PLU Pre-Health Sciences
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS CALENDAR
Each academic year, the Pre-Health Sciences Advising Team offers skill-building workshops, alumni panels, guest lectures, and networking events for students pursuing health professions.
2026 – 2027 ACADEMIC YEAR EVENTS
Explore upcoming and annual events, workshops, guest speakers, and research conferences in chronological order.
COLLEGE EVENT
Natural Sciences Opportunity Fair & Sneakie Peekie
September 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Grassy Area between Rieke & Morken. Connect with student organizations, COPE Health Scholars, and advisors to explore clinical, volunteer, and research opportunities. Includes lawn games, prizes, snacks, and the Rieke Sneakie Peekie building tour!
PROGRAM LAUNCH • PHSAT ADVISING KICKOFF
Meet the Pre-Health Team & Pre-Health Scholars Launch
September 17, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Rieke Lobby (Wellbeing Period). Greet the Pre-Health Sciences Advising Team, learn about the launch of the Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Program, and get details on applying for a Free MCAT Scholarship!
STUDENT ORGANIZATION MEETING
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Meetings
September 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Anderson University Center (AUC). Join HOSA to build leadership skills through guest presentations, skill-building workshops, and healthcare community service. View Campus Event Listing →
GUEST SPEAKER
UW Medical Physics Speaker: Dr. Jessica Fagerstrom, PhD
September 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Location: Rieke 212 (Co-hosted with Physics Capstone). Dr. Fagerstrom (Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology / Medical Physics at UW) speaks on career pathways in medical physics and radiation oncology.
GLOBAL EDUCATION
PLU Study Away Fair
September 22, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Anderson University Center (AUC). Explore international study, clinical shadowing, and global service-learning opportunities around the world tailored for STEM and Pre-Health majors.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
NSSURP + Off-Campus Student Oral Presentation Tryouts
September 25, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: MCLT 103. Natural Sciences students present their summer research findings. These presentations serve as “tryouts” for the upcoming Rieke Weekie Undergraduate Research Conference in October.
RECURRING WEEKLY EVENT
Natural History Museum Open House with Dr. Jacob Egge
Tuesdays (Fall Term) | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Rieke 123. Stop in to explore PLU’s biodiversity collections, examine real research specimens, or engage in informal biology conversations with Professor Egge.
RIEKIE WEEKIE 2026: OCTOBER 26TH – 30TH
Join the College of Natural Sciences, the Wild Hope Center for Vocation, and student leaders Paige Oziah, Ki Neir, Caden Metje, Isaac Larson, and Sophia Pancoast for a week-long celebration reframing academic advising as a crucial part of your vocational journey.
Haunted by Your Future? How to Use LinkedIn Workshop
TUESDAY, OCT 27
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Rieke Classroom (TBD)
Interactive sit-down LinkedIn workshop co-hosted in collaboration with Career Services. Learn off-campus job search tips, explore the Natural Science Mentoring Program, and enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies!
Frieke Rieke Sneekie Peekie: Interactive Science & Open House
THURSDAY, OCT 29
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Throughout Rieke Science Spaces
Highlights include an Ostenson Museum Open House, building and open-lab tours, virtual dissection table demos, an interactive whiteboard prompt exploring passion and vocation, grab-and-go snacks, and the “Find Enrieké” Scavenger Hunt with science trivia and puzzles (win 3D-printed slugs and stickers!).
Frieke Friday ‘Meant to Live’ Celebration & Undergrad Research Conference
FRIDAY, OCT 30
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Rieke Lobby & Classrooms 103A / 103B
An intentional overlap connecting student research presentations, alumni networking, and career celebration in one shared space:
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Free Lunch served in Rieke Lobby (RSVP by Oct 13).
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Student Oral Research Presentations (Block 1) | Rooms 103A & 103B.
- 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Tabling Activities, Rieke Weekie Bingo Challenge, Professional Headshots (with Impact & MarCom), Career Closet Rack, Club Displays, and Alumni Meet & Greets!
- 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Student Oral Research Presentations (Block 2) & Poster Sessions | Rooms 103A & 103B.
- Late afternoon desserts provided!
FEATURED ALUMNI MENTORS (IN-PERSON & DIGITAL STORY LIBRARY):
Connect with PLU alumni representing: WA Dept. of Ecology Geologists, Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection Specialists, UW Molecular Engineering PhD Candidates, Telios Pharma Consultants, Seattle Children’s Genetic Counselors, PLU Math Professors & Chief Analytics Officers, Seattle Housing Authority Budget Analysts, EMTs, Paralegals, Special Education Teachers, and more!
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Financing Graduate & Medical Education
November TBD | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Learn about NHSC loan repayment assistance for rural/underserved area practice, military health professions service programs, public vs. private loans, and medical school aid strategies. Location: TBD
ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
Psychology Fall Student Research Conference
December Term, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: AUC 214 (Chris Knutzen Hall). Celebrate undergraduate research as Psychology and Pre-Health students present findings across cognitive, behavioral, and clinical domains.
PAST WORKSHOPS & RECURRING PANELS
In addition to our dated event calendar, the student-led Health Sciences Club and Advising Team regularly host recurring skill-building workshops throughout the year:
MCAT Preparation & Strategy
Physician & Alumni Q&A Panels
Personal Statement Workshops
Clinical & Hospital Volunteer Matching
Navigating Pre-Health Financially
Study Socials & Peer Mentoring
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT AN UPCOMING EVENT?
Morken Center for Learning and Technology, Room 238 | Email: prehealth@plu.edu