UCSC's oSTEM chapter was founded by PhD students and researchers in UCSC's Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, but we now include students from departments across campus. We are a team of passionate graduate student organizers who aim to increase LGBTQ+ representation and visibility in STEM disciplines. We bring inspiring queer scientists to campus, offer professional development for queer students, and support our members in the wider UCSC community. As part of a larger national organization, we hope to show aspiring LGBTQ+ students at all stages that it is possible to be both queer and awesome scientists!
With your support last Giving Day, we raised enough funds to kickstart the oSTEM Seminar Series, a free seminar that invites prestigious LGBTQIA+ academics in STEM. Our 2023 series includes innovative leaders such as Dr. Natacha Ruiz, Professor of Microbiology at Ohio State University studying the envelope biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria and Dr. Carolyn Hutchinson, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Hamilton College studying the quantities and fates of anticoagulant rodenticides in aqueous environments and potential impacts to wildlife. These seminars are open to all departments, including undergraduate students. Your donations allow us to pay for the speakers' time, transport them to UCSC, and provide on-campus parking for them. With your continued support we hope to continue bringing exciting queer scientists to our beautiful campus!
With your support this year, we are hoping to continue our most impactful campus events like our yearly Pride celebration, the oSTEM Speaker Series and other community building events, as well as expanding to send several members of UCSC's oSTEM chapter to the national oSTEM conference. The national conference will help us connect to oSTEM chapters on other campuses, building community across a nation of queer scientists.
For more information on UCSC's oSTEM chapter and a full list of past speakers, please visit our website.
