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Next Generation Speaker Series Features STEM Panel

UW alumni who are local experts in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields took time to share advice and encouragement with UW students during the latest Next Generation Speaker Series Panel held Jan. 25, at Paccar Hall.

 
Carlos Herrera, Eddie Rhone, Jr., and Dr. Michelle Terry came back to campus to take part in the panel discussion. In its second year, the Next Generation Speaker Series allows current students to meet with UW alumni and friends who are experts in their respective professions. The panel was hosted by the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity and several campus partners including the Michael G. Foster School of Business, Ethnic Cultural Center/Theatre, Health Sciences Center Minority Students Program, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), and TRiO Student Support Services.

Herrera, Rhone, Jr. and Dr. Terry spoke about why they thought it was important to pursue a degree in a STEM field, what gave them the confidence to persist towards their degree and career goals, and what was most instrumental in getting them to this point in their careers. Students had the opportunity to ask several questions as well. Vice President for Minority Affairs and Vice Provost for Diversity Sheila Edwards Lange served as the moderator for the panel discussion.

Herrera is the founder and principal engineer at Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc., in Seattle. His work specializes in water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment; solid and hazardous waste management; drainage systems design; and environmental assessments. He earned both bachelor’s and master's degrees in civil engineering from UW.

Rhone, Jr., is an associate with Lake Partners Strategy Consultants, Inc., in Seattle. He worked for a few years as an analyst in a UW research laboratory before moving into a consulting career. Rhone, Jr., earned bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial engineering from UW.

Dr. Terry is a physician with Seattle Children’s Hospital and is a clinical associate professor with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include general inpatient pediatric medicine, medical education, and advocacy. She received her MD from Baylor College of Medicine and trained in pediatrics at the UW and Seattle Children's residency program.

View photos from the event here.