This FREE student-led program will take place August 17-24, 2022, just before the start of New Student Orientation (NSO). It is designed for students from historically under-represented groups in science, math, and health sciences. By participating in this program, students will gain tools to succeed in science and math courses at Lewis & Clark. Participants will meet with current students and faculty, become familiar with campus and Portland, learn about research and career opportunities, go on a field trip in the beautiful outdoors and much more! Space is limited - Apply Now!*review of applications will begin on June 30, 2022
5000
Tryon Creek Hike.
Collecting invertebrate samples.
Prof. Bierzychudek helps students identify samples collected in the field.
Professor Todd Watson introduces students to the neuroscience program at Lewis & Clark.
Students learned about how to prepare for a career in health science.
Professor Watson shows students how to collect EEG data.
Brains!
An off campus scavenger hunt led students to world famous Voodoo Donuts.
Downtown Pioneer Square
Downtown Portland
Students visited Oregon Health & Science University and heard about careers in medicine.
Students enjoy a picnic with a view of Portland.
An evening out ends with ice cream at Salt & Straw.
The week came to an end, but it is really just the beginning!
This FREE program takes place a few days before New Student Orientation (NSO) and is designed for students from historically under-represented groups in science, math, and health sciences.
Xplore students encircling a big tree in Cedar Flats
students descending into the Ape Caves
students on trail at Cedar Flats
Xplore group on city street
Xplore group with headlamps in the Ape Caves
Xplore group with headlamps in the Ape Caves
Xplore Activities
What is the purpose of Xplore?
Entering college can be an uncertain time involving many academic and social transitions. Xplore aims to ease these transitions by providing an opportunity for students with similar interests to come together to build a social and academic community before classes begin. The Xplore program provides tools for navigating math and science classes and helps participants make friends, meet faculty, get advice and build skills for academic and personal success.
8000
“I really enjoyed the lunch with faculty because it showed me just how easy it is to communicate with them.” -Xplore participant
“I really appreciated the workshop about how to be successful during college. I really feel prepared now, and I don’t know what I would have done without this program. Thank you so much. This has definitely lessened my fears about college.” -Xplore participant
“The program taught me about virtually every opportunity and resource on campus. Every first-generation, L&C student should have this opportunity.” -Xplore participant
“This program really helped me see how many resources we have on campus. It is perfect to get to know the campus and meet new people before school starts. It was so informative, I think it would be beneficial for anyone to join this program.” -Xplore participant
“It was so much fun, and now I feel really confident about starting classes. I know where everything is, and I already have an established group of friends.” -Xplore participant
By the end of the program, students should feel empowered and prepared to take on science and math classes as a college student. Plus, the usual excitement and uncertainty associated with arriving at a new place is much easier to manage after spending some time with a group of new students who may become your best friends!
No Prerequisites! All you need is an interest in STEM and a passion for learning. All skills/backgrounds are welcome. Come have fun exploring with us! Space is limited - Apply Now!
Xplore Leaders - 2022
Azucena Morales Santos
I am a first-generation college student from Hillsboro Oregon. My parents are first-generation immigrants from Oaxaca, Mexico. My parents’ background and the underrepresentation of Latinas in higher education push me to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I am majoring in Hispanic Studies and Sociology and anthropology. I am passionate about work involving social justice and inclusion and my passion is demonstrated through my involvement in my Lewis and Clark community. In my first two years, I have worked as the Office Assistant for the Inclusion Multicultural Engagement office, was Co-president for Gente Latina Unida, Coordinator for the Race Monologues event, and worked with Drs. Jerusha Detweiler-Bedell & Brian Detweiler-Bedell through the early research program for first-gen students. Although I am not a STEM major, I was part of the Xplore Program my first year and I look back at it as a wonderful experience! I am excited to lead this program and connect Xplore participants with faculty, resources on campus, and especially all the fun to kick off their first year at L&C.
During my free time, I enjoy watching Korean dramas & Modern Family (currently binge-watching). When I’m not watching anything, I journal, work on a jigsaw puzzle, read a book, or clean my room. If not any of those, I like going out to downtown Portland and exploring new places. I am thinking of getting into a sport but we’ll see!
Community involvement
Cochair for the 19th annual Ray Warren Symposium, Xplore Program leader, Student Ambassador for Alumni Association, Mentor for Great Expectations, Inclusion Multicultural Engagement office assistant 2021-22, Copresident for Gente Latina Unida 2021-2022
Lucy Clifford
My name is Lucy (she/her) and I am Biology major and Neuroscience minor. I will be a junior this upcoming year. I look forward to starting this year off working with my fellow leaders, professors, and classmates during the Xplore program! I have always been fascinated by the natural world which has taken me on the path toward a STEM career. I feel that the joy and love of learning I get out of the LC community should be one that all students are given an equal opportunity to explore. I will curiously, vulnerably, and thoughtfully take on being part of this wonderful team of people.
This summer I plan on camping along the west coast with my two roommates: Lauren and Jimi, the pigeon. Then, during July I will be heading up to Friday Harbor Labs in Washington to research octopus intelligence. During my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, going to shows, and taking walks around my neighborhood.
I can’t wait to meet you all.
Yen Sosa Ramírez
Hi! My name is Jenn (she/her) and I will be a senior this upcoming year! I am a Hispanic Studies major and Math minor and I am very excited to lead Xplore this year since I am a past Xplore participant. In the past, I have been very involved on campus by leading student unions like Gente Latina Unida and Native Student Union and I have served as a Great Expectations mentor. I also studied abroad in Spain this past semester so if you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to let me know! I am looking forward to getting to meet all of this year’s Xplore’s participants and joining you on the start to your college journey!
What will students do during the program?
Make friends with other students who share your interests
Spend a weekend at a relaxing hilltop lodge, hiking old-growth forest trails, exploring North America’s third-longest lava tube, and making s’mores around a fire
Begin creating relationships with college faculty
Learn about research opportunities
Get advice about choosing classes and planning your 4 years at L&C
Explore campus and Portland
What will students get from the program?
A network of friends and science peers
An introduction to faculty mentors
A jump-start to a successful science/math/health science career
Knowledge of academic and student life resources
Familiarity with the Lewis & Clark campus & Portland
