{"id":42404,"date":"2019-06-06T10:09:36","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T14:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=42404"},"modified":"2020-08-25T13:49:18","modified_gmt":"2020-08-25T17:49:18","slug":"alumni-stem-professionals-help-nsf-funded-scholars-explore-career-paths-and-dig-into-local-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2019\/alumni-stem-professionals-help-nsf-funded-scholars-explore-career-paths-and-dig-into-local-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni STEM professionals help NSF-funded scholars explore career paths and dig into local issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eastern Mennonite University student Ally Mankamyer<\/strong> knows her future lies in math, but whether she\u2019ll find her important work to be in the classroom or more likely, in a newly affirmed delight in statistics — well, all options are open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Classmate Andrew Schunn<\/strong> thought mechanical engineering was in his future. Now, though, \u201cI\u2019m really open to new things,\u201d he said during a final exam period for a spring semester STEM 219, a unique grant-funded science and engineering practicum course designed to get students thinking about their futures.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Students explored a stream restoration in Broadway with environmental consultant Jon Roller. (Photo courtesy of Tara Kishbaugh)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mankamyer and Schunn were among the <\/span>first cohort<\/span><\/a> of a National Science Foundation-funded scholarship program called <\/span>STEM Scholars Engaging in Local Problems, or SSELP<\/span><\/a>. The innovative program, created by EMU professors, fosters real-world impact through socially engaged learning. Students are provided with peer and faculty mentorship, funds for conference participation and participation in problem-solving a local issue during their second year of studies. .<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more about the first SSELP Scholars<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The $600,000 grant funds seven more students for a second cohort starting in fall 2019, as well as support services, including the strong peer-tutoring program, \u00a0and activities for students both years. The scholarships may be renewed for up to four years.<\/span><\/p>\n

The required multidisciplinary STEM 219 course \u2014 co-taught by <\/span>Professor Tara Kishbaugh<\/b>, chair of the chemistry and biology departments, and <\/span>Professor Danny King<\/b>, of the engineering program \u2014 focuses on career exploration and skill-building. Readings came from <\/span>EMU\u2019s Common Read<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work<\/span><\/i> by StoryCorps founder Dave Isay with Maya Millett (Penguin, 2017<\/span>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Students attended <\/span>Suter Science Seminars<\/span><\/a> presented by a geographer and environmental scientist, and visited local sites to converse with professionals in a variety of fields including:<\/span><\/p>\n