College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholars attend STEM symposium in San Diego

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) Marie Curie scholarship recipients recently attended professional development workshops and networking events during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) symposium in San Diego. 

The event was hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) S-STEM Resource and Evaluation Center, which aims to increase the number of low-income students who obtain degrees in STEM and enter the STEM workforce. 

The Marie Curie Scholars program, which is funded by a National Science Foundation grant, provides support and resources to outstanding women pursuing STEM. In addition to receiving tuition support, the Marie Curie Scholars program provides free tutoring, faculty mentoring, skill-based workshops, mentored research and internships. 

“Attending the 2025 S-STEM Scholars Symposium gave students the rare chance to connect their academic passions with real-world possibilities. By engaging with mentors, peers and industry professionals, they not only expanded their knowledge but also gained the confidence, clarity and network that will propel their professional development long after the conference ended,” said Heather Stigge, associate professor of biology and director of the Marie Curie Scholars program. 

Through hands-on workshops and collaborative sessions, students strengthened skills, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, career readiness and mental health, that will support their growth in both academic and professional settings. 

“The conference opened my eyes to the different careers and pathways in STEM. I loved getting to network with students and mentors from all over the country, and it was so fun being able to bond with the other CSM students,” said Carolyna Truong, a Bachelor of Science in Biology student. “The workshops taught me things that will help me succeed not only in STEM but life, from overcoming self-doubt and building self-confidence to managing finances and creating professional online profiles.” 

Topics covered during the symposium included, resume development, resilience and self-compassion, science communication, time and study strategies, cultural strengths, financial literacy and networking skills. 

“It was a great way to get to know other people in the field of STEM and learn about their paths into interesting careers that are rarely heard about. It is important to highlight some critical work in the field, especially for women,” said Kara Muller, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Pre-Veterinary student. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology student Briana Aaron also appreciated the opportunity to learn about the many opportunities in STEM. "There were many opportunities to get to know people from all over the country and in so many different fields. The seminars were very useful and interesting," she said.

To attend the event, students had to be nominated by the director of their scholarship program and were then chosen by a committee at the AAAS S-STEM Resource and Evaluation Center. To support access and equity, selected scholars received travel stipends. 

“This symposium is an exceptionally prestigious opportunity, with only about 1,000 students nationwide selected to attend,” Stigge said. “It is especially remarkable that seven students from CSM were selected for this opportunity, a testament to the strength, talent and dedication of our student scholars and the success of the Marie Curie Program.”