Associations & Communities for Engineering Master’s Students

Organization websites are the primary source for descriptions throughout the site. Many are edited for clarity and concision.

  • General Interest

    Identity & Interest Communities

    Black Graduate & Professional Student Association (BGPSA)

    Enhances the Duke experience for black graduate and professional students through social events, multicultural programming, career and community service, and scholarship.

    Bouchet Society (Duke Chapter)

    Further strengthens the efforts of underrepresented minority graduate students in achieving their career goals in science research and education, and encourages values that promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences in honor of its namesake—Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet, the first African-American to earn a PhD from an American university.

    ComSciCon

    ComSciCon is a series of workshops focused on the communication of complex and technical concepts organized by graduate students, for graduate students.  ComSciCon attendees meet and interact with professional communicators, build lasting networks with graduate students in all fields of science and engineering from across the US and Canada, and write and publish original works.

    Duke Interdisciplinary Social Innovators

    Convenes interdisciplinary graduate student teams that provide pro bono consulting and technology services to social organizations in our hometown of Durham, North Carolina, and beyond.

    Duke FIRSTS

    Duke FIRSTS is a community of first-generation graduate students at Duke that supports Duke’s first-gen graduate student population by providing resources for professional development and opportunities to network and socialize.

    National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) (Duke Chapter)

    NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The Duke Society of Black Engineers focuses on increasing the number of successful minority engineers at Duke and to growing a network of students and alumni in the Research Triangle region.

    NC4ME

    North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME) is a comprehensive public-private partnership designed to make NC the number one state for military employment.

    oSTEM  email duke@chapters.ostem.org

    The Duke chapter of oSTEM is a LGBTQ+ affirming organization that aims to provide services and support for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to create a dynamic network between students and professionals in industry and academia.

    Rewriting the Code

    Rewriting the Code supports and empowers college, graduate and early career women in tech, through intersectional communities, mentorship, industry experience and educational resources, to become the next generation of engineers and tech leaders.

    Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

    We’re the largest association in the nation for Hispanics in STEM. We meet each of our student and professional members where they are—offering effective training, mentorship, and programming for our vibrant community.

    Society of Women Engineers (SWE) (Duke Chapter)

    The Society of Women Engineers at Duke is a professional society for women pursuing engineering. Our section is part of the national organization, which has 300 collegiate sections and 100 professional sections. We strive to make the most of our engineering experiences here at Duke by attending national and regional SWE conferences, establishing relations with companies interested in recruiting our members, participating in community service events, and supporting one another in our academic endeavors.

    Triangle Women in Tech Allies

    Women in Tech Allies is a group to advocate for diversity in technology through networking, tech talks, mentorship, etc. We look for opportunities to support our current peers in tech, women attempting to transition into tech from other backgrounds, as well as helping our youth grow into future tech leaders.

    Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) (Duke Chapter)

    A network of women graduate students and post-doctoral associates working to improve the climate for women in science. Serves as a liaison between women science and engineering students and administration.

    Duke & Pratt

    Ask a Blue Devil

    With a community of more than 175,000 alumni, submit a question and Ask A Blue Devil will connect you with the best Duke alumni experts who can help you with advice and introductions.

    DEMAN

    Duke Entertainment, Media & Arts Network (DEMAN) builds connections between Dukies interested in creative industries through helpful humans, internships, job opportunities and events at Duke and beyond.

    Duke Alumni Groups

    Browse communities and networks for your career (Deloitte@Duke), interests (Data Science Network, Public Service & Nonprofit Careers Network), identity (Asian Alumni Alliance, Black Alumni, Military Alumni Network, Women’s Forum) school (Pratt Alumni), and location (Duke India,

    Triangle Area Pratt Alumni). Search the list of groups to look beyond the examples listed here.

