Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Connecting Yale's Science and Engineering Community Since 1914
Founded in 1914, the Yale Science & Engineering Association (YSEA) serves as one of the oldest university alumni organizations globally, dedicated to strengthening the Yale science and engineering community. Our mission centers on connecting alumni, students, faculty, and friends to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in STEM fields. With a membership comprising individuals from diverse backgroundsincluding science, engineering, and humanitieswe emphasize the interconnectedness of these disciplines in addressing societal challenges. Recognized by Yale University as an official Shared Interest Group, we actively support student research through grants, scholarships, and awards while promoting high-quality STEM education and innovation.Our initiatives include funding undergraduate research projects, organizing science fairs, supporting Yale startups, and facilitating networking opportunities through events, podcasts, and speaker series. By bridging academic pursuits with real-world applications, we aim to cultivate future leaders in science and technology.
Services
Alumni Networking
Student Research Grants
Science Fairs
Startup Support
Podcasts and Speakers
Internship Programs
STEM Community Engagement
Award Programs
Digital Outreach
Policy Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We connect Yale's STEM community globally since 1914
- We provide direct financial support to student research projects
- Our interdisciplinary approach bridges science, engineering, and society
- We organize prestigious science fair competitions for students
- We offer mentorship through industry professionals and alumni networks
What people say
Strong alumni connections
Valuable research funding
Engaging speaker series
Supportive mentorship programs
Effective science outreach
Services
Student Research Grants
YSEA provides direct financial support to Yale undergraduates pursuing STEM research projects. These grants enable students to explore innovative ideas, present findings at conferences, and contribute to scientific advancements. The program emphasizes accessibility and impact, with a streamlined application process and past funding examples available for reference.
Science Fair Competitions
We organize and sponsor prestigious science fair competitions for high school students affiliated with ISEF. These events recognize outstanding achievements in physics, computer science, engineering, and chemistry while fostering young talent. Participants gain exposure to professional STEM networks and Yale's academic community through these initiatives.
Alumni Networking
YSEA facilitates global networking opportunities between Yale alumni, students, and faculty in STEM fields. Through regional districts, virtual events, and in-person meetups, members build professional relationships that support career development and collaborative innovation across scientific disciplines.
Startup Support
Our programs support Yale-affiliated startups through mentorship, networking, and resource connections. We bridge academic research with commercial applications by connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts and potential investors within our extensive alumni network.
Podcasts and Speakers
YSEA produces podcast series and speaker events featuring Yale faculty, alumni, and industry leaders discussing STEM innovations. Programs like 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Yale' and 'Meet the Profs!' provide insights into cutting-edge research and career pathways in science and engineering.
People
Bob Kunkler
President
Vice President of Global Commercial Operations at Abbott Diabetes Care with 30+ years in healthcare diagnostics. Yale engineering graduate and active board member of Yale Crew Association and National Rowing Foundation.
Kristine Budill
Executive Vice President
Former private equity investor in medical device companies with teaching experience in engineering and computer science. Holds advanced degrees from MIT and Yale in electrical engineering and management science.
Elissa Dunn Levy
Secretary
Physics graduate with experience in hedge fund industry, now teaching high school physics and computer science. Active in educational outreach programs and YSEA board member since 2024.
Milton J. Young
Treasurer
President of YSEA and chemical engineering graduate with expertise in energy systems procurement. Founded Yale's STEM Career Fair and DallasWEST program for young women in STEM fields.
Laurel Reitman
Board Member
Microsoft General Manager with prior leadership roles at DocuSign and Adobe. Electrical engineering graduate focused on cloud technologies and diversity initiatives in tech industries.
Questions
How can Yale students apply for research grants?
Students can apply through YSEA's online portal with project proposals. Funding decisions consider academic merit, innovation potential, and alignment with STEM priorities.
What science fair opportunities do you offer?
We sponsor the Yale Science & Engineering Association Award for Outstanding Exhibit at ISEF-affiliated fairs in physics, computer science, engineering, and chemistry categories.
How do I join YSEA as an alumni member?
Membership is open to Yale alumni, faculty, students, and friends interested in STEM fields. Visit our website to complete the membership application process.
What regional districts do you operate in?
We have district vice presidents covering Connecticut, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, South Central, Midwest, Mountain, and Pacific Central regions.
How does YSEA support startup companies?
We provide networking opportunities between entrepreneurs and investors, mentorship programs, and connections to Yale's innovation ecosystem resources.
What podcast series do you produce?
Our offerings include 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Yale', 'The Shining Star', 'Meet the Profs!', and 'Fall Into Books' featuring STEM experts and researchers.
