2003 Student Research Conference Program

November 14-15, 2003
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles at
Macy's Plaza
Los Angeles, California

Online registration will be available after July 1, 2003.

Thursday, November 13, 2003

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Sigma Xi Celebration
Open to all Student Research Conference participants as well as Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and International Forum attendees.

Friday, November 14, 2003

8:00-10:00 a.m.

Registration and Poster Set up

10:00-11:00 a.m.

Welcome and Orientation
Featuring Norman Borlaug, Sigma Xi John P. McGovern Science and Society Award Winner for 2003 and Nobel Peace Prize winner for 1970.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Procter Prize Lecture
Featuring Darleane Hoffman, Sigma Xi Procter Prize Winner for 2003 and National Medal of Science Winner in 1997.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Networking Lunch
Opportunity to meet fellow participants and network with conference exhibitors that represent Graduate School and Career Recruiters from Government and Industry while enjoying lunch. (For all Student Conference Registrants)

1:45-2:45 p.m.

Workshops
Select from one of the following workshops based on your interest:

1. Communicating Science: Telling the Research Story in Pictures
   The ancient human tradition of storytelling with pictures has helped ideas leap across boundaries of language, culture and time. How can you use pictures to tell the stories of science to unfamiliar audiences? This session will feature examples from the history of scientific illustration and show how illustration is developed for Sigma Xi's award-winning magazine, American Scientist. Come prepared to picture your research. Hosted by American Scientist Editor Rosalind Reid.
2. International Research Collaborations and Exchange
   Advances in technology have made the world smaller and allow scientists and engineers to communicate across borders with unprecedented ease. As highlighted by the 2003 Forum, international collaboration is and will continue to be a critical factor in the health of the global research enterprise. Speakers will present information on how to establish relationships and find funding for international research collaborations and exchanges. Workshop attendees will be encouraged to participate by contributing comments and questions, and resource materials will be distributed.
3. Supporting Diversity in Science and Engineering -- Strategies That Work and Why
   Minority science and engineering students and faculty often face a daunting array of both obvious and subtle obstacles that can derail their education and their career goals. These factors are frequently cited when accounting for high drop out rates among promising minorities and women in science and technology-rich fields. This workshop will focus on successful programs designed to support minority students interested in preparing for science and engineering careers. Faculty mentors and students will form a panel to discuss solutions that have grown out of their experiences. Those attending the workshop should leave with several ideas for chapter-based diversity programs. Students will learn about existing programs and have an opportunity to contribute their own ideas about how Sigma Xi might improve the quality of life for women and minorities on campus. A booklet listing sources of information about exemplary programs developed by the Sigma Xi Committee on Diversity will be distributed to workshop attendees.
4. Civic Scientists and Engineers
   Scientists and engineers play increasingly important roles in sociological, economic and political arenas, yet researchers often find themselves portrayed as isolated and out of touch. This session will explore the impact that scientists and engineers can have when they assume leadership roles outside of the research environment. Ethics, communication, community service and outreach are all ways in which presenters in this session exemplify the concept of "The Civic Scientist."

3:00-6:15 p.m.

Poster Sessions I and II
Judged by Sigma Xi Members that are career researchers and leaders in their fields. Participants will be questioned about their research during sessions divided by topical areas on both Friday and Saturday. Monetary awards will be given to outstanding presentations. Participants will have time to network with recruiters and each other while not in judging sessions.

6:15 p.m.

Adjournment and Dinner
Participants may dine in the hotel or at one of the local Los Angeles restaurants.

8:30-10:30 p.m.

Sigma Xi Café
Special opportunity to network while enjoying coffee and desserts and a spectacular night time view of Los Angeles from the Polaris Room atop the Hyatt Regency at Macy's Plaza.

Saturday, November 15, 2003

8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Poster Sessions III and IV

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch
Opportunity to enjoy a lunch in the Polaris Room of the Hyatt Regency along with conversations with fellow participants, recruiters, and career scientists at designated interest tables. Lunch is complimentary for registered students and is included in some exhibitor packages. Additional tickets may be purchased.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Lecture
Alison Galloway, Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer - "The Glamorous World of the Forensic Anthropologist: The True Story." Find out the science behind police forensic investigations and popular television shows like "C.S.I."

3:30-4:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks and Awards
Featuring Alexandra Basolo, Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award Winner for 2003.

4:45-5:30 p.m.

Public Viewing of Student Presentations
Sigma Xi Annual Meeting Attendees and the public are encouraged to view student posters. Cash bar including sodas will be available.

5:30-6:00 p.m.

Remove Posters

7:00 p.m.

Sigma Xi Banquet and Entertainment
Student participants are invited to attend the Sigma Xi Banquet (for an additional fee). Featured speakers will include:

1. Robert Lee Hotz, Sigma Xi Honorary Member Inductee for 2003 and Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer for the Los Angeles Times.
2. Edwin Kiester, Sigma Xi Honorary Member Inductee for 2003 and renowned writer who has published on a wide range of science topics.

Entertainment will follow the meal.

Students may also elect to enjoy an evening out on the town of Los Angeles or depart the conference.

For more information, please contact Sigma Xi at src@sigmaxi.org or 800-243-6534 x 206