Education

Under our new education initiative, GSA is actively expanding our educational programming, which will include a web portal for peer-reviewed genetics education resources, career development programs for trainees, workshops, and much more. Part of this education initiative is developing a consistent set of educational programs for all GSA conferences. Currently, the infrastructure of the programming includes programs for: undergraduate researchers; graduate student and postdoctoral trainees; genetics students at local undergraduate institutions; and genetics educators.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

3:00-5:00 pm: Federal Funding Opportunities and the Proposal Review Process

Participants will become aware of multiple federal funding opportunities through the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. A panel discussion with program officers will be followed by a hands on exercise to examine program solicitations and review criteria, and to work through the mechanics of writing a good proposal.

 

5:00-7:00 pm: GSA Education Special Interest Group Mixer

Faculty with a passion for genetics education are encouraged to attend this mixer, where they can mix and mingle with other educators.  Current members of the Education SIG can catch up on actions taken by GSA with regards to the education initiative, and those who are not yet SIG members can learn about the Education SIG.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

8:30 am – 12:30 pm: “The Genetics Conference Experience”

The GSA Genetics Conference Experience provides students from genetics classes at local undergraduate institutions with the unique opportunity to observe distinguished career scientists present their current research in a conference setting.  The students, accompanied by their professor, will receive a background lecture and participate in an interactive discussion before attending part of a plenary session.  This informative and engaging program is meant to give students a glimpse into the real world of genetic research, and is NOT intended for students who are already involved in scientific research, but rather will provide students with the opportunity to learn about current scientific research outside of a textbook, witness the communication of scientific research first-hand, and ideally will foster an interest in furthering their science education. It is free of cost, and invitation-only.

 

12:45-2:00 pm: GSA Career Luncheon

Sponsored by US Biological

The GSA Career Luncheon is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to have informal conversations with senior career scientists regarding the unique challenges and rewards of a scientific career. The luncheon is organized by topic table. Topics may include things like: transition to independence, work-family balance, teaching at undergraduate institutions, non-academic careers for scientists, the when, how, and why of networking, dealing with difficult colleagues, etc.

 

6:30-8:00 pm: Undergraduate Mixer

For the first 45 minutes, undergraduate researchers attending the conference will network on their own, forming a peer-group that will help provide lasting support for the remainder of the conference.  In the second 45 minutes, PIs are encouraged to join the undergraduates and discuss their research, potentially forging relationships with future advisors.

Friday, April 5, 2013

1:30 – 4:00 pm: Plenary Session and Workshop for Undergraduate Researchers

Undergraduate conference attendees will attend an “Undergraduate Plenary Session” from 1:30-2:45 pm, with talks presented at a level appropriate for an undergraduate audience.  From 2:45-3:45 pm, undergraduates will have a chance to talk to a panel of graduate students about graduate school, applications, interviewing, admission, choosing a lab, and quality of life in graduate school.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

6:45 – 8:45 pm: Drosophila Research and Pedagogy at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUI)
This workshop focuses on increasing the quality and visibility of Drosophila research performed at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and facilitating faculty and students in these endeavors.  The goals include:  1) encouraging undergraduate research by providing a forum for students to make oral presentations;  2) connecting people interested in this career path with current PUI faculty;  3) establishing a network among current PUI faculty to promote discussion and provide support on professional issues that differ from those at large institutions;  4) sharing concepts and techniques that encourage the integration of Drosophila as a teaching tool in the classroom and laboratory.

Print the Drosophila 2013 Poster