Dr. Shakila Merchant, CUNY CREST HIRES Director represented the institute at the NSF Geoscience Research Experiences for Undergraduates workshop (GEO REU) and Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science’s (SACNAS) Annual National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference in Phoenix, Arizona from October 29-30 and October 31-November 2, 2024 respectively.
This NCAR initiative/network produces resources that help in effective execution of the REU internship in Geoscience and Earth Sciences, and thus providing students a rich research experience. In her role, Dr. Merchant works with Dr. Sloan and Dr. Farid to support and strengthen the GEO REU PI community network across the US.
During the 2024 GEO REU workshop, Dr. Merchant participated in several activities including workshops, and group discussions on topics such as recruitment, admission process and practices, mentorship, and running successful REU programs.
SACNAS NDISTEM brings the academic and professional Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) community together to empower and encourage them in their pursuits. During the conference, Dr. Merchant participated in several sessions such as poster and oral presentations, dialogues, and engaged in the NOAA CESSRST II recruitment booth along with Dr. Faun Rockcliffe, CESSRST Education Expert. SACNAS is one of the few national conferences that truly makes each participant feel included, belonged, and valued. It focuses on self-discovery and importance and truly empowers early career professionals and students to connect with several distinguished professionals who are dedicated to mentoring and grooming our next generation professionals.
