2023 AJAS Annual Program

 
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AJAS Welcome and Poster Kick-off Event — January 15, 2023, at 7:00 pm Eastern Time --- Recording Link
The NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference will kick-off at 7:00 pm eastern time on January 15, 2023, with a quick welcome and introduction presentation. Then we will talk about posters. Every AJAS delegate must create and submit a properly formatted poster, highlighting their original research, in order to receive an AJAS Fellowship! We will have a live and interactive talk by Dr. Mike Morrison, an expert in visual communication and innovator of a new generation of scientific posters. Dr. Morrison has also agreed to provide several additional on-line interactive sessions to further assist any AJAS delegates in creating their posters. Additional assistance in creating the posters will be valuable.

Here is a link to the recording. All AJAS posters will be in Mike Morrison’s billboard format—to learn more about this exciting format and why the scientific community is moving towards it, please watch these videos:
    Generation 1 
    Generation 2
    Virtual posters
Also, check out this video by Mike Morrison about a Twitter poster. Students may create a Twitter poster to share with Mike during his talk and for us to share with the larger scientific community on Twitter. 

Dr. Morrison Poster design follow-up sessions
    —January 20, 2023, at 8:00 - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
    —January 22, 2023, at 8:00 - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
    —January 28, 2023, at 8:00 - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
    —January 30, 2023, at 8:00 - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
Link to reserve time with Dr. Morrison

ABT Narrative Template: Making the Most of Your Audio File — Jan. 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm Eastern Time — Recording Link
Join Dr. Randy Olson and his team to learn a powerful communications tool that will benefit many areas of your life. You've got something to say AND you know it’s important, BUT you're having trouble boiling it down to its powerful and essential core, THEREFORE you need to use the ABT Framework. Dr. Olson and his colleagues will provide a basic introduction to the ABT Narrative Template and show you how to use it composing the 1-minute audio for your poster. This template is a tool for organizing, from short introductions to research reports and even PowerPoint presentations in a way that makes them clear, concise, and memorable. Fellows will also receive a copy of Olson & Co.’s newest publication, The Narrative Gym for Science.
*All AJAS Official Delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the ABT Narrative Template presentation.

AJAS Poster Submission Instructions —Submission Deadline: February 4, 2023, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Do not confuse the submission of the AJAS posters with the submission of abstracts to the AAAS—these are separate events on different websites.
Posters must be uploaded, along with a short audio clip, by 11:59 pm Pacific time on February 4, 2023.

• Submit posters, abstracts, and other materials to AJAS at: https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/proposals/propselect.php?orgcode=NAAS&prid=1054265 .
• During the period of February 4 to 11, an AJAS committee will review all posters for appropriate content and completeness prior to being accepted*. Students may be required to make modifications to their posters during this time.
• Students must add their official chaperone as a team member to their SeekBeak. Posters will go live on SeekBeak on February 23, 2023.

AAAS Abstract Submission Instructions —Submission Deadline:  February 4, 2023, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Do not confuse the submission of abstracts to the AAAS with the submission of the AJAS posters—these are separate events on different websites.

• One or more of your Science Academy's senior scientists or teachers must review/edit your abstract prior to submission. They will work with you to proofread your abstract. 
• Submit your abstract (note the site says "poster") to AAAS at: https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2023/ajas/cfp.cgi
• Only 3 author names are allowable in the submission (the main and 2 co-authors). 
• Your mentor/teacher name and email address must also be included to complete the entry.
• Title must be 85 characters or less, including spaces.
• Abstract must be 2600 characters or less, including spaces. Abstract must be one single spaced paragraph with no indents, bullets, charts, or graphs. Titles, authors, footnotes, references or notations of grant funding are not allowed in the abstract. 
• The category must be one of the following: Animal Science, Behavioral Science, Biochemistry, Cellular Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Microbiology, Plant Science, or Physics
• Be sure to submit your abstract submission.
• Click on “Print this Page” and save it as a PDF file.
• Abstracts for the AAAS are due by February 4, 2023 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Any received after this date WILL NOT be published in the AAAS 2023 Program. The AAAS Program is a record of your abstract publication – the first official scientific publication for many of you. 

Meet the Scientists virtual event — February 16, 2023, 9:30-10:40 AM or 3:30-4:40 PM session Eastern Time - Sign up Link
Sponsored by the National Academy of Science and conducted via Zoom, the virtual Meet the Scientist event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the work and careers of various STEM professionals. AJAS Official Delegates and professional scientists will meet in informal, small-group, settings to engage in open (and often wide-ranging) discussions. Learn some science, get some career advice, tell your own story, and discover the typically winding paths of how professionals arrived in their careers.

