Frequently Asked Questions

Katalyst is a professional development conference designed to support students and emerging professionals through mentorship, leadership development, career exploration, and networking. The conference connects participants with professionals and peers across STEM and other fields, helping them explore opportunities beyond undergraduate education in both academia and industry. Participants also become part of the Katalyst community, providing opportunities to build lasting connections and continue learning beyond the conference.

It will be held in Newark, New Jersey, from March 5-7, 2027.

There are two ways to participate in Katalyst:

• Undergraduate Participant: Undergraduate students may attend as either a presenter or non-presenter.

• Mentor: Postgraduate professionals in academia or industry who are within 10 years of their undergraduate graduation may participate as mentors.

Through workshops, discussions, presentations, and interactions with mentors and peers, participants will have the opportunity to explore different career paths, develop leadership skills, and build connections that can support their academic and professional goals.

No. Katalyst is an inclusive, equal-opportunity event, and applicants do not need to be Korean-American to participate.

No. While Katalyst has a strong focus on STEM and professional development, students from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply.

The application deadline is October 23rd, 2026 11:59PM.

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No. Once you submit your application, your chosen participation avenue is final.

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Presenters

• Admission to Katalyst

• Hotel lodging

• Up to $200 in travel reimbursement

• Friday and Saturday dinner

• Saturday breakfast

• Saturday lunch

Non-Presenters

• Admission to Katalyst

• Hotel lodging

• Friday and Saturday dinner

• Saturday breakfast

• Saturday lunch

• Travel reimbursement is not provided for non-presenters

Mentors

• No registration fee required

• Hotel lodging

• Friday and Saturday dinner

• Saturday breakfast

• Saturday lunch

• Up to $200 in travel reimbursement

Presenters and mentors are eligible for up to $200 in travel reimbursement. Non-presenters are not eligible for travel reimbursement. Reimbursement is subject to Katalyst's travel reimbursement guidelines.

If you are unable to attend after being accepted, please notify the Katalyst team as soon as possible. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

Yes. Food will be provided throughout the conference, including dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast and coffee on Saturday, and lunch on Saturday.

Yes. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be indicated during registration. If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, please contact the Katalyst team directly so we can do our best to accommodate them.

Undergraduate presenters may present research, academic projects, or other work that aligns with their academic or professional interests. Additional presentation guidelines and requirements will be provided to accepted presenters.

Business casual to business professional attire is recommended for conference sessions and professional programming. Casual attire is appropriate for evening social events and dinners.

We recommend bringing:

• Appropriate clothing for conference sessions and social events

• Presentation materials, if applicable

• A laptop and necessary chargers

• Personal toiletries and other essential items

• Any other materials you may need for the duration of the conference

Participants are expected to attend the full conference. If you need to arrive late or leave early due to extenuating circumstances, please notify the Katalyst team at least two weeks in advance. Please note that full attendance is required to receive the maximum travel reimbursement.

Participants may arrange to arrive before the conference or depart after it ends. Travel reimbursement may still be available for eligible travel, subject to Katalyst's reimbursement guidelines. However, Katalyst-provided lodging is limited to Friday and Saturday nights.

Full attendance is expected for all conference sessions and programming. Full attendance is required to receive the maximum travel reimbursement, while partial attendance may result in reduced reimbursement.

For additional questions, please contact the Katalyst team at Katalyst@ksea.org or send us a direct message on Instagram.

Yes. Katalyst participants must be members of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA). KSEA membership is free for undergraduate students. You can register for KSEA membership at https://www.ksea.org/