Inaugural Multicultural Research and Professional Development Symposium
Oct. 21, 2022
9 am – 6 pm
Student Union
The Black Graduate Student Association is proud to introduce our Inaugural Multicultural Research and Professional Development Symposium, co-sponsored by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, The Graduate School, and Texas Career Engagement.
This symposium is a cross-disciplinary experience focused on Multicultural graduate student academic enrichment. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community and empower students by providing space to network and connect through the sharing of research, academic, and professional development endeavors.
Students are invited to attend, participate, or even lead a workshop dedicated to the professional development of graduate students. Networking reception to follow directly after the symposium. All majors and disciplines are encouraged to attend. Please come in business casual attire.
Breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments are provided.
!!!We will also be raffling off business cards, a pair of apple AirPods, and an Amazon Fire Tablet!!!
For more information, please email Shaina Hall at shainahall@utexas.edu.
Please scroll down to see the Agenda and Link for Dr. Pierre’s Keynote Adress.
Dr. Suzanne Pierre
Meet the Keynote
Dr. Suzanne Pierre is a soil microbial ecologist and biogeochemist, a writer, and transformer of social systems. She is the founder and the lead investigator of the Critical Ecology Lab, a nonprofit organization creating novel processes and spaces for communities of people with scientific and generational knowledge to destabilize oppressive systems and fight back against escalating social and planetary disaster.
She received an interdisciplinary B.A. in Environmental Studies from New York University, a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, and was a University of California President's Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley. Her technical expertise is in applying molecular and stable isotope approaches to characterizing the biophysical mechanisms controlling nutrient and carbon cycling in plant and microbial systems experiencing climate change. Pierre is a transdisciplinary scientist developing the new field of critical ecology, the study of basic ecological processes through the analytical lens of decoloniality and social liberation theory. Her goal is to explain the phenomena of global ecological change as responses to systems of global colonialism and capitalism.
Pierre speaks and writes about the intersections identity, liberation, and ecology in publications such as MOLD, Loam, and a forthcoming nonfiction book. She also collaborates with artists and curators to convey these topics through art and exhibitions internationally. She is a 2022 recipient of the National Geographic Wayfinder Award and is a National Geographic Explorer.
Agenda
Inaugural Multicultural Research and Professional Development Symposium
October 21st, 2022
9 AM – 6 PM
Student Union
The University of Texas at Austin
9 AM - 10 AM
Welcome Breakfast and Sign-in
9 AM - 12 PM
Personal Branding as an Academic
Headshots
Custom Business Cards
Digital Footprint
10 AM- 12 PM
CV and Resume Advising Sessions
12 PM - 1 PM
Lunch Break
1 PM – 1:30 PM
Opening Remarks
Black Graduate Student Association, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and The Graduate School
1:30 PM– 2:30 PM
Keynote Speaker: Suzanne Pierre
Founder and Principal Investigator at the Critical Ecology Lab
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Group Photograph
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Session A: Secure Your Bag: How to Obtain Social and Financial Support from Your Institution
Panelists: Malik Crowder, Lorraine Scott, & André Fuqua
This session will elaborate on resources for community building and funding available at UT. We will discuss building social support systems as well as how to negotiate financial support from your institution as a graduate student, postdoc, or faculty member.
Session B: Navigating Imposterism in Every Space: A Dialogue
Panelists: Dr. Tiffany Lewis, Keoshia Harris, Justin Carter & Shaina Hall
This round table will discuss imposterism among graduate students of color, barriers to success, sense of belonging, strategies for self-sustainability, mental wellness, and open discussion for participants to brainstorm paths forward to increase the inclusivity of graduate students of color on campus.
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Session A: How to Present and "Sell" Your Research or Work in Industry Jobs
Panelists: Annie Maxfield, Calencia Mitchell, Dr. Darren Kelly & André Fuqua
This session will discuss tools and resources for presenting your academic and research experiences for jobs in the industry.
Session B: How to Present and "Sell" Your Research or Work in Academia
Panelists: Dr. Bridget Goosby, Dr. Kizzy Albritton, Dr. Elizabeth Munoz, & Dr. Brian Fonken
This session will discuss tools and resources for presenting your academic and research experiences for jobs in academia.
Session C: Securing External Funding for Your Research Outside of Your Institution
Panelists: Dr. Lorna Hermosura & Dr. Keith Hawkins
This session will discuss tools and resources for finding, applying for, and securing external funding for your academic research outside of your institution.
5 PM- 6 PM
Networking Reception
We invite you to come to discuss the sessions, and network with other students, faculty, staff, and professionals over light refreshments at the conclusion of the symposium.