Norma Slepecky Prize Award Ceremony and Memorial Lecture

Presented by Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), the 2024 Slepecky Memorial Lecture features Sharon Walker, dean of the College of Engineering at Drexel University. Walker will speak about engineering education and leadership.  

Both the singular process of metamorphosis and the cyclical life pattern it represents serve as apt analogies to our work in academia and the evolution of STEM education. Drawing on initiatives at Drexel, this lecture will include reflections on the evolution underway in engineering education as well as in new approaches for cultivating STEM talent for the full student life cycle, from recruitment and enrollment to retention and graduation. It will also propose calls to action for building inclusive, innovative cultures; strengthening professional development and opportunities for leadership advancement through unique programs like Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Sciences (ELATES) at Drexel; and, importantly, collaborating with industry to develop innovative solutions to metamorphose the technical workforce.