Visit www.gemfellowship.org

Email info@gemfellowship.org those who prepare for it. The future belongs to

GEM University Host:

Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees

Laboratory

Program Book

The GRAD Lab is a fun and engaging

symposium where participants, science

and engineering undergraduates, will

receive full information on the importance

of graduate school and what is needed to

successfully gain admittance with financial

support.

GEM GRAD Lab

Sponsor:

2 GRAD Lab

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5 GEM GRAD Lab Welcome

About GEM Our Mission The GEM Fellowship Application Deadline Applicants for MS Fellowship Applicants for Ph.D. FellowshipGEM GRAD Lab Overview

How to Apply for the GEM Fellowship

GEM GRAD Lab Agenda

GEM GRAD Lab Workshops

GEM GRAD Lab Presenters

GEM GRAD Labs are sponsored by

the Intel Foundation

3Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

Intel encourages GEM GRAD Lab participants to

Stay With It and pursue a

STEM graduate degree!

4 GRAD Lab

5Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

GEM GRAD Lab Welcome

Dear Participants:

Welcome to Colorado School of Mines

We are pleased to have you join us for the first Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees (GRAD) Lab!

You are here today because mentors interested in your development as a student and future professional know that graduate education is a national imperative—not only for the individual seeking an advanced career in science and engineering, but also for the United States and the nation’s future as an leader in innovation and competitor in the global economy.

Earning the Master’s and Doctoral degree is especially important for those aspiring to positions of influence in academia, industry, and government. Our mission is to ensure that those ethnic groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) – American Indians, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans – have every opportunity to achieve the highest educational goals and realize both personal and professional success.

To that end, we are privileged to offer undergraduate students in science and engineering the GRAD/Writing Lab. This day-long experience is a comprehensive, hands-on symposium designed to excite and encourage promising undergraduate engineering and science students to apply to Master’s and Ph.D. graduate programs in a STEM discipline.

GRAD Lab also provides an opportunity for you to build community and collegiality with your peers at other institutions. Hopefully the relationships you begin developing here will continue through completion of your undergraduate studies, then to graduate school, and beyond.

We encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities provided here by Colorado School of Mines and GEM. Enjoy the various presentations and best wishes!

Sincerely,

Thomas BoydAssociate Provost and Dean of Graduate StudiesColorado School of Mines

6 GRAD Lab

An advanced degree in engineering or science can open doors to even more challenging and responsible careers—especially in the dynamic and sophisticated areas of high technology research. Every year a significant number of underrepresented minorities enter undergraduate engineering and science curricula; however, underrepresented minorities represent less than five percent of the recipients of advanced degrees in engineering or science.

It is GEM’s belief that if highly qualified minority students were exposed to the benefits of a career in research and technology innovation, via presentations from individuals from their communities who have received a graduate engineering or science degree and are currently successful in their careers, and were given resources on how to apply to graduate school, more students would apply and successfully matriculate in graduate engineering and science programs.

GEM GRAD Lab Overview

About GEMOUR MISSION

APPLICANTS FOR MS FELLOWSHIP

THE GEM FELLOWSHIP

APPLICATION DEADLINE

APPLICANTS FOR PH.D. FELLOWSHIP

Our model is strategic and proven. We provide graduate fellowships to highly qualified individuals from communities where such talent is largely untapped. Working in partnership with leading corporations, U.S. government laboratories and many of the nation’s top universities and research institutes, we provide GEM Fellows with the much-needed financial support that is often the deciding factor in pursuing graduate education, as well as practical experience through high-level, paid summer internships. GEM does more than provide financial support; however, we work to ensure student success in these competitive academic and professional environments with effective programs that increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation of GEM Fellows. Close to 4,000 GEM Fellows have gone on to successful careers.

GEM offers three Fellowship Programs to GEM Member Universities. The total value of each Fellowship is between $20,000 and $100,000, depending on the candidate’s academic status at the time of application, paid summer employment, and graduate school costs.

Applications for GEM Fellowships are available online at www.gemfellowship.org. Submit your application, resume and unofficial transcript by October 1 for early consideration. All application materials are due by November 15. A candidate must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of application.

> Must be a senior, Master’s Degree student of an accredited engineering or applied science program at the time of application.

> Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0

> Full Fellows must contractually agree to intern with a sponsoring GEM Employer the summer after selection.

> Must be a senior, Master’s Degree student of an accredited engineering or applied science program at the time of application.

> Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0

> Full Fellows must contractually agree to intern with a sponsoring GEM Employer the summer after selection.

To address this issue, GEM has created a GRAD Lab, Getting Ready for Advanced Degree Lab, a comprehensive, hands-on symposium designed to excite and encourage promising under-graduate and community college engineering and science students to consider master and Ph.D. technical research programs.

