Increasing Underrepresented Minorities in STEM: The 44th NOBCChE Annual Conference: Community, Leadership and Partnership

Alabama A&M University, Normal AL

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the participation of 52 undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral students at the 44nd Annual National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) Conference, held Oct. 30 - Nov. 3, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN. Selected participants are from underrepresented minority groups in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This award provides opportunities for participants to engage in four major areas of focus: 1) technical and professional development; 2) networking and mentorship opportunities with professionals working in STEM fields; 3) exposure to high-profile minority role models in STEM; and 4) academic and professional STEM career advancement opportunities. Student participants interact with peers and professionals from industry, government, and academia to develop collaborations and to explore opportunities to pursue graduate degrees in the chemistry or chemical engineering disciplines. These opportunities may not only impact these specific participating individuals, but also benefit the larger community of STEM field practitioners as these activities are useful in recruiting and retaining individuals from underrepresented talent pools. NOBCChE seeks to increase the number of minorities in the STEM workforce, particularly those in the chemistry or chemical engineering fields.