Introducing NAAS's New President, Dr. David Torian |
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I am honored to step into the role as the new President of the National Association of Academies of Science (NAAS). I extend great gratitude to the immediate past president, Amanda Fuller, and the NAAS Board of Directors for their dedication, service, and leadership over the past year. Additionally, I am grateful to all of our members for giving your time and talents to make the last year a success. While we have accomplished much, there is still a lot to be done as we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. During my tenure as President, I will have three main areas of focus: First, I will prioritize increasing and diversifying the number of talented high school researchers (young scientists) that participate in the annual NAAS/American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) conference and who share their research in AJAS presentations at the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting. Second, I aim to strengthen the relationship between NAAS and the state, regional, and municipal academies of science through joint activities, revitalization, or reactivation of affiliate academies. Third, I plan to launch a cross-generational Growing our Membership campaign, and broaden our outreach to community colleges, businesses, libraries, and academic and non-academic institutions throughout the nation.
We must commit ourselves to making NAAS the type of organization that will bring in new members and partners, while also reassuring existing members that the NAAS leadership, delegates, committee members, and organization are reliable allies, committed to fair and transparent governance.
One of my favorite adages is “Many hands make light work." There is tremendous power in the size of our NAAS membership and the many talents our members bring to this organization. Through our collective action, I am confident we will continue our mission of promoting the science and science education goals of our academies. I ask all members to help NAAS carry out and sustain our mission by volunteering to serve on a NAAS committee. Self-nomination is encouraged!
I am very excited to be leading such an important and impactful professional organization. Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside you. I truly appreciate your support and commitment by ensuring the continued success of NAAS. I look forward to collaborating with you to leverage new opportunities to increase membership, value and growth of the organization. Please share any feedback or ideas you may have as we work together in the upcoming years. Sincerely, Dr. David S. Torain II President, National Association of Academies of Science AAAS Fellow Professor of Mathematics Montgomery College, Germantown, Maryland |
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| Introducing Ilyse Shapiro, MBA, the New NAAS Executive Director
Ilyse Shapiro has recently been named the new Executive Director of NAAS. Ilyse comes to NAAS with 15+ years as an executive director for several scientific, engineering and medical associations. She lives in Wynnewood, PA with her husband, two daughters and two English bulldogs, Rosie and Daisy. |
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| 2023 NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference – Reflections on a Successful Hybrid Event!
Our 2023 NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference—the first to award both virtual and in-person Fellowships—was a success. A total of 143 new AJAS Fellowships were awarded (93 in-person and 50 virtual). Our conference also benefited from 20 student observers (11 in-person and 9 virtual) and 70 adults (61 in-person and 9 virtual). Eighteen states and the District of Columbia were represented.
The NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference was a complex hybrid event. Planning started in August 2022 with a dedicated committee. Schedules were established months in advance, lab tours were arranged, hotels and banquet venues were visited and contracts negotiated, software vendors for the poster session were reviewed and chosen, and key speakers were contacted and their talks planned.
Registration began on December 9, 2022. The conference started with virtual events for all participants. On January 15, 2023, we held our Welcome and Poster Kick-off event via Zoom with a discussion led by Dr. Mike Morrison, an expert in visual communication and innovator of a new generation of scientific poster presentation formats. In the following days, Dr. Morrison conducted four follow-up sessions with the students as they built their posters.
On January 21—Dr. Randy Olson and his colleagues provided a basic introduction to the ABT Narrative Framework. This is a tool for organizing presentations, from short introductions to research reports and even PowerPoint presentations, in a way that makes them clear, concise, and memorable. Delegates were encouraged to use the ABT Framework to compose the one-minute audio introductions required to accompany their poster.
The AJAS held two virtual events in mid-February. The first, on February 16, was the Meet the Scientists event, this year sponsored by the National Academy of Science and conducted via Zoom. The Meet the Scientist event encouraged the AJAS Official Delegates to meet with a variety of professional scientists chosen from around the country. These meetings were conducted in an informal, small group setting, and participants were encouraged to engage in open (and often wide-ranging and complex) discussions.
The second virtual event, the Research Roundtable led by Mike Strauss on February 18th, allowed the AJAS Official Delegates to communicate key aspects of their research experiences in a small group setting.