The symposium will encourage their consideration of graduate engineering school by delivering vital information on the importance of research and innovation, life-long career benefits and real-world role-mode examples of success. The day-long event will help each student envision his or her future as a technology leader, successfully apply for a GEM fellowship, and gain entry to a graduate program, industry and academic professionals will share their career, graduate school, and GEM experinces with these potential graduate students.

7Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

GEM GRAD Lab Agenda

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 Location: George R. Brown Hall

8:00 am Registration, Pre-survey, and Continental Breakfast

9:00 am Welcome and IntroductionJahi Simbai – Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at Colorado School of Mines

9:15 am Session 1: Why Graduate School?Marcus Huggans, Ph.D., Senior Director, External Relations, The National GEM Consortium

10:15 am Break

10:30 am Session 2: How to Apply to Graduate SchoolPatty Lopez, Ph.D., GEM Program Consultant

11:30 pm Lunch Break

12:30 pm Session 3: How to Fund Graduate SchoolModerator: Marcus Huggans, Ph.D., Senior Director, External Relations, The National GEM Consortium

1:30 pm Break

1:45 pm Session 4: Voices from the FieldModerator: Derrick Hudson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Liberal Arts and International Studies, Colorado School of MinesBrendan Casias, MS Student, Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of MinesDavid Vargas, MS Student, Applied Physics, Colorado School of MinesMario Saldana, PhD Student - Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

2:45 pm Closing Remarks/Post Survey/Raffle

3:00 pm Program End

8 GRAD Lab

GEM GRAD Lab WorkshopsSession 1: Why Graduate School?

This workshop will prove the fundamental belief of the 21st century and beyond: all STEM professionals should hold an advanced STEM degree. Particularly, the participants will gather information about career and financial implications of NOT obtaining a graduate degree. If you think all you need is a bachelors degree to be competitive in the global society or that you should work first then go back to graduate school, YOU CAN’T MISS THIS WORKSHOP! Come find out why graduate school is not an option but a necessity.

Session 2: How to Apply to Graduate School

Learn the easy and efficient way to get into graduate school. There really is a process. You will find out the steps to compiling a competitive package that will give you a great advantage over the rest. This workshop should not be missed for those that want to get the highest probability to be accepted into the graduate school of their choice. Specifics will be given on how to write a statement of purpose, how to guarantee you receive strong recommendation letters, and specific tips on the application process.

Session 3: How to Fund Graduate School

“Show me the Money”…and then give it to me! During this workshop you will find how to identify and apply for funding whether you are in graduate school or just finishing your first semester as an undergraduate. This information will give you the insight on how much money is available, how to find it, how to apply for it, and how to secure it! Come find out why no one should pay for graduate school if they go about it correctly!

Session 4: Voices From the Field

This is where it all comes together! Through the course of the day, you know why you need to go to graduate school. You have a better understanding of the graduate programs and how to get into them. You have multiple opportunities now to make sure that you have adequate funding to finance your graduate education. Now, you have the benefit to hear from those that have done it or are currently doing it. At this workshop you will meet, see, and hear real life stories of how graduate school was/is/and will be. There will be leading faculty members, industry professionals and current graduate students on this panel. You should not miss this last workshop if you want to know the “real scoop” about graduate school!

9Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

Brendan Casias is pursuing a thesis based master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He currently holds a BS in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He plans to graduate with his MS in Mechanical Engineering in 2015. Brendan’s thesis research is designed to continue with the development of a model for determining the wear simulation of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in total knee replacements.

After graduation, Brendan plans to pursue a career in bio-mechanical engineering where he can combine his educational passions of engineering, biology, and computer programming,

Dr. Marcus A. Huggans, is the Senior Director, External Relations of The National GEM Consortium. Dr. Huggans primary responsibility is to recruit and conduct programming to encourage under-represented minority students to pursue their graduate degrees in STEM fields and to create and maintain meaningful partnerships to support GEM students to receive their graduate degree in science or engineering.

Prior to GEM, Dr. Huggans held a variety of job opportunities. He has worked for 3M Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Texas Instruments Inc (TI). Dr. Huggans also worked at the University of Missouri-Rolla as the Director of the Student Diversity and Academic Support Program. Dr. Huggans received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, an MS in Engineering Management and a Ph.D. in Engineering Management, from University of Missouri Rolla.

BRENDAN CASIASMS-Student, Mechanical EngineeringColorado School of Mines

MARCUS HUGGANS, Ph.D.Senior Director of External RelationsThe National GEM Consortium

Dr. Derrick Hudson is an Assistant Professor of International Relations in the Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies, where he teaches undergraduate courses in International Relations, African History and in the Masters of International Political Economy of Resources (MIPER) program. He earned his PhD in International Relations from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. He specializes in religion and politics in Africa. Prior to coming to Mines, Dr. Hudson was an Assistant Professor in the Department of African and African American Studies at Metropolitan State College of Denver. He developed and led a team of students for a one-month study abroad experience in Kenya in 2007. Prior to earning his doctorate, Dr. Hudson has worked with several Denver-based nonprofit organizations as a Program Director, Academic Director, and served as an affiliate faculty member at Colorado Christian University in which he developed a program in Urban Studies and Leadership.

