STEM for Development

🌟 Announcing Career Compass 1-on-1 Counseling with Daniel B. Schwab, PhD🌟 Are you ready to take the next step in your academic or professional journey? Join Daniel B. Schwab, PhD, President of STEM for Development, for a personalized 30-minute counseling session designed to support your goals. Whether you are preparing graduate school applications, exploring research opportunities, or planning your next steps, Dr. Schwab hopes to meet you to provide tailored guidance and support. 📅 When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 2025 🕛 Time: 12–1 PM GMT 📍 Where: Online 👥 Who: STEM undergraduates and Master's degree students studying in Global South countries As with everything STEM for Development does, there is no cost for participating. Spaces are limited to 18 students in January and the survey will close on Wednesday (1/1), so sign up today to secure your chance for tailored guidance and insights from an experienced mentor! 🔗 Sign Up Here: t.ly/v_WRN We look forward to meeting you! --- Learn more about SFD and how you can support our efforts: 🔑 Become a member today: t.ly/E9r5 🔗 Visit our website: t.ly/XfqVi 📸 Follow us on Instagram: t.ly/ee_v- 📘 Like our page on Facebook: t.ly/oKi4Q 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g4rd6jJF

This week, STEM for Development Office Hours will be held on Saturday, December 28 from 3-4pm GMT, featuring Michael Adu, Hauwa Adedo and Joe Adabouk Amooli. During Office Hours, STEM students are welcome to ask any questions on graduate school applications and STEM research/professional development. All are invited to join us at the following link: https://t.ly/Dmfhw You can also sign up to receive email reminders and calendar invitations for Office Hours at this link: https://t.ly/4AJKD For those who are interested in learning more about our next event/program, please join SFD at https://t.ly/E9r5 or visit our website at stemfordevelopment.org!

💡 Interviewing for Success: Key Lessons from SFD’s December Webinar On Saturday, December 7th, STEM for Development (SFD) hosted a webinar titled STEM Graduate Applications: Interviewing for Success. With approximately 500 registrants from 26 countries, the event featured expert insights from Ms. Stephanie Adama, a PhD student in Translational Cancer Biology at Indiana University Bloomington and Co-Head of the Mentorship Program, and Ms. Oluwadamilola Salau, a PhD candidate in Geography at The Ohio State University and Head of the Intramural Program. What did participants learn? 💡 Understand the Interview’s Purpose: Graduate school interviews are primarily about assessing fit - by this point, it is likely that you have the qualifications to succeed. As the speakers explained, interviewers are looking for candidates who can articulate their goals, think critically, and engage thoughtfully in a conversation about their work. 💡 Prepare for All Types of Interviewers: Whether facing a “Passive Interviewer” who expects you to lead the conversation or an “Active Interviewer” who challenges your ideas, preparation is key. Tailor your responses and questions to the interviewer's style to make a lasting impression. 💡 Polish Your Self-Presentation: Punctuality, professionalism, and attention to detail make a difference. Arrive early, dress appropriately, ensure a distraction-free environment, and maintain eye contact to convey confidence and respect. 💡 Ask Thoughtful Questions: The presenters encouraged attendees to prepare meaningful questions for interviewers, such as, “What are the expectations for graduate students in your lab?” or “Where do you see the laboratory going in five years?” This demonstrates genuine interest and helps you evaluate the program’s fit with your goals and interests. 💡 Send a Follow-up Email: A personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview is essential. It shows professionalism and keeps you top of mind. Tailor the email to reflect on specific points discussed during the interview. Attendees praised the webinar for its actionable advice. As john Acquah-Mensah, a Biochemistry student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, shared: “I learned the importance of following up with a thank-you email and asking insightful questions during the interview.” STEM for Development continues to empower students with practical tools to succeed in STEM graduate applications. Learn more about SFD and how you can support our efforts: 🔑 Become a member today: t.ly/E9r5 🔗 Visit our website: t.ly/XfqVi 📸 Follow us on Instagram: t.ly/ee_v- 📘 Like our page on Facebook: t.ly/oKi4Q 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g4rd6jJF

