National Conference Mentor Activities
Student Research Abstract Review
Professional mentors support students in the development of their scientific abstract writing
skills. Feedback from reviewers helps SACNAS students to prepare for entry into the science
profession as accomplished science writers. Learn more about opportunities to support student
research presentations as an
abstract reviewer.
Student Presentations Judging
Professional judges support student presentations, providing an invaluable experience for SACNAS
students to develop their research presentation skills, one of the most important skills for
success in a science profession. This powerful professional development opportunity is made
possible by the participation of a large contingent of mentor-judges. Learn more about
opportunities to support student presentations as a
student presentation judge or discipline sub-committee chair.
Students have the opportunity to be paired up with science professionals for informal discussion of the
joys and challenges of a science career during this inspirational activity. Attendees from all science,
engineering, and mathematics disciplines meet and converse in unique roundtable discussions. Setting
the stage for interactions throughtout the rest of the conference, this popular session represents the
epitome of SACNAS’ longstanding tradition of mentorship and excellence in science. Mentors,
assigned a table according to discipline, take time to talk about their experiences as researchers,
faculty, program directors, and/or administrators. Tables engage in discussions based on questions of
interest to mentees. Commonly touched upon discussion topics include balancing career and family,
preparing for graduate school and making choice regarding where to apply, and career options in industry vs.
academia.
the duration
of the conference and participate in activities geared towards promoting student networks and personalized
mentoring opportunities. For more information on the program and how to sign up as a mentor at the National
Conference visit the SACNAS Mentoring Program homepage. For individuals interested
in participating in this program, sign up in your MySACNAS home.
Conversations With Scientists
Graduate School Application &
Advising Workshop (see schedule)
Potential graduate students take part in an interactive
session offering the essential tools for creating and
submitting a competitive graduate school application packet.
Mentors at this session assist students by reviewing
participant's draft of statements of purpose, offering advice
on the application process and responding to student
questions.
Professional Development Activities
Professional development sessions present a combination of
concrete tools and valuable advice to help advance one's
career and pursuit of a passion for science. Participants take
part in interactive discussions and workshops designed to
provide professional career strategies, skills, and guidance
from experienced members of the scientific community. Topics such as
achieving tenure, summer research opportunities,
selecting a career path and balancing work and family are presented.
Session chairs and presenters share their expertise and insight as
experienced professionals in these workshops.
SACNAS Chapter Extravaganza
All conference participants are encouraged to attend this evening program focused on SACNAS
Chapters, one of the fastest growing member-based programs within SACNAS. Chapter members
will be facilitating break-out sessions regarding fundraising, leadership, outreach activities,
chapter governance, and professional participation. There will be an additional break-out session specific
to mentoring that all graduate students, postdocs, and professionals are encouraged to attend.
Networking Lunch (see schedule)
All conference participants are invited to sit at a discipline-specific table in order
to engage in informal networking and mentoring between students and professionals.
This time is provided to check-in with students, meet other participants, discuss questions pertinent to career planning, and talk about which activities upcoming in the agenda could be most beneficial for an overall successful conference experience.
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