Requests for Panelists
Conference Panels Overview
The oSTEM team is organizing panels for this year's conference and we are looking for a diverse set of panelists representing a variety of perspectives. We welcome panelists from all members of the LGBTQ+ and/or STEM community. We encourage our students, sponsors, professionals, and all interested in furthering our mission to volunteer.
Submission Milestones
- Friday, May 8, 2026: Request For Panelist Volunteers Released
- Friday, July 17, 2026: Deadline for Submissions
- Sunday, August 9, 2026: Acceptance Notifications
Panel Topics and Descriptions
The panels will feature diverse voices and perspectives on the following themes:
| Panel Title | Panel Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Students Across the Spectrum of Healing | This panel explores the diverse experiences of medical students who bring their full identities into healthcare training. Panelists will discuss navigating medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc... school while holding intersecting identities, challenges within clinical environments, and the importance of representation in patient care. The conversation will highlight how personal identity can shape approaches to healing, empathy, and advocacy in medicine, as well as strategies for building supportive communities within high-pressure academic and clinical spaces. |
| Mentorship and Community in STEM | This panel focuses on how mentorship and peer networks shape success and belonging in STEM fields. Panelists will discuss how to find mentors across disciplines and identities, the value of peer mentorship, and ways to build community when representation is limited. The conversation will also explore how individuals can create their own support systems, pay mentorship forward, and foster inclusive environments that help others thrive academically and professionally. |
| Beyond the Binary: Intersectionality in STEM Spaces | This panel examines how intersecting identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic background, shape experiences in STEM. Panelists will discuss barriers to inclusion, the limitations of one-dimensional diversity efforts, and the importance of recognizing complexity in identity. The conversation will highlight strategies for creating more equitable STEM environments where individuals are not forced to compartmentalize who they are in order to belong or succeed. |
| Leading with Purpose, Advocating with Pride | This panel explores how individuals in STEM can step into leadership roles while staying grounded in advocacy and authenticity. Panelists will discuss building influence within academic, industry, and research spaces, using their voices to drive change, and navigating leadership as members of marginalized communities. The conversation will highlight strategies for effective advocacy, mentorship through leadership, and sustaining purpose while pushing for more inclusive and equitable STEM environments. |
| Queer Experiences in STEM Across the World | This panel highlights the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals working and studying in STEM across different cultural, institutional, and geographic contexts. Panelists will share stories of navigating identity, visibility, and belonging in global STEM spaces, as well as the challenges and progress seen in different regions. The discussion will explore how culture and policy shape lived experiences, while also emphasizing shared themes of resilience, community, and connection across borders. |
Panelist Application Requirements
We're looking for panelists who can share their unique perspectives and experiences. Your application should include:
- Name and contact information
- Brief bio (150 words max)
- Panel preference (indicate which panel(s) you're interested in)
- Relevant experience related to the panel topic
- What perspective you bring to the panel discussion
- Availability for October 22-24, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM
Applications for this conference are closed.
Benefits of Panelists
- 50% registration discount
- Add "Panelist for National Conference" to your resume or CV
- Gain additional public speaking experience
- Increase visibility and networking opportunities with LGBTQ+ professionals and recruiters in STEM
- Present on lived experiences and identities in addition to academic and professional development topics
- Receive presenter acknowledgment in conference program book and on badge
Additional Info
For more information about the conference visit https://conference.ostem.org/
For more information about oSTEM visit http://www.ostem.org/
Note: If you are unable to access the submission form due to technical issues please contact conference-programming@ostem.org prior to sending a document or email submission.
Please email our Conference Programming Committee at conference-programming@ostem.org with any questions about serving as a panelist.
For inquiries regarding available conference accommodations or to request this document in an accessible format, please contact us at access@ostem.org.