P18 - The Dynamic Research Education Academy for Mentoring Womxn in STEM at Simmons University

Friday, November 8, 2024

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM East Coast USA Time

Primary Presenter(s)

Donna Beers

Professor
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Co-Presenter(s)

Arpita Saha (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor of Chemistry
Simmons University, United States
MJ

Meghan Johnston

Associate Teaching Professor
Simmons University, United States
JL

Jane Lopilato

Associate Professor
Simmons University, United States
MM

Megan McCarty

Associate Professor
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Program Abstract: The Dynamic Research Education Academy for Mentoring Womxn in STEM (DREAM-WSTEM) was launched at Simmons University in Fall 2023, with funding from NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP).

DREAM-WSTEM is a multi-tiered mentoring program designed to support cisgender and transgender women, as well as non-binary students, by helping them build confidence, strengthen their STEM identities, and develop successful career pathways throughout their four-year undergraduate journey. This program is a collaboration among diverse STEM faculty mentors, research mentors, peer mentors, professional advisors, alumnae, professional coaches, and corporate partners.

For our inaugural cohort we designed a series of monthly, goal-oriented activities aimed at engaging students with STEM career opportunities from their first year. Additionally, we offered a paid, inquiry-based interdisciplinary summer micro-internship, equipping participants with essential skills and preparing them for future STEM internships.

The DREAM-WSTEM program offers a framework and curriculum reforms for establishing a sustainable, holistic mentorship model.