The University at Albany CSTEP Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

UAlbany's CSTEP seeks to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantage students who ascend to the professional fields of math, science, technology, and health.

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 19, 2012) – UAlbany’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) has tripled its number of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields, as well as careers that lead to licensed professions. Eighty percent of UAlbany CSTEP graduates ultimately pursue careers in STEM fields and the licensed professions.

The University at Albany will celebrate CSTEP and the accomplishments of some of its alumni on April 21 during its 25th anniversary program.

Open to New York state residents who are underrepresented and meet economic eligibility requirements, the UAlbany CSTEP currently serves 326 students with a 2:1 ratio of females vs. males. It provides students with opportunities to conduct summer research, receive peer mentors and tutors, utilize standardized graduate school test preparation through Kaplan, assist students with the graduate/professional school application process, and increase student career awareness.

Most notably, recent CSTEP alums include a National Science Foundation graduate fellowship recipient, students pursuing further education at Albany College of Pharmacy and Albany Medical College, and a student with a degree in chemistry completing his Ph.D. at Penn State.

Fraulin Joseph, one of those recent CSTEP grads, currently works as a research assistant for Dr. Thomas Begley at UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. He plans to attend Columbia University in the fall to work toward a Ph.D. in genetics. Joseph took advantage of every benefit CSTEP had to offer. He was both a student and a tutor, giving back to the CSTEP community, and spoke fondly of his experience.

“CSTEP played a very active role in my education and preparing me for the future,” said Joseph. “I am very grateful to have been a part of this program.”

The event will be held Saturday, April 21 at the UAlbany Campus Center Assembly Hall. The agenda includes:

• Alumni professional panel from 12-1 p.m.
• Lunch – 1-1:45 p.m.
• Keynote address - Deborah Nazon, Ph.D.
• Awards Ceremony

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