The final posters were due from the delegates on February 4th, but work continued in the background as a dedicated group of volunteers reviewed each poster for completeness and compliance to the specified format. Mr David Woolverton then used SeekBeak software to place these posters into an 11-room virtual-reality exhibit hall.
The virtual posters became available on February 23. The visual impact of the SeekBeak virtual-reality exhibit hall, combined with the Morrison billboard-style posters, exceeded all expectations.
The formal virtual poster session was held during separate morning and afternoon sessions on February 25, 2023. These sessions provided delegates the opportunity to not only creatively share their research with each other but also allowed visitors from the scientific community to provide feedback directly to the delegates.
The first of our keynote speakers was held virtually and was posted to YouTube on February 26. Dr. Lara A. Thompson, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia, spoke on the topic of “Biomedical Research Related to Balance and Postural Control.” Following her talk, Dr. Thompson was interviewed by 2019 AJAS Fellow Eleanor Sigrest. Dr. Thompson offered powerful advice that was intended specifically for the 2023 AJAS Student Delegates!
For those attending in-person, the conference registration commenced on the afternoon of March 1st at the beautiful Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Arlington, Virginia! At 5:00 pm the various committee chairs met with their volunteers, and by 6:30 pm a reception with a buffet meal was in full swing. This was a hybrid conference, and great effort was placed into assuring that all the keynote speakers were made available—live and interactively via Zoom—to any virtual delegate who chose to participate..
The AJAS Annual Conference Opening Reception and Welcome ceremony began with a few opening remarks. The opening speaker was Eleanor Sigrest, an AJAS fellow from 2019 and current Stanford sophomore, who briefly discussed her post-AJAS microgravity experiments (and her personal plans for going to Mars). Eleanor then introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Alice Bowman, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Mission Operations Manager for the New Horizons space probe to Pluto (and ultimately to the Kuiper belt objects, beyond). Ms. Bowman enthusiastically discussed her long involvement with the New Horizons probe and the excitement of making truly unexpected and transformational discoveries at the outer edge of our solar system.
March 2, day two of the conference, was tour day. After a buffet breakfast at the Marriott, all of the in-person delegates and their adult chaperones embarked on one of five different site tours—each with a unique STEM theme. Each tour permitted the delegates to have personal interaction with the on-site scientists and also experience extensive hands-on, behind-the-scenes, access at the facilities. In-person tours included: the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); the Integrated Pharma Services laboratory and the Universities at Shady Grove; the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center; the George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences; and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Travel was facilitated either by the DC Metro or a charter bus.
After the tours, students traveled to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 5:00 pm opening of the AAAS Annual Meeting and the AAAS Presidential Address by Dr. Gilda Barabino.
On March 3, day three, Dr. Marcia McNutt, geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Science, presented “The Past, Present, and Future of our Research Enterprise.” Afterward, delegates and their chaperones were encouraged to spend the afternoon exploring the many events—scientific sessions, workshops, E-posters, and talks—offered by the AAAS Annual Meeting.
An evening social event was held for all in-person NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference attendees at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. NMNH scientists joined us for the evening social event, plus we had a welcome and short presentation by Allison Willcox, the Deputy Director of the museum. Regrettably, due to thoroughly miserable weather, the evening monument walk was canceled.
On March 4, day four, all the student delegates participated in the Breakfast with Scientists, a premier (and universally inspiring) event of the AJAS Annual Conference that has been held for decades. The Breakfast with Scientists—graciously hosted this year by the George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences—organizes groups of about six student delegates to sit around a breakfast table with (typically) two professional scientists. This year we were honored to have over thirty scientists join this event.
For the in-person delegates and chaperones, the afternoon provided much needed free time to tour sites in the Washington DC area or attend AAAS meeting events.
The virtual delegates had a full slate of fascinating talks scheduled in the afternoon. Every virtual delegate had the opportunity to interactively participate in three livestreamed presentations, each especially arranged for the AJAS: first, “The Science of being a Navy Test Pilot” presented by Lieutenant Commander Scott Elwell, a flight instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School; second, “The Mystery Illness Affecting Millions: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)” presented by: Dr. Cathy L. Pederson, Elizabeth E. Powelson Professor of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio; and third, “The USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD: the Virtual Experience” led by Jay H. Green, who works in visitor programs and engagement & outreach activities at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Following each talk, the presenter was interviewed by 2019 AJAS Fellow Ms. Eleanor Sigrest.
