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The 春雨直播 Illinois University School of Engineering and Technology Scholars Caleb Brown, Isaiah Joiner, Seamus O鈥橠onnell and Kenzie Alexander recently attended the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS S-STEM) conference in San Diego, CA.
WIU ICREST Scholars Attend AAAS S-STEM Conference in San Diego
October 29, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - The 春雨直播 Illinois University School of Engineering and Technology Scholars Caleb Brown, Isaiah Joiner, Seamus O鈥橠onnell and Kenzie Alexander recently attended the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS S-STEM) conference in San Diego, CA.
The Scholars Conference allowed for peers and educators from across the country to explore professional development, networking and career pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event focuses on equipping students with academic success, leadership and career readiness.
Brown attended sessions on building a professional brand through LinkedIn and personal websites as well as effective study strategies.
鈥淚t helped me to see that career paths aren鈥檛 always straight and it鈥檚 okay to take time to figure things out,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭he speakers were honest about their challenges and really encouraged us to take advantage of scholarships and programs to help us reach our goals.鈥�
Joiner appreciated the session held by the conference, 鈥淭urning Cultural Wealth into STEM Success.鈥� It emphasized the importance of personal backgrounds and cultural experiences in professional growth.
鈥淚t reminded me that being successful in STEM isn鈥檛 just about having good grades or technical skills. It showed that your cultural experiences can make you stand out and connect better with others in the STEM field,鈥� Joiner said.
O鈥橠onnell highlighted sessions on creating e-portfolios, developing a professional LinkedIn profile and delivering effective STEM presentations.
鈥淚 learned how to showcase my technical project work and the lessons I鈥檝e learned in engineering,鈥� O鈥橠onnell said.
O鈥橠onnell also enjoyed speaking with other representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and other industries about future career and internship opportunities.
Alexander found Elliot鈥檚 session, 鈥淪tudy Better in Less Time, Using Strategies from Cognitive Research,鈥� especially impactful.
鈥淪he used chemistry problems to illustrate effective study techniques and encouraged us to ask ourselves deeper questions while learning,鈥� Alexander said. 鈥淚 learned the concept of dual coding, something I had never heard of before but will now use.鈥� Alexander also discussed how the conference changed her perspective on graduate school and how she now wants to explore research opportunities herself.
Outside of the conference, the group explored Old Town San Diego and the seaport area, taking in the local history and architecture. Alexander even went paragliding for the first time, calling it 鈥渁bsolutely thrilling.鈥�
For information about the ICREST LLC program, email Professor Dave Hunter at gd-hunter@wiu.edu, or Professor Il-Seop Shin at i-shin@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Keyana Cruse, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
