First Generation Students: Navigating the Unfamiliar Path of Academia

First-generation engineering students face unique challenges as they navigate unfamiliar academic environments while balancing personal, financial, and social pressures. One of the most significant obstacles they encounter is learning to navigate complex and unfamiliar systems.

Join us for our annual First-Generation College Student Celebration as we honor and uplift our First-Generation students, faculty, and staff. The celebration will feature a panel of first-generation faculty and staff from Swanson School of Engineering.

During the event, panelists will share their experiences as first-generation students, reflecting on what it meant to navigate and overcome personal challenges and barriers throughout their academic journeys.

Questions, contact Sussan Olaore at agepadm@pitt.edu

Moderator: Chery Paul Senior Director for Advocacy and Well-Being

Panelists: 

• Michele Manuel, PhD U. S. Steel Dean SSoE
• Gena Kovalcik Co-Director, MCSI
• Paul Ohodnicki, PhD Associate Professor, MEMS
• Fang Peng, PhD RK Mellon Endowed Chair Professor, ECE

RSVP at http://pi.tt/firstgen111025