Allentown, Pennsylvania – September 17, 2026 -- Women in Science Demonstrating Outstanding Merits (WISDOM) will convene its third annual Connecting Our Talents: Women in STEM event on Oct. 8, 2026, at Lehigh University's Iacocca Conference Center, running from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Event pairs Lehigh Valley students with industry professionals to address AI's growing role in STEM careers
The gathering will bring together college students from across the Lehigh Valley with STEM industry professionals for networking and project showcases. A new format element this year requires each student presenter to spend one minute explaining how they incorporated artificial intelligence into their work, or explaining why they did not.
WISDOM Executive Director frames AI as a tool that must not replace human connection
"AI is a powerful tool that can help us work more efficiently, think creatively, and approach challenges in new ways," said Dr. Dirk Frese, Executive Director of WISDOM. He added that the human element and shared ideas remain the primary drivers of innovation even as AI adoption grows.
Engineer and executive coach Dr. Petra Frese to deliver keynote mid-program
The agenda includes staggered student presentations throughout the six-hour window, with a keynote address from Dr. Petra Frese, an engineer, scientist, and executive coach, scheduled for the middle of the program. Registrants may attend the full event or a portion of it.
Corporate sponsors underwrite 2026 program across founder, ambassador, and champion tiers
The event is funded through WISDOM's sponsor network, led by founder JULABO USA. WISDOM Ambassadors B. Braun Medical and iTEC, along with WISDOM Champion Gross McGinley, provide additional backing, while Eleven Cents Digital, Peak Mind Academy, and RobotLAB serve as in-kind advocates.
Registration for the event closes Sept. 18, 2026.