Eberly college celebrates Latinx students, faculty for Hispanic Heritage Month

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Penn State Eberly College of Science will be featuring its Latinx students and faculty as part of an initiative, led by the college’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Office of Communications, that aims to inform and inspire others by shining a light on these individuals’ experiences, accomplishments, and motivations for pursuing careers in science.

These spotlights are being compiled on a rolling basis as part of ongoing efforts at the Eberly college to promote diversity, foster inclusivity, and increase representation of those in the college’s community who have historically been underrepresented. They will also be featured in the college’s social media throughout the month, providing additional opportunities for engagement. Latinx faculty, postdocs, students, alumni, and staff in the college are encouraged to share their stories via this Qualtrics survey.

The college will be hosting a keynote, “Bridging Cultures and Science: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and LGBTQ+ Pride,” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in 102 Benkovic Building, presented by Hector Aguilar-Carreno, professor of virology and associate vice provost for research and innovation at Cornell University. The keynote is sponsored by the Eberly college’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Rainbow Science Network, the Penn State Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The college will also be holding its annual undergraduate research poster exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Verne M. Willaman Gateway to the Sciences. First- ($250), second- ($150), and third-place ($100) prizes will be awarded for the best posters in each of three categories: life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematical sciences. Representatives from the college’s Diversity in STEM corporate partners — DuPont and Merck — will be present to network and engage with students while showcasing their companies and answering questions related to employment and internships. The deadline for Eberly college students to register is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

All are invited to join in honoring and celebrating the historic background, culture, heritage, and many influences of the Hispanic community at the Eberly College of Science, Penn State, and beyond!