Ole Miss Engineering is bringing together its graduate student body through social and academic activities
We believe graduate school Is the time to create a network for today and tomorrow. That’s why we’ve set up “Making Connections” – a series of events for our engineering graduate students.
Brenda Prager, chemical engineering associate professor and interim associate dean for graduate education, has been the instigator of this initiative.
International potluck
Around 60% of our grad students are from abroad so we had a get-together to share cuisine and culture.
Over 100 people attended – including students, their families and faculty. The students brought dishes from their home countries: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Romania, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the US, Vietnam and possibly more!
For fun, there were quizzes and challenges. From simple questions like ‘which country is famous for pizza?’ to ‘which countries have recently changed their official names?” There was international Bingo and tongue twisters – saying hello in a new language ten times over!
“Students were proud to show off their culture. The food was absolutely amazing. We’ll definitely do this again – everyone was so happy.”
– Brenda Prager, Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Education
Research poster session
Diverse views from different disciplines are vital in developing STEM-based innovations.
Ole Miss Engineering has over thirteen graduate degree programs – most offering masters and Ph.D. paths. So, we hosted a poster session where students could present their research and get feedback from peers and faculty from other departments.
Many of the students highlighted how their work could help society.
For example, one student is trying to reduce the skin friction drag on vehicles – which could increase their energy efficiency. Another is coming up with 2-D model solution to identify cracks in a bridge – which could be simpler, faster, cheaper than a 3-D model.
And, using carbon and oxygen isotopes, a third student is comparing today’s climate patterns with those of thousand years ago – to have a better understanding of what lies ahead.
According to Prager, “the event was loud and lively, because there was lots of talk. It was amazing to watch the students interacting.”
University support
These “Making Connections” events were sponsored by the university’s Diversity and Community Engagement (DCE) division. They support initiatives that foster belonging, enrich learning, enhance research and create equitable opportunities for all.
With DCE’s assistance, we’re working toward a more inclusive environment among our graduate student body. That’s by creating a home for our international students, increasing the awareness of each other’s cultural traditions, and showcasing the research across the school’s disciplines.
“The Diversity Incentive Fund was created specifically to provide support for programs and events such as this–an event that engages various members of the university community and fosters connection, inclusion, and community. It’s exciting to see the impact it’s had on members of the School of Engineering and beyond.”
– Kaylee Crafton, Diversity and Community Engagement