A Gathering of Science Scholars National Conference 2005 - Agenda

A GATHERING OF SCIENCE SCHOLARS
in collaboration with the
CUNY EIGHTH ANNUAL URBAN UNIVERSITY SERIES

AGENDA

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Registration

10:00am-12:00pm, SAC Main Lobby

Opening Luncheon

12:00pm-1:30pm , SAC Ballroom A

Welcome by David Ferguson, Center for Inclusive Education, SBU Remarks by Roosevelt Johnson, National Science Foundation Keynote by William Cruz "Communicating Across Cultures"

Workshop 1A: Graduate Students Share Their Best Tips for Success

1:45pm-3:00pm, Wang Center Theater

Getting admitted into graduate school may seem at first to be the biggest challenge. However, the goal is getting out, WITH the doctorate degree. Graduate school entails more than passing classes. It is a quest that challenges our true commitment.

Panel of Ph.D. Students:
Mr. Wesley Francillon, Stony Brook University (Moderator)
Ms. Lourdes Aleman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ms. Akua Bonsra, Stony Brook University
Mr. Andre Hall, Syracuse University
Ms. Onwumere Onyekwere, CUNY Graduate Center at Lehman

Workshop 1B: Where Can a Ph.D. Take You?

1:45pm-3:00pm, Wang Center Lecture Hall 1

The career path of individuals with Ph.D. degrees that is most familiar to students is that of the faculty that have taught their classes and supervised their research. There are many other careers, such as scientific publishing, the biotech industry, patent law and K-12 education where a Ph.D .degree can be an important, if not an essential requirement. This workshop will include a panel discussion by individuals who will share their valuable perspective about these 'alternative' career paths.

Panel of Professionals from Various Fields:
Dr. Peter Gergen, Professor, Stony Brook University (Moderator)
Dr. Anilkumar Dhundale, Center for Biotechnology, SBU
Dr. Laurie Goodman, Writer and Scientific Publishing
Dr. Daniel Moloney, Biotechnology Teaching Laboratories, SBU
Ms. Yue Peng, OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Workshop 2A: A Conversation About Affirmative Action

3:20pm-4:45pm, Wang Center Theater

The subject of affirmative action has generated extensive discussion and debate in American society since its establishment by the Johnson administration in the 1960s. While this historic program was established to shape our country's equal opportunity practices in education and employment, this workshop is primarily concerned with the impact of affirmative action on higher education.

Panel of Distinguished Scholars:
Dr. Olufemi Vaughan, Professor of African Studies & History, Stony Brook University (Moderator)
Dr. Earl Lewis, Provost & Professor of History and African American Studies, Emory University
Dr. Stephen Cole, Professor of Sociology

Workshop 2B: The Road to the Professoriate

3:15pm-4:30pm, Wang Center Lecture Hall 1

This session will explore and discuss the requirements, qualifications, and common challenges one will encounter in becoming a faculty member at a college or university.

Speaker:
Dr. Robert Belle, Compact for Faculty Diversity

Meet and Greet (Light Refreshments)

4:30pm-7:00pm, Wang Chapel

Research Symposium (Poster Competition)

4:45pm-7:00pm, Wang Main Lobby

Dinner

7:00pm-8:45pm, SAC Ballroom A

Remarks by Dr. Robert McGrath, Provost Stony Brook University
Remarks by Ms. Patricia Howley, Long Island Forum for Technology
Keynote by Dr. Calvin Mackie, Tulane University, "Achieving Personal Greatness"

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Friday, March 11, 2005

Breakfast

8:00am-9:00am, Wang Center Theater Lobby

Networking Session & Graduate School/Summer Internship Interviews

12:008:15am-12:15pm, Wang Center Theater Lobby

Workshop 3: Getting Admitted into the Best Graduate Schools

9:00am-10:30am, Wang Center Theater

An informative discussion about graduate school admissions including: reasons to pursue graduate study; tips on preparing a strong application; how institutions review applications and select candidates; ways to enhance one's candidacy; and factors students should consider when selecting an institution for graduate study.

Panel of Graduate Deans and Provosts:
Dr. Lawrence Martin, Stony Brook University (Moderator)
Dr. Isaac Colbert, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Earl Lewis, Emory University, Stony Brook University
Dr. John Mercer, Syracuse University
Dr. Richard Sleight, Yale University
Dr. Charles Watkins, City College CUNY

Workshop 4: Tips on Preparing a Winning Fellowship Application

10:45am-12:00pm, Wang Center Theater

This workshop will provide in-depth information about the graduate fellowship process including how the programs work and application do's and don'ts. Plus, insightful tips will be shared about how to ensure that your application is not just read but is seriously considered for funding.

Panel of Professionals:
Ms. Sandra Thomas, National IGERT Recruitment Program
Mr. Dewan Simon, National GEM Consortium

Closing Luncheon

12:30pm-2:30pm, SAC Ballroom A

Remarks by Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny, President, Stony Brook University
Remarks by Vivian Vilora-Fisher, Suffolk County Legislator
Keynote by Ms. Patricia David, Citicorp, "The Business Case for Diversity; Why You Should Care"
Presentation of Awards to Poster Competition Winners