Dynamic Research Education Academy for Mentoring Students in STEM (DREAM-STEM)
The DREAM program is a holistic and dynamic mentorship program at Simmons University to mentor students (intended to be STEM majors) to build confidence, formulate STEM identity, and develop successful STEM career pathways. The program is designed to guide students until their graduation.
A holistic and tiered mentorship program funded by NASA
The goal of the DREAM-STEM program is to provide support and guidance throughout our student’s 4-year undergraduate college experience. To achieve this goal, we have partnered with faculty representing various STEM disciplines, Institutes of Inclusive Leadership at Simmons, alumnae/i, a professional coach, and corporate partners. The program will provide one-on-one mentoring as well as group mentoring sessions via several professional development activities.
NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) created this unique funding opportunity for women-centered institutions to address the gender gap in STEM-related fields. As statistics reveal, while women are obtaining a higher percentage of undergraduate degrees than men, only 10% of women's degrees are in STEM. Moreover, female scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are far less represented in the workforce. The NASA award, which totals $5 million allocated to seven different women's colleges and universities across the country, is a milestone for Simmons University.
DREAM Program Activities
Goal-oriented activities are designed to navigate students as early as their first year of college to be more proactive while seeking STEM career opportunities.
Who is eligible for the DREAM-STEM program?
Full-time Simmons students who are STEM majors or interested in being a STEM major. Enrollment in the program is invitation-based. Invitations are sent out every summer to the in-coming freshmen students at Simmons. If you are interested in becoming a DREAM scholar, please reach out to Professor Saha at [email protected].
STEM majors involved in the DREAM program
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Data Science and Analytics
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience and Behavior
- Physics
- Public Health
- Information Technology
- Statistics
Mentors and Partners
Arpita Saha
Associate Professor
Megan McCarty
Associate Professor
Donna Beers
Professor
Jane Lopilato
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology
Meghan Johnston
Associate Teaching Professor
Administrative Assistant
Megan Rahal
MLIS Candidate
Mentoring the Mentors Programs
Janie Ward
Professor Emerita
Michele Houston
Associate Director, Custom Learning Design and Development
Partnership with Simmons Science Collaborative
Rich Gurney
Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department
Partnerships with Professional Coaches
Lara Kallander
Professional Certified Coach
Simmons University Partners
Office of Undergraduate Advising
We partner with faculty advisors, academic departments and other Simmons support staff to encourage academic and personal development of all students.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs) is a paid, mentored summer research and creative scholarship experience for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.
The Career Education Center
The Career Education Center is here to empower all Simmons students and alums with the expertise, skills, and resources to engage in, access, and explore diverse opportunities for their life’s work, integrating their passion with their purpose in meaningful careers.
The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership
The Simmons University Institute of Inclusive Leadership was founded in 2019 and builds on the University’s rich heritage of igniting positive action, fostering everyday leadership, and striving for lasting social justice. The annual Leadership Conference provides a powerful opportunity to be inspired, hear the wisdom of world-class women leaders, build leadership skills, and network with experts from around the globe.
The DREAM Program in the News
Thriving as Future STEM Leaders and Innovators
Fuma Iwakura ’26, MJ Vasquez ’27, and Gina Gawargi ’27 are part of the Dynamic Research Education Academy for Mentoring (DREAM) program, which currently has about 60 student participants. The NASA-funded initiative helps increase the retention of Simmons students in STEM fields.
Chemist and Coach Helps Women in STEM Cultivate Belonging
Beyond her faculty role at Simmons’ Department of Chemistry and Physics, Dr. Lara Kallander supports women in STEM via Thriving Through Adversity Coaching, a small business she founded in 2019.
Simmons Receives Award from NASA to Support Women and Minority STEM Students
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded $5 million to women's colleges and universities to help increase the retention of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.