Session 405: Fostering Student Collaboration and Engagement in Science through Summer Research

Location: Library Café – B30

Presenters: Marjan Alaghmand (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Chemistry), Meg Bentley (Director of STEM Partnerships and Innovation, CAS | Biology), Babak Kasmaei (Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Physics), & Chelsey Brown (Program Manager, ISSTI & DCSGC, CAS | Biology)

Session Description: 

This session highlights how the Summer Undergraduate and Graduate Experience in Research (SUGER) program at American University supports the professional development of our undergraduate and graduate students who are doing STEM-related research during the summer. Presenters will share how SUGER creates opportunities for students and faculty from diverse backgrounds to work together on supporting research in our society and beyond.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the key components of the SUGER program and explain how they support the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate STEM researchers
2. Analyze how SUGER can broaden students’ perspectives on career pathways, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the role of science and research in society and beyond
3. Implement effective strategies for integrating professional development, interdisciplinary dialogue, and civic engagement into STEM education and research programs