Graduate Studies and Careers Conference (GSCC)

GSCC Chair Welcome

Greetings NSBE Members, 

Welcome to the Graduate Studies and Careers Conference (GSCC) at the NSBE 2025 Annual Convention! 

This year’s Convention, held in Chicago, IL, promises to be a transformative experience! 

As we continue to celebrate and honor the past, present and future of the Society and commitment to supporting not only the academic achievements of current and prospective graduate students and advanced degree holders, but also their professional growth, we decided to re-evaluate the inspiration behind the Graduate Student Conference (GSC). Our transition from GSC to GSCC reflects our commitment to supporting the academic achievements of current and prospective graduate students and advanced degree holders and their professional growth. Our new name places a strong emphasis on careers, signaling our intent to address the diverse career aspirations of our attendees. This rebranding aligns with our goal to create an inclusive environment where interested high schoolers and undergraduates, graduate students and advanced degree holders from all disciplines can come together to learn, share and grow. 

I am thrilled to have you join us for a week that truly embodies GSCC’s mission and this Convention’s theme: Inspire! Excel! Impact! Here’s how we will bring this year’s theme to life: 

Inspire 

One of the most impactful ways we will inspire each other is through our “Letters to My Younger Self” activity. This special initiative will engage participants from the Pre-College Initiative (PCI) Conference, Collegiate members, and the Technical Professional Conference (TPC).  

Excel 

Our conference will also focus on helping you excel through spaces like the Grad Society Lounge; A place to connect with peers, and professionals while fostering collaborations and opportunities for growth. 

Impact 

We designed a Science Communication Workshop to equip you with the skills to effectively share your research with diverse audiences. This three-day workshop includes interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and a final session at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), featuring dynamic experiments and demonstrations. 

I am excited to celebrate NSBE’s golden anniversary in Chicago with you. Stay tuned for updates and solicitation requests plus pre-registration info for the Science Communication Workshop. I look forward to a remarkable and transformative Convention experience! 

Best,
Susan Okrah
2025 GSCC Conference Chair
National Society of Black Engineers
March 5-9, 2025 | Chicago, IL 

 

Highlighted GSCC Programming

Science and Engineering Communication Program

Effective communication is a critical skill for researchers, enabling them to share their findings, collaborate with peers and engage with the public. This three-day workshop is designed to equip STEM graduate students with the tools and techniques necessary to communicate their science effectively to diverse audiences. Each half-day session will combine interactive lectures, hands-on activities and peer feedback, to ensure participants gain practical skills and confidence. Sign up at registration 

Academic Research Leadership Symposium (ARLS)

The Academic and Research Leadership (ARL) Symposium is co-located with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention. The ARL Symposium has two threads: (1) a faculty development thread, and (2) a research networking thread. The faculty development thread hosts workshops organized by members of the ARL network that strengthen and demystify fundamental components of academia. Past topics include: Obtaining a Faculty Position, The Ins and Outs of the Tenure Process, How to Write a Successful Proposal, How to Successfully Manage a Research Group, Strategies for Diversifying your Research Funding Portfolio. The researcher development and networking thread is critical to the goal of a self-sustaining ARL ecosystem. 

GEM Grad Lab

The Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees (GRAD) Lab, presented by The National GEM Consortium, offers underrepresented students exposure to the benefits of research and technology careers in a highly interactive, one-day event. College juniors and seniors are encouraged to consider graduate engineering or science education and apply for the GEM Fellowship. 

Dissertation House

Dissertation House is a critical component of NSBE’s goal to increase the number of Black Engineers who excel academically. At Dissertation House, graduate students are coached through difficult stages of the dissertation writing process from ideation to completion. 

Flash Talks

Flash talks are a component of Grad Society, a multi-day flow space event designed to cultivate current and potential graduate students by providing a space to promote collaboration. Flash talks are a place to highlight the research you have completed throughout the year. 

Collegiate Competitions

“Let’s Debate” Competition!

The digital divide is one of the most pressing issues affecting STEM education today, and we want to hear your voice on this critical topic. In this year’s debate competition, we challenged participants to explore the impact of unequal access to technology on students’ ability to succeed in STEM fields. The lack of reliable internet, outdated devices, and limited digital literacy resources disproportionately affect underrepresented communities, creating barriers to academic achievement and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Do you have ideas on how we can bridge this gap and ensure all students have access to the tools they need for success? This is your chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions, develop your public speaking skills, and contribute to finding solutions that will help shape a more inclusive, innovative future. Sign up now and be part of the conversation that can drive real change!

Deadline for sign up: January 31st, 2025 11:59 PM EST

Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Vision at the NSBE Gold Pitch Showcase!

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea or an innovative startup? The NSBE Gold Pitch Showcase Competition is your opportunity to pitch your business in front of a panel of established and successful entrepreneurs! Whether you’re looking for valuable feedback, potential investors, or the chance to refine your pitch skills, this competition provides a platform for entrepreneurs at all stages. Gain the confidence to communicate your vision, network with industry leaders, and receive constructive insights that can help propel your business to the next level. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your ideas, build connections, and take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights. Sign up today and take the first step toward turning your dream into a reality!

Technical Research Exhibition (TRE)

The Technical Research Exhibition (TRE) is designed to showcase the NSBE members’ technical accomplishments and technical communication skills. This program both recognizes accomplishment and provides a forum for growth. Two tracks allow for recognition of student accomplishment at various stages of a project.

Why TRE? Present your hard work to judges and peers. Grad students, your research expertise? Show it off! Undergrads, if you’ve worked in labs or completed a Research Experiences for Undergraduate Programs (REU), this is your stage!

Deadline for sign up: February 4th 2025 11:59 PM EST

Academic Tech Bowl (ATB)

The objective of the Academic Technical Bowl is to encourage and showcase Academic Excellence and understanding of the fundamental principles of engineering covered in the usual senior engineering standardized tests, for example the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, or Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam. The FE and FS exams are sometimes erroneously referred to as the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and the Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) exams. Dive into the Academic Tech Bowl (ATB) – the ultimate engineering showdown!

No need to hit the books; we’re talking questions straight from your classes, no extra prep required! 💡 Questions Topics may be: Engineering Economics, Statics, Heat Transfer, Statistics, Chemistry, Dynamics, Units/Conversions, Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Biology, Material Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Deadline for sign up: February 4th, 2025 11:59 PM EST