2011 SACNAS National Conference

38th annual SACNAS conference, San Jose Convention Center (SJCC), California, Oct. 27 - 30. Professional development panels and activities below are highlighted from the complete agenda.

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Panel: Blogging, Tweeting, & Writing: How an Online Presence can Impact Science and Your Career

Web 2.0 social media tools provide new channels for promoting your science and career. How can an online presence through blogs and Twitter be balanced with the traditional measure of scholarship— publications? Panelists will describe how they use online tools to discuss science, engage the public, and publicize accomplishments.
Sat. Oct. 29, 3:15 pm, SJCC Room B3

Alberto Roca, Ph.D., Chair
Introductions and Overview of Diverse Bloggers

David Kroll, Ph.D.
ScienceOnline and Social Media in Support of a NIGMS RISE Program
PLoS blogs: Take As Directed
North Carolina Central University Eagles RISE students blog

Danielle Lee, Ph.D.
Using Social Media to Chronicle Your Science Activities: Research, Teaching, and Outreach *
Scientific American blog: The Urban Scientist

Panel: The Value of Doing a Postdoc

Many graduate students ask themselves, “Should I do a postdoc?” For some, the answer to that question is obvious; for others, it is difficult to obtain information to make an informed decision. This session aims to present a balanced view on the pros and cons of pursuing a postdoc.
Sat. Oct. 29, 1:30 pm, SJCC Room A5

Marcelo Vinces, Ph.D., Chair
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, National Science Foundation

Alberto Roca, Ph.D.
Founder, MinorityPostdoc.org

Alejandro Murad, Ph.D.
Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research

Ahna Skop, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Mark Levandoski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chemistry Department, Grinnell College

Panel: Career Opportunities at the Intersection of
Science and Policy

This session will explore fellowship opportunities at the intersection of science and policy. It will highlight the skills needed to be successful in the realm of science policy and introduce several ways scientists can learn about additional opportunities. Panelists will share their experiences and insight in the science policy area.
Thr. Oct. 27, 10:15 am, SJCC Room A7

Shar Steed, Chair
Communications Associate, Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, AAAS

Marcelo Vinces, Ph.D.
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, National Science Foundation

Arti Garg, Ph.D.
Research Accountability and Coordination Analyst, University of California
Former AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow
Former Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow

Robert Barnhill, Ph.D.
Vice President for Science Policy & Strategic Initiatives, SACNAS

Panel: Tell Me About Yourself: The One-Minute Biosketch

This highly interactive workshop helps participants with the dreaded open question “Tell me about yourself.” Participants practice their presentations and listening skills that are critical to networking and that first impression.
Sat. Oct. 29 1:30 pm in SJCC Room B3

Emil Chuck, Ph.D.
Director of Admissions, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Postdoc Networking Reception & Poster Presentations

Graduate students, postdocs, and young professionals: network with recruiters and mentors from industry, government, and academia. Learn about potential employment and fellowship opportunities. In this economic climate, don’t miss the opportunity to develop successful career connections. The reception also showcases research posters from select postdocs and upper-level graduate students.
Fri. Oct. 28, 8 pm, SJCC Room A2/A7

Tepring Piquado, Ph.D., Coordinator

Postdoc Exhibit Booth #1200

Find us at the conference exhibition hall where the booth complements other postdoctoral activities. Volunteer postdocs and professionals who staff the booth can address topics for conference attendees that are not discussed during the career development workshops. Search the posted job ads for a postdoctoral or professional position. We also distribute free materials about the postdoctoral experience.
Friday Oct. 28, 10 am - 6pm & Saturday 9 am - 12 pm