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Education Opportunities
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Under our new education initiative, GSA is actively expanding our educational programming, which will include a web
portal for peer-reviewed genetics education resources, career development programs for trainees, workshops, and much more.
Part of this education initiative is developing a consistent set of educational programs for all GSA conferences. Currently, the
infrastructure of the programming includes programs for: undergraduate researchers; graduate student and postdoctoral
trainees; genetics students at local undergraduate institutions; and genetics educators.
Wednesday, March 7
5:00-7:00 pm: GSA Education Special Interest Group Mixer – Missouri, Level 2
Faculty with a passion for genetics education are encouraged to attend this mixer, where they can mix and mingle
with other educators. Current members of the Education SIG can catch up on actions taken by GSA with regards to
the education initiative, and those who are not yet SIG members can learn about the Education SIG.
Thursday, March 8
8:30 am – 12:30 pm: “The Genetics Conference Experience” – Mississippi, Level 2
The GSA Genetics Conference Experience provides students from genetics classes at local undergraduate
institutions with the unique opportunity to observe distinguished career scientists present their current research in a
conference setting. The students, accompanied by their professor, will receive a background lecture and participate
in an interactive discussion before attending part of a plenary session. This informative and engaging program is
meant to give students a glimpse into the real world of genetic research, and is NOT intended for students who are
already involved in scientific research, but rather will provide students with the opportunity to learn about current
scientific research outside of a textbook, witness the communication of scientific research first-hand, and ideally will
foster an interest in furthering their science education. It is free of cost, and invitation-only.
12:45-2:15 pm: GSA Career Luncheon – Chicago 10, Level 4
The GSA Career Luncheon is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral
fellows to have informal conversations with senior career scientists regarding the unique challenges and rewards of a
scientific career. The luncheon is organized by topic table. Topics may include things like: transition to
independence, work-family balance, teaching at undergraduate institutions, non-academic careers for scientists, the
when, how, and why of networking, dealing with difficult colleagues, etc. Advance registration, fee.
6:30-8:00 pm: Undergraduate Mixer – Missouri, Level 2
For the first 45 minutes, undergraduate researchers attending the conference will network on their own, forming a
peer-group that will help provide lasting support for the remainder of the conference. In the second 45 minutes, PIs
are encouraged to join the undergraduates and discuss their research, potentially forging relationships with future
advisors. Advance registration.
Friday, March 9
1:45 – 4:15 pm: Plenary Session and Workshop for Undergraduate Researchers – Chicago 8-10, Level 4
Undergraduate conference attendees will attend an “Undergraduate Plenary Session” from 1:30-2:45 pm, with talks
presented at a level appropriate for an undergraduate audience. From 3:00-4:00 pm, undergraduates will have a
chance to talk to a panel of graduate students about graduate school, after which students will have a chance to break
into small groups and participate in a discussion about a specific topic relevant to graduate school applications,
admission, CV preparation, funding, and the like.