This month, STEM for Development (SFD) celebrates Edem Kwame Bokoe, a Biomedical Sciences PhD student at Augusta University, US. Edem’s academic journey began with an interest in pharmacy, influenced by relatives in the field. However, his fascination with molecular processes led him to biochemistry, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology at the University of Ghana. As an undergraduate, Edem interned twice at the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP). His passion for drug discovery grew through work at the Chemical Systems Biology Laboratory, where he investigated how supplements affect the production of secondary metabolites in fungi. This research aimed to discover novel antimicrobial compounds to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. After graduation, Edem became a Research Assistant in the same lab, deepening his exploration of natural products as therapeutic agents. Presenting his work at conferences, including the Falling Walls Lab event, strengthened his research skills and drive for graduate studies. Edem turned to SFD’s mentorship program for support in navigating graduate applications. Under mentor Isaiah Osei Duah Junior’s guidance, Edem received tailored feedback on his personal statement, refining his narrative and presenting a compelling case for admission. This mentorship was pivotal in securing acceptances to multiple PhD programs. Now at Augusta University, Edem researches anticancer drug discovery in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His story underscores the value of mentorship, persistence, and careful preparation in academic success. Edem’s advice: seek feedback, break the application process into manageable steps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. His journey demonstrates how support and determination can transform aspirations into reality. ----- Learn more about STEM for Development and how you can support our efforts: 🔑 Become a member today: https://t.ly/E9r5 🔗 Visit our website: t.ly/XfqVi 📸 Follow us on Instagram: t.ly/ee_v- 📘 Like our page on Facebook: t.ly/oKi4Q 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g4rd6jJF

🌟 Welcome to the Team, Rocío R.! 🌟 STEM for Development is thrilled to announce that Rocío R. has joined our team as a Regional Partnerships Associate! She will focus on expanding opportunities and supporting students across Latin America. Rocío brings a wealth of expertise as a Bioinformatics Engineer and a recent graduate of Universidad de Talca, Chile. Currently working as a Data Analyst at the same institution, she specializes in analyzing high-throughput genomic data to uncover insights into Latin American diversity. Her passion for science communication, global collaboration, and research is complemented by her dedication to promoting STEM education for young people. We are excited to work together to advance our mission! Learn more about STEM for Development and how you can support our efforts: 🔑 Become a member today: https://t.ly/E9r5 🔗 Visit our website: t.ly/XfqVi 📸 Follow us on Instagram: t.ly/ee_v- 📘 Like our page on Facebook: t.ly/oKi4Q 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gGKjfsY6

This week, STEM for Development Office Hours will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 3-4pm GMT, featuring Michael Adu, Hauwa Adedo and Joe Adabouk Amooli. During Office Hours, STEM students are welcome to ask any questions on graduate school applications and STEM research/professional development. All are invited to join us at the following link: https://t.ly/Dmfhw You can also sign up to receive email reminders and calendar invitations for Office Hours at this link: https://t.ly/4AJKD For those who are interested in learning more about our next event/program, please join SFD at https://t.ly/E9r5 or visit our website at stemfordevelopment.org!

🌟 Volunteer Opportunity: Education Program Associate - Mentorship Team 🌟 STEM for Development, a global non-profit dedicated to advancing STEM education in the Global South, is seeking an Education Program Associate to support our mentorship program, which serves 200+ students annually. In this role, you will: 🔹 Communicate mentorship opportunities to mentees and mentors. 🔹 Organize program logistics, schedule training sessions, and analyze program data. 🔹 Present webinar content and support graduate school application resources. 🔹 Collaborate with the mentorship team in meetings and events. We’re looking for candidates with: 🔺 A Bachelor’s degree in progress or higher in a STEM field. 🔺 Strong organizational and data analysis skills (e.g., Microsoft Office). 🔺 Excellent communication and time management skills. 🔺 A collaborative mindset in a diverse team environment. As a volunteer, you will make a global impact, build professional skills, and join a goal-oriented team committed to empowering future STEM leaders. 🕒 Time commitment: 1-3 hours per week, with flexible scheduling. 📅 Apply by: December 22, 2024, 11:59 PM GMT. Submit your CV and a 300-word statement of interest. 🔗 Application link: t.ly/FsCOS 📧 For inquiries, contact: info@stemfordevelopment.org Help us make a global impact in STEM education! Please share this opportunity with your network. 🌍🔬

