---

The College of Engineering, in conjunction with the national GEM Consortium, will host the Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees Laboratory (GRAD Lab) 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at the Carolyn P. Brown University Center on the UT campus.

This fun, free event is designed to inform and motivate students from underrepresented groups in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields to understand the importance of a graduate degree. Undergraduate STEM students—particularly sophomores, juniors, and seniors—and master's students considering a PhD pursuit are encouraged to attend.

Students will learn how to successfully apply to graduate school and find funding opportunities. Topics will include "Why Graduate School"; "How to Prepare for Graduate School"; "Understanding the GEM Fellowship"; and "Voices From the Field: Real Life Research and Internship Experiences."

Speakers will provide their insight and experience on graduate school and beyond, including Dr. Carolyn Hodges, Vice Provost and Dean of the UT Graduate School; Michele Lezama, Executive Director of the National GEM Consortium; Dr. Johney Green, Director of Energy and Transportation Science at Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL); Dr. Ernest Brothers, Assistant Dean of the UT Graduate School; Channa Palmer of ORNL's University Recruiting office; Dr. Marcus Huggins from the GEM Consortium; and other GEM representatives.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The University Center is located at 1502 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.

To register for the GRAD Lab, visit https://www.gemfellowship.org/events/grad-lab.

GRAD Lab schedule:

8:30 AM
Registration Opens

9:00-9:25 AM
Continental Breakfast

9:30-9:50 AM
Speaker: Dr. Carolyn Hodges, Vice Provost and Dean
Graduate School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Speaker: Dr. Johney Green, Director of Energy and Transportation Science
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

9:50-12:15 AM
Module I – Graduate School Application Process

9:50-10:50 AM
Why Graduate School?
Speaker: Michele Lezama, Executive Director
The National GEM Consortium

10:50- 12:15 PM
How to Apply: Nuts and Bolts of the Graduate Application Process
Speaker: Dr. Ernest Brothers, Assistant Dean
Graduate School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Speaker: Dr. Ingrid St. Omer, Consultant
The National GEM Consortium

12:15-12:30 PM
Opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratories
Speaker: Channa Palmer, University Recruiting
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

12:30-1:50 PM
Module II – Networking Lunch
Recruiting Schools and representatives to meet students
LUNCH AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT

1:50-2:50 PM
Module III - How to Fund: Graduate Funding
Speaker: Dr. Marcus Huggans, Sr. Director, External Relations
The National GEM Consortium

Speaker: Channa Palmer, University Recruiting
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

2:50-3:00 PM
Break

3:00-3:45 PM
Module IV – Voices from the Field
Voices from the Field: Learn From People on the Path
Speakers:
Dr. Johney Green, Director of Energy and Transportation Science
Dr. Kathryn Bailey, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Dr. Andrea Rocha, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Tracey-Ann Wellington, GEM Fellow and UT Graduate Student
James Ensley, UT Graduate Student

3:50-4:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker: Michele Lezama, Executive Director
The National GEM Consortium