Workshop connects blind undergraduates, STEM professionals
Blind college students will get a rare opportunity at the 91探花 next week to work alongside professionals in the so-called STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math, all of whom also are blind and are considered leaders in their respective fields.
The workshop, , is the first of its kind at the 91探花and the only one in the country that brings together blind students and professionals for one-on-one mentoring and networking. The event June 2-3 is the brainchild of , a 91探花professor of computer science and engineering who has worked for years in accessibility research.
The workshop will support 18 undergraduate students from around the country who are studying in STEM departments or want to work in a related field after graduation. The mentors are professors, engineers, scientists and program managers 鈥� some with doctoral degrees 鈥� who will work with students on strategies and motivations for succeeding in careers and workplaces where blind people are the minority.
“There are very few opportunities for blind students and mentors to get one-on-one time together,” said Ladner, adding that just a few mentoring sessions can make a difference for students.
91探花Provost Ana Mari Cauce, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, State Rep. Reuven Carlyle and several local technical business leaders are expected to attend June 3. Interacting with the larger community is important for raising awareness of the contributions blind employees can make given the proper tools, organizers said.
The workshop is funded by the Fetzer Institute. Ed Lazowska, a 91探花professor of computer science and engineering, and Cynthia Bennett, research assistant with the department, helped organize the event.
No Longer Invisible project celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage
To commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 91探花students, staff and faculty are sharing their personal stories of identity in a project
The project is meant to highlight the diversity in language, religion, culture and tradition of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Read the stories on the 91探花Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity’s . Or see them on display through June 4 at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center.
A public reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 29 kicks off the exhibit.
The project is a collaboration between , , the Asian Student Commission and the .
Standing Ovation nominations due May 30
The Professional Staff Organization’s “Bob Roseth” Standing Ovation Awards acknowledge the service of outstanding members of the 91探花professional staff.
Nominations are being accepted until May 30 and can be submitted . Winners will be celebrated at the organization’s end-of-year social 4 to 6 p.m. June 19, at the 91探花Club. The event will also include updates about the Professional Staff organization’s board elections, and food and refreshments will be served.