other domestic and global engagement experiences for the summer and other fast-approaching opportunities.

“Interviewing 101” – March 4

Harolynn Williams, Director of Health Professions Advising in SCIENCE, will give tips for landing and succeeding in professional school interviews.

“Get Ready, Go: Maximizing Summer and Shadowing Opportunities for Pre-Health Professionals” – March 11

Williams will also lead a lecture on how students can utilize summer and shadowing opportunities to present as a more competitive applicant for health professions schools.

“More than a Physician’s Order: A Team-Based Approach to Healthcare. Preparing, Participating and Providing” – March 25

Jeremy Davis is a physician at Oconee Medical Center in Seneca, S.C. In this talk, Davis will discuss his personal experiences and challenges with pursuing a medical degree and his keys to success in doing so.

“Look to the Horizon” – April 1

Kihara and LaMonte will discuss strategies to ensure students are ready to pursue their chosen opportunities in the 2019-2020 academic year. Here, students will learn more about preparing a strong candidacy by identifying potential experiences, becoming familiar with criteria and deadlines, or making sure travel, enrollment and participation requirements are met. The duo will also discuss how to acquire references for an application and how to arrange permissions, such as security clearances or special certifications.

“Making the Future: Preparing a Career in STEM Leadership” – April 8

Kacy Gerst serves as the Chief of Commercial Strategy at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In this role, she builds strategic relationships with commercial industry and works to prepare breakthrough technologies that aid national security. Gerst’s lecture will describe how she, during her education, worked with the U.S. Department of Energy to craft the President’s Strategic Energy Plan, and how all students can prepare for a career in STEM leadership.

“You Can Do It: Making the Most of Your Time in …” – April 15

A student panel will discuss their strategies to make the most of their time beyond Clemson, such as exploring new neighborhoods and regions, creating strong relationships with people you’ll meet, and ensuring both professional and personal growth.

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For a list of research-oriented lectures in the College of Science this spring, click here.