Summer Research Program Opens with Nationally Renowned Mentors

The Summer Research Program presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Graduate Studies will open with the words of two nationally recognized mentoring scholars, Howard G. Adams and Calvin Mackie, both recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

Adams, a leading expert on mentoring and mentorship program development, will speak at 3:30 p.m. June 4 in the auditorium of the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. Adams has written, lectured, and consulted extensively on mentoring as an effective strategy for professional, educational and personal development. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and seminar presenter, having spoken at more than 500 colleges and universities and numerous national conferences and conducted training for a number of Fortune 500 companies. Adams is the author or coauthor of 15 self-help guides and handbooks. In his 2002 book, "Getting Up With Something On Your Mind: Lessons for Navigating Life," Adams offers essentials for living a successful and productive life. In 1989 President Ronald Reagan named Adams to the U.S. Congressional Task Force on Women, Minorities and the Handicapped in Science and Technology. In 1996, Adams was named by President Clinton as one of the first recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

Mackie, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Tulane University, will speak at 1 p.m. June 5 in Room 250 of Teachers College Hall, 14th and U streets. He was among nine individuals and eight institutions President Bush honored this year with the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Mackie, 36, began mentoring as a sophomore at Morehouse College. Over the last decade he has given numerous presentations to elementary, high school and college students on the importance of science, mathematics and engineering education. He also frequently addresses major corporations, encouraging employers to support their employees' efforts to further their science, math and engineering education.

The summer research program exposes undergraduate students to the benefits of research and graduate education. "This program provides an opportunity to expose undergraduate students to a research environment, and learn about the expectations of a researcher," said Stephanie G. Adams, director of the summer research program, assistant professor of industrial engineering and interim associate dean of graduate studies. Students from across campus and throughout the country are invited to the university where they benefit from a faculty-mentored research. Students also attend weekly seminars covering career opportunities, the expectations of graduate students, the mentoring process, the graduate school application process, how to fund graduate school and effective resume building and writing.

For more information, please contact Tony Williams in the Office of Graduate Studies at (402) 472-5062.

CONTACT: Roxane Gay, Engineering & Technology, (402) 472-3818 (rgay2@unl.edu)