STC Directors Meeting - Students

So you’re a student and thinking about attending the 2013 STC Directors Meeting, but don’t really know what it’s all about or why you should attend? You’ve come to the right place, read on to find out more.

Visit the 2013 STC Directors Meeting for more information, including registration, hotel and transportation.

Science and Technology Centers (STC) are collaborative programs connecting academic institutions, government agencies, and private or industrial partners; these centers receive large, multiple year grants from the NSF. Each year STC directors meet to share best practices, network, and collaborate. At the STC Directors Meeting, attendees are given the opportunity to interact with leaders in science and technology as well as gain better insight to how each center evolves and contributes to the over all scientific community.
For more information about STCs, visit the NSF website →

Portland, Oregon - August 21-23, 2013
This year, the Center for Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction (CMOP) is hosting the meeting in beautiful Portland, Oregon! You’re probably familiar with Portland by way of Stumptown Coffee, Voodoo Dougnuts, and the television series Portlandia. Portland is also known for it’s picturesque landscapes, flowing rivers, and bridges o’ plenty. Over on the left side of this web page you will find links to things to do in and around Portland.

Meet Students, Educators, and Directors from other STCs
You’ll be able to discuss the unique opportunities afforded students of STCs. We’ll be brainstorming ways to contribute to our own centers and enhance communication between centers; you never know where your next collaboration will come from!

Interact with Science and Technology leaders
Participate in panel discussions with the National Science Board, National political leaders, industry and private foundations that will provide insight to the future of Science and Technology (i.e. funding, collaborations, and developments).

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!

Pre-meeting Workshop for Students (Wednesday August 21)
CMOP students have planned a hands-on workshop / brainstorming session just for STC students! We will participate in an activity to “design our own STC” while discussing the advantages of being students at these centers, and consider how to improve our individual experiences and increase communication and/or collaboration between us.
View student workshop agenda →

The Meeting (Thursday and Friday, August 22 & 23)
This portion of the meeting is filled with panel discussions focusing on the future of science and technology, and how STCs bridge academic, public, and private research with policy, management, and government.
View meeting agenda →
 

Traditional Knowledge and Western Science Dinner (Thursday, August 22)
Social hour precedes dinner, where student videos will be played while participants relax and socialize. During dinner, there will be a panel discussion on the challenges and synergies between Native traditional knowledge and western science and technology.  A traditional performance by a local Native American dance group will kick off the evening.

Register
Register today to attend the meeting →
 

Optional activities are at your own expense, but will be highly worth it!

BrewCycle Pub Crawl
With more microbreweries than any other city in the world, Portland has been called “Beervana” and the “beer capital of the world”. Why not take some time to explore some of Portland’s best brewpubs with other students by bike? This activity was planned by students for students, and takes participants on a two hour brewery tour by peddling on a multi-person bicycle through downtown Portland. This uniquely Portland experience will surely be the talk of the meeting, sign up now, space is limited!
View more information about BrewCycle →

Date: Wednesday evening, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Fee: $20 per person - guests welcome
Sign Up Here →

Field Trip: Extravaganza to the Columbia River Gorge
The Pacific Northwest is known for its breathtaking views and grandeur. On this field trip, we will head East to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home of the “prehistoric” 10-foot long, Herman the Sturgeon!  Visit the Bonneville Lock and Dam for a guided tour of its powerhouse, spillway, and fish ladders. See Multnomah Falls, the second tallest waterfall in the United States. Then it’s onward and upwards to Vista House to marvel at breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. Join us after the meeting, take a few photos, and learn a little about the area’s history before returning to your hotel ready to go to dinner on your own or with your new traveling companions.
View field trip agenda →

Date: Friday afternoon, 1:00 – 6:30 pm
Fee: $35 per person - guests welcome
Register Here →

(prior to meeting)

Center Videos
In past meetings, student participants are typically asked for a poster presentation on their research. In lieu of posters and presentations, we are asking each center to put together a video heralding the work of each STC’s students. Videos should be created by the students. All content must be original. Copyrighted material (music, photography, video/film) can only be used with express permission of the copyright holder. Videos will be shown during the social hour prior to Thursday’s dinner.

Below is an example of a video created to showcase a student's research. Your video should showcase your center's work and will likely include the work of many individuals.
 

Me and My Science

Harold the Amazing

Kayce's Science

Student Survey
The following survey is to help students recognize their role within their program and the role of their STC within the larger scientific community. All students are welcome to fill out the survey, but we are asking that all participating students attending the 2013 STC Directors Meeting fill out the survey prior to Wednesday's (8/21/13) workshop. Your answers will help guide our discussion at the workshop. To answer these questions you may have to consult with your STC managers, administrators, and/or education program managers.
Take the Survey →