science that is not communicated is not science...the ajas fellows being introduced to the aaas...
TRANSCRIPT
AJAS: From in-
person Seattle to
virtual Phoenix By Lee Brogie, AJAS Executive Director
The AJAS conference is not a
competition, but rather a unique
opportunity for student
researchers to share their ideas to
change tomorrow's world. From
the second I arrived, AJAS
exemplified collaboration and the
importance of envisioning tomorrow's earth through research
and exploration … The 2020 AJAS conference has helped me
grow as a scientist and learn more about what it means to help
better the world through science.
~Gabrielle Krutsinger (NE), 2020 AJAS Fellow and Dallas
Cocke Essay Winner
It seems like yesterday that we were in Seattle attending the
2020 AJAS/NAAS/AAAS Conference. What an amazing 4
days! The opening reception with astronaut Dr. Soyeon Yi;
our tours at Future of Flight, UW Medicine, The Museum
of Flight, Microsoft, Institute of Systems Biology, and
University of Washington’s Clean Energy Institute, Institute
for Protein Design, Paul G. Allen School of Computer
Science and Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics,
and the Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems; watching
the AJAS Fellows being introduced to the AAAS Scientific
Community at the AAAS President Steven Chu’s Address,
Plenary Lectures given by Bill Gates and Maryn McKenna;
Breakfast with Scientists at the Intellectual House on the
UW campus; poster presentations in the AAAS Exhibit
Hall; dinner and fun at MoPOP; the student lounge with
Liar’s Dice; traditional and research round table oral
presentations; our Honors Banquet at The Museum of
Flight with keynote speaker Dr. Roger M. Myers ; and
“Magic + Mentalism” by Joe Brogie. Congratulations to
our 2020 AJAS Fellows. It was an honor and a privilege to
meet you and to celebrate your outstanding
accomplishments and success in science research. I hope
that our paths will cross again and that you will always, in
some way, be a leader in STEM.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Science that is Not Communicated is Not Science
Michael Strauss, NAAS President
Amanda Fuller, NAAS President-Elect
Most of us are involved in science because of curiosity and it’s that drive to uncover the puzzles of the world around
us, be they biological, mathematical, environmental, or technological, which has drawn us to science, math, or
engineering. But without the ability to clearly communicate what we learned, no one will know about it. Thus, one of
the most essential skills for a scientist is the ability to be able to clearly and concisely express their work in a way that
engages and excites others. Sadly, as essential as communication is, training in clear communication is seldom taught.
There is one group of people who are keenly aware of how to communicate to others in a way that interests and excites
them. But these people may be far removed from science. They are the actors, script writers, and directors of
Hollywood. The storytellers of our modern age. Almost every blockbuster movie or even engaging documentary tells a
story that draws you in and immerses you in that world. A good scientific paper is also capable of that.
So what makes your presentation, whether a paper, a poster, a PowerPoint, or a talk something that will interest and
excite? The answer is found in three words: situation, conflict, and resolution. This is the formula for every good story
from Watson and Crick’s description of the structure of DNA to the jungles of Jurassic Park. Both of these follow this
same simple form. The elements can be reduced to a shorthand: ABT; which stands for AND, BUT, THEREFORE.
AND is the situation. What is the world like before your investigation? Literary people call this the “ordinary world.”
