In addition to his role as a scientist at bg电子娱乐场, Gerhard is active in the community and involved in various professional development organizations and (ERGs) at bg电子娱乐场.
One of Gerhard鈥檚 missions is to encourage interest in STEM and build a more diverse pipeline of future STEM talent. As co-founder and mentoring chair for bg电子娱乐场鈥檚 隆Unidos! ERG, Gerhard works with , a program that aims to empower the Hispanic community to realize its full potential by partnering students with professionals in the STEM field. This year, 12 bg电子娱乐场 employees mentored and provided guidance for Hispanic students aspiring to be STEM professionals through the MentorSHPE program.
鈥淲orking with and mentoring emerging STEM talent has been such a fulfilling experience,鈥 he says. 鈥淣ot only do I get the opportunity to give back by sharing my expertise and advice, but it is exciting to learn from and foster the growth of this next generation of scientists who will be pioneering new products and solutions that can improve lives and even change the world.鈥
In addition to his work with bg电子娱乐场鈥檚 隆Unidos! ERG, Gerhard also serves as a leader for the PRIDE ERG. Through both ERGs, Gerhard has been able to connect with employees from all over the world and support emerging professionals.
Gerhard hopes to see employees continue to get involved with bg电子娱乐场鈥檚 mentoring programs and believes the ERGS are an important way to connect with each other. 鈥淥ur work feels more meaningful when we have a community that supports us,鈥 said Gerhard. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important that people feel included at work so they can be as successful as possible.鈥