Academic Year WesMaSS Program


WesMaSS Colloquium

First-year Scholars enroll in the WesMaSS Colloquium (CIS 121 &122), a weekly seminar for which Scholars earn course credit. Through the Colloquium, Scholars...

  • Meet scientists and mathematicians, learning about their academic and career pathways – and their research
  • Tour labs and other campus facilities for an inside look at projects advancing STEM fields right now
  • Participate in learning strategies workshops
  • Engage in facilitated discussion about their college experience
  • Learn about graduate school, professional school, fellowship opportunities, and career paths in science and math fields  

 

Annual Keynote

It is WesMaSS tradition to invite a distinguished guest speaker to share their story and work with Scholars. Our WesMaSS Keynote speaker for 2023 is Dr. Enrique De La Cruz of Yale University. Dr. De La Cruz is a first-generation Cuban-American and received his undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Rutgers University, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology (BCMB) from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He received postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. De La Cruz’s research focuses on the actin cytoskeleton, molecular motor proteins, and nucleotide signaling enzymes. In addition to his research, Dr. De La Cruz is actively involved with various scientific societies, journals, and peer review committees, and participates in outreach activities focused on enhancing the participation, career development, and retention of underrepresented students in the sciences

 

Community Events

WesMaSS is more than an academic program, it is also a community. Throughout the academic year, Scholars gather for events like apple picking trips, game nights, pumpkin carving, and more. 

 

Research Funding

As Scholars progress in their study of science and math, many will pursue research opportunities under the supervision of a faculty mentor. To facilitate substantive engagement in these projects, WesMaSS makes funding available to Scholars to support their participation in the Wesleyan Summer Science Research program. Through research, WesMaSS Scholars gain experience and skills that will not only serve you in your college courses, but will also prepare you for graduate school, medical school, and other pathways beyond Wesleyan.