Students clapping at symposium

Conferences & Symposia

DPE hosts and sponsors conferences on campus that focus on underrepresented groups in STEM. Participate in these events to network, exchange ideas, and showcase your research.

Conferences & Symposiums

Explore upcoming conferences as well as symposiums that DPE has held in the past and be sure to check back for additional future offerings!

Student presenting at symposium

Summer Success Symposium (S3)

Hosted annually in August

The Summer Success Symposium (S3) is a one day event for new and continuing MS/PhD and PhD students from across all graduate fields who identify as belonging to groups historically underrepresented in graduate education. The symposium has a particular focus on bringing together recipients of graduate fellowships in support of diversity as well as all other doctoral scholars who identify as students of color, first generation college (FGC) students, and/or who identify with other historically underrepresented groups such as Veterans, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+. MS students interested in pursuing doctoral studies are also welcome to this event.

Through this symposium, participants have the opportunity to form connections and establish community. This symposium also provides participants with the opportunity to engage with successful Cornell alumni, faculty, and professionals with shared experiences as diverse scholars. Summer Success Symposium keynote and workshop content focuses on providing participants with access to knowledge and insights that will help them navigate their successful transition to and progression in their graduate studies.

The Summer Success Symposium is co-organized by the Graduate School Office of Inclusion & Student Engagement (OISE) and DPE. 

Dr. Calvin Mackie engages with student at the GEM ULSAMP Conferene

ULSAMP Conference & GEM GRAD Lab

The Upstate Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Conference and GEM Getting Ready for an Advance Degree (GRAD) Lab is a one-day academic and professional development conference for undergraduates and Masters students in STEM. Workshops and keynotes focus on the global importance of research and innovation, life-long career benefits, and real world role models. The symposium helps each student envision their future as a technology leader, successfully apply for a GEM fellowship, and learn about gaining entry to a graduate program.

This conference offers:

  • Students

    • An opportunity for professional development as well as the chance to demonstrate their contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship by displaying their research posters.

  • Faculty, Administrators, and Corporate Representatives

    • The opportunity to network and share resources to continue diversifying STEM fields, especially at the advanced degree level.

participants at the EWISE conference

EWISE Symposium

The Empowering Women in Science & Engineering (EWISE) Symposium is a day long professional development opportunity for faculty, staff, postdocs, PhD students, and professionals that provides participants with the chance to learn and discuss opportunities as well as challenges facing women in science and engineering. There will be opportunities for the Cornell community and others interested in networking, learning and brainstorming. 

Keynote presenter in front of audience at DWISE

DWISE Symposium

The Diverse Women in Science & Engineering (DWISE) and Women of Color Coalition Joint Symposium is an opportunity to engage with dynamic leaders, gain professional development, foster community across difference, and network with influential peers and change agents.

Men attending the STEM Men of Color Symposium

STEM Men of Color Symposium

The STEM Men of Color "Access to Knowledge & Empowerment" Symposium endeavors to uplift the unique experiences and success of men of color in STEM as well as in other disciplines. The intent is to continue the progressive shift of the paradigm of men of color thriving academically, professionally, and socially.

Further, this symposium brings together a broad audience that will include undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, a workshop track for pre-college students from the Ithaca area will be offered at this event. Although men of color will be the primary audience for the symposium, this event will engage a broader audience that includes other partners invested in the development and success of men of color.