Course Title: Conference Trip 

Course Number: 50:334:100 

Credits: 3 

Semester: Fall 2025 

Instructor: Dr. Kwangwon Lee 

Contact: kwangwon.lee@rutgers.edu

1. Course Description

This 3-credit experiential learning course provides undergraduate researchers the opportunity to present their work at a national conference—NDiSTEM 2025 (October 30–November 1, Columbus, Ohio). Through pre-conference preparation, participation in workshops, and professional networking, students will gain valuable exposure to the broader STEM community. The course integrates academic research with professional practice, enabling students to reflect on their development as scientists, communicators, and community members.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Apply academic research skills in a real-world, professional setting by presenting original research at a national conference.
Engage in career-focused, interdisciplinary workshops that enhance leadership, communication, and graduate/career planning.
Build networks with professionals and peers to expand understanding of STEM career pathways.
Reflect critically on the experiential learning process, identifying how the experience informs personal, academic, and career development.

3. Course Structure

Pre-Conference Preparation (Spring/Summer/Fall 2025)
Students will identify and refine key concepts from their academic research experience to effectively communicate with a non-specialist audience, practicing skills in scientific writing, visual design, and oral presentation.

Research abstract development and submission (due July 11)
Poster design and revision
Mock presentations and feedback sessions
Scientific communication and conference etiquette workshop

Conference Participation (October 30 – November 1, 2025)

Research poster presentation at NDiSTEM
Attendance at 3+ professional development workshops
Participation in networking events and mentoring circles

Post-Conference Reflection (November 2025)

Submission of reflective essays
Optional testimonial for E3-STEM media

4. Eligibility

Must be an undergraduate actively engaged in research under STEM faculty mentorship
Must be approved by the faculty research mentor to present at a national conference
Must be available to travel and participate in NDiSTEM
Must identify free elective credits to count this course toward their degree

5. General Education Requirement (this is tentative for now)

This course satisfies the Experiential Learning (XPL) General Education requirement by engaging students in structured, supervised, and purposeful learning through research presentation and professional development at a national STEM conference. The course includes guided preparation, real-world practice, and critical post-experience reflection.

6. Assignments and Evaluation

This is a Pass/Fail course. To receive a Pass, students must earn a minimum of 70% overall and complete all required components. Partial completion of any section will result in a Fail.

A. Pre-Conference Milestones (30%)

Component	Criteria	Points
Abstract Submission	Abstract is submitted by the deadline, meets formatting and scientific standards, and is approved by faculty mentor	10%
Poster Draft	Poster includes background, methods, results, and conclusions. Submitted on time with appropriate design, formatting, and citation of sources	10%
Oral Practice Presentation	Delivered during mock session; includes clear oral explanation, use of visuals, time management, and response to peer/instructor feedback	10%

Failure to meet any submission deadline without documented reason will result in loss of full credit for that item.

B. Conference Participation (50%)

Component	Criteria	Points
Research Poster Presentation	Clear, professional delivery of research with ability to engage audience and answer questions. Active presence at poster during designated time	25%
Workshop Attendance	Attend a minimum of three approved workshops; submit proof of attendance (e.g. certificate, photos, notes). Must demonstrate relevance to career/academic development	15%
Professional Engagement	Demonstrated effort to network with mentors, faculty, or peers. Includes participation in mentoring sessions or meetups (short summary required)	10%

Non-participation in any of the three components will automatically result in a Fail grade.

C. Post-Conference Reflection (20%)

Component

Criteria

Points

Reflective Essay:

Minimum 1 page
Single line space
1-inch margin
Arial 11
No headings

Well-written, thoughtful, and structured. Includes (1) summary of experience, (2) what was learned, (3) how it shaped future goals, and (4) advice to future students, (5) connection between prior academic coursework and the conference experience; (6) how the experience will inform future academic or professional decisions.

15%

Professional Reflection Summary:

Minimum half page

Summarizes specific workshops or mentoring interactions. Clearly connects takeaways to student's personal academic and career path

5%

Late submissions: Reflective essay or summary submitted past the deadline will incur a 5% deduction per day, up to 3 days. After that, the assignment receives a 0.

Optional Bonus: Testimonial Submission: +2% A 1-paragraph testimonial suitable for E3-STEM website or social media. Must be professional and appropriate for public sharing.

7. Key Deadlines

May 18, 2025: Faculty mentor email confirmation due
July 11, 2025: Abstract submission deadline for NDiSTEM
Pre-conference meetings: TBD
October 30–November 1, 2025: Conference dates
November 7, 2025: Reflective essay due

8. Travel and Funding

All traveling agenda will be arranged by the E3-STEM staff.

9. Communication

All official communication for this course will be conducted via the Slack #conference-trip-2025.

E3-Stem (CCAS-E3)

E3-STEM