Wonder, Opportunity, Mentorship, Empowerment and Networking in Science
Join us April 4-5, 2025
The 26th Wonder, Opportunity, Mentorship, Empowerment and Networking in Science Conference will be held on City Campus and the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sponsored by Nebraska EPSCoR, the NebraskaSCIENCE Program of Excellence, and the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education, this two-day event brings high school students from across Nebraska and the Midwest region together to explore interests in science careers. this event is for students who want to interact with career and academic professionals in science, meet current undergraduate science students and other high school students who are interested in science, and discover countless professions as diverse as biologists, geologists, engineers, food scientists, computer scientists, and those in the medical fields.
Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers, Alli Koester and Dr. Marianna Burks, will engage in a "fireside" chat about their respective scientific fields and their journeys as scientists. The conversation will be moderated by Jocelyn Bosley of the UNL Office of Research and Innovation.
Alli Koester
Software Developer
Don't Panic Labs
After a decade in healthcare, Alli made a career change into software development. With a foundation in healthcare, she brings a her own unique lens to tackling software challenges. Her aim? Crafting top-notch software that propels and simplifies our daily experiences. Beyond that, she is dedicated to advocating for women in STEM and driven to empower young girls to embrace STEM professions.
Dr. Marianna Burks
Assistant Professor of Practice
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
I am currently an Assistant Professor of Practice for the School of Biological Sciences and the Science Specialist for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln TRIO Scholars Program. I have been at UNL since 1997, earning both a Bachelor's (B.S.-2000) and a Master’s degree (M.S.-2002), with a specialization in Animal Science. Upon completion of my graduate degree, I conducted research for 11 years in the School of Biological Sciences in behavioral cognition and functioned as the laboratory manager during my term within this research capacity. I obtained my doctorate in Science Education (Ph.D. – 2022) through the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program and was promoted to Assistant Professor of Practice in 2023. I currently teach Human Biology 110 and Life 120, and faculty supervisor to all Bios 110 and Bios 101 Labs for the Biology Department. I have taught for 11 years at UNL. I am the Co-Director of the STEM POWER Research Mentor Program, and my research interests focus on first-generation students, science self-efficacy, and instructional practices that enhance learning outcomes in science education. The best part of my day when teaching is sharing my passion for how biology is an everyday part of life, and mentoring students in their undergraduate research experiences.
Agenda
The 2025 conference will be held in-person at the Embassy Suites on Friday and on UNL City Campus on Saturday. Friday's schedule consists of a tour of East Campus, and then the keynote speaker and a chance to meet with UNL recruiters. Saturday morning will be filled with hands-on activities for students to experience on City Campus, in the conference space in the Willa Cather Dining Complex. After lunch in Cather Dining, students will hear from a panel of undergraduates and attend labs in the Beadle Center.
Friday, April 4
| 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Tour of East Campus |
| 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Registration at Embassy Suites |
| 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. | Department Displays at Embassy Suites |
| 6 p.m.-8 p.m. | Banquet and Keynote Speakers' Address at Embassy Suites |
Saturday, April 5
| 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | Check-in at Willa Cather Dining Complex, City Campus |
| 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | First Round of Workshops at Willa Cather Dining Complex, City Campus |
| 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. | Second Round of Workshops at Willa Cather Dining Complex, City Campus |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Lunch in Willa Cather Dining Complex, City Campus (hosted by conference) |
| 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. | Undergraduate Panel at Willa Cather Dining Complex, City Campus |
| 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | Beadle Center Labs, City Campus |
| 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Evaluation, Beadle Center Auditorium, City Campus |
"I am working on a letter of recommendation for a former graduate of mine to get into the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Dentistry because of this conference. My students that attend seem to pursue higher degrees in education/careers due to having attended this fabulous function."
-Ms. Marie Wadas Arcadia Public School, 7-12 Science Teacher
Registration Open
Registration is open. High school sophomore and junior students who have an interest in exploring a career in science are encouraged to attend. Participants are selected by their teachers based on interest and aptitude. Registration fills quickly, so interested high school teachers or counselors should contact us after registration closes to get on a waiting list at:
UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education
251 Avery Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0131
Students are encouraged to use hashtag NEBwis2025 to share their experiences with us during the conference on social media.
Selected students should know and agree to the following expectations prior to attending: I understand that the focus of this conference is exploring careers in science, and I will give my best effort to interact with the faculty and industry professionals who are volunteering their time to speak with me and to participate in the activities and workshops provided by UNL. For my safety, I will always be with at least one other member of the group and at least one teacher. During my stay at the conference hotel and on UNL property, I will treat my surroundings with the appropriate respect. I accept responsibility for any damage done to the hotel or any UNL property during my stay. I agree to follow the instructions and schedule established by conference activity workers. If at any time the UNL staff deems my behavior unacceptable, my guardians may be notified and I may be asked to leave the conference.