professional SERVICE
American Ornithological Society
Early Professional Mini-talk Symposium and Social
The Early Professionals Committee is hosting the Annual EARLY PROFESSIONALS MINI-TALK SYMPOSIUM AND EARLY PROFESSIONALS SOCIAL designed to highlight the exciting research performed by professionals in the beginning stages of their careers (i.e., those who are no longer students but still in the early stages of their careers). This is a lively and fast-paced event, which has become increasingly popular. Unlike the lightning talks in previous years, we have changed the format to a “3-minute thesis”-type presentation. Participants are limited to one slide consisting of one image and a “tweet” style statement summarizing them and their research (i.e., no more than 140 characters). We will also leave ~2 minutes for one question. The image can be a photo, figure, or piece of art. The idea here is to make the Ornithologist the focus. What are they passionate about, what makes them tick as a scientist, how did they get where they are, and where are they headed? Following the talks there will be an Early Professional Social, a chance to meet with the participants and other early career and senior ornithologists (registration required).
Sponsored by: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Early Professional Mini-talk Symposium and Social
The Early Professionals Committee is hosting the Annual EARLY PROFESSIONALS MINI-TALK SYMPOSIUM AND EARLY PROFESSIONALS SOCIAL designed to highlight the exciting research performed by professionals in the beginning stages of their careers (i.e., those who are no longer students but still in the early stages of their careers). This is a lively and fast-paced event, which has become increasingly popular. Unlike the lightning talks in previous years, we have changed the format to a “3-minute thesis”-type presentation. Participants are limited to one slide consisting of one image and a “tweet” style statement summarizing them and their research (i.e., no more than 140 characters). We will also leave ~2 minutes for one question. The image can be a photo, figure, or piece of art. The idea here is to make the Ornithologist the focus. What are they passionate about, what makes them tick as a scientist, how did they get where they are, and where are they headed? Following the talks there will be an Early Professional Social, a chance to meet with the participants and other early career and senior ornithologists (registration required).
Sponsored by: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
American Ornithological Society
Early Professional Social
Following the Early Professionals Mini-Talk Symposium, there will be a social event including light food and drinks. At this event, there are two main goals. First, all Mini-talk Symposium participants will be assigned to a senior scientist. This senior scientist will serve as an informal mentor, observing the participating early professional’s mini-talk, and then meeting with that individual during the social to provide both specific feedback on the talk, as well as general advice on a career in ornithology. Secondly, all early professionals, regardless of participation in the Mini-talk Symposium, will network with their peers as well as members of the Early Professionals Committee of the AOS so that we can directly address their needs.
Nearly all early professionals are eager for any sort of professional advice and networking opportunity, and yet very few events at conferences focus on this demographic. In fact, of all the societies at NAOC, only the AOS has a committee dedicated to serving this group. This event is a targeted way to engage early professionals, and may be a key aspect of retaining membership as individuals progress from students to professional status.
Sponsored by: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Early Professional Social
Following the Early Professionals Mini-Talk Symposium, there will be a social event including light food and drinks. At this event, there are two main goals. First, all Mini-talk Symposium participants will be assigned to a senior scientist. This senior scientist will serve as an informal mentor, observing the participating early professional’s mini-talk, and then meeting with that individual during the social to provide both specific feedback on the talk, as well as general advice on a career in ornithology. Secondly, all early professionals, regardless of participation in the Mini-talk Symposium, will network with their peers as well as members of the Early Professionals Committee of the AOS so that we can directly address their needs.
Nearly all early professionals are eager for any sort of professional advice and networking opportunity, and yet very few events at conferences focus on this demographic. In fact, of all the societies at NAOC, only the AOS has a committee dedicated to serving this group. This event is a targeted way to engage early professionals, and may be a key aspect of retaining membership as individuals progress from students to professional status.
Sponsored by: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
American Ornithological Society
Birds of Different Feathers: Increasing Diversity in Ornithology
Early Professional Committee and Diversity Committee Organizers: Nancy Chen, Scott Taylor, Nandadevi Cortes-Rodriguez, Sara Kaiser (EP Chair) and Kevin Omland (Diversity Chair)
Promoting the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in science is important. This symposium will feature speakers from established programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM at various career stages (undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, faculty, and non-academic biologists), followed by a breakout session during which attendees brainstorm concrete steps we can take to increase diversity and inclusion in our fields. Increasing diversity in ornithology is a key goal of the current AOS leadership, and ideas generated during this symposium will be considered and implemented by the newly formed AOS Diversity Committee.
Sponsored by: Audubon Great Lakes
Birds of Different Feathers: Increasing Diversity in Ornithology
Early Professional Committee and Diversity Committee Organizers: Nancy Chen, Scott Taylor, Nandadevi Cortes-Rodriguez, Sara Kaiser (EP Chair) and Kevin Omland (Diversity Chair)
Promoting the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in science is important. This symposium will feature speakers from established programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM at various career stages (undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, faculty, and non-academic biologists), followed by a breakout session during which attendees brainstorm concrete steps we can take to increase diversity and inclusion in our fields. Increasing diversity in ornithology is a key goal of the current AOS leadership, and ideas generated during this symposium will be considered and implemented by the newly formed AOS Diversity Committee.
Sponsored by: Audubon Great Lakes
American Ornithologists' Union
Improving Your Presentation Skills Workshop
Early Professional Committee and Student Affairs Committee Organizers: Nicholas Mason (SA Chair), Scott Taylor, Matt Carling, Sara Kaiser
Conveying scientific results in a clear and effective manner is one of the most important aspects of a scientist’s career. Unfortunately, training opportunities that help individuals improve both their oral presentation skills and their ability to construct clear and effective presentations can be limited. The objective of this workshop is to provide conference attendees with guidance on these topics, which are critical for success both in academia and beyond. This is a collaborative workshop between the Student Affairs Committee and Early Professionals Committee.
Specific Objectives:
Improving Your Presentation Skills Workshop
Early Professional Committee and Student Affairs Committee Organizers: Nicholas Mason (SA Chair), Scott Taylor, Matt Carling, Sara Kaiser
Conveying scientific results in a clear and effective manner is one of the most important aspects of a scientist’s career. Unfortunately, training opportunities that help individuals improve both their oral presentation skills and their ability to construct clear and effective presentations can be limited. The objective of this workshop is to provide conference attendees with guidance on these topics, which are critical for success both in academia and beyond. This is a collaborative workshop between the Student Affairs Committee and Early Professionals Committee.
Specific Objectives:
- Provide guidance for building presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.) that have clarity, flow, and are effective.
- Provide opportunities for critiques of various presentations to improve critical thinking with respect to creating effective slides.
- Provide constructive criticism on oral presentation skills and examples for individuals and small groups to critically evaluate.
links to professional affiliations
©S.A. Kaiser 2012