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GEM GRAD Lab Hosted by The University of Colorado Boulder

Oct 10, 2026
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About the Event

Get your STEM Graduate Degree TUITION FREE!

The University of Colorado Boulder is proud to host the GEM GRAD Lab sponsored by Geosyntec Consultants!

Join the premier organization developing highly qualified STEM talent by providing pathways to fully funded graduate degrees in applied science and engineering, in partnership with leading corporations, government laboratories, top universities, and research institutions.

The Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees (GRAD) Lab prepares highly qualified STEM students to pursue fully funded master’s and Ph.D. opportunities and careers in research, technology, and innovation through an engaging, interactive one-day experience.

Registration

Attend GEM GRAD Lab

Event Schedule

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Mountain Time

Registeration Login/Pre-Surveys 08:30AM - 9:30AM MT

Students will utilize this time to fill out survey response sheet that was shared prior to the start of the event.

Welcome Overview 9:30AM - 9:40AM MT
Why Graduate School? 9:40AM - 10:30AM MT

Explore the value of an advanced STEM degree, the career opportunities it can unlock, and how to determine whether graduate school is the right next step for you.

Dr. Michael Zemcov

Associate Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Kerrie Holley

Keynote Speaker on the Importance of continuing Graduate Education

Dr. Bolaji-Thomas

Professor in Biomedical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology

How to Competitively Apply to Graduate School 10:30AM - 11:30AM MT

Learn what graduate programs look for in strong applicants and how to strengthen your application, from selecting programs to personal statements, recommendations, and research experience.

Mandie Klingelhoffer

Admissions Counselor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Lindsay Lewis

Admissions Counselor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Laura Watts

Admissions Counselor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Lunch 11:30PM - 12:30PM MT
How to Fund Graduate School 12:30PM - 01:15PM MT

Discover how to pursue a graduate degree without taking on the full financial burden yourself, including fellowships, assistantships, and GEM opportunities that provide full tuition and fees, stipends, and paid internships.

Tim Thompson

Innovation and Programs Manager

Voices from the Field Graduate Student Panel 01:15PM - 02:15PM MT

Hear directly from graduate students, GEM Fellows, alumni, and professionals about navigating graduate school, overcoming challenges, and successfully transitioning into STEM careers.

Christine Heusner

Project manager for graduate programming, Rochester Institute of Technology

Kaylin Borders

2nd Yr Ph.D. Student in Aerospace engineering, Cornell university

Rodney Frazier

2nd Yr Master’s Student in Data science, Rochester Institute of Technology

Sanskriti Kumar

2nd Yr Master’s Student in Human-Computer Interaction, Rochester Institute of Technology

Felix Martinez

2nd Yr Master’s Student in Astrophysics, Rochester Institute of Technology

Rodney Sanchez

3rd Yr Phd Student in Electrical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology

Closing/Raffles 02:15PM - 02:30PM MT

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

Dr. Christina Alston

Director, Office of Graduate Access & Retention

Tim Thompson

Innovation and Programs Manager

Dr. Mike Smith

Past Deputy Executive Director of GEM