In August 2023, 16 first-year students took part in a six-day (August 13-18) STEM Early Arrival Program. The participants had opportunities to engage in various workshops to learn about campus resources that will help them to be successful during their first year. Some of the topics that the scholars were able to explore include:
- Ohio State Campus Recourses
- Library Services
- Chemistry Metacognition Series with Dr. Ngyuen
- Identity and Self Awareness
- Lab Tours
- Group Bonding and Community Building Workshops
Fall Welcome
The Fall 2023 “Welcome Back” event for Ohio State University LSAMP Scholars was held in Pomerene Hall on September 8, 2023. The event had 45 Scholars in attendance. The Welcome Event was organized to discuss LSAMP fall requirements and help students create personal goals for the semester. It was a great way to welcome students back from the holidays and get them ready for the spring semester. We were able to eat and socialize and build community together.
Fall Research Experience
In Fall 2023, one scholar, Naseem Strong continued her research experience under Dr. Gunjan Agarwal. Naseem Strong is conducting research on “Surface Change of Vascular ECM.”
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State LSAMP and The Ohio State SELF program were invited to tour and speak with a College of Density admissions advisor on October 4, 2023. The College of Density provided an overview and was able to answer questions about admissions into College of Density Graduate Programs.
Collaboration With SELF, PREFACE, And LSAMP
The Ohio State LSAMP is committed to cross collaboration to reach the highest levels of support for its Scholars. The Pre First-year Academic and Career Engagement (PREFACE) Program is a multi-level program designed to develop our pre-first-year students into high-performing students who are confident, efficient, and results-driven engineers through a holistic approach toward academic and professional success in the engineering environment at the Ohio State College of Engineering and beyond. The STEM Emerging Leaders Fellows (SELF) program is cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders by strengthening pipelines through and into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students who have experience living or working in diverse environments or who have overcome substantial educational challenges.
Together in collaboration, PREFACE, LSAMP, SELF have been able to design workshops to engage all Scholars and build community. On September 15, 2023, Scholars came together and completed vision boards. The vision board workshop was a catalyst in vision, dreaming, and remembering their purpose. On October 19, 2023, PREFACE led a workshop on “A STEM Growth Mindset.” This workshop provided Scholars to look into the ways to grow and expand on the mindset in which they already have. We are excited for what the future may hold for continued collaboration.
Peer Mentorship
The Ohio State LSAMP has five second year Scholars who serve as peer mentors to our freshman cohort. Our selected mentors are engaged and active with their mentees throughout the duration of their incoming first year experience. Trinity Macon, Andrew Loney, Edna Boadi, Nicholas Pineda, and Rezvan Ghezae are committed to the success of their mentees.
Thank you, peer leaders, for all that you do!
Funding For Graduate School and Professional Development
The Ohio State LSAMP is committed to the overall success of all scholars. The Ohio State LSAMP has been able to provide funding for students who are pursing graduate school and professional development. Students have been able to apply for funding for test preparation, study materials, books, waivers, and exam fees though LSAMP. In addition, Scholars have also been able to apply for funding for professional development for conference attendance. During the Autumn 2023 semester; LSAMP has been able to fund:
- Katherine Lovelace to The National Association of Mathematicians Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Dieynabou Diallo to the National Society of Black Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
- Chika Nkwocha to the Afrobiotech hosted by American Institute of Chemical Engineers in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Naseem Story to the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Los Angeles, California.
- Carol Mensah-Bonsu to the Versiti Blood Research Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Study and Snack Packs
On December 7th, 2023, the LSAMP team put together snack packs for Scholars to pick up and enjoy during their final examination week. The snack packs contained treats and study tips to provide scholars reminders on how to be successful. Scholars were encouraged to grab a pack and continue to study during their busy days.
Ohio State LSAMP Team
Dr. Dorinda Gallant, Co-PI and Director
Victoria Auger, Program Coordinator
Tisha Owusua, Graduate Associate
Trinity Macon, Student Worker