Miami Dade College Presents Annual MDC School of Science STEM Research Symposium Sept. 21

Miami, Sept. 17, 2019 – The School of Science at Miami Dade College (MDC) will host three days of events focused on the training and recognition of up and coming researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The culminating event of the 8th Annual MDC School of Science STEM Research Symposium will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, featuring special remarks by MDC Interim President Dr. Rolando Montoya.

The dynamic symposium will feature the original research of more than 100 MDC students who worked alongside top scientists from MDC, the University of Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Florida Atlantic University, and St. Thomas University, as part of the School of Science’s Summer Research Institute and year-round research program. These high-quality research projects cover a wide variety of fields, including biology, physics, chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and genetics. Dr. Ranu Jung, Florida International University’s Wallace H Coulter Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, will serve as keynote speaker and share her journey into the field of biohybrid systems and her work developing neural-interfaces for individuals who have lost sensation or function in various body parts.

Several other events will take place leading up to the symposium. On Thursday, Sept. 19, more than 70 students will officially be inducted into the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (BS-BS) program during the annual White Coat Ceremony.  Students and guests will hear inspirational alumni reflections from Genevy Lima, DVM, a graduate of MDC’s BS-BS program. MDC Hall of Famer Lorneka Joseph, PharmD, founder of coaching and consulting company Brightly Awake, will deliver a keynote address. She is also the author of Right Things, Wrong Season.

Friday, Sept. 20, will focus on the myriad ways that faculty can serve and motivate students within the STEM fields. Dr. Pratibha Varma-Nelson, professor of Chemistry and the founding executive director of the STEM Education Innovation and Research Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), will present a half day professional development workshop for the faculty of MDC. This workshop will focus on her pioneering work in the development, implementation and dissemination of the use of the on-line version of Peer-Led Team Learning model of instruction known as cyber-PLTL.

The Undergraduate Summer Research Program and the associated symposium are often the first opportunity for MDC students to experience life as a STEM professional. This experience has proven invaluable to previous participants, many of whom have continued on to pursue advanced degrees in the STEM fields or have already joined the workforce in these areas.

“MDC’s School of Science programs remain focused on bridging the gap between degree completion and relevant industry training MDC students need to succeed in STEM careers,” said MDC’s Vice-Provost of Academic Schools, Dr. John Wensveen.

WHAT:              8th Annual MDC STEM Research Symposium

WHEN:              Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8:30am

WHERE:           MDC’s North Campus Conference Center, Room 3249

11380 NW 27th Ave.

For more information, please contact Dr. Victor I. Okafor, Dean of the School of Science, at 305-237-1557 or vokafor@mdc.edu.