Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering

Future Academics & Mentorship Excellence (FAME) Program

The Future Academics & Mentorship Excellence (FAME) program is designed to prepare future faculty and provide valuable mentorship that guides the future academics. Supported by the Advancing Faculty Diversity program by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), this program will provide resources for PhD candidates and Postdocs who are considering faculty positions in engineering.

Towards this goal, this project will hold a two-day Future Faculty Workshop at the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) at UCR on April 10-11, 2025. On the first day, participants will receive training on the academic job market and faculty life, including details about the search process, defining a research agenda, funding, and creating a strong application package. On the second day, each participant will gain experience through a mock interview which includes delivering a department seminar, meeting with the department chair, the Dean, and faculty members.

Interested applicants should submit their application by the application deadline indicated below. Following a selection process, the selected participants will be invited to attend the workshop and will receive the FAME Award which provides full funding to attend the workshop. The award will cover the airfare, lodging, transportation and other related costs. Selection will be based on academic excellence and fit of the future career to the project goals. The selection process will not give preferential treatment based on gender identification, race, or ethnicity, in adherence to California Proposition 209.

This year, the theme of the workshop is “Human-Centric Engineering” and we are interested in applicants working or planning to work under this theme. However, the workshop will be open to all and will welcome applications from relevant fields in engineering. Examples of areas covered by this theme include but are not limited to:

• Bioengineering: neuroengineering and rehabilitation engineering
• Mechanical Engineering: medical robotics and health
• Chemical and Environmental Engineering: air quality, climate, and biotechnology
• Computer Science: artificial intelligence for social good and responsible AI
• Electrical Engineering: privacy and health informatics

Participants will all be invited to apply to relevant openings next year in BCOE. They will also be considered for additional mentorship and support programs including a formal mentorship and writing support programs which will be detailed later.
 

Important Dates:

Application deadline: March 3rd, 2025
Notification date: March 10th, 2025
Workshop date: April 10-11, 2025

Additional Resources:

Application Link
Faculty Resources