The DEPS Education Workshop is a cornerstone event at the Annual Directed Energy Science and Technology Symposium, offering students a welcoming space to share their research and grow professionally. Held as a dedicated (typically one day) program, it encourages recipients of DEPS research grants—as well as other emerging scholars—to present their work in a supportive setting. Designed as a low stress, confidence building experience, the workshop helps students strengthen their briefing skills while connecting with the broader directed energy community.
NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DE PROFESSIONALS
Each year, the DEPS Education Workshop advances our commitment to the next generation of directed energy professionals. The program features oral presentations from DEPS research grant recipients alongside contributions from other undergraduate and graduate students, providing a representative sampling of the innovative work underway across the field. The scope of the DE Education Workshop includes:
- Graduate and post graduate studies, along with technical vocational training
- Oral presentations from DEPS Research Grant recipients
- Professional continuing education
- Student motivators, including insights from prior grant recipients and fellowship opportunities
- Curriculum development
- An exclusive Early Career Professional Mentor Reception
Together, these elements provide a clear and supportive pathway for emerging professionals—offering valuable exposure to current research, opportunities to engage with mentors, and a strong foundation for continued growth within the directed energy community.
EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONAL MENTOR RECEPTION
As an early career professional or student, a new field can often feel overwhelming. Serving as a valuable springboard, the Mentor Reception was created to give attendees a chance to connect with some of the directed energy community’s most respected leaders. More than a meet and greet, it provides a structured yet relaxed setting where participants can engage in genuine conversations about career development, research interests, and pathways into the field. Whether they are exploring job prospects, seeking guidance on professional growth, or simply hoping to understand the range of opportunities within directed energy, the event offers direct access to mentors who are eager to share insight and experience. For many students and ECPs, this reception expands their knowledge base, strengthens communication skills, and helps them build a network of connections that can support their future in the DE community.