EDGE Program hosted at Purdue
06-02-2016
The Enhancing Diversity Through Graduate Education (EDGE) Program was hosted at Purdue University this summer from June 6 until July 2.
EDGE is designed to strengthen its participants abilities to successfully complete their graduate studies in the mathematical sciences, thereby contributing to the development of a diverse mathematical community. This year the program was attended by a diverse group of 14 women -- all of whom are engaged in doctorial studies at various institutions this fall.
Dr. Edray Goins (Purdue) and Dr. Alejandra Alvarado (Eastern Illinois University) served as local co-directors this summer. The program is hosted each year at various colleges throughout the country.
The Summer 2016 session was the first time in its over 20 year history the EDGE summer program been hosted at Purdue. However, Purdue has a long history with the program and has had several graduate students and postdoctorial researchers go through the program including Dr. Alejandra Alvarado (EDGE 2002) who was a postdoctorial researcher; Dr. Sarah Bryant (EDGE 2002, EDGE Foundation Director) and Dr. Christine Berkesch Zamaere (EDGE 2004) who received their PhDs from Purdue in mathematics; and April Harry (EDGE 2010) and Kara Keller (EDGE 2013) who are currently persuing their PhDs in in statistics. Dr. Donatella Danielli, professor of mathematics, is the Indiana EDGE Cluster Leader
Past summer session have been held at Bryn Mawr College, Spelman College, Pomona College, Florida A&M University, Harvey Mudd College, New College of Florida, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina State University. The program is administered by Morehouse and Pomona Colleges by co-directors Dr. Ulrica Wilson of Morehouse College and Dr. Ami Radunskaya of Pomona College.
Through programing by faculty facilitators, peer mentorship and networking opportunities this program seeks to give these young scientists the edge they need to complete their programs.