UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The STEM libraries at Penn State University Park have announced a fall 2026 schedule of events and workshops for graduate students.
Hosted by the STEM librarians, each event is an excellent opportunity for STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — graduate students to explore student support services, deepen their knowledge of information resources, engage with their peers and socialize in library spaces. The full schedule for fall 2026 follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 15
STEM-H Graduate Student Mixer, 5-7 p.m. at Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library (PAMS), 201 Davey Lab
Bring friends, meet other STEM graduate students, enter to win prizes and enjoy free refreshments while connecting with student support services at Penn State. All STEM graduate students are welcome.
- Register at this link for the STEM-H Graduate Student Mixer by 5 p.m. on Sept. 12
Tuesday, Sept. 22
"Controlling the Creature; Prompting with GenAI," Noon-1 p.m., virtual workshop
Part of "Fighting Back the Goosebumps: A GenAI Series for the Curious." Participants will learn the art of prompt engineering: how to craft clear, precise and creative queries to unlock powerful results from generative AI (artificial intelligence).
Tuesday, Oct. 13
"Say the Magic Words: Designing GenAI Instruction Activities That Don’t Come Back to Haunt You," featuring Kevin Hayworth, 3-4 p.m., virtual workshop
Part of "Fighting Back the Goosebumps: A GenAI Series for the Curious." A GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) activity can go one of two ways; It gives students something to think hard about, or it becomes the thing you spend the rest of the term fighting because you haven't set the right posture toward using the tool. We’ll look at what separates an activity that deepens learning from one that quietly guts it, and how a few design choices up front decide which one you get.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Standards Week, Noon-4 p.m. at HUB-Robeson Center
Featuring workshops, expert-led panels and open activities designed for students, faculty and graduate researchers, Standards Week focuses on the importance of international technical and engineering standards in research, daily life, and global sustainability.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Write, Survive, Thrive: Fall Graduate Writing Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dewey Room, Pattee Library
Stop worrying and start writing! This one-day retreat provides graduate students with a community of support that offers loosely structured time to work individually on thesis, dissertations or other writing projects. Accelerate your progress with personalized research and writing support from your librarians. Lunch, coffee and tea will be provided. Open to all Penn State graduate students.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
"Sketching Cryptids: Zines and GenAI," 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Dewey Room, Pattee Library
Part of "Fighting Back the Goosebumps: A GenAI Series for the Curious." Gather in person for this Zine workshop for artists, writers, and any curious souls to discuss and reflect on how genAI is used in creative spaces. Recognize and protect the rights of artists while exploring how genAI can be used in RPG spaces, generate writing prompts and inform current and future artists.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
"Behind the Haunted Mask: Claude AI," 1-2 p.m., virtual workshop
Part of "Fighting Back the Goosebumps: A GenAI Series for the Curious." Even the sharpest scholar needs a trusty tool when digging through the archives of the internet. This session introduces Claude AI as a research partner, exploring how its conversational and citation‑rich tools can support inquiry, writing, and critical thinking. Learn strategies for deploying Claude AI to follow unfamiliar tracks and examine how to handle this unique “cryptid.”
Tuesday, Nov. 17
"AI Music Lab: A Song That Wrote Itself," featuring TLT, 11 a.m.-noon, virtual workshop
Part of "Fighting Back the Goosebumps: A GenAI Series for the Curious." What happens when artificial intelligence gets a taste for music? In this special "Goosebumps" edition of the AI Music Lab, participants will use generative AI to create a mysterious virtual artist, produce a spine-tingling hit single, design haunting album artwork and craft a promotional music video. No musical experience is needed — just curiosity, creativity and the courage to press "play."
Monday, Nov. 17
Intellectual Property Basics with Patents and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), 201 Davey Lab and virtual, 2- 3 p.m.
Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in our world. From the music we listen to and the books we read, to groundbreaking inventions and iconic brand slogans, IP permeates every aspect of our lives. The four main types of IP protection include patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets. For entrepreneurs, protecting IP is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Key steps include identifying IP assets, choosing the appropriate form of protection, conducting thorough searches to avoid infringement, filing necessary applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and implementing security measures for trade secrets. Attendees will learn basic IP differences and how to navigate the complex world of IP protection.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Introduction to Trademark Searching with Patents and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), 201 Davey Lab and virtual, 1-3 p.m.
Have an idea and want to see what your trademark options are? Not sure what a trademark even is? This workshop is a great starting point! Attendees will learn about trademarks and service marks. Learn how to get started with searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Search System. The workshop will conclude with resources and tips on applying for trademarks.
About the Penn State University Libraries
Penn State University Libraries STEM branches include the Fletcher L. Byrom Earth and Mineral Sciences Library (EMS), Engineering Library, Life Sciences Library, and Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library (PAMS).
For more information about Penn State University Libraries STEM branches, contact the individual libraries. For information about the fall 2026 schedule of events for STEM graduate students, including physical access and special accommodations for this event, contact Eyal Ben-Yehuda at efb5663@psu.edu.
Penn State University Libraries is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.