Afternoon Discussion Sessions Will Explore the Benefits of Professional Societies in STEM Disciplines

ABRCMS Project Director Irene Hulede authored an article on the importance of professional societies preparing students for success in STEM that was published in the Fall 2018 issue of CBE—Life Sciences Education, the quarterly journal of the American Society for Cell Biology. In the article, Hulede noted that while Hispanics, Blacks/African Americans and Native Americans account for a significant portion of the U.S. population (nearly 30% combined), they remain underrepresented in scientific and engineering workforces. She asserted that scientific societies play a significant role in creating a scientific workforce that reflects the U.S. population and leverages the competitive advantages of diverse groups.

“As the long-term professional homes of their members, societies facilitate community building, represent the concerns of the community and offer programming for individuals that may not be offered by academic institutions or government agencies,” Hulede said in the journal article.

ABRCMS 2022 features a series of concurrent Opportunities in STEM Disciplines Discussions from 4:15 – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. During these unique sessions, students preparing to start their careers will learn some of the benefits of joining a professional society or disciplinary community.

Leaders from professional societies representing all 12 STEM disciplines will lead the presentations. And while each discussion will be tailored to a specific STEM discipline, professionals from all fields are welcome to participate and advise attendees.

Attendees will be empowered to explore and practice important strategies for navigating their discipline while becoming a member of a professional society. Session leaders will touch on important topics such as identifying STEM-specific professional societies, obtaining a better understanding of the importance of belonging to a professional society, sharpening professional skills and building networks.  

“These sessions seek to advance the ABRCMS strategic aim of preparing students to transition successfully from undergraduate, postbaccalaureate and master’s education to doctoral or professional education,” said Tiffani Fonseca, senior specialist in education at the American Society for Microbiology.

Opportunities in STEM Disciplines Discussions