The iSTEM Program at EIU
What is iSTEM?
Inclusion in STEM! iSTEM brings together students from underrepresented groups in the STEM disciplines and faculty committed to encouraging and empowering these students. Our iSTEM group includes those in the sciences, social sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science fields. We have an active peer mentoring program that offers freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students the necessary support they may need during the critical early years of their college career in a STEM major. Participants in the program (mentees) will be paired with an upperclassman mentor who has exceled at EIU in a similar discipline. As well, the group meets two to three times a semester for social and professional engagement opportunities.
Resources
Request a mentor -- Read our mentorship guidelines.
Peer mentors -- Some of our amazing peer mentors:
Job and research opportunities
Professional development resources for students
Upcoming iSTEM Events
Watch for more in 2023! Follow us on Instagram, @eiu_istem
2022-2023 iSTEM Advisory Committee
Alejandra Alvarado - Mathematics and Computer Science
Michael Beck - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Gary Bulla - Biological Sciences
Tom Canam - Biological Sciences
Jake Crandall - Geology and Geography
Mona Davenport - Dean of Student Success
Kirstin Duffin - Booth Library (Co-Director)
Eden Effert-Fanta - Biological Sciences
Katherine Lewandowski - Geology and Geography
Eloy Martinez - Biological Sciences (Co-Director)
Andrew Mertz - Mathematics and Computer Science
Steven Pellizzeri - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Tiffany Pellizzeri - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Contact
Email us
Recent Past Events
Lunch and Learn Career Talk - Wednesday, November 2, 2022, noon
Booth Library, Witters Conference Room 4440
"Light at the End of the Aperture: An Objective Lens on an Unconventional Physical Scientist in the Federal Government" - Dr. Treva T. Brown, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center
Halloween Bowling - Thursday, October 27, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
at EIU bowling lanes in MLK Jr. Student Union
Welcome picnic - Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Campus pond pavilion (Where is this?)
Learn about iSTEM, our events and mentoring opportunities
Urban Butterfly Initiative volunteer workday - Sunday, April 3, 2022, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Milkweed Demonstration Garden behind the Coles County Health Building in Charleston (https://goo.gl/maps/iWVzEVKwptSBJdXBA)
Black Men in White Coats watch party - Sunday, February 20, 2022
Doudna Fine Arts Center
Pizza: 1:30-2 pm in the Black Box Theatre
Film & discussion: 2-4 pm in the Dvorak Concert Hall
Internship Experiences and Opportunities - Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location - Life Sciences Building Room 2080
Panelists:
• Anthony Porreca, Ph.D - Assistant Director, Kaskaskia Biological Station Illinois Natural History Survey and EIU MS grad
• Rhonda Rogers -Technology Major – Completed an internship in SU21 and is an iSTEM mentor
• Robert Schuch - University Student Program Coordinator who comprehensively facilitates the development and implementation of the undergraduate programs at Argonne National Laboratories. https://www.anl.gov/education/undergraduate-internship-opportunities
• Nikhil Arun - Computer Science Major – Completed an internship in SU21
• Cara N. Brown - Technical Recruiter, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Welcome picnic - Thursday, September 23, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Learn about iSTEM, our events and mentoring opportunities
O'Brien Picnic Pavilion on Grant Street
Picture a Scientist panel discussion - Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Join our discussion of the 2020 film Picture a Scientist that examines gender inequality and discrimination in the sciences. We are pleased to host three panelists: Dr. Ana Chicas-Mosier (Postdoctoral Fellow at Auburn University), Dr. Katie Lewandowski (Professor at EIU’s Department of Geology and Geography), and Ms. Lizeth Tamayo (Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago). Panelist bios.
Dr. Tiffany Pellizzeri (Instructor at EIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry) will moderate the panel.
STEM Careers and Internships - Thursday, February 4, 2021, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Zoom meeting, with panelists:
- Amanda Bos - Roche - Marketing and sales in diagnostics and pharma
- Internship opportunities:
- Jill Grimme - Roche - EIU CHM alum, Biochemist, Clinical operations for diagnostics
- Darren Conrad - North American Lighting Corp - EIU TEC alum, Manager of Industrial Engineering
- Mallory Stenslik - Merck - EIU BIO alum, Senior Scientist, Discovery and development of novel PET imaging biomarkers.
- Jodie Warner - Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital - EIU CLS alum, Laboratory Director
Success in STEM - Thursday, November 12, 2020, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Mentoring opportunities & event planning
via Zoom
Welcome social - Thursday, January 23, 2020, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Mentoring opportunities & event planning for the semester
Booth Library Edgar Room 3202
Board Game Night - Thursday, October 24, 2019, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Snacks provided!
Cultural Center, 1525 7th Street (across from Old Main)
Discovering Purpose and Value - Thursday, October 17, 2019, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Presented by Emmanuel Ayiku, Graduate Assistant, Student Success Center, Department of Counseling & Student Development
Booth Library Witters Conference Room 4440
Guided nature walk - Saturday, September 28, 2019, 11:00 a.m - noon.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East in Mattoon.
Tree & Shrub Day - Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
FREE fried chicken dinner at 5:15 p.m. or roast hot dogs on the campfire.
Events include:
- EIU Herpetology Club with live animals
- Coles County Bat Research table
- Bird watching
- Self-guided tree and shrub trail
Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East in Mattoon.
Student Planning Meeting - Thursday, September 19, 2019, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Booth Library Witters Conference Room 4440
Welcome Reception - Thursday, September 5, 2019, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Booth Library Edgar Room 3202
