DEPARTMENTAL GROUPS

NATURE-SOCIETY WORKING GROUP

Students in the department researching nature-society/human-environment geography can join this working group that meets weekly. During this time, the group workshops proposals, papers, and other pieces of writing, sharing tips and resources along the way. This is a great opportunity for incoming students to learn the ropes of applying for grants and get experience giving and receiving feedback from peers.

Supporting Women in Geography (SWIG)

SWIG is a departmental organization with the mission to support women in Geography and STEM fields more generally. SWIG organizes grad lunches with female speakers in the department and facilitates other professional development opportunities. SWIG also conducts outreach to young women in area schools to expose women to Geography and encourage them to pursue higher education in STEM fields. Grads can serve as officers or be members of this organization and help organize and carry out activities.

physical geography journal club

Upon interest, physical geographers in the department will meet for a journal club to discuss recent and significant literature in their fields, as well as any research of interest. Aspects of academic reading and writing are also discussed.

Campus groups

WE ARE FOR SCIENCE

We Are For Science is composed of members from across the Penn State and Centre County communities that advocate for change, action, and inclusion within science.Together, WAFS formed a coalition of allied organizations that support the accurate representation of science in policy, education and society, while promoting the success of a diverse generation of scientists. WAFS is comprised of three primary working groups that focus on: Security, safety and promoting inclusion of a diverse community, science communication to the general public (K-12 and the voting public), and science advocacy and policy. To get involved, see the We Are For Science sites page.

graduate women in science (GWIS)

GWIS is an interdisciplinary national society of women and men who support equal opportunities for all in science. Their mission is to “build a global community to inspire, support, recognize, and empower women in science.” The Penn State Chapter runs outreach events (typically for young women from local schools and Girl Scout Troops), professional development programs, social events, an an annual conference called “VOICES” at Penn State. The group meets monthly and provides a number of networking opportunities. See their website and Facebook group for more information.