New USU Club Welcomes Queer STEM Students
If you’re an LGBTQ+ student or ally looking for a club to showcase STEM knowledge, oSTEM might be the one for you.
The student organization, oSTEM, which stands for “Out in STEM,” is a club dedicated to providing services and support for LGBTQIA+ students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The club is available to students in the College of Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Natural Resources and the College of Engineering.
The oSTEM student club welcomes all LGBTQ+ students and allies in the STEM field.
In 2022, now Club President Marcus Hayden decided to get the club reinstated after its decline following the COVID-19 virus.
“We wanted a safe place for queer people on campus,” Hayden said. “We also wanted to have professional resources be accessible and valuable for these people, because we are here and we do exist.”
Hayden is a biochemistry student in the College of Science. He is working hard to make sure the members of oSTEM are given professional opportunities to grow as people and to build communities within STEM.
Currently the lab is volunteering for Civilian Air Patrol, where they are creating lesson plans and teaching the young people involved. They have more outreach planned for the future as well.
Education Engineering Professor Marissa Tsugawa is the club’s new faculty advisor, taking over for Professor Ryan Berke. Tsugawa will help with the budget and provide resources for the students in the club.
“I hope to be a role model for these students in academia,” they said. “I really just want to be there for everyone when they need it most.”
The oSTEM organization has over 100 chapters across universities in the United States and seeks to empower members of the queer community to achieve success in a safe and supportive environment celebrating diversity and unique contributions. It is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM.
Anyone in a STEM field or is supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community is encouraged to join. More information can be found at this webpage here.