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The Western Illinois University School of Engineering and Technology Scholars Caleb Brown, Isaiah Joiner, Seamus O’Donnell and Kenzie Alexander recently attended the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS S-STEM) conference in San Diego, CA.
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WIU ICREST Scholars Attend AAAS S-STEM Conference in San Diego

October 29, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University School of Engineering and Technology Scholars Caleb Brown, Isaiah Joiner, Seamus O'Donnell 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.

"It helped me to see that career paths aren't always straight and it's okay to take time to figure things out," Brown said. "The speakers were honest about their challenges and really encouraged us to take advantage of scholarships and programs to help us reach our goals."

Joiner appreciated the session held by the conference, "Turning Cultural Wealth into STEM Success." It emphasized the importance of personal backgrounds and cultural experiences in professional growth.

"It reminded me that being successful in STEM isn't 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," Joiner said.

O'Donnell highlighted sessions on creating e-portfolios, developing a professional LinkedIn profile and delivering effective STEM presentations.

"I learned how to showcase my technical project work and the lessons I've learned in engineering," O'Donnell said.

O'Donnell also enjoyed speaking with other representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and other industries about future career and internship opportunities.

Alexander found Elliot's session, "Study Better in Less Time, Using Strategies from Cognitive Research," especially impactful.

"She used chemistry problems to illustrate effective study techniques and encouraged us to ask ourselves deeper questions while learning," Alexander said. "I learned the concept of dual coding, something I had never heard of before but will now use." 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 "absolutely thrilling."

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 (k-cruse@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing