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

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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

3Florida International University • October 18, 2014

Intel encourages GEM GRAD Lab participants to

Stay With It and pursue a

STEM graduate degree!

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5Florida International University • October 18, 2014

GEM GRAD Lab Welcome

Dear Participants:

Welcome to Florida International University (FIU).

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

It is estimated that by 2018 our economy will have created over two million new jobs requiring masters or doctoral degrees. Graduate education is critical not only for you as an individual seeking an advanced career in science and engineering, but for the future of the nation as a leading competitor in innovation, technology, and the global market.

As future leaders of your communities, earning a master’s and doctoral degree will become essential steps in your journey into positions of influence in academia, industry, and government. For FIU—a leading minority serving institution that fully understands the challenges faced by the diverse community of students that we serve— this means that your success in pursuing graduate degrees in the STEM fields becomes our responsibility. It is thus our mission to ensure that as members of ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) – American Indians, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans – you will have access to every opportunity available to you so that you may achieve the highest educational goals and attain both personal and professional success.

It is with this premise that we offer you, our most promising undergraduate students in science and engineering, the GEM GRAD/Writing Lab. This day-long experience is a comprehensive, hands-on symposium designed to inspire and encourage you to apply to Master’s and Ph.D. graduate programs in STEM disciplines.

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

We encourage you to take advantage of all of the opportunities provided here by Florida International University and the GEM GRAD/Writing Lab.

Our best wishes to you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lakshmi N. Reddi, DeanUniversity Graduate SchoolFlorida International University

Dr. Kenneth Furton, Dean Dr. Amir Mirmiran, DeanCollege of Arts and Sciences College of Engineering and ComputingFlorida International University Florida International University

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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.

7Florida International University • October 18, 2014

GEM GRAD Lab Agenda

SATURDAY, October 18, 2014 Location: GC Ballrooms

9:00 am Registration, Pre-survey, and Continental Breakfast

10:00 am Welcome and IntroductionSonja Montas-Hunter, Ph.D., Associate Dean UGS, Florida International UniversityLakshmi Reddi, Ph.D., Dean, UGS, Florida International University

10:15 am Session 1: Why Graduate School?Howard G. Adams, Ph.D., GEM Program Consultant

11:15 am Break

11:30 am Session 2: How to Apply to Graduate SchoolPatty Lopez, Ph.D., GEM Program Consultant

12:30 pm Lunch Break

1:15 pm Session 3: How to Fund Graduate SchoolModerator: Marcus Huggans, Ph.D., Senior Director, External Relations, The National GEM Consortium (GEM Alum)Sonja Montas-Hunter, Ph.D., Associate Dean UGS, Florida International University

2:15 pm Break

2:30 pm Session 4: Voices from the FieldModerator: Howard Holness, Ph.D., Chemistry, Florida International UniversityNatalie Damaso, PhD Student-Biology, Florida International University Kelly Mesa, PhD Student-Electrical Engineering, Florida International University Alan Meca, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor, Psychology, Florida International University

3:15 pm GEM Closing Remarks/Post Survey/Raffle

3:30 pm GRAD Lab Program Ends

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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!

9Florida International University • October 18, 2014

Dr. Howard G. Adams is Founder and President of H.G. Adams & Associates, Inc.; a Norfolk, Virginia based company that provides consulting and training in the areas of mentoring, student development, and leadership. In 1993, the Society of Engineering Education awarded him it “Centennial Medallion” for individuals who have had a lasting impact on engineering education. In 1996, Adams was named by President Clinton as one of the first recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Mentoring.

