Attending the Governor’s STEM Scholars- STEM in Academia Conference at Montclair State University was an eye-opening and inspiring experience. From the moment I arrived, the energy in the room was palpable—hundreds of passionate students and professionals gathered with one common goal: to explore the many pathways that STEM offers in academia and beyond.
The day started with a warm welcome from Alise Roderer, Director of Governor's STEM Scholars and Montclair’s Provost, Dr. Junius Gonzales. Their enthusiasm set the tone for what would be an enriching day of discussions, hands-on experiences, and invaluable networking opportunities.
One of the most insightful sessions was the panel on STEM in Academia, where experts from various fields shared their experiences navigating careers in research, education, and industry. Hearing from professionals like Dr. Ethan Halm, Dr. Kauser Jahan, and Dr. Donald Sebastian provided a broader perspective on the interdisciplinary nature of STEM and the impact it has on society. The conversation reinforced the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in any STEM career.
Another major highlight for me was the talk by Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld, titled One Good Decision. No Matter What. And Other Reminders on My Keyboard. Her words resonated deeply as she shared personal insights about making choices that shape not only a career but also a life driven by curiosity and perseverance. The notion that every decision—big or small—can lead to impactful change stuck with me. It was a reminder that success in STEM isn’t always a straight path, but a series of thoughtful choices and adjustments along the way.
Beyond the lectures, the STEM Courses and Labs were an incredible hands-on experience. I particularly enjoyed exploring Prototyping VR and AR Learning Experiences with Dr. Elliot Hu-Au. These sessions showcased how STEM is applied in innovative ways to solve real-world challenges.
The day concluded with tours of Montclair’s cutting-edge research facilities, including the Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences and the Robotics and AI Hub. Walking through these spaces and witnessing ongoing research solidified my excitement about the endless possibilities within STEM.
This conference was more than just a learning experience—it was a reaffirmation of my passion for STEM. Being surrounded by like-minded scholars and accomplished professionals was both motivating and empowering. As I reflect on the day, I’m reminded that STEM is not just about equations, experiments, or data; it’s about the people, the ideas, and the impact we can make on the world.
Written by Riya Goyal, 2025 Scholar
Riya Goyal is a senior at Stockton University, pursuing two degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science with Honors and minors in Business Studies, Computer Information Systems, and Digital Literacy/Multimedia Design. Riya has held significant leadership roles, including Student Senator, President of the Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta and the International Student Organization. Her research spans various topics, including the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, AI applications in Alzheimer’s research, and the mathematical problem "Lights Out on a Random Graph." She has presented her work at prominent conferences such as the Moravian Math Conference. In her professional journey, Riya interned with CASE, where she researched leveraging AI tools for institutional advancement, focusing on philanthropy strategies across multiple institutions. This role involved analyzing strategies for Leadership Annual Giving, Reunion Giving, and Student Giving, and provided valuable networking opportunities at the CASE Conference. Currently, Riya works as a Research Assistant at Stockton University, contributing to papers on AI and mental health and algorithmic research. Additionally, she serves as a Mathematics and Computer Science Tutor, aiding students with complex concepts and fostering their academic growth. Riya’s future goals include pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics to advance research in algorithm design and computational mathematics.
Comments