✨ Two Years of STEM for Development ✨ Today marks the second anniversary of STEM for Development. What started as a small initiative has grown into a community dedicated to supporting students in the Global South on their paths to higher education and research opportunities. Together, we have achieved: 🌍 A network of 6,500 student members from 94 countries 🎓 Support for 100+ mentees admitted to graduate programs 💡 40 webinars, including 23 biweekly office hours sessions 👩💻👨💻 Engaged with 15,000+ webinar attendees 🙌 The efforts of ~30 incredible volunteers who make this possible These milestones are a reflection of the shared dedication and generosity of our team, students, and supporters. Thank you for walking this journey with us! As we look ahead, we remain committed to breaking down barriers to education and providing more students with the tools they need to succeed. Here’s to continuing this work—together. --- Interested in our next event? Sign up for membership: t.ly/E9r5 Website: https://lnkd.in/gJXB8pg5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eRPNJ9J9 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eqTEMRUh Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eweTQtsC

This week, STEM for Development Office Hours will be held on Saturday, November 30 from 3-4pm GMT, featuring Michael Adu, Hauwa Adedo and Joe Adabouk Amooli. During Office Hours, STEM students are welcome to ask any questions on graduate school applications and STEM research/professional development. All are invited to join us at the following link: https://t.ly/Dmfhw You can also sign up to receive email reminders and calendar invitations for Office Hours at this link: https://t.ly/4AJKD For those who are interested in learning more about our next event/program, please join SFD at https://t.ly/E9r5 or visit our website at stemfordevelopment.org!

❓How can you make your #STEM graduate application stand out? This weekend, nearly 500 students from 29 different countries signed up for STEM for Development's faculty panel, featuring Dr. Becky Mansfield (The Ohio State University), Ms. Amanda Mendez (Stevens Institute of Technology), and Dr. Chaowei Phil Yang (George Mason University). What did they have to say? 💡Craft a Powerful Statement of Purpose (SOP): All three panelists emphasized that the SOP is more than a formality; it is your narrative. The panelists highlighted the importance of balancing specificity and flexibility. Be clear about your research interests but open to new opportunities. Reflect deeply on past experiences and future goals to articulate a coherent, compelling story. 💡Align with Faculty Interests: Successful applications often hinge on demonstrating alignment with a program’s research focus. Panelists stressed the importance of thoroughly researching potential advisors and their current projects. “Make the connection clear,” one panelist noted, “and show genuine enthusiasm for the work they’re doing.” 💡Leverage Transferable Skills: Many students worry that their background doesn’t perfectly match their desired program. The panelists reassured attendees that transferable skills—like teamwork, project planning, and data analysis—are crucial. “Show how you’ve maximized the opportunities you had,” they advised, “even if they differ from what’s common elsewhere.” 💡Build Strong Networks: Graduate school is more than coursework—it’s about community. Panelists encouraged students to highlight their plans for engaging with support services, networking with peers and faculty, and contributing to campus life. They noted that at many institutions, holistic applications stand out because they reflect not just academic readiness but a commitment to the broader university community. 💡Navigate Differences in Research Experience: For international students, bridging the gap between local research contexts and those abroad can be challenging. The panel recommended reaching out to faculty or admissions officers to discuss these concerns directly. Tailoring your application to highlight how your unique experiences contribute to the program’s diversity and goals can make a strong impression. Interested in our next event? Stay tuned and join the SFD community at t.ly/E9r5 or visit our website: stemfordevelopment.org!