In addition to visiting with exhibitors, students will attend a keynote session and choose from a variety of small group workshops and discussions. Sign up for workshop sessions will be conducted at the on-site registration area beginning at 2:00pm. Students should plan to arrive on time so workshops can be selected that most suit individual majors and interests.

Following is an outline of the symposium schedule for the Symposium.


Symposium Agenda:

Workshop Descriptions:

Unlocking the Mysteries of Acceptance and Funding to Medical and Dental School
Marja Hurley, M.D., Associate Dean & Director Health Career Opportunity Programs, University of Connecticut

This session will explore the process of applying and obtaining funding to attend medical and dental school. Led by representatives from the University of Connecticut Health Center, this session will discuss academic requirements, timing for applications, MCAT preparation, and presenting a strong case for your acceptance. Other topics include funding options to attend medical and dental school, as well as finding the right school for you. This session is of high interest to students on a “pre” medical/dental school track, who want to understand the process and develop a pathway for acceptance. This session will also highlight some unique summer program opportunities that students may apply to at the UConn Health Center.

Involvement Opportunities: Research Experiences & Internships

Involvement is a powerful way to develop your leadership and academic skills and abilities. This session explores the importance of involvement in undergraduate research and internship experiences throughout a student’s college career. More general than other sessions, this workshop is led by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Department of Career Services and will highlight some of the unique ways for students to interface with services housed in these offices at the University of Connecticut. Involvement experiences are critical and help students to “ professionalize” majors like biology, chemistry, physics, and others. High quality involvement can help to balance a lower GPA and provide the edge necessary to gain admission to graduate school or secure employment.

Increasing Your Chances for Graduate School Acceptance & Financial Support
Lee Aggison, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Dean, University of Connecticut Graduate School
James Henkel, Ph.D. Associate Dean, University of Connecticut Graduate School

This session will help students to better understand the process of applying and becoming accepted/funded to graduate school. Some key areas include preparing for the GRE, researching institutions, developing a high quality application, and presenting your case for admissions. Also included is an overview of different types of funding that students may receive to attend graduate school such as grants, loans, fellowships, and research/teaching assistantships. The UConn Graduate School will lead this session.

Successful Navigation through the Pharmacy Application Process
Andrea K. Hubbard, Ph.D., Associate Dean, School of Pharmacy , University of Connecticut
Chinenye Anyanwu, Pharm.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut

Hosted by the School of Pharmacy, this session is of special interest to all pre-Pharmacy students, and others interested in gaining admission to this highly competitive school. The session will highlight requirements for admission, deadlines, and the general application processes. Applications will be provided. Additionally, it will introduce students to the UConn chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNAPHA) and its mission to increase the number of minority pharmacists nationally.

Tell Me About Yourself: The One-Minute Biosketch
Emil Chuck, Ph.D., Health Professions Advisor and Assistant Professor, George Mason University

This workshop helps participants with the dreaded open question ìTell me about yourself.î This interactive workshop allows participants to practice their presentation and listening skills that are critical networking and that first impression.

Visiting with Exhibitors & Networking

Students are encouraged to select one session during the eventing when they interact with the exhibitors that may be of interest to them. This time of reduced traffic in the exhibitor area will provide more time for one-on-one conversations with a host of academic and industry professionals.