September 30, 2009

Arleene Barrios

Public Information Officer
UTEP Office of University Communications
Phone: 915-539-4677
E-mail: news@utep.edu

Postdoctorate Institute Attracts Students from Around the Country

About 80 doctoral students from around the country came to The University of Texas at El Paso Sept. 24-26 for a Postdoctorate Institute. UTEP and Howard University co-hosted the event.

The Postdoctorate Institute was designed to prepare advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social, behavioral and economic sciences (SBES) doctoral students for postdoctoral opportunities and to enhance their future postdoctoral experience.

The Institute was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation and is part of an effort to address the underrepresentation of minority scientists in postdoctoral positions.

Participants had the opportunity to gain insights into how a postdoctoral experience can influence a career in the academic, research, government and industrial sectors. The event included discussions on how to select an institution that provides research and faculty opportunities, career advancement and sources of support.

Institute participants had the opportunity to network with representatives of federal agencies and professional organizations, university faculty members, current postdoctoral researchers and other doctoral students in their disciplines.