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Research Professions Advisory Committee (ResPAC)

Serving students in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Physics, Math and Computer Science who have an interest in pursuing a career in scientific research

What is ResPAC?


ResPAC was founded at Westminster College in 2009 to serve the needs of biology students who have an interest in a career in scientific research. It was modeled on the already established, MedPAC committee (which serves students with an interest in healthcare professions). ResPAC was started in response to an increased student interest in post graduate research and their requests for career guidance. Since 2009, ResPAC membership has expanded and now includes students from Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Math and Computer Science. The committee is a faculty-run committee comprised of representatives from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Math and Computer Science. The ResPAC committee organizes regular workshops which provide students with information about career and internship opportunities, help them to find and apply for appropriate graduate programs and help them prepare for standardized tests. The committee also maintains an e-mail mailing list through which students receive regular updates about new opportunities and programs. In addition, we offer students some personal services such as mock interviews and resume advice.

 

What Noel Galuschik  (class of 2012) had to say about ResPAC

"Thank you so much for everything that you [the ResPAC rep's] have done for ResPAC, I've attended most of the sessions since it was created and they have been beneficial to me. I firmly believe I wouldn't be attending grad' school in the fall without the help that you have provided".

 

What Casey Schmidt (class of 2012) had to say about ResPAC

"The opportunity to work closely with a Westminster faculty member for my honors research opened several doors for me, including a competitive internship at the University of Pittsburgh and admittance to a top-notch graduate program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of the Westminster research community"

 

ResPAC started in the Department of Biology, but has since grown and now includes Chemistry, and Math and Computer Science. If your department would like to participate in ResPAC activities, or if you think ResPAC may be useful to your students, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Contact


Information regarding ResPAC can be obtained from The Department of Biology:

214 Hoyt Science Center

Westminster College

For more information specific the Chemistry students, take a look at Westminster College's Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society