    Energy Initiative

    Energy is essential to our quality of life and to human development globally. Yet, meeting energy needs reliably while improving environmental quality remains one of the greatest challenges for this century. The Duke University Energy Initiative is a university-wide, interdisciplinary collaboration focused on advancing an accessible, affordable, reliable, and clean energy system. The Initiative reaches across business, engineering, environment, law, policy, and the arts and sciences to educate tomorrow’s energy innovators, develop new solutions through research, and improve energy decisions by engaging business and government leaders.

    Engineers for International Development

    Duke Engineers for International Development (DEID) is an organization that supports high-impact engineering projects around the world by combining community-driven ideas with student design. DEID partners with under-served communities on cost-efficient and sustainable projects aimed at improving the standard of living of numerous individuals. Students gain real-world experience working on projects in a wide range of engineering disciplines that promote a sense of international responsibility.

    Innovation & Entrepreneurship

    Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship works in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to turn ideas into action that can impact lives. I&E serves as a hub and resource center across the Duke innovation system, connecting innovators to education, mentoring, resources, community, and intellectual leadership.

    Research Triangle & Durham

    RTP 180

    A lively casual event series with a different topic each month. Happens every third Thursday.

    Triangle Area Networking for Fun Meetup

    Are you looking to grow your social circle? Trying to find new connections? Are the only people you socialize with your coworkers? Maybe you are new to the area, going through a divorce or just feeling the need to step outside your bubble and meet some new people. We are a diverse group of men and women of all ages, both single and attached, with the commonality of looking to meet new people and enjoy great company in a safe, fun environment.

    Triangle TechBreakfast

    Based on the popular TechBreakfast format, the Triangle TechBreakfast (Raleigh, Durham, RTP-area) is a “show and tell” format event where up to five different technologists will demo their technologies from a wide range of industries ranging from software to hardware, IT to Biotech, robotics to space tech.

    WRAL Job Research Guide

    A weekly feature published to highlight information from top local job boards. The link connects to a round up of job boards, student links, twitter accounts, and events.

    Southeast

    UNC Charlotte Continuing Education

    A free weekly webinar series with professional development topics

     

  • Biomedical Engineering Associations & Communities

    Global & National

    AIMBE

    The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., representing the most accomplished individuals in the fields of medical and biological engineering

    BIO

    The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) exists to advance biotechnology innovation by promoting sound public policy and fostering collaboration, both locally and globally. Their Good Day BIO newsletter, I am BIO podcast, and Best of BIO video archive are examples of ways to explore and keep up with industry trends.

    BMES

    The Vision of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is to serve as the world’s leading society of professionals devoted to developing and using engineering and technology to advance human health and well-being.

    IEEE

    IEEE is the world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology.
    Through its global membership, IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics.

    IET

    The Institution of Engineering and Technology inspires, informs and influences the global engineering community to engineer a better world. As a diverse home across engineering and technology, we share knowledge that helps make better sense of the world in order to solve the challenges that matter. It’s why we are uniquely placed to champion engineering.

    Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry Online

    News, events, resources and a directory connecting medtech professionals.

    NIAMS

    The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

    OSA

    The Optical Society promotes and delivers scientific and technical information on optics and photonics worldwide that is authoritative, accessible and archived.

    RSNA

    The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is a non-profit organization with over 52,000 members from 153 countries around the world. We provide high-quality educational resources, including continuing education credits toward physicians’ certification maintenance, host the world’s largest radiology conference and publish two top peer-reviewed journals: Radiology and RadioGraphics.

    SPIE

    SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth.

    Southeast & North Carolina

    IEEE Eastern North Carolina Section

    The Eastern North Carolina Section of the IEEE was established in 1965 and serves IEEE members from the Research Triangle to Wilmington. The section exists to connect and support local professionals and students in engineering through networking opportunities, technical talks, and social events.

    North Carolina Biotechnology Center

    Life science is transforming the world. Vaccines prevent disease. Gene therapies and precision health data cure them. Advances in agriculture feed the planet. Here in North Carolina, NCBiotech catalyzes the many different transformations that are improving the quality of life around the world. We connect companies with university researchers and introduce entrepreneurs to potential funders. Transformation even happens on an individual level as job seekers find their dream opportunity in the life science field.

