Supporting Undergraduate STEM Students by Linking Experiences with Summer Bridge & Multi-Layered Mentorship

Lauren Griggs, Ph.D. received her B.S. in Engineering Science, with a concentration in Nanomedicine from The University of Virginia in 2012. As a doctoral student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Griggs was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship through the National Institute of Health. As the Program Coordinator for the VCU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program, she worked to increase the number of underrepresented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees and matriculating to graduate school. As a postdoctoral scholars at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Griggs explored novel techniques to investigate the intersection of diabetes and breast cancer progression. Dr. Griggs is now an Assistant Teaching Professor, Director of the Multicultural Engineering Program and Director of the Clark Scholars Program at Penn State University. In this role, Dr. Griggs drives initiatives to improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups pursuing degrees in engineering and strives to foster a welcoming environment that celebrates culture and inclusion. Her passion lies in working directly with students, serving as a mentor, inspiring others through meaningful career discussions and helping students gain confidence as well as succeed in their chosen degree fields.

Dr. Maryam Darbeheshti is assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Denver. Darbeheshti has been involved in Undergraduate STEM Education for the past decade. She is the Primary Investigator (PI) of a current NSF award that focuses on Building STEM Identity and Student Success through Academic, Financial, Social, and Career Support. She is the author of two relevant papers in the area of STEM education. Darbeheshti has presented the results of her research work at annual ASEE conferences since 2018.