Empower 2023

Catalysts For Change

This year speakers were invited to speak on how to best use our passion and expertise in science to build trust across differences, better communicate, and ultimately be the catalysts for change we want to see today.

Keynote Speaker

K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.- NASA Engineer/Activist

Dr. K. Renee Horton currently serves as the Space Launch System (SLS) Quality Engineer in the NASA Residential Management Office at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans.In 2016, Renee was elected President of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) as the second woman to hold the office. She has served the physics community abroad as a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Women in Physics Working Group and currently serves on several advisory boards dedicated to a more diverse inclusion in physics. In 2017, she was elevated to a Fellow in the NSBP, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a member

Other Speakers

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Session Speaker

Kristy Drutman “BrownGirl Green”

Prominent environmental activist and science communicator.

https://www.browngirlgreen.com/

Session Speaker

Dr. Hollie Kulago

Diné Assistant Professor of Education at Penn State University who is working to center Indigenous knowledge in the Western curriculum.

Workshop/Wellness

Tierra Williams

Local activist, educator, and advocate for justice for people of color in State College.

Breakout Session Speaker

Dr. Gina Noh

Noh investigates materials that can aid in the removal of pollutants from soil and water and developing catalysts for improving the sustainability of chemical processes.

Breakout Session Speaker

Dr. Theodora Dryer

Historian and policy analyst who is researching ways in which technology can aid in climate solutions.