    NC Bio Pharma Networking Group

    NCBPNG is an associated community across various disciplines and corporate cultures that value relationship building at all stages of industry careers. We promote effective leads & resource sharing at our events where people with common industry backgrounds & interests can exchange information, trends and ideas in a relaxed setting.

    NCBIO is dedicated to promoting the future growth and development of North Carolina’s bioscience industry.  NCBIO advocates for state and federal public policies that encourage the growth of life science companies, supports  the development of a strong life science workforce, promotes research and technology transfer at universities and other institutions including support for capitalization and commercialization of products.

    The Organization also provides members opportunities to network, collaborate and save money.  NCBIO’s ultimate goal is to help North Carolina’s bioscience community fulfill its extraordinary promise as a source of economic opportunity and improved quality of life for citizens of North Carolina and people around the world.

    *this group does not have student membership, but past experience has shown that emailing in advance about an event you’d like to attend might secure an invitation

    Research Triangle Park & Durham

    DHIT

    Digital Health Institute for Transformation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education and research institute supporting communities through the process of digital health transformation. We collaborate with leading academic institutions, associations, and industry to cultivate talent and ecosystems with our immersive learning platform, harnessing real-world experiences that drive the adoption of next generation skills, capabilities and mindsets needed to foster the digital health leaders and innovators of the future, today.

    Triangle Area Makers Meetup

    If you like to create things in the world — you might be a maker! We’re a group of people in the Triangle area interested in making new things. We’re about learning and teaching and spreading the ideas of making. Oh, and we insist on having fun while we do that!

    Duke & Pratt

    *Keep up with the most updated list on Pratt’s Website and at DukeGroups.

    BMES

    Duke’s Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is an organization of curious and talented young people who seek to make a difference in the world. Representing the largest engineering major at Duke, BMES offers a wide range of activities from course panels and tours to banquets and social events. Through our events, we offer unique opportunities to interact with other Biomedical Engineering students, faculty, and professionals.

    healthtech hunches

    Founded by a Duke biomedical engineering MS grad and Fuqua MBA, this site was launched to help students understand what this specific space entails and explore career paths in digital health.

    Materials Research Society (MRS)

    Faculty advisors of MRS@Duke: Prof. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts and Prof. David Mitzi
    To enroll, email akash.singh@duke.edu along with your name and department.
    The Duke student chapter offers mammothic opportunity for its members along with the perks of:
    1. Conference travel support of $500 every year.
    2. Special project grants for student’s ideas.
    3. Grants for inviting your favorite Prof. to deliver a talk at Duke.
    4. Casual Lunch/Dinner where people can talk Materials.
    5. Opportunity to network with ~8000 attendants from across the world every MRS meeting during fall and spring.
    6. Countless R&D industries who look towards hiring Materials Scientists (You all).
    7. And many more professional and social events at Duke like symposiums, poster competitions, field trips, mentoring programs, panel discussions, career readiness seminars,  trivia nights, science and art competitions along with innovation & creativity festivals.

  • Electrical & Computer Engineering Associations & Communities

    Global & National

    Association for Computing Machinery(ACM)

    Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

    Computing Research Association

    Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

    National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

    Southeast & North Carolina

    IEEE Computer Society Southeast USA

    IEEE Central North Carolina

    NC Tech Association

    • “unifying voice for the technology community in North Carolina”

    Research Triangle Park & Durham

    American Underground Events

    • startup community located in downtown Durham; offer programming & events

    RTP 180

    • “lively, casual event series that takes place on the third Thursday of every month” with a different topic

    MeetUp & Eventbrite Groups

    RTPcommunity groups around common interests; groups host events (in-personal & virtual)and opportunities to connect with industry professionals; you can find additional communities at MeetUp & Eventbrite(note: these groups are NOT associated with Duke)