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GEM GRAD Lab hosted at the 49th Annual Conference & Board Meeting

San Diego, CA Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Sep 13, 2025
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About the Event

Get your STEM Graduate Degree TUITION FREE!

The National GEM Consortium is proud to host the GEM GRAD Lab! The event is being held at the 49th Annual Board Meeting & Conference. 

Join the premier organization supporting qualified students pursuing graduate degrees in applied science and engineering funded by leading corporations, government laboratories, top universities, and top research institutions. Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees (GRAD) Lab offers students’ exposure to the benefits of research and technology careers in a highly interactive one-day event.

Event Schedule

Saturday, September 13, 2025 | Pacific Time

Registration Check-In/ Badge Pick-up 08:00AM - 08:30AM PST

Upon arrival to the event location, attendees should proceed to the registration area for check-in and badge collection. Students must register in order to receive a badge.

Technical Presentation Competition Finals - Breakfast 08:30AM - 09:45AM PST
GRAD Lab Agenda Overview and Pre-Survey 09:45AM - 10:00AM PST

After the Technical Presentation Competition Finals – Breakfast GRAD Lab attendees should proceed to the designated area for the event. Attendees will utilize this time-frame to go over the day of events agenda and fill out survey response sheet that was shared prior to the start of the event.

Welcome Overview 10:00AM - 10:05AM PST
Why Graduate School? 10:05AM - 11:00AM PST

If you thought PhDs were simply for those wanting to become professors or that you couldn’t afford graduate school, think again.  This session is designed to break some of the common myths about pursuing an advanced degree and set you on course to achieving your fullest potential.

Dr. Howard G. Adams

Keynote Speaker on the Importance of continuing Graduate Education

Graduate Resource Fair - Morning Session 11:00AM - 11:45AM PST

GRAD Lab attendees will be directed to the Graduate Resource Fair Hall to connect with GEM member institutions. Attendees are encouraged to pursue resources for their graduate education during this time.

Technical Presentation Competition Awards - Lunch 11:45AM - 12:45PM PST

GRAD Lab attendees will join the GEM consortium for lunch, while getting to witness the placement of awardees from the morning breakfast finals round.

Graduate Resource Fair - Afternoon Session 12:45PM - 01:15PM PST

GRAD Lab attendees will use this time to finish conversations from the morning session of the Graduate Resource Fair, before the continuation of the day’s programming.

How to Competitively Apply to Graduate School 01:15PM - 02:15PM PST

Learn the tips and tricks associated with preparing for a graduate degree from the experts.  Learn how to make your application stand out above others as well as how to position yourself to be seriously considered by many of the prestigious academic institutions in the country.

How to Fund Your Graduate Education 02:15PM - 03:15PM PST
Voices from the Field Graduate Student Panel 03:15PM - 04:15PM CST

As the saying goes, you can’t be what you can’t see. Hear stories from GEM alums who have successfully attained advanced degrees and gone on to very successful careers.

Closing/Raffles 04:15PM - 04:30PM PST

Only students who stay throughout the completion of the GRAD Lab will be entered into the raffle. We invite you to fully participate in the event so you can be entered into raffle.

Speakers

Joann Ransom

Senior Program Manager