UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The second annual SeED (Science Equity and Diversity) Conference, “Voices That Shape STEM,” to be held from March 30 through April 3 at Penn State University Park, will highlight the power of inclusive communication to strengthen belonging, elevate diverse voices and expand pathways in STEM.
Through sessions on difficult conversations, professional empowerment, identity and belonging, participants will explore how dialogue fosters discovery and how advocacy drives impact.
A highlight of the conference will be the April 2 keynote, “Embracing Identity: Why We Can’t ‘Stick to the Science,’” presented by award-winning journalist Maddie Sofia, who specializes in science communication and will share inclusive strategies for connecting science with diverse audiences and building public trust. The keynote is sponsored by the Johnson Lectureship in Scientific Communication and will be proceeded by a workshop on inclusive communication.
All Penn Staters are invited to join in amplifying the voices that shape our community — from dialogue to discovery, advocacy to impact.
Session highlights
Throughout the conference, sessions will explore the many dimensions of inclusive communication — from science communication and professional self-advocacy to navigating difficult conversations, building networks, and elevating the stories of women and other historically underrepresented voices in STEM. Together, these experiences highlight how dialogue fosters discovery, how advocacy expands opportunity, and how storytelling affirms belonging.
By amplifying diverse perspectives and equipping the Penn State community with tools for meaningful engagement, the SeED Conference aims to advance a shared vision: a STEM ecosystem where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to shape the scientific enterprise and the communities it serves.
“Pathways, Well-Being, and Professional Power in STEM”
On March 30, “Pathways, Well-Being, and Professional Power in STEM” will kick off the conference with a student-centered experience designed to support both undergraduate and graduate scientists with community, insight, and practical strategies for success. Through concurrent sessions, undergraduates will explore diverse career pathways with faculty, graduate student, and alumni panelists, while graduate students will build skills in negotiation and self-advocacy. The sessions will culminate in a joint networking experience to connect students across career stages and disciplines.
“Her STEM Story: A Women in Science Gallery”
On March 31, conference attendees are invited to celebrate Women’s History Month at “Her STEM Story: A Women in Science Gallery,” a community event showcasing handmade posters created by undergraduate students honoring women scientists and engineers from around the world. This visual celebration will highlight diverse contributions across disciplines and provide opportunities for attendees to reflect on the impact of representation in STEM while joining in an afternoon of inspiration, conversation, and community, recognizing the stories that continue to shape science.
Conference agenda and registration
View the full SeED Conference agenda, and register to attend, on 25Live.
About the Johnson Lectureship
The A. Dixon and Betty F. Johnson Lectureship in Scientific Communication supports an annual lecture in scientific communication in the Eberly College of Science. The lecture was established in 2005 in memory of A. Dixon Johnson, who worked as a Penn State science writer and public information director for many years.