Dr. Patty Lopez spent 19 years as an Imaging Scientist for Hewlett Packard, creating and transferring technology in imaging and color algorithms into scanner, camera, and all-in-one products. She has released over fifty imaging products for HP and holds seven imaging patents, and served on the organizing committee for the HP Imaging and Color Symposium for several years. Patty joined Intel in Fort Collins, Colorado in August 2008 and now works on microprocessor logic validation for manufacturability. Patty graduated with high honors from New Mexico State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science at while working at NMSU’s Computing Research Laboratory, a state funded center of technical excellence. She joined the Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions (CAHSI) Board and CRA-W Board in 2010, and represents Intel on the Anita Borg Institute Advisory Board. Patty is a MentorNet mentor, and is a member of the NCWIT Workforce Alliance.

DERRICK HUDSON, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of International RelationsColorado School of Mines

PATTY LOPEZ, Ph.D.Component Design EngineerIntel Corporation

GEM GRAD Lab Presenters

10 GRAD Lab

No Photo

Mario Saldana is a first generation American, who has been married for 11 years and has two girls that are 8 and 2 years of age. A veteran of the United States Navy, Mario started his education at the College of the Sequoias, and transferred to Fresno State where he received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He is currently, studying at Colorado School of Mines working on a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering.

David Lucio Vargas is a graduate student in the physics department working on a master’s degree in Applied Physics. For my bachelor’s degree I studied Engineering Physics at Mines and I am now completing my master’s degree in one year via the combined program. In my research I study complex networks in quantum many body systems. This work includes analytical and numerical analysis of quantum phase transitions. As part of this analysis I have gained experience using Mio, one of the supercomputers on campus. When I’m not doing physics or tutoring I like to play the guitar, write poems, and write jokes in case I ever become a stand-up comedian.

MARIO SALDANAPhD Student-Mechanical Engineering Colorado School of Mines

DAVID LUCIO VARGASMS Student-Applied PhysicsColorado School of Mines

Jahi Sauk Simbai is the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at Colorado School of Mines,a public research university devoted to engineering and applied science. Within this role Jahi is primarily responsible for oversight of recruiting and admissions activities, with support of student services, and office administration. Prior to this position Jahi held roles as Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions in the Office of Graduate Studies and Associate Director of the Minority Engineering Program (MEP) at Mines.Before moving to higher education Jahi worked as Technical Support Representative for nCUBE Corporation and as a Structural Analyst for Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation. He has an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from the Leeds School of Business and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

JAHI SAUK SIMBAIAssistant Dean of Graduate StudiesColorado School of Mines

GEM GRAD Lab Presenters

GeM aluMni:Examples of Success

Frank Martinez

Worldwide DirectorDigital Inclusion &

Government PC ProgramsIntel Corporation

Johney B. Green Jr., Ph.D.

Division DirectorFuels, Engines and

Emissions Research CenterOak Ridge National Lab

Christine Ortiz, Ph.D.

Associate ProfessorMaterial Science and Dean

of Graduate EducationMassachusetts Institute of

Technology

Jorge Rivera

Worldwide PresidentSupply Chain

Johnson & Johnson

Robin Coger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Engineering

North Carolina A&T

S. Keith Hargrove, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Engineering

Tennessee State University

Darryll Pines, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Engineering

University of Maryland College Park

Eric Sheppard, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Engineering

Hampton University

11Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

12 GRAD Lab

How to Apply for the GEM Fellowship (with tips)

Complete Part I of the Application

After registering, you will be directed to the application form.Answer the questions carefully and accurately and include your resume and unofficial transcript (for each University or college attended after high school). You will need to have your employment and educational history (and, if applicable, information on research experiences) handy to complete the questionnaire. If you cannot answer all the required questions, you can save your draft application and return to the application later to complete.

Register Online at GemFellowship.org

Go to www.gemfellowship.org. Click on the url in the large blue box in the right bar menu to Log In to eGEM. Registering with eGEM creates an account that allows you to work on your application securely, to save draft work, and return later to complete and submit online. After registering, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with information for later use.

2 3

1

Tips:

1. TYPE IN EACH EMPLOYER you worked for in the on-line application. (Simply attaching a resume and not typing in each past Employer will decrease your chances of receiving the GEM Fellowship).