• All AJAS Official Delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the Meet the Scientists event. 
• Student Leader Opportunities are available for AJAS Official Delegates to serve as student facilitators in each Zoom room. During the Meet the Scientist virtual event, the facilitator will make sure that everyone in the group gets a chance to talk and facilitates the Q&A session. If you are interested in being a student facilitator, sign-up when registering for the AJAS Annual Conference and you will receive further instructions. 

Research Round Table virtual event — February 18, 2023, 11:00 AM or 7:00 PM session Eastern Time (90 min.) - Sign up Link
Many professional meetings use this round table format. In this format, AJAS Official Delegates will communicate their research experience while sharing about 6 Powerpoint (or equivalent) slides with their Research Round Table team of 5 to 7 team members. Each table/zoom room will have at least one student facilitator.

• Additional information will be sent to you in February to help you prepare for your presentation. 
• All AJAS Official Delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the Research Round Table.
• Student Leader Opportunities
• Opportunities are available for AJAS Official Delegates to serve as student facilitators in each Zoom room. During the Research Round Table, the facilitator will guide the group through the presentation of their slides and serve as the timekeeper. If you are interested in being a student facilitator, sign-up when registering for the AJAS Annual Conference and you will receive further instructions. 

AJAS/NAAS Virtual Poster SeekBeak rooms become available — February 23, 2023, at 4:00 pm Eastern Time.

AJAS/NAAS Virtual Poster Session — February 25, 2023, at 10:00 am-Noon Eastern Time or 3:00-5:00 pm Eastern Time.
The poster session’s virtual platform is SeekBeak, which allows 24/7 access. This poster session will provide students the opportunity to creatively share their research and allows the scientific community to provide feedback directly to these students.  Live chat times with students, about their posters and projects, will be assigned to each delegate. This is fun!All AJAS Official Delegates are strongly encouraged to participate in the AJAS Poster Session.
 

AJAS/NAAS Virtual Keynote Address—February 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (video available on YouTube). - YouTube Link
Our virtual keynote speaker is Dr. Lara A. Thompson, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr Thompson, Director of the Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering at UDC, is the first principal investigator faculty member of an HBCU to receive the NSF’s prestigious Alan T. Waterman award-–the most prestigious award in the United States presented to a scientist or engineer in the early stages of their career. Waterman awardees receive $1 million dollars to pursue their research interests. 

• Learn more about Dr. Thompson and her research at https://www.udc.edu/seas/faculty/lara-thompson/ 

 

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Plan to arrive in Washington, DC, no later than 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 1st. Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient airport to our hotel.

All of Wednesday’s events take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (see hotel information below). (Important: this is not the nearby Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport.) 

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is located at 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, Virginia, USA, 22202, 1 703-920-3230,   
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasgw-crystal-gateway-marriott/overview/    

The Crystal Gateway Marriott has a COMPLEMENTARY AIRPORT SHUTTLE that can pick you up from all three terminals at Reagan National Airport and take you to the hotel. This service runs every 30 minutes. Look for a white van that says "Crystal Gateway Marriott". 

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Special Note to All NAAS/AJAS in-person attendees. 

• While in Washington, most transportation will be in large groups on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority DC Metro Rail system
• DC Metro Rail Website: https://www.wmata.com/        
    Printable Metro Map
• DC Metro Rail Quick map at: https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps/ 

All in-person attendees will be given a 72-hour unlimited Metro Rail Pass. 

No Not use these Metro Passes until the morning of March 2, 2023 !

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• Follow signs in airport to Metrorail System.
• You will need to purchase a Metro card at the kiosk before going through the turnstile (this should be no more than $5 per person).
• Take the Blue Line to Crystal City.
• Exit the subway train at Crystal City.
• Stay inside and follow the signs in the tunnel leading to the Crystal Gateway Marriott. After walking about a hundred yards, you will turn right at the Crystal Gateway Marriott sign (not left toward the Crystal City Marriott).
• Walk past several stores and fast food places. Then veer left in the tunnel and continue walking until you enter the hotel lobby.

• Metro Stop at Crystal City to Crystal Gateway Marriott
  • Exit the subway train at Crystal City.
  • Stay inside and follow the signs in the tunnel leading to the Crystal Gateway Marriott. After walking about a hundred yards, you will turn right at the Crystal Gateway Marriott sign (not left toward the Crystal City Marriott).
  • Walk past several stores and fast food places. Then veer left in the tunnel and continue walking until you enter the hotel lobby.

• Crystal Gateway Marriott to Metro Stop at Crystal City
  • Exit hotel via the tunnel between the lobby and elevators (do not go outside). Make first right turn.
  • Pass several stores and fast food places. Then turn left at tunnel (do not continue straight toward Crystal City Marriott).
  • Follow tunnel and it will lead to the Metro stop.

