Chemistry major José Godínez will join other talented undergraduate researchers during a weekend-long symposium hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Godínez, a sophomore, was nominated to attend the program by Stan State Professor Elvin Alemán.
The highly-competitive Access program – supported by Dow Chemical Company— introduces sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the benefits of graduate education in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science. The program is designed to help students learn how to pursue graduate school.
During the program, students attend seminars, faculty talks and various interactive laboratory tours that provide an understanding of the requirements and advantages of graduate school. The goal of the program is to increase the diversity of qualified applicants to Ph.D. programs and expose underrepresented students to graduate school.
“I wasn’t doubting the fact that I wanted to go to grad school,” Godínez said. “This opportunity is more like a confirmation for me rather than encouragement.”
The upcoming Access program takes place Oct. 13 -16 and pays all travel, lodging and food expenses for the invited students.