Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College welcomed scholarship recipients, educators, industry professionals, and college leadership to the 3rd Annual Excelerate in STEM Summit on March 7, 2025, at the college’s Hospitality & Resort Management Center. The summit, funded by the National Science Foundation, provided an inspiring, conference-style experience designed specifically for Excelerate in STEM Scholars.

The event brought together a wide range of participants including students, grant personnel, and administrators for a day of professional growth and personal development through interactive breakout sessions, an industry panel, and a dynamic keynote presentation by Eric Jeansonne, Chief Meteorologist at WLOX.

“The Excelerate in STEM Summit is a cornerstone of our program,” said Amanda Sharrow, Principal Investigator for the grant. “It gives students a chance to engage with industry professionals, develop meaningful connections, and gain tools to help them thrive—both in their academic paths and future careers. Events like this not only build skills, but they also build confidence.”

During the day, students had the opportunity to hear directly from a panel of professionals working in diverse STEM fields:

• Gloria Giddes, Chemical Process Engineer, The Chemours Company
• Steven Craddock, System Administrator, Noblis MSD
• Brent Sharrow, Senior Software Developer, Shopify
• Avery Beck, Outreach Specialist, Ochsner Health System
• Chris Murray, Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Oracle

Breakout sessions were led by:

• Kelly Devine, Singing River Health System: “Networking Like a Boss”
• Erin Rosetti, Memorial Health System: “Work Hard & Be Nice (to yourself)”

Grant personnel included Amanda Sharrow, Principal Investigator; Dr. Linda Nix, Dr. Brent Sutphin, and Vic Gauthreaux, all Co-Principal Investigators, who worked together to ensure the event’s continued success.

The summit provided a unique opportunity for MGCCC’s STEM scholars to build networks, ask questions, and explore career readiness in a supportive and motivating environment. Students left with not just professional tools, but a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

“By showing students the possibilities within STEM careers, we’re helping shape the future of our local workforce,” Sharrow added. “Our community and economy benefit from graduates who are equipped to solve real-world problems with knowledge, innovation, and heart.”