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Noon-2:00 pm. [IN-PERSON] Pre-registration setup at Salon IV (first floor, Crystal Gateway Marriott).

• Registration Committee—Hallie Thompson, chair

2:00-5:00 pm. [IN-PERSON] The NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference registration table will be open at Salon IV (first floor, Crystal Gateway Marriott). 

5:00-6:00 pm. [IN-PERSON] Chaperone meetings at Salon IV. Come and meet other chaperones, learn more about the conference schedule, and visit with your committee team. 

• Event security committee—David Bass, chair
• Photography committee—Judy Staveley, chair
• Metro Transportation Committee—David Bass, chair
• Thank You Note Committee—Se Jeong, chair

6:30 pm. [IN-PERSON] The AJAS Annual Meeting Opening Reception and Welcome Ceremony in Salon IV. 

• Everyone is invited to meet and talk with the other in-person delegates. 
• An elegant buffet meal and beverages will be served. Multiple options, including vegetarian, will be available. The late registration table will be open.
• Delegates are encouraged to [DRESS] business casual. 

6:30 pm. [VIRTUAL] Livestreaming of events to the virtual delegates will begin. Virtual Link

7:30 pm. [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL] - Virtual Link
Opening remarks and keynote speaker in Salon IV. Ms. Eleanor Sigrest, AJAS 2019 and Stanford Sophomore will introduce our keynote speaker is Alice Bowman, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Mission Operations Manager for the New Horizons mission to Pluto. Learn about Ms. Bowman and her leadership in getting data back from across the solar system here and here.

8:45 pm (following the keynote) [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL]. - Virtual Link
Introduction of the NAAS Board of Directors, explanation of the week's events, and introduction of the committee chairs.  

10:00 pm. Event complete. Livestreaming ends. 

First night in Crystal Gateway Marriott.
 

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-AJAS area tours [in-person only] and AAAS opening ceremony [all]-
     
7:00 am - 9:00 am [IN-PERSON]. Breakfast in the first floor SkyView area at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (cost covered by registration).

8:00 am - 3:00 pm [IN-PERSON]. Area tours for all  in-person students and adults.

• Multiple tour options will be available, but all will have a STEM theme. 
• Each tour has been carefully coordinated and customized with the scientific staff at the site. AJAS Student Delegates will get a “behind-the-scenes” view at each location, and will have the opportunity for in-person discussions and interactions with the technical experts. Different tours will be in different areas of the city and will focus on different STEM disciplines. Locations tentatively include: George Washington University, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Integrated Pharma Services and the Universities at Shady Grove, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Morning departure times from the hotel will be staggered.  Efforts will be made to match delicates to their desired tour sites, but a particular site cannot be guaranteed. Transportation to the sites will be primarily by the DC Metro Rail system and possibly by charter bus. Travel will always be in large groups with the adult chaperones. 
• Lunch options (including vegetarian), paid for by registration, will be available at each site. 
• IMPORTANT: [DRESS] for safety and comfort at the labs: DELEGATES SHOULD DRESS IN COMFORTABLE BUSINESS-CASUAL ATTIRE. THEY WILL WEAR THESE SAME CLOTHES TO THE OPENING PLENARY AT THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER. WEAR LONG PANTS OR LONG SKIRT FOR LEG PROTECTION (no exceptions)! WEAR COMFORTABLE, CLOSED-TOED, SHOES (no exceptions) !
• Local lab managers have every right and responsibility to deny access to a student who is not properly dressed for safety. 
• All tours should return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro station-Green and Yellow lines) (not to the hotel) .

Tour 1: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (33 participants max). Departs Crystal Gateway Marriott lobby at 8:00 am — Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).

• Theme: measurement and physical sciences lab.
• Tour leader - Philip Winchell.
• Science is about precision measurement. The personnel at NIST, a laboratory within the U.S. Department of Commerce, develops the instruments and technology to measure the smallest to largest human made creations.
• IMPORTANT: The NIST tour is limited to US Citizens; all visitors will be screened and must have a Real Picture ID (ID card with the star) to enter.
• More informationon NIST
  • Tour 1 Travel instructions:  Both Tour 1: National Institute of Standards and Technology and Tour 2: Integrated Pharma Services + University of Maryland, Baltimore County will take a bus from the hotel, so they will not use the Metro for these tours. All Tour 1 and Tour 2 participants should meet in the lobby of the Crystal Gateway Marriott and both groups will board the same bus from there. After completion of each tour in the afternoon, the bus will drop off both tour groups at the Washington Convention Center.

Tour 2: Integrated Pharma Services and the Universities at Shady Grove (20 participants max). Departs Crystal Gateway Marriott lobby at 8:00 am — Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).  