The day ended in a wonderful fashion with the NAAS/AJAS Formal Honors Banquet in the Potomac Ballroom at the Crystal City Marriott. After a wonderful buffet dinner, pictures were taken and each student delegate was awarded their fellowship certificate and pin. The culmination of the evening was the keynote talk by Dr. William D. Phillips, Fellow of the Joint Quantum Institute and physicist at the NIST—and the recipient of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics. By the morning of March 5th, the 2023 NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference was technically finished, but many of us enjoyed one final breakfast together at the Marriott before heading home.
A special thank you to the AJAS committee members: David Bass, Gary Foss, Amanda Fuller, Michael Roche, Mike Strauss, Se Jeong, John Kaup, Philip Winchell, Mina Izadjoo, Ernest Schiller, Suzanne Thurston, Judy Staveley, and administrators Rachel Owen and Hallie Thompson. Sincerely, Philip J. Winchell Archivist, National Association of Academies of Science Acting Director, American Junior Academy of Science for the 2023 AJAS Annual Conference |
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Our February 26th AJAS/NAAS Virtual Keynote Address was given by Dr. Lara A. Thompson, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Thompson, Director of the Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering at UDC, is the first principal investigator faculty member of an HBCU to receive the NSF’s prestigious Alan T. Waterman award-–the most prestigious award in the United States presented to a scientist or engineer in the early stages of their career. Waterman awardees receive $1 million dollars to pursue their research interests. Click here for presentation.
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Our next virtual presentation, The Mystery Illness Affecting Millions: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), was presented by. Dr. Cathy L. Pederson, Elizabeth E. Powelson Professor of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio. Please click here for presentation. |
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| AAAS Programs of Interest for Students and Professionals The CASE workshop: CASE is an exciting opportunity for graduate students and upperclassmen undergraduates in science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines to learn about government, science policy, and advocacy. Click here for more information.
AAAS S-STEM Initiative: Advancing our knowledge of evidence-based best practices for recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and supporting low-income, high-achieving STEM students is of strategic importance for the nation. Click here for additional information.
The AAAS Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN) is growing and looking for new local leaders. LSEN Liaisons will lead local and state networks in building relationships built on mutual trust with influential civic, community, business and policy leaders and other stakeholders. Liaisons will receive valuable training from AAAS staff and other experts and grow their experience in science communication, civic engagement, network leadership and advocacy as they foster networks of science advocates. LSEN will build trusting relationships with state, regional and local decision-makers by working with them to tackle relevant science topics — and as the program adds new states, LSEN will foster and support a diverse national network of science engagement leaders who can bring science into the rooms where decisions are made. This is a volunteer position, and applicants must hold a degree in a STEMM field. Interested in leading an LSEN hub? Apply by Friday, April 14.
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NAAS Secures funding for Junior Academy, Professional Development Programs
We are pleased to announce a $25,000 grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund that is enabling us to build on the success of the American Junior Academy of Science program, and offer additional trainings &networking opportunities for our whole community of Academy of Science members. This year, thanks to this grant support, we've offered scholarships to make the AJAS program more accessible to participating students. We're looking forward to offering opportunities to scientists across our communities to connect and learn together. Stay tuned for new trainings and webinars in 2023.
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| Academies of Science to gather April 14 for Assembly of Delegates
Member academies are welcome to join us Friday April 14, 3-5pm ET for NAAS' Annual Assembly. We'll share updates. introduce our new Executive Director, and invite you to participate in building our community of Academy leaders and implement our Strategic Plan. Two delegates from each paid member academy are eligible to vote for board members and on other matters coming before the assembly. Voting delegates will receive an electronic ballot in March. The Assembly is virtual to accommodate full member participation. We hope to see you there! Register Here |
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| Representing Section Y: General Interest in Science and Engineering Congratulations to AAAS Fellows 2022-2023 |
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William K. Hallman, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
Deborah L. Illman, University of Washington (Retired) |
Kara (Villamil) Gavin, University of Michigan |
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Anthony Theodore Chronopoulos, University of Texas San Antonio: For distinguished contributions to the field of scientific computing, particularly iterative methods for sparse algebraic problems and computer methods applied to engineering.