From 1978 to 1994 Adams served as Executive Director of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc. (GEM). Prior to joining GEM, Adams served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Norfolk State University. Adams holds a B.Sc. from Norfolk State University, M.S. from Virginia State University Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

Dr. Howard Holness is a Forensic Chemist that used ion mobility mass spectrometry to separate and classify amphetamine type drugs as a method to assist law enforcement officials in tracking the origin of manufacture of these drugs. He was born in Kingston Jamaica and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Indies Mona in 2002. He then completed a Master’s in Business Administration in 2005 with the University of New Orleans. In 2006 He began working with the International Forensic Research Institute at FIU where he was the Assistant Director of the Master of Science in Forensic Science Program. He is currently the Chief of Academic Administration with the Office of the Provost at FIU since July 2014.

HOWARD G. ADAMS, Ph.D.Founder and President H.G. Adams & Associates, Inc.

HOWARD HOLNESS, Ph.D.Assistant Director,Masters of Science Forensic Science ProgramFlorida International University

Natalie Damaso has completed both her B.S. in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, and M.S. in Forensic Science at Florida International University. Her M.S. thesis involved the comparison of novel polymers using capillary electrophoresis for bioseparations of complex DNA mixtures based on both length heterogeneity and sequence polymorphisms and it was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Electrophoresis title. Currently, she is an FIU Graduate Ronald E. McNair Fellow pursuing her Ph.D. in Biology at FIU. Her major research interests are a combination of microbiology, bioinformatics, geographic information systems, and forensic science. The focus of her Ph.D. research is to observe complex microbial communities within soils, across Miami-Dade County, to determine their potential as forensic evidence.

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.

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 (now Missouri University of Science & Technology). He was one of the first African-American males to earn a Ph.D. in this discipline from the University. Dr. Huggans resides in Dallas, TX where he is married to his lovely wife Melanie, and he is a proud father of his daughter Hannah and son Ellis.

NATALIE DAMASOPhD Student - BiologyFlorida International University

MARCUS HUGGANS, Ph.D.Senior Director, External Relations The National GEM ConsortiumGEM Alum

GEM GRAD Lab Presenters

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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. 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. 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 LOPEZ, Ph.D.Component Design EngineerIntel Corporation

Kelly Mesa is an NSF GRFP fellow and doctoral student at Florida International University who works at the interface between Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. She is the Entrepreneurial Lead of a team sponsored by the NSF Innovation Corps who are exploring the commercial potential of their research on cortisol detection. Her educational journey began in South America; she was born in Colombia and raised in Venezuela. She pursued higher education at the University of Illinois in Chicago and then transferred to Florida International University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and Master’s in Electrical Engineering as an NSF Bridge Doctorate fellow. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.

KELLY MESAPhD Student- Electrical EngineeringFlorida International University

Dr. Alan Meca, is a developmental psychologist interested in positive and progressive change during adolescences and emerging adulthood. He was born and raised in Miami and has received his bachelors, masters, and most recently his doctoral degree from Florida International University (FIU) under mentorship Dr. William M. Kurtines and Dr. Dionne P. Stephens. He is currently a postdoctoral associate at the University Of Miami Miller School of Medicine studying the effects of developmental and cultural predictors on underage drinking under mentorship of Dr. Seth J. Schwartz and Dr. John Tubman of American University. In addition, he is an adjunct instructor in the Psychology Department at Florida International University.

ALAN MECA, Ph.D.Adjunct Instructor, PsychologyFlorida International University

Dr. Sonja Montas-Hunter is the Assistant Dean at the University Graduate School at Florida International University in Miami. In her role, she is responsible for the Graduate Student Professional Development Program, Recruitment and the Graduate Minority Opportunity Program. She oversees the credentialing process of Teaching Assistants and reviewing thesis/dissertation forms. She evaluates and make decisions regarding requests for exceptions as well as graduate curricula requests, and is the liaison to various academic and student-support units. Dr. Montas-Hunter earned a B.A degree in English from Hunter College-CUNY; MA in English from Radford University; and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Barry University.

SONJA MONTAS-HUNTER, Ph.D.Associate Dean, University Graduate SchoolFlorida International University

GEM GRAD Lab Presenters

11Florida International University • October 18, 2014

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.

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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.

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