• Theme: real-world biotechnology and some hands-on experience.
• Tour Leader - Hallie Thompson.
• In the morning, the tour will get a close-up look inside the workings of Integrated Pharma Services https://www.integratedpharmaservices.com/ , an Award-Winning biotechnology and contract research laboratory. In the afternoon the tour will visit the Universities at Shady Grove for some hands-on experiences in biotechnology laboratory procedures and an introduction to translational life science technology https://shadygrove.umbc.edu/program/translational-life-science-technology/.
  • Tour 2 Travel instructions:  Both Tour 1: National Institute of Standards and Technology and Tour 2: Integrated Pharma Services + University of Maryland, Baltimore County will take a bus from the hotel, so they will not use the Metro for these tours. All Tour 1 and Tour 2 participants should meet in the lobby of the Crystal Gateway Marriott and both groups will board the same bus from there. After completion of each tour in the afternoon, the bus will drop off both tour groups at the Washington Convention Center.

Tour 3: USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD. (28 participants max). Departs Crystal Gateway Marriott lobby at 8:20 am, then subsequently departs the Crystal City metro station at 8:30 am — Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).  

• Theme: world-leading Agricultural Research
• Tour leader - Michael Strauss.
• The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is the largest scientific installation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This tour will visit a number of research sites at this sprawling facility devoted to enhancing the nation’s ability to produce safe and abundant plant and animal resources. Learn more about Beltsville Agricultural Research Center here  https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/
• All participants must bring some form of ID to enter the USDA facility. 
  • Tour 3 Travel instructions:
    OUTBOUND: Metro Stop at Crystal City to US Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to upper level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Greenbelt.
    • Get off Metro at Greenbelt Metro stop.
    • Exit the Metro Stop and get aboard the USDA bus.  
  • RETURN: US Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center to Washington Convention Center (Metro Stop at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown)
    • Exit the USDA bus and enter the Greenbelt Metro stop.
    • Take the Metro Take the Metro Green Line toward Branch Avenue.
    • Get off Metro at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown and follow signs into convention center.
    • If you cannot get off at this Metro Stop, you may go back to the Gallery Place stop, exit and walk north on 7th St NW toward the convention center.

Tour 4: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Downtown (35 participants max). Departs Crystal Gateway Marriott lobby at 8:50 am, then subsequently departs the Crystal City metro station at 9:00 am. Arrive at Constitution Avenue entrance between 9:45 and 10:00 am — Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).

• Theme: earth history, geology, paleontology, and biology of every imaginable type.
• Tour leader - David Bass.
• The National Museum of Natural History https://naturalhistory.si.edu/ is one of the world's leading museums of its kind. But the NMNH is also a premier scientific research institute. Several prominent researchers will address our group, and we will have special access to the “attic.”
• After lunch at NMNH, student delegates and their chaperones will have the opportunity to stay at NMNH or to visit one of the other near-by Smithsonian museums https://www.si.edu/ .
• IMPORTANT: for the afternoon session, some planning by the individual chaperones will be required. Different Smithsonian museums have different days and hours of operation, a few are temporarily closed, and the National Air and Space Museum requires free timed-entry passes to be obtained ahead of time. See https://www.si.edu/visit/hours 
• IMPORTANT: Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).
  • Tour 4 Travel instructions: 
  • OUTBOUND: Metro Stop at Crystal City to Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at the Federal Triangle stop.
    • Take stairs up and emerge in covered area of Clinton Federal Bldg.
    • Turn around and walk east toward 12TH St NW (toward the Waldorf Astoria Hotel).
    • Walk south on sidewalk toward the mall.
    • Cross Constitution Ave NW at crosswalk and immediately turn left (do not continue toward mall), and walk east toward Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
    • Enter the museum on Constitution Ave. (north) side in the middle of the building at the top of the stairs.
  • RETURN: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to Washington Convention Center (Metro Stop at Mount Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown
    • Exit the museum on Constitution Ave. (north) side in the middle of the building (where you came in).
    • Walk west and cross 12th Street NW and immediately turn right to cross Constitution Ave NW at crosswalk (heading away from mall), and walk north toward the Federal Triangle stop.
    •  Enter Metro stop at the Federal Triangle stop.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to upper level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Greenbelt.
    • Get off Metro at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown and follow signs into the convention center.
    • If you cannot get off at this Metro Stop, you may go back to the Gallery Place stop, exit and walk north on 7th St NW toward the convention center.
    • Alternatively, if you are near the Smithsonian Castle, you may get on the Metro at the Smithsonian Metro Stop to reach the Washing Convention Center.
  • RETURN (Alternate): Alternatively, if you are near the Smithsonian Castle, you may get on the Metro at the Smithsonian Metro Stop to reach the Washing Convention Center.
    • Mall near Smithsonian Castle to Washington Convention Center (Metro Stop at Mount Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown
    • Enter the Smithsonian Metro Station near 12th St SW and Jefferson Drive SW, just east of the Smithsonian Castle.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to upper level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Greenbelt.
    • Get off Metro at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown and follow signs into convention center.
    • If you cannot get off at this Metro Stop, you may go back to the Gallery Place stop, exit and walk north on 7th St NW toward the convention center.