Valeri Roxanne Bogucka, The University of Texas at Austin: For outstanding contributions to the communication of science, and especially science outreach, both directly and through innovative interactions of scientists, librarians, science communication scholars, and science communication professionals.
Timir Datta, University of South Carolina: For advocacy of STEM education, prolific mentoring of diverse cadres of young physicists, and distinguished contributions to research on high critical temperature superconductivity in copper oxides.
William K. Hallman, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: For distinguished contributions to the field of risk analysis, risk assessment, and risk communication, and for educating the public on important scientific issues. .
Larry Klein, Lawrence Klein Productions: For distinguished contributions sharing insight with millions worldwide through the writing, directing, and production of outstanding film and television documentaries highlighting the work of scientists, engineers, architects, and historians. Deborah L. Illman, University of Washington (Retired): For excellence in science and technical communication as a practitioner, instructor, and mentor, particularly for her dedication to the communication of science to the public.
Kara (Villamil) Gavin, University of Michigan: For distinguished contributions to the field of public communication about science and medicine, particularly for the mass and social media media, and for training researchers on the importance of public communication. |
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| Empowering First Generation Scientists with Gabriel Reyes From our friends at the Federation of American Scientists
For many students in the U.S. a career in science is out of reach. Too often young people interested in science never get the chance to pursue their dreams simply because they come from low-income families or live in parts of the country where opportunities to engage in scientific research are limited. This leads to a critical lack of diversity in the scientific community that stifles creativity, innovation and progress.
FLi Sci, short for first-generation/low-income scientists, is an education nonprofit that addresses the root causes of lack of diversity in the scientific profession. The organization provides financial support for high school and college students in poverty to access, pursue, and engage in scientific opportunities. The flagship program is a two-year paid fellowship during which students are able to conduct their own independent research projects.
FLi Sci recently became a member of FAS’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program which identifies burgeoning entrepreneurs in science and technology policy and supports their philanthropic endeavors. Gabriel Reyes, FLi Sci’s founder and Executive Director, sat down with us to discuss his organization’s pioneering work and how his own experiences as a scientist inspired him to make a difference.
Read the full interview by Jonathan Wilson • February 6, 2023 |
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NAAS Board meeting
04/07/2023 |
Annual Assembly of Delegates
04/14/2023 |
NAAS Board meeting
05/05/2023 |
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Find our directory of State Academies here . |
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Alabama Academy of Science
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Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science
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Arkansas Academy of Science
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Chicago Academy of Sciences
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| Colorado-Wyoming Academy of Science
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Eugene Liu, CWAS / Junior Academy Director 303-735-6307 |
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Delaware Academy of Science
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Robin Broomall, President 302-368-5703 |
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Florida Academy of Sciences
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For more information, contact our secretary, Dr. Norine Noonan via email, nnoonan@usfsp.edu or by phone, (727) 873-4793. |
| Georgia Academy of Science
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Dr. Amanda Duffus, President 678-359-5464 |
| Hawaii Academy of Science
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Illinois Academy of Science
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| | Indiana Academy of Science
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Kansas Academy of Science
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| Kentucky Academy of Science
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Louisiana Academy of Science
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Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters
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| Minnesota Academy of Science
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Mississippi Academy of Science
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Missouri Academy of Science
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| Montana Academy of Science
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North Carolina Academy of Science
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Nebraska Academy of Sciences
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| New Jersey Academy of Science
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New Mexico Academy of Science
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Massachusetts Academy of Sciences
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James Hamilton, Program Director Boston University School of Medicine
Dept of Physiology and Biophysics; W302
Boston, MA 02118 . |
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Oklahoma Academy of Science
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Oregon Academy of Science
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Pennsylvania Academy of Science
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| South Carolina Academy of Science
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Michelle Harmon, President
Dr. John Kaup, SCJAS Director https://scacademysci.org/about/ |
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South Dakota Academy of Science
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Southern California Academy of Science
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| St. Louis Academy of Science
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Tennessee Academy of Science
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| | Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
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Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences
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Virginia Academy of Science
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Washington DC Academy of Science
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Washington State Academy of Sciences
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West Virginia Academy of Science
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Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters
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New Hampshire Academy of Science
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Rochester Academy of Science |
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