Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Yale's STEM Community Through Alumni Engagement
Founded in 1914, we serve as a vital bridge connecting Yale alumni, students, and faculty to advance science and engineering initiatives. Our organization has maintained continuous operations for over a century, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between STEM professionals and society. Through strategic grant programs, we provide critical financial support to undergraduate research projects and student organizations focused on STEM fields. Our leadership team comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in engineering, education, and technology sectors. We maintain formal recognition from Yale University as a Shared Interest Group dedicated to science and engineering alumni engagement.Our operational framework emphasizes transparent communication, measurable impact reporting, and sustainable investment in academic initiatives. With a global network spanning multiple districts, we facilitate regional engagement opportunities while maintaining centralized administrative oversight. Our governance structure includes elected officers, district representatives, and specialized committees ensuring effective program implementation. We demonstrate accountability through annual reporting of funded projects and maintain rigorous standards for grant allocation. Our commitment to innovation is evidenced by our support for emerging technologies and forward-looking educational initiatives.
Services
Alumni Networking
Student Grants
Science Fairs
Podcasts
Startup Support
Career Development
Research Funding
Awards Programs
Community Engagement
Educational Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We have supported Yale STEM initiatives since 1914 with proven impact
- Our grant programs directly fund undergraduate research and projects
- We maintain formal university recognition as STEM engagement experts
- Our global network spans 12 geographic districts worldwide
- We offer specialized programs for student startups and science fairs
What people say
Excellent grant support
Strong alumni connections
Valuable science fairs
Services
Alumni Networking
Our alumni networking programs create meaningful connections between Yale graduates and current students. We facilitate mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and professional development through regional events and online platforms. This service strengthens the Yale STEM community while supporting career advancement for emerging professionals.
Student Grants
Our competitive grant programs provide direct financial support for undergraduate research projects and student-led STEM initiatives. Funding decisions prioritize innovative projects with clear academic merit and community impact. This program has supported hundreds of student researchers since our organization's founding in 1914.
Science Fairs
We sponsor awards and recognition programs for high school science and engineering fairs affiliated with ISEF. Our initiatives encourage young scientists through competitive recognition and financial incentives. This program supports the development of future STEM leaders through early career engagement.
Podcasts
Our podcast series feature expert discussions on science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Programs include interviews with Yale faculty, alumni success stories, and analysis of emerging STEM trends. These productions provide accessible educational content to both academic and general audiences.
Startup Support
We provide resources and networking opportunities for Yale-affiliated startups through our Yale Startups initiative. This includes mentorship connections, funding guidance, and access to entrepreneurial ecosystems. Our support helps transform academic research into real-world business applications.
People
Bob Kunkler
President
Vice President at Abbott Diabetes Care with 30+ years healthcare industry experience. Mechanical Engineering graduate from Yale and MBA from Kellogg. Serves on multiple Yale-related boards.
Kristine Budill
Executive Vice President
Former private equity professional with Haemonetics Corporation. Holds multiple advanced degrees in engineering and management. Transitioned to education with seven years teaching STEM subjects.
Elissa Dunn Levy
Secretary
Physics graduate from Yale with eight years in hedge fund industry. Currently teaches high school physics and computer science in Virginia. Active in STEM education outreach.
Milton J. Young
Treasurer
Chemical Engineering graduate with 30+ years in energy sector. Founded Yale's STEM Career Fair and DallasWEST program. Currently directs procurement activities for Enerflex Energy Systems.
Laurel Reitman
Board Member
Microsoft General Manager with extensive product management experience. Former VP at DocuSign and Adobe. Holds Electrical Engineering degree from Yale. Advocate for technology industry diversity.
Questions
How can Yale students apply for research grants?
Students can find application details on our website under the Grants section with specific deadlines and requirements.
What science fair awards do you sponsor?
We sponsor awards at regional high school science fairs affiliated with Regeneron ISEF across multiple STEM categories.
How to become a YSEA member?
Membership information is available on our website with options for alumni, students, faculty, and friends.
Do you offer internship opportunities?
We participate in the 1stGen Summer Bulldogs Program and list available internships on our website.
What podcast series do you produce?
We sponsor multiple series including Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Yale and The Shining Star interviews.