Tour 5: George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (40 participants max). Departs Crystal Gateway Marriott at 9:05 am, then subsequently departs the Crystal City metro station at 9:15 am. Arrive at GWU Science and Engineering Hall by 10:00 am — Return directly back to the Washington Convention Center (not to the hotel).

• Theme: a broad spectrum of experiences in the sciences.
• Tour leader - John Kaup.
• The George Washington University is an internationally respected R1 (highest ranking) research university, with over 27,000 students (more postgraduate than undergraduate), located in the District of Columbia. The Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, alone, has 7,600 students, 530 faculty, and 86,000 alumni in a staggering 120 countries (what a network). With the cooperation of the office of the Dean, AJAS has arranged for a full day of hands-on tours in a number of selected laboratory and STEM facilities within the college. Lunch in the middle, of course. 
• • Tour 5 Travel instructions: 
  • OUTBOUND: Metro Stop at Crystal City to George Washington University (GWU)
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at the Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro stop.
    • Go up the stairs and emerge near 23rd ST NW and 1st NW.
    • Cross 23rd ST NW , turn right, and walk south on sidewalk to the Science and Engineering Hall.
  • RETURN: George Washington University (GWU) to Washington Convention Center (Metro Stop at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown
    • Exit the Science and Engineering Hall at the 23rd ST NW doors, turn right, and walk north along the sidewalk about one block to the crosswalk.
    • Cross 23rd ST NW and enter Metro stop at the Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro stop.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to upper level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Greenbelt.
    • Get off Metro at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown and follow signs into the convention center.
    • If you cannot get off at this Metro Stop, you may go back to the Gallery Place stop, exit and walk north on 7th St NW toward the convention center.

8:00 am - 3:00 pm [VIRTUAL]. No events scheduled.

4:45 pm sharp! [IN-PERSON] AAAS Presidential Address and the AAAS Welcome to DC Reception.

• At the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro station-Green and Yellow lines).
• AAAS Presidential Address starts at 5:00 pm and is followed by the AAAS Welcome to DC Reception. The AJAS Students Delegates will be recognized at the beginning of this session so PLEASE BE SEATED BY 4:45 PM. Being introduced to the scientists attending the AAAS’ Annual Meeting is an honor that you do not want to miss. 
• Keep track of the AAAS Annual Meeting online program at this link
• Learn about Gilda Barabino and this address at this link

4:45 pm sharp! [VIRTUAL] AAAS Presidential Address.

• AAAS Presidential Address starts at 5:00 pm and will be livestreamed by AAAS (not by AJAS). 
• All AJAS virtual registrants (students and adults—deluxe and basic) can attend this session. 
• The AJAS Students Delegates will be recognized at the beginning of this session so be logged in on time. Being introduced to the scientists attending the AAAS’ Annual Meeting is an honor that you do not want to miss.
• Keep track of the AAAS Annual Meeting online program at this link
• Learn about Gilda Barabino and this address at this link

6:30 pm. [IN-PERSON] Join the AAAS President Dr. Gilda Barabino and AAAS members at the reception at the Convention center immediately following the plenary (food and beverages will be served) 
Chaperones may consider an additional late-evening snack for everyone after the reception.
   
8:00 pm.  [VIRTUAL] AAAS Special session. Living Science: Stories that Connect Us.
    Learn about at: https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2023/meetingapp.cgi/Session/30517 
 

• Return directly back to the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel.
  • Travel instructions: Washington Convention Center to Metro Stop at Crystal City
    • Follow signs from Convention Center to Metro stop.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Branch Ave.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to lower level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Franconia-Springfield.
    • Get off Metro at the Crystal City Metro stop.

Second night in Crystal Gateway Marriott.

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-AAAS plenary session ceremony [all], AAAS events [all], evening social [all]-
    
IMPORTANT: Delegates should [DRESS] in comfortable business-casual attire and prepare for walking in cold weather. They will wear these same clothes to the (optional) monument walk later in the evening. 

7:30 am - 8:30 am [IN-PERSON]. Breakfast in the first floor Sky View area at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (cost covered by registration).
8:45 an - [IN PERSON]. All participants depart Crystal Gateway Marriott lobby at 8:45 am as a group.

9:45 am sharp! [IN-PERSON] AAAS Plenary Session.

