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George Mason University

Professional Development Series

Professional Development Series, Spring 2022

     The goal of these lunches is to enable our students to learn the skills necessary for success in STEM that are not typically taught in the classroom. This includes discussions on professional development, such as grad school and career planning, and on allyship and the role of scientists in social justice. In the interest of best achieving these goals, we have set policies and procedures for our attendees to follow.
     First and foremost, these meetings take place in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and therefore are held to the standards of our Code of Professional Conduct. Furthermore, we expect all members to adhere to these guidelines throughout these meetings. These talks are organized and moderated by Spectrum, a student group dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and scientifically-minded community among the graduate and undergraduate physics and astronomy students at George Mason University. Spectrum aims to provide leadership opportunities to upperclassmen as they mentor incoming and current students, empower members to build their physics identity through interactive professional development and social bonding activities, and increase retention and parity within the physics department. For more information about Spectrum, including video recordings and content, please visit their website at https://gmuspectrum.squarespace.com.

Thursdays, 3pm, online

   
Feb 3Ryan Pfeifle
How to Build a Free Website
Did you know that every student at GMU gets a free personal website? Learn how to access and customize your own website with graduate student Ryan Pfeifle. From HTML templates to scratch coding, you'll learn how to make a fabulous website fit for a resume!
Feb 17Joe Renaud, Patrick Vora
Research Opportunities at GMU and NASA (SEEC, CRESST)
Interested in research opportunities? Join us as we have presentations both within GMU and externally at NASA discussing what research opportunities are out there, available projects, and how to get involved!
March 3Monica, Jeffrey, Ian Morris, Natasha Latouf
Graduate Student Panel: Honest Thoughts about Grad School
If you are an undergrad interested in grad school or a senior who is trying to narrow down their acceptance offers, come to our graduate student panel! We have students from across different schools and disciplines ready to speak honestly about their experience to better inform your decisions.
   

Professional Development Series, Fall 2021

Thursdays, 3pm, online

   
Sept 9Spectrum Leadership
Welcome to Spectrum & Campus Tips/Tricks
Welcome to the new semester! In this talk, we will introduce the ins and outs of Spectrum, how you can get involved, and what we have planned! We will also be discussing campus tips and tricks for those that are new to GMU, with open discussion for any other tips others would like to share.
Sept 20Spectrum Leadership
Time Management, Communication & Managing Conflict
Getting a degree is tough. Getting a degree with the added stress of poor time management and conflict can be unduly difficult mentally and emotionally. In this presentation, we will discuss proven time management tips, as well as discussion how best to handle communication and conflict, whether that is between peers or with a professor.
Oct 4Spectrum Leadership
Hispanic Heritage & Disability Awareness Month: Case Studies Roundtable
This week, we will be presenting various case studies with time for discussion on resolution with specific emphasis on Hispanic Heritage Month (September) and Disability Awareness Month (October).
Oct 18Faculty Committee
Research Opportunities & LA Program
In this presentation by our faculty mentoring committee, we will hear about available research opportunities for undergrads and learn more about the LA program in our department.
Nov 1TBD
Let's talk about presenting! Building Presentations & Public Speaking
Presenting is a big part of any STEM degree. This week, we will discuss how to build a vibrant presentation, how best to present information, and how to conquer public speaking - even with nerves!
Nov 15Jenna, Natasha, Raina
Internship Opportunities
This week we will here from multiple speakers, showing different avenues into internships. Whether that's through a university, a government agency, or a private company, there is always a position out there to be applied for.
Nov 29Spectrum Leadership
Pizza Party & Future Plans
De-stress before finals with a chilled out pizza party and discussion on Spectrum's future plans. We want to hear your ideas on what you want to see from us!
   

 

Professional Development Series, Spring 2021

Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.

   
February 3Carly Solis, Natasha Latouf, Lara Kamal, Spectrum
REUs, Internships, and Summer Research
There are many exciting opportunities available for summer research and internships. Come learn about the different opportunities and talk to students who have gone through the experience!
February 10Kathryn Fernandez, Open Discussion
The Brilliance Narrative and Dangers of a Single Story Roundtable
Have you thought about what the dangers of a single story could be and the power that it can hold? Come watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Ted Talk with us and participate in a roundtable discussion on the implications of single stories told about physicists and how it's tied to a brilliance narrative in our culture.
February 17Spectrum
Pathways After a Bachelor's Degree
Congratulations! You are receiving your B.S. in Physics or Astronomy! There are several options available, from grad school, including law school and med school, to industry positions, to positions in the military and government. We'll walk you through some common paths and provide testimonials from people who have taken those paths.
February 24Kathryn Fernandez, Kevin Collins, Jeffery McKaig, Melissa Bierschenk, Luis Fernandez
Graduate Student Panel
Come talk to current grad students about the experience and what they wish they knew when they started out!
March 3Spectrum
Effective Communication and Avoiding Unhealthy Situations in Academia
Communication can be difficult, especially when there are power dynamics at play. Lack of communication can lead to unhealthy or toxic situations in academia, which can in turn negatively influence your mental health. Come learn about effective communication, how to bridge the power dynamic gap, and what to do if you find yourself in a toxic situation.
March 10TBD
Transfer Student Panel
Come talk to current GMU students and former transfer students to find out about the experience, tips and tricks to get you started, and what they wish they knew as a transfer student!
March 17Open Discussion
Department Townhall
This relatively informal discussion hour will be used to check in on the Spring 2021 semester, address current concerns in teaching, and discuss any necessary changes. Student attendance and contributions are welcome!
March 24Open Discussion
Case Studies Roundtable
Join us as we discuss different departmental-inspired case studies to spark discussions between faculty, students, and problem solve common scenarios!
March 31Spectrum
Inclusive Language in Classrooms
Language is an important component of physics identity and a sense of belonging in the field. Join us as we discuss phrases to avoid, and ways to change our language to be more inclusive.
April 7GMU Faculty
Writing for Science
Science writing can be daunting, especially to those unexperienced with it. It is different than the types of writing most students are used to, and has a steep learning curve. Join us as GMU faculty teaches tips and tricks to science writing, and how to effectively discuss your research!
April 14TBD
Science Communication
Between scientists and the public, there is a disconnect in communication that can lead to some (occasionally funny) misunderstandings. Join us as we discuss effective science communication, to all ages and levels!
April 21TBD
Outreach Opportunities
We will discuss possible opportunities to participate in outreach in physics and astronomy, and how to effectively communicate during outreach!
April 28Spectrum
Spectrum Mentoring and Future Plans
Join us for the final lunch talk of the semester, where we will lay out the future plans for Spectrum mentoring, new initiatives, and discuss what you want to see in the future!