MEN in STEM Conference
March 28, 2009

Please join us next year on March 27, 2010 

The First Annual MEN in STEM conference, funded by the Central MA STEM Network* and hosted by the EcoTarium and Intel, was held in conjunction with Worcester’s Innovation Month on March 28, 2009. The goal of the conference is to expose 60 Worcester middle school young men to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; and to begin conversations with local men who use STEM in their professions.

The day began with the following interactive workshops led by men who use science in their careers:

• COMPUTERS: “Keeping Up With the High Tech World”
Ernie Floyd - Pride Productions
• ENGINEERING: “High Rise Design Challenge”
Michael Prefontaine, Bryan McGowan - Intel Corporation
• FORENSICS: “Identifying People Dead or Alive”
Jamie L. Wilson, PhD - Mass Bay Community College
• MARINE & OCEAN LIFE: “Deep Exploration Diving: Shipwrecks & Mixed Gas Diving”
Jeffrey Goodreau
• ROBOTICS: “Everything You Want to Know About Robots”
Brad Lauer - Innovation First

Through demonstrations and group activities, the interactive workshops showed the students how science is used in the workplace. The presenters explained different entry ways to their careers, provided tips on courses of study and ways to prepare and train for their professions. The students then rotated to different workshops so that each student was able to attend 3 of 5 possible workshops.

At the conclusion of the workshop session, the students were bused to Intel for a luncheon. The luncheon provided an opportunity for students and presenters to continue discussions in a more informal setting. Following lunch, there was be a tour of the Intel facilities and a motivational address by Xavier Johnson of Pride Procutions to the students.

Thank you to all those who helped make this conference a success!


*The STEM Pipeline Fund administered through the Department of Higher Education supports the programs of the Central MA STEM Network.