• At the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro station-Green and Yellow lines).PLEASE BE SEATED BY 9:45 AM.
• Dr. Marcia McNutt, geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Science, presents “The Past, Present, and Future of our Research Enterprise” 
• Learn about this talk 

• AAAS Plenary Session.Travel instructions: 
  • OUTBOUND: Metro Stop at Crystal City to Washington Convention Center
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to upper level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Greenbelt.
    • Get off Metro at Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Chinatown and follow signs into convention center.
    • If you cannot get off at this Metro Stop, you may go back to the Gallery Place stop, exit and walk north on 7th St NW toward the convention center.

10:00 am sharp! [VIRTUAL] AAAS Plenary Session.

• AAAS Plenary Session starts at 10:00 pm and will be livestreamed by AAAS (not by AJAS). 
• Dr. Marcia McNutt, geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Science, presents “The Past, Present, and Future of our Research Enterprise” 
• All AJAS virtual registrants (students and adults—deluxe and basic) can attend this session. 
• Learn about this talk 

11:30 am  - 4:00 pm [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL]. Attend AAAS Annual Meeting events!
Lunch is on your own.

• Friday afternoon is your grand opportunity to explore the many events offered by the AAAS Annual Meeting. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore at the largest scientific meeting in the world. Possibilities include many different scientific sessions, workshops, E-posters, and lighting talks—many events are available each hour. Explore AAAS events at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001) and the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel (999 9th Street NW Washington). 
• Travel Instructions to AAAS Events: The Convention Center sits atop the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station served by Metro's Green and Yellow lines. Alternatively, take the Red Line to the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station which is a 5 minute walk from the Convention Center. 
• All in-person and virtual AJAS Official Delegates—and anyone else with AAAS Deluxe Access—can freely attend these events for the entire AAAS Annual Meeting.
• The Friday, March 3, 2023 AAAS Annual Meeting schedule is here

4:00 pm [IN-PERSON] Evening Social event at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Do Not Miss This Fun Event.

• Arrive at the National Museum of Natural History about 4:00 pm and visit the displays at one of the most amazing museums on earth!

• Evening Social event. Travel instructions: 
  • Washington Convention Center to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    • Follow signs from the Convention Center to Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Metro stop.
    • Take Metro Green Line toward Branch Ave.
    • Get off Metro at L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop.
    • Remain in L’Enfant Plaza Metro stop - take stairs to lower level and cross tracks.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Franconia.
    • Get off Metro at the Federal Triangle stop.
    • Take stairs up and emerge in covered area of Clinton Federal Bldg.
    • Turn around and walk east toward 12TH St NW (toward the Waldorf Astoria Hotel).
    • Walk south on sidewalk toward the mall.
    • Cross Constitution Ave NW at crosswalk and immediately turn left (do not continue toward mall), and walk east toward Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
    • Enter the museum on Constitution Ave. (north) side in the middle of the building at the top of the stairs.

5:15 pm Sharp! [IN-PERSON] All participants will take a group photo in the Museum’s rotunda.
5:30 pm [IN-PERSON]. The NMNH closes to the public at 5:30 pm, but we will all wander over to the museum’s Q?rius area. Thank you NMNH! 
6:00 pm  [IN-PERSON]. We will have catered—but not fancy–-dinner in the Q?rius space.
The dinner will be fun, like a Qdoba Hot Bar with three protein dishes (one being vegetarian). 
We will be joined at this dinner by several members of the NMNH scientific staff.  
    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm [IN-PERSON]. Staff members of the NMNH will hold some fun and interactive STEM activities for the NAAS/AJAS group. This will be an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the NMNH scientists in an informal setting. 

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm [VIRTUAL]. No event scheduled. Livestreaming is not permitted from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm [IN-PERSON]. If the weather is acceptable, we will have a special (but optional) group evening walk along the monuments of the National Mall. The National Mall is heavily patrolled, very safe, well lit, and absolutely spectacular at night. 

• This experience will never be forgotten! 
• 7:30 pm. In a large group, we will depart NMNH and walk toward the Washington Monument. (15 minutes; 1.1 km). 
  • 7:45 pm. (Option 1.) At the Washington Monument any members of the group can choose to finish the walk here and (with chaprones) return to the Smithsonian Metro Station (blue line) and return to the hotel on the blue line. 
  • 7:45 pm. (Option 2.) At the Washington Monument the remainder of the group can begin the full round trip (105 minutes, 4.0 kilometers total loop)—visiting a number of the Nation's most sacred memorials. These will include the Washington Monument, WW II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial (the Wall), the Lincoln Memorial, and the Korean Memorial. (Groups not wishing to walk the full distance can, at any point, break off the main group and (with total safety) return back to the Smithsonian Metro Stop (blue line) and head back to the hotel.) 
  • Return to the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Travel instructions: 
    • Washington Monument to Crystal City Metro stop.
      • From Washington Monument walk east (toward the US Capital), Across 14th St. and go down the stairs in the Smithsonian Metro Station.
      • Take the Metro Blue Line toward Franconia.
      • Get off Metro at the Crystal City Metro stop.

