[an error occurred while processing this directive]
NSF STC Directors Meeting
On August 18 and 19, CMMAP successfully hosted the 2014 National Science
Foundation Science and Technology Center Directors Meeting. These meetings, held
at a different Center location each year, bring together Science and Technology
Center staff and NSF members to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from center
overviews and highlights, to current scientific and education topics. They
discuss best Center practices and future collaborations through a variety of
breakout sessions.
Bringing STC staff together for this meeting each year not only strengthens
bonds between the Centers and NSF, but also allows for networking opportunities
and the chance to discuss new research possibilities and funding for years to
come.
The 2014 meeting was very dynamic and was attended by about 75 members of
Centers across the United States. Included in the two-day event were 14
"Ignite-style" presentations which were 5-6 minute engaging talks that provided
an overview of each Center and highlighted their accomplishments. 14 Science
talks of 15-20 minutes in length gave participants an in-depth look at a
particular research or education topic at a general-audience level. Rounding
out the meeting was a plenary talk by Rajul Pandya, director of UCAR's
Office of Education and Outreach entitled, "Community Science: Designing
discovery for broader impact".
Center supported students from all STCs were invited to a special and separate
training, a Student Communication Workshop. Presented by Ninja
Communications, the workshop was titled, "Science: Becoming the Messenger". The
workshop combined relevant instruction with practical training around effective
communication, and prepared participants to share their science with colleagues
and broader audiences more confidently and effectively.
Main content topics included:
- The Power of Communications
- Masterful Messaging
- PowerPoint Alchemy
- Media Interview Magic
- Elevator Pitch Perfection
- Elevator Pitch Idol
An event dinner was held at a popular local restaurant where our own Little
Shop of Physics crew created an exciting atmosphere with their hands-on
displays. And we literally mean, "hands-on".
CMMAP also hosted two optional activities for all participants. A tour of our local
New Belgium Brewery was arranged with participants able to taste test their
more common brews with some new offerings still in the test phase. Another
group was led by CMMAP outdoor enthusiasts up into the local foothills of Lory
State Park. The 3-mile hike climbed into a Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest
and back down into the high prairie grasslands with abundant views of the
plains, Horsetooth Reservoir and the city of Fort Collins.
All in all, this year's Directors Meeting turned out to be a fun, fullfilling,
and informative event for all.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]