Our community here in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington (UW) is proud to offer this seminar series to recent doctoral graduates as a contribution to our profession and give speakers the chance to experience a simulated day-long departmental visit and interview.

Since 2011, DYSS has afforded 95 speakers the opportunity to meet and share their research with UW faculty and graduate students in preparation for their future job search. Of the selected applicants, approximately 75% have remained in academia, with half of the participants in the inaugural year being promoted to the level of Associate Professor (figure left). Recent doctoral speakers have also found success outside of academia, with 18% having gone on to work in industry and 7% to work in national labs and research non-profits. Past participants continue to receive major honors in their field including the NSF Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER), and recognition as Forbes “30 under 30” honorees.

DYSS is also notable for its involvement of UW Chemical Engineering graduate students who are the main organizers of the series. This not only gives our students the chance to meet some of the rising stars in their field, but also participate in a panel-style evaluation which is common to many funding decision processes.

At the core of our commitment to continually improving this seminar series is the cultivation of a diverse selection of speakers. While we have made significant progress in our diversity, equity, and inclusion endeavors, our aim remains to eliminate remaining barriers to access and representation.

Read more about our goals, challenges, and successes in A Decade With DYSS.