Dr. Ashley Wallace, the LRSM Assistant Director of Education and Outreach, coordinated the inaugural Diversity Equity Engagement at Penn in STEM (DEEPenn STEM) weekend that took place in person October 7-9, 2022. In an effort to address low representation of certain groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), DEEPenn STEM provided prospective graduate students from historically marginalized and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds with the resources to be successful in graduate school and related endeavors. Aiming to diversify graduate-level programs and the global workforce through methodical recruitment and retention efforts, DEEPenn STEM was created to serve as an integral part of the STEM pathway for students to pursue summer research experiences (ex: REUs) at Penn and successfully transition into graduate school and/or STEM careers. Forty-eight (48) undergraduate students from universities and colleges across the USA, including Puerto Rico, participated in the 3-day program. Participants were exposed to a vast array of research areas and the many opportunities for intellectual growth offered by Penn. More specifically, DEEPenn STEM highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of research and education within Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences (SAS), School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS), and the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM). Key programming aspects addressed gaps in mentorship and graduate school preparation through instructional workshops, panel discussions, poster presentations, faculty research talks, and opportunities to network with current Penn faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. The collective event was sponsored by SAS, SEAS, PSOM, the Office of the Provost, and university research centers, including the LRSM.