8:00 pm [IN-PERSON]. Those choosing not to walk to the monuments (or if the weather is unacceptable for our monument walk) can remain at the Q?rius space until 8:00 pm.  Then make the short walk to the Federal Triangle Metro Station (blue line) and head back to the hotel.

• Return to the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Travel instructions: 
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to Crystal City Metro stop
    • Exit museum on north side, go down the stairs and turn west.
    • Walk west along the sidewalk toward the intersection of 12th St NW and Constitution Ave NW.
    • Cross 12th St NW and then immediately cross Constitution Ave NW, walking north on the sidewalk along 12th St NW toward the Clinton Federal Bldg.
    • At the Metro sign, turn left and walk west toward the covered area.
    • Go down the stairs in the covered area to reach the Federal Triangle Metro Stop.
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Franconia and get off at the Crystal City Metro stop.

9:30 pm. The monument walkers will arrive at Smithsonian Metro Station (blue line) and return to the hotel on the Blue Line (21 minutes). 

Third night in Crystal Gateway Marriott.

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-Breakfast with Scientists [in-person only], Chaperone Breakfast [in-person only] 
Tour DC [in-person only], special tours for virtual delegates [virtual], honors banquet -[all]
    
8:00 am [IN-PERSON]. It is not necessary to eat at the hotel. All in-person NAAS/AJAS participants Depart Crystal Gateway Marriott at 8:00 am, then subsequently depart the Crystal City metro station at 8:15 am. Travel on the blue line to Foggy Bottom Metro station. Arrive at the GWU Science and Engineering Hall, 22nd St. entrance by 9:00 am.

9:00 am - 11:00 am  [IN-PERSON]. The Breakfast with Scientists for all AJAS student delegates hosted by George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. GWU Science and Engineering Hall, 22nd St. entrance. 

• The premier event of the 2023 NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference! Do not miss this incredible opportunity! 
• This breakfast was graciously provided by our host the George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. 
• Delegates are encouraged to [DRESS] business casual. Dress for the weather and wear (or bring) comfortable shoes for events later this day. 

 

• Breakfast with Scientists. Travel instructions: 
  • Metro Stop at Crystal City to George Washington University (GWU)
    • Take Metro Blue Line toward Largo.
    • Get off Metro at the Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro stop.
    • Go up the stairs and emerge near 23rd ST NW and I ST NW.
    • Cross 23rd ST NW, walk east along I ST NW, turn right on 22nd ST NW and walk on sidewalk to the Science and Engineering Hall.
    • Enter the building (the entrance is recessed off the road) and proceed downstairs to the Green Wall Room.

9:00 am - 11:00 am [IN-PERSON]. Chaperone Appreciation Breakfast (same building as the Breakfast with Scientists). Held concurrently with the Breakfast with Scientists, the Chaperone Breakfast is a thank you event for the many NAAS/AJAS adults who helped make the Annual Conference possible. 
This will be held in the same building as the Breakfast with Scientists—the GWU Science and Engineering Hall—but in a different room. 
Breakfast paid for by registration. 

9:00 am - 11:00 am  [VIRTUAL]. No events scheduled. But stay tuned for a full schedule later in the day. 

11:00 am - 5:00 pm [IN-PERSON] (Option 1). Personal DC tours. Student delegates (accompanied by their chaperones) have this afternoon free to tour Washington, DC, on their own. 

• Back by popular demand!
• Lunch for delegates and adults is on your own.
• Limitless options include local museums, national monuments, and universities. Go somewhere really interesting! 
• Unlimited metro passes will be active.

11:00 am - 5:00 pm [IN-PERSON] (Option 2). Another option is to attend AAAS Annual Meeting events at the Washington Convention Center. There are many interesting sessions on Saturday afternoon.

• The Saturday, March 4, 2023 AAAS Annual Meeting schedule is here
• Unlimited metro passes will be active.

11:30 am - 5:00 pm [VIRTUAL]. Three live and interactive presentations have been specially arranged just for our virtual delegates (of course, anyone can participate). 

• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Talk 1: The Science of being a Navy Test Pilot. [VIRTUAL] and [IN-PERSON]. - Zoom Link 
  • Theme: Aviation. 
  • Presenter: Lieutenant Commander Scott Elwell, flight instructor, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
  • To learn more see https://fb.watch/irMYCG1h9V/ 
    • Note: this will be livestreamed from the same room as the earlier Breakfast with Scientist event (the GWU Science and Engineering Hall). Any Breakfast with Scientist participant is welcome to stay and watch live.
  • LCDR Scott “Fomance” Elwell is an instructor with the US Naval Test Pilot School and an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot. He has over 2,000 flight hours in 40 different aircraft types, and instructs about 60 prospective test pilots per year. A native of Buffalo NY, he graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School in 2015 and in 2018 he completed a Master of Science from the Naval Post Graduate School in Systems Engineering. He serves as a Program Manager for the US Navy T-38C supersonic twinjet trainer and is a deputy program manager of advanced development for the US Navy Air-to-Air missile program office.
  •  
• 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm. [VIRTUAL] Talk 2: The Mystery Illness Affecting Millions: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). - Zoom Link
  • Theme: The science of a chronic neurological disorder that is still a medical mystery.
  • Presenter: Dr. Cathy L. Pederson, Elizabeth E. Powelson Professor of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio.
  • Dr. Pederson—a college professor trained in physiology and neurobiology—had her life and her research change after her own daughter was debilitated by a mystery illness after a bout with mononucleosis. Her research into the quality of life for people living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has alerted medical practitioners to the necessity of better symptom management while we race to understand the underlying cause(s) of this disorder. Often cited in scientific literature, Dr. Pederson’s work will potentially save lives – particularly of young people with POTS and other chronic invisible disorders.

  • To learn more about POTS see https://www.standinguptopots.org/

• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. [VIRTUAL] Talk 3: USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD: the Virtual Experience. - Zoom Link
  • Theme: world-leading research in agricultural and food safety. 
  • Presenter: Jay H. Green, Visitor Programs, Engagement & Outreach Activities, USDA ARS Northeast Area, Beltsville, MD, 20705,
  • The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is the largest scientific installation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This tour will visit a number of research sites at this sprawling facility devoted to enhancing the nation’s ability to produce safe and abundant plant and animal resources. While the in-person attendees must ride a bus to do this tour, the online attendees can be whisked virtually from site to site. Both groups will experience the same bad puns.

  • Learn about Beltsville Agricultural Research Center at: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/ 

5:00 pm [IN-PERSON] - Return to the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel, rest a few minutes, and [DRESS] get dressed up! 

5:45 pm (approximately) [IN-PERSON]. Walk from the Crystal Gateway Marriott to the Potomac Ballroom at the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport hotel. 

• Do not confuse these two different hotels with similar sounding names.
• The Crystal City Marriott is at 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, Virginia, USA, 22202  |   Tel: +1 703-413-5500.
• https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wascc-crystal-city-marriott-at-reagan-national-airport/overview/ 
• This approximately 10-minute walk can be done entirely inside through the enclosed (and safe and very nice) underground walkways in the Crystal City Shops complex.

6:00 pm (approximately) - 9:30 pm  [IN-PERSON]. NAAS/AJAS Formal Honors Banquet at the Potomac Ballroom, Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport.

• A formal event, this will be a full buffet dinner in a beautiful setting—you can start eating as soon as you arrive. Multiple options, including vegetarian, will be available.

6:45 pm [VIRTUAL]. Livestreaming to virtual delegates begins. - Zoom Link

7:00 pm [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL]. Opening remarks and keynote speaker in the Potomac Ballroom.

• The keynote speaker is Dr. William D. Phillips, NIST, recipient of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for “development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light.” Learn about Dr. Phillips and his work:  https://www.nist.gov/nist-and-nobel/bill-phillips

8:00 pm. (following the keynote) [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL]. Presentation of awards and closing remarks.  In the Potomac Ballroom.

9:30 pm (approximately). [IN-PERSON] and [VIRTUAL]. Close of 2023 AJAS Annual Conference. Livestreaming ends. 

9:30 pm.  [IN-PERSON]. Walk back to the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel. Fourth (and final) night in Crystal Gateway Marriott.
 

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Sunday, March 5, 2023. 

• The NAAS/AJAS Annual Conference is complete.
• Plan to depart Washington, DC, starting in the morning of Sunday, March 5, 2023.
• NOTE: the provided 72-hour metro passes will probably expire early Sunday morning.
• Do not forget, the AAAS Annual Meeting program continues at full speed and is available to all NAAS/AJAS Student Delegates with a Deluxe access.
• The Sunday, March 5, 2023 AAAS Annual Meeting schedule is at https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2023/meetingapp.cgi/Day/2023-03-05 
• Note the AAAS Plenary Session (a panel discussion) at 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm, at the Washington Convention Center, titled: “Doomed to Repeat: Why the History of Science is Indispensable.”