The Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP) hosted its 8th Annual Inclusion Symposium August 23rd. The event serves as the capstone for the student Summer Inclusion Workshop Series in which students explore a wide range of inclusion-focused topics including identity, privilege, implicit bias, decolonization and more. The symposium adds program partners and alumni to the conversation and provides a space for further learning, growth and action. 

The theme of the 2024 event was “Using Your Voice – Intentional Inclusion”, so it was no surprise that a highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. André Isaacs, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross and a widely followed social media personality. Known for his engaging and fun TikTok videos that blend chemistry lessons with dance, Dr. Isaacs captivated the audience with a unique perspective on inclusivity in science.

In his speech, Isaacs reflected on his experiences as a gay Black man in a predominantly straight, white, male-dominated field. He shared poignant stories about his upbringing in Jamaica, his coming-out journey, and the impact his family’s support has had on his career. He also discussed how his TikTok platform allows him to make science more accessible and inclusive. His address was a powerful call to action, urging students and faculty alike to continue advocating for spaces where everyone—regardless of their background—feels heard, accepted, and valued.

Students have always been the emotional center of the symposium. This year, three students shared their personal stories with attendees: CJ Bradford, Evalyn Smith and Varsheni Vijay. Each reflected on their identities; some spoke about their upbringings, and the challenges they’ve faced navigating a world that often teaches individuals to view themselves through the lens of societal bias. Emotional and powerful, their speeches left a lasting impact - a raw and honest look at the role inclusion plays in their personal journeys. 

KCGIP optics alum, Peter Schwarz, provided opening remarks at this year’s event. Schwarz, who works as engineering manager at Redwire Space and mentors current KCGIP students, shared insights on the importance of diversity in academia and his personal experience as an ally working to foster inclusive environments in the workplace. He highlighted the significant role diversity plays in enriching the learning experience and advancing innovation. 

This year’s Inclusion Leadership Panel was a powerhouse of experience. Jess Nelson, technical product support engineer at Applied Materials and KCGIP semiconductor alum, moderated Panel. Panelists included:

• David Degnan, bioinformatician at Pacific Northwest National Labs and KCGIP bioinformatics alum
• Maria Dulay, senior research scientist & lab manager at Stanford University’s DeSimone Lab, and director of Stanford’s Center for STEMM Mentorship
• Midhat Farooq, senior careers program manager at the American Physical Society
• Bashar Haidar, R&D engineer at Intel and KCGIP optics alum

Panelists shared personal insights on how inclusion and diversity have shaped their lives and how they use their voices to create meaningful change. They underscored the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in creating welcoming and supportive work environments. Attendees asked thought-provoking questions of the panel, ranging from strategies for fostering inclusion in classrooms to the panelists' own experiences navigating their identities and advocating for DEI in their respective fields.

The 2024 Annual Inclusion Symposium provided a meaningful space for students to reflect on how to make the STEM world more inclusive, welcoming, and supportive. With thought-provoking speeches, an engaging panel discussion, and an inspirational keynote address, the event highlighted the importance of continuing to push for diversity, equity, and belonging in academia and beyond.