We are very excited to initiate a new segment within Yale Scientific Magazine dedicated to science and engineering alumni called “YSEA Corner”. The objectives of this segment are to create closer interaction between alumni and current students, and to provide a forum for alumni activities and news.
The Yale Science and Engineering Association (YSEA) is the alumni group representing Yale science and engineering. Founded in 1914 by the graduates of the Sheffield Scientific School, it was initially called the Yale Engineering Association (YEA), and broadened to include the overall science and engineering university body in 1961 when the organization changed to its current name.
Yale science and engineering alumni form a very diverse group, with careers ranging from internationally acclaimed academic professors to CEOs of Fortune 500 firms. With over 400 active members residing across the globe, the primary mission of YSEA is “to connect alumni with students, the University and each other to strengthen the Yale science and engineering community”.
YSEA Initiatives
As part of this mission, YSEA is very active in ongoing projects including:
- Providing undergraduate research grants
- Financially supporting Yale student groups including the solar-car project, hover craft, the SAE car and autonomous helicopter
- Recruiting top science and engineering high-school students into Yale College
- Providing YSEA High School Science Fair awards and medals domestically and internationally
- Financially supporting the Yale Scientific Magazine
- Running a summer internship program together with the Yale Placement office
- Presenting annual YSEA distinguished service and achievement awards to prominent Yale alumni
New Initiatives for Yale Students
We are starting this new segment in the magazine to illustrate the wide range of opportunities that a Yale science and engineering education provides. Each edition will showcase interviews with prominent Yale science and engineering alumni in a range of industries and careers, as seen in this issue with Professor Peter Dervan ’72 PhD, a National Medal of Science laureate, winner of the 2007 YSEA award and the first scientist on the Board of Yale Corporation.
We are also initiating a series of networking events that enable current students to meet and network with alumni. We had a successful networking event on campus held in mid-October, and plan to host similar events throughout the year. If you are a current student and interested in networking opportunities, please sign up to the YSEA LinkedIn page, which has over 200 members that are happy to network with you. We will be advertising future activities in these pages as well as on LinkedIn. Separately, if you are an alumnus and would like to become a YSEA member, please visit the YSEA website (www.ysea.org) to join and volunteer.
Ivan J Galea, PhD ‘04
YSEA Executive Board