The Governor's STEM Scholars Learn about STEM in Government at First Conference of Year On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Governor’s STEM Scholars welcomed its eleventh class to the STEM in Government Conference. As a program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s STEM Scholars provides high-achieving high school and college students with a 360° view of New Jersey’s STEM economy.
Scholars attended the day-long event at the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering at Rutgers University in Piscataway, where they explored STEM career opportunities in state and federal government. Scholars were welcomed by Rutgers’ Dean of Engineering, Alberto M. Cuitiño, Ph.D., who shared inspiring remarks about the importance of STEM in shaping the future.
Insights from STEM Leaders in Government
The conference featured an engaging panel discussion on STEM careers in government, with panelists including:
Laura Berzak Hopkins, Ph.D., Associate Laboratory Director for Strategy and Partnerships, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
Samuel Joisil, STEM Program Manager, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command at Picatinny Arsenal.
Michael J. Kennedy, Jr., Director, New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences.
Nicol Nicola, D.B.A., Director, Division of Economic & Demographic Research, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Nick Procopio, Ph.D., Director, Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Panelists provided real-world insights into their work and shared advice to help students navigate their future STEM careers. The panelists reflected on how STEM professionals in government have a unique opportunity have to drive impactful change in New Jersey.
Scholars learned valuable lessons on professional development, career journeys and educational success from the panel. One Scholars learned that “Success does not need to be linear; it's okay to have bumps in the road.”
Exploring STEM Career Trends and Research Basics
Following the panel, Dr. Nicola delivered a presentation on New Jersey STEM Career Trends, offering a data-driven overview of the state’s evolving STEM landscape and the workforce opportunities awaiting aspiring professionals.
Dr. Karla Esquilín-Lebrón, Research Advisor for the Governor’s STEM Scholars and Microbiology Teaching Instructor at Rutgers University, introduced the students to research basics and provided an overview of the research project component of the program. This hands-on initiative encourages students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Conversations with STEM Advocates and Policymakers
Scholars had the privilege of hearing from the Honorable Andrew Zwicker, Ph.D., New Jersey State Senator and physicist, who discussed the intersection of science and public service. Senator Zwicker highlighted how scientific research informs legislation and emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking.
One Scholar reflected, “I learned about the impact that a scientific background can have within the government, like with Sen. Zwicker and the decisions he makes as a state senator.”
The day concluded with tours of the cutting-edge labs and facilities at the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering. Scholars explored the ten engineering majors offered at Rutgers and participated in demonstrations showcasing innovative projects from Rutgers faculty and students.
Looking Ahead
The Governor’s STEM Scholars will reconvene in January for the STEM in Academia Conference at Montclair State University, continuing their journey to explore New Jersey’s dynamic STEM ecosystem.