Events
Spring 2026
Inclusive Pedagogy for CAs and TFs Spring
January 20 | 12 - 1:15 PM ET | Pierce 213
This workshop introduces Course Assistants and Teaching Fellows to inclusive teaching as a practice of designing and facilitating learning experiences that are flexible, transparent, and responsive to students’ needs. Through real classroom scenarios and guided discussion, participants will explore strategies for creating welcoming and engaging classroom environments—whether in sections, labs, or office hours—and will reflect on how their teaching choices can support the full participation and success of every student. Upon completion of the workshop, students will receive certification for 18 months.
Professional Certification in the Fundamentals of Neurodivergence
January 21 | Online Certification
This program invites SEAS community members to deepen their understanding of neurodivergence through a strengths-based, evidence-informed certification course offered by Florida State University. Participants will explore factors affecting neurodivergent individuals' well-being and gain practical strategies to support inclusion and accessibility in academic and professional settings. This opportunity is ideal for anyone involved in teaching, advising, supervising, mentoring, or supporting students, staff, or researchers across the SEAS community.
Dean’s Dialogue: Reimagining AI Alignment
February 5 | 3:30 - 5 PM ET | LL2.221
This year’s Dean’s Dialogue will explore the challenge of aligning artificial intelligence systems with human values, examining how tensions between safety, personalization, and pluralism shape the future of AI design. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into society, alignment strategies must grapple with whose values to reflect and how and when to allow for pluralism or personalization. By presenting differing viewpoints, the discussion will surface the technical, ethical, and societal stakes of AI alignment, and help our community better understand the complexity of designing AI that is both safe and inclusive.
PhD Open House CommUNITY Reception
March 5 | 6 - 7:30 PM
In partnership with admissions, OBEC will host newly admitted graduate students for our annual CommUNITY dinner. The newly admitted students are able to connect with other admits and current students to gain insight into the PhD experience at SEAS.
International Women's Day Celebration
March 8 | Virtual
In partnership with communications, OBEC will highlight existing news profiles on women who are international students and alumnae doing important work overseas.
BRIDGE Week
April 6-10
BRIDGE Week—Building Relationships, Increasing Dialogue, and Growing Engineers—is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of an inclusive community in STEM. Organized in collaboration with student organizations, the week features events that honor contributions to engineering, facilitate community connections, and inspire future generations. Learn more about this year's events here.
Inclusive Pedagogy for CAs and TFs
August 26 | 12 PM ET | In-person
This workshop introduces Course Assistants (CAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs) to inclusive teaching as a practice of designing and facilitating learning experiences that are flexible, transparent, and responsive to students’ needs. Through real classroom scenarios and guided discussion, participants will explore strategies for creating welcoming and engaging classroom environments—whether in sections, labs, or office hours—and will reflect on how their teaching choices can support the full participation and success of every student. Upon completion of the workshop, students will receive certification for 18 months.
Crafting a Welcoming Scientific Community at SEAS: MA and PhD Orientation Workshop
August 28 | 1 PM ET | In-person
Crafting an Inclusive Scientific Community at SEAS is a dynamic orientation session designed to welcome new Master’s and PhD students into the values, opportunities, and community culture of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Through interactive discussions and reflection, students explore what it means to belong, collaborate, and lead in a diverse, globally connected academic environment. The session introduces SEAS’s community learning goals for the year—including neurodiversity, pluralism, and multinational engagement—and connects students with people, programs, and resources that support their growth. Framed by SEAS’s 2025–2030 strategy for greater belonging, inclusion, and impact, this session encourages each student to contribute to a thriving, inclusive, and innovative scientific community.
Applying to STEM PhD Programs 101
October 8 | 5:30 PM ET | Zoom
This Zoom-based workshop is designed for students interested in applying to PhD Programs in STEM fields. Over a 60-minute live session, we’ll demystify the application process by walking participants through key components such as, transcripts, research-focused CVs, statements of purpose, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with tools to personalize their application journey and craft a compelling engineering graduate application.
Neurodivergent in STEM Panel
November 5 | 12 PM ET | Zoom
Join us for a panel discussion featuring members of the Harvard community who are a neurodiverse group of professionals in STEM fields. Panelists will share how their neurodivergent identities have shaped their career paths and enhanced their problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork across various sectors.
Engineering Graduate Application Essays
November 12 | 1:30 PM ET | Zoom
Join this Zoom workshop to learn how to craft the two key essays required for PhD applications in STEM Fields. Suzanne Smith will cover how to write a focused statement of purpose that communicates your research goals, technical strengths, and program fit. Students will leave with structured outlines, storytelling techniques, and strategies to draft authentic, compelling essays tailored to programs of interest.