To meet critical workforce needs in science, technology, and innovation, the University of Utah’s Professional Science Masters (PSM) program combines advanced STEM coursework with essential business skills. On April 15th, 2025, PSM hosted their inaugural “Innovation in Action Summit,” an event focused on connecting student researchers with industry professionals. The event was co-sponsored by Next Era Energy, the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy, the U’s Graduate School, and the Southwest Sustainability and Innovation Engine (SWSIE).

“This event is grounded in those shared goals that bring us all together…preparing students not just to graduate but to thrive in the real world,” Meghan Dovick, director of the U’s PSM program, said in her opening remarks. “We want to make education more connected to innovation, turning meaningful work into real impact. And we know that collaboration between academia and industry isn’t optional; it’s essential. So, today’s all about leaning into that shared goal.”

Throughout the day, summit participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions and networking opportunities. These included industry spotlights, panels on career development, the future of STEM innovation and finding jobs after graduation, and a roundtable discussion that paired students and industry professionals to answer prompts about successful collaboration.

“[The PSM program] isn’t just a degree. It’s a model for how academia and industry can plug into each other in real, practical ways,” added Dovick, who also serves as the career technical lead for SWSIE and president of the National Professional STEM Master’s Association, the leading organization supporting workforce-aligned STEM graduate programs nationwide.

PSM programs originated in the late 1990s in response to industry leaders who called for scientists that not only had technical know-how, but also the soft skills required to contribute to industry teamwork. Since 2002, the U’s PSM has provided a career-oriented approach for students seeking to build STEM and professional skills in the fields of biotechnology, computational and data science, earth resource management, and environmental science. The program’s alumni base of nearly 300 graduates have found careers in a variety of STEM sectors.

For PSM students like Francine Mullen, the summit provided a space to garner advice from industry professionals as she thinks about her future after graduation.

“I feel like almost every single person talked about the importance of relationships and personal skills… and that those skills are often weighted higher than technical skills. How to showcase those skills, whether it’s in a resume or an interview, seems to be important,” she said. Mullen, whose capstone focuses on water management policy in the Southwest region, is applying her knowledge in real-time through a nonprofit position she holds alongside her studies. “I got some really good [career] advice today…that I’m excited to think about more.”

Industry professionals made important connections at the summit, too. Representatives from NextEra Energy, BioHive, and the Salt Lake City Department of Sustainability were among the organizations at the event. During the Industry Spotlight session, 8 industry leaders, including a PSM alumnus, gave lightning talks aimed to spark ideas and connections among professional sectors and student research. The representatives presented their work and shared opportunities for student collaboration and employment post-graduation.

“Our fast-growing life science ecosystem in Utah needs talented scientists and engineers to help make the world a healthier place,” said Andy Robertson, managing director at Biohive, a life sciences and healthcare innovation hub based in Utah. “It’s equally clear the University of Utah’s Professional Science Masters program and BioHive University Student Chapters are well-positioned to deliver highly educated, future innovators and leaders to our ecosystem.”

“One of the most exciting moments for me was having industry and community members come up during the event asking which students they could talk to about potential jobs and internships. It was clear they saw real talent and our students were equally eager to connect,” Dovick said. “That kind of mutual interest is exactly what the PSM program is designed to cultivate.”

The summit concluded with a poster session, allowing students to discuss their research with other scientists and industry professionals. All 23 featured projects received funding from the summit’s co-sponsor, SWSIE, an NSF-funded innovation engine which aims to advance transformative technologies that create economic opportunities while addressing regional challenges in air, water and energy systems in the American Southwest.

“Seeing the culmination of the excellent research done by the graduate students was a privilege,” said Bryce Nelson, SWSIE’s s project manager at the U. “Our SWSIE grant team is really proud to have been able to fund so many trainees. These are the people we’re entrusting to solve our most pressing issues, and it makes me optimistic.”

A first of its kind in the region, the engine’s goal of regional co-production and workforce development within sustainability sectors aligns with PSM’s STEM-oriented mission to build leaders within fields of environmental science and resource management.

“The summit truly captured what the Professional Science Master’s program is all about, bridging advanced STEM education with real-world application,” Dovick said. “Watching our students confidently present their work and connect directly with industry partners was incredibly rewarding. These are the kinds of experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers and help strengthen Utah’s STEM workforce.”

• Lisa Potter Research communications specialist, University of Utah Communications
  949-533-7899 lisa.potter@utah.edu