2008 Kick-Off at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Sept 25, 2008

A standing-room only crowd of students and faculty from the Alliance partner colleges filled Discovery Hall at the Kick-Off of the 2008-09 season. Students had the opportunity to speak to researchers about summer undergraduate research opportunities at partner colleges. The program lists the groups represented at the Kick-Off.

Program:

Rusty Barcelo, Vice-President and Vice Provost of Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota, welcomed the audience and highlighted the Alliance’s opportunities and the value of students’ cultural heritages to the science and engineering they are studying.

Sean Garrick, professor of mechanical engineering at UM-Twin Cities, illustrated the value of technical degrees and how the next generation of scientists and engineers can tackle yet unsolved challenges.

Jessica Santiago, a junior at the Institute of Technology, UM-Twin Cities, described her experience in research last summer and opportunities for North Star Scholars.

Alex Kado, a senior at the Institute of Technology, UM-Twin Cities, described fellows opportunities and the value of internships.

Robin Wright highlighted the evening’s opportunities and featured upcoming events:the Nobel Conference on October 7-8 and the MHTA’s Tekne Awards on October 30.

Students also had the opportunity to learn more about transferring to a 4-year university or explore options in graduate or professional school. Several student organizations were also represented:

• North Star AISES Alliance, an alliance of American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapters across the Minnesota Alliance partners.
• MANRRS, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, is a national student organization providing students with an expanded network and social, professional and career building opportunities.
• Association of Multicultural Scientists, an association of multicultural graduate students in STEM.

The evening provided time to meet students from other campuses and explore more deeply STEM opportunities. The MHTA also promoted MentorNet, an e-mentoring program available to Alliance students, and internships.

Students and faculty also explored the museum and attended the Great Lakes omnifilm.Thanks to the Science Museum for hosting the event!