2. RESUMES: Make sure your resume has been reviewed by a professional, i.e., your campus intern placement staff, English professor, etc. Please make sure you include your GPA on your resume. Please also include key words that describe your skills, like specific computer programs, e.g, MATLAB, interest in a specific research field that may be a different name than your actual major, like “nuclear engineering”, and any skills acquired on past internships e.g., “supply chain”. A polished resume makes a huge difference in the GEM application.

3. GRE SCORES are not required however they are highly recommended. Applicants are however required to answer all of the questions we ask about the GRE, i.e., the date you plan to take it, if you do not plan to take the GRE, why not, etc. as prompted about the GRE. You can scan a copy of your GRE score report to your eGEM application (i.e., you do not have to pay for an additional report). If you choose to list GEM for an additional report our code is 1305.

4. LIST 3 GRADUATE SCHOOLS: Unless you are already in a STEM Ph.D. program (or in the first year of a STEM master’s program) at a GEM school, to submit a complete GEM application you are required to directly apply to at least 3 GEM Member Universities between Nov 15–Jan 15. For Part I, you just have to list the names of 3 schools you will most likely apply to after November 15th. Research the schools to make sure they have a program you are interested in!

Complete Part II of the Application by November 15, 2014

Part II requires you to submit supplemental material:

Statement of Purpose—You must submit at least a one page statement of purpose that outlines your academic, research and/or career goals.For tips go to www.statementofpurpose.com.

Tip: Please focus your statement of purpose on your career/ research goals (i.e., do not focus on your deficiencies in your past, why you would make a great GEM Fellow, etc. focuson the future, how great you will be in your dream highly technical/research area of interest).

Letters of Recommendation—Request directly from 3 faculty members (preferred) or a high level technical manager (who holds a STEM graduate degree) if they are willing to complete an on-line form to strongly recommend you to receive the GEM Fellowship. We will not accept letters via email, fax, or via postal mail, all recommendations must be attached to your electronic eGEM application. At least two of your recommenders must submit their recommendations on-line by 11:59 PM Eastern on November 15th.

Tips:

1. QUICK ON-LINE FORM: Let your recommenders know the on-line form takes five minutes to complete. A letter is not required, however they will have an option to cut and paste a letter as part of their electronic form submission.

2. FACULTY SUBMISSIONS SUGGESTED: Please make sure at least one recommendation form is from a faculty member.

3. STRONGLY RECOMMEND 3 SUBMISSIONS You are asked to submit 3 emails and phone numbers of recommenders. Your application will be complete if at least 2 recommenders submit. However your application is automatically scored higher if you have 3 recommendations on file.

The strict deadline to submit a complete on-line GEM application is 11:59 PM Eastern on November 15th

The deadline to submit your complete GEM application is November 15th. The deadline to submit your STEM graduate application directly to 3 GEM member schools is January 15th.

5. DRAFT: You can save your application as a draft up until question 10 (Part I). Do not go past Part I of the application until you feel your answers are final. To have your application viewed by GEM Employers in our first review round, you must submit Part I by October 1st.

Notes

13Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

14 GRAD Lab

As the nation’s primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development (R&D), we’re leading the nation in developing clean energy technology solutions to address our energy and environmental challenges, and we need innovative, talented people to join us!

We’re always on the lookout for highly qualified scientists, postdocs, engineers, research technicians, project leaders, analysts, interns, and other professionals in a variety of careers. NREL’s inclusive work environment benefits from diversity throughout the organization, values individual differences, and encourages employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Working for NREL is a challenging and exciting experience for nearly 2,300 staff members of all backgrounds. We offer

competitive salaries and excellent benefits. If you believe in our mission, and support our values,

check out www. NREL.gov/employment and learn how you may fit in @ NREL.

NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

@WorkNREL

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

NREL/2596-3400-EX • December 2013

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste.

Besides long-term careers, NREL also offers graduate and undergraduate internships and postdoctoral researcher assignments. As a member of the NREL team, you will be involved in a growing, dynamic national laboratory that is developing new energy technologies to benefit our environment and economy.

NREL’s mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovations to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals. Our emphasis is on a comprehensive energy approach that encompasses the relationship among key systems: · Fuel production · Transportation · The built environment · Electricity generation and delivery.

Cover: Dennis Schroeder, NREL 17741; Dennis Schroeder, NREL 25300. Back Cover: Fort Felker, NREL 27645; Dennis Schroeder, NREL 20073; Dennis Schroeder, NREL 20182

15Colorado School of Mines • September 26 - 27, 2014

September 13 September 13 September 20 September 20 September 27

September 27 October 4 October 4 October 11 October 18

October 18 October 25 To Be Determined November 6 March 2015

Upstate New York

2014-2015 GEM GRAD Labs sponsored by the University Hosts, Co-hosts, Sponsors and the Intel Foundation

2014 - 2015 GRAD Labs