Frances Velay Fellowship Program The Frances Velay Fellowship Program, with funding from the Panaphil Foundation, supports those who are interested in promoting women in STEM. Participants take place in Drexel’s Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholars Program. This is a ten-week, full-time, faculty-mentored research experience offered in the summer after a student’s freshman year. In addition to engagement in the research program, the Frances Velay Fellows at Drexel engage in additional programming, including a biweekly book club with facilitation, and biweekly luncheons with STEM mentors, including: faculty, graduate students, and local industry professionals. Mentorship luncheons focus on topics such as: criteria for success; time management and planning for the future; and respect and partnerships. Through the program, we provide participants with the structure and time to reflect on their experiences in STEM, help them build identities as research scientists, and introduce them to a variety of individuals who can support and encourage them in their current and future goals, including advanced pursuit of additional STEM degrees. Learn more about our Velay Fellows and their projects: 2020 Velay Fellows 2019 Velay Fellows 2018 Velay Fellows 2017 Velay Fellows 2016 Velay Fellows