So, you think you want to go to graduate school?

The Tulane University School of Science and Engineering is partnering with the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) organization to host a graduate school information session called “So you think you want to go to graduate school?” on Monday, Oct. 2.

The event will feature breakout sessions and a panel of graduate students, faculty and industry professionals who will answer questions about choosing a program, the application process and finding mentors.

Bethany Stone, service and mentorship officer for WISE and a doctoral student in the School of Science and Engineering, said that WISE’s mission is to support women studying STEM at Tulane as well as to provide service and mentorship within Greater New Orleans by coordinating outreach programs that cultivate an interest in STEM for young students, particularly girls.

“From as young as 7 years old, girls report being less interested in STEM fields in comparison to their male counterparts,” said Stone. “This is reinforced by stereotypes that boys are more well-suited to STEM subjects than girls, leading to a loss of confidence in STEM.”

Statistics like these are the reason Stone jumped at the chance to partner on next week’s information session. While the session is open to all, Stone is hopeful for a good turnout of female students.

“This event is intended to showcase the value of a graduate education from the perspectives of current Tulane graduate students, Tulane faculty, and science PhDs working in nonacademic careers,” said Stone.

The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2, with a panel session in the Kendall Cram room of the Lavin-Bernick Center. Breakout sessions will follow. Food will be provided.

For more information, contact Nicole Moody at nmoody2@tulane.edu.

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