It’s a place of comfort and understanding. Two children go on an exciting adventure to visit their grandfather and see
amazing creatures. It’s the world of these children when everything is “normal.” There is no crisis.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Inside This Issue • The 2020 AAAS Meeting Seems a
Long Time Ago
• Defending Science in
Unprecedented Times
• NAAS Board Members 2019-2020
Page 2
• The Kentucky Academy of Science
• Science that is Not Communicated
is Not Science
• 2019 NAAS Committees
Page 3
• AJAS: From in-person Seattle to
virtual Phoenix
• The Ohio Journal of Science
Page 4
• The Dallas Cocke Memorial
Award Pages 5-10
• State Academies of Science News Pages 11-16
• Sponsors Page 18
• Representing Section Y: General
Interest in Science and
Engineering
Page 17
• State Academies have many
members that would qualify for
AAAS Fellow
Page 19
AJAS Director Lee
Brogie with Gabrielle
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020 E
dition
Defending Science in
Unprecedented Times by AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh
The pace of important, yet
difficult events in 2020 has been
unprecedented. Even within that
context, the last month has been
extraordinary. AAAS is engaged
in issues critical to our mission of
advancing science and serving
society. These important issues include making the
case for higher federal funding levels for research and
development in 2021 and beyond, ensuring the
integrity of the federal grant-making process,
advocating for the US to continue to welcome
international students and scientists, and addressing
systemic racism in the science and engineering
enterprise.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
AAAS CEO
Sudip Parikh
Page 2 NAAS Newsletter
NAAS Board Members 2019-20
Dr. Michael Strauss (VA)
NAAS President
Dr. Steve Warshaw (NC)
NAAS Immediate Past President
Amanda Fuller (KY) NAAS President-Elect
Mr. Ed M. Brogie (NE)
NAAS Executive Director
Ms. Lee A. Brogie (NE)
AJAS Executive Director
Ms. Elaine Faletra (NH)
AJAS Assistant Director
Amy L. Sheck, Ph.D. (NC) NAAS Secretary
Mr. Ernest Schiller (IA)
NAAS Treasurer
Dr. Don M. Jordan (SC)
NAAS Delegate to AAAS
Newsletter Editor, Section Y Secretary,
Mr. Philip Winchell (OH)
NAAS Archivist
Mr. Michael R. Eckhoff (TX)
NAAS Webmaster
Dr. Peter Faletra, Ph.D. (NH)
NAAS Delegate to AAAS
Dr. Nancy Martin (KY) Member at Large (Academic)
Dr. David Torain (VA)
Member at Large (Academic)
Dr. Michael Cohen (DC)
Member at Large (Academic)
Dr. Jana Hersch (MA)
Member at Large (Academic)
Dr. Donna Gererdi-Riordan (WA) Member at Large (Academic)
Dr. David Reif (MA)
Member at Large (Business)
Dr. John C. Nemeth (VA)
Member at Large (Business)
Dr. Peter Weigele (MA)
Member at Large (Business)
Dr. Mandana Sassanfar (MA)
Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Dr. Joan Christen (NE)
Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Mr. Michael Roche (NJ) Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Ms. Kelly Vera (MS)
Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Ms. Amanda Fuller (KY)
Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Dr. Chery Whipple (NH)
Member at Large (Jr. Academy)
Dr. Shirley Malcom (DC) AAAS Representative to NAAS
Ms. Betty Calinger (DC) AAAS Representative to NAAS
David Bass
Member at Large (Academies)
The 2020 AAAS Meeting Seems a Long Time Ago
By Ed M. Brogie, NAAS Exec. Dir.
Life has changed quite a lot since our AAAS meeting in Seattle.
We left the meeting just before SARS-CoV-2 began to ravage our
nation. Washington State had its first travel related case of Covid-
19 in January and the city of Seattle was hit hard by the virus in
March. At the time of the meeting we were aware of the growing
Covid-19 pandemic happening in China but had no idea on when
it would start to spread here in America.
The general public is beginning to realize the importance of
science and scientific discoveries as scientists world-wide dedicate
their endeavors to find a vaccine or prophylactic to combat this
virus. Scientists globally have been mounting a unified attack on
SARS-CoV-2 and our knowledge of this virus is growing by the
day. Supporting our next generation of scientists is an obvious goal of all who support
science. As global problems arise, solutions often are more complex. The American Junior
Academy of Science delegates play an important role in solving present and future problems
affecting our world. They are our future STEM leaders. There has never been a greater
need of scientific literacy for all. The importance of science education needs to be front and
center as we look at the future of our education system.
We have been informed that the 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting will be 100% virtual, with
no in-person component. The AJAS Conference will still be a part of this meeting and we
are looking forward to working with AAAS in planning events for the class of 2021 AJAS
Fellows.
Ed Brogie, NAAS Executive Director
Defending Science in Unprecedented Times by AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh
(Continued from Page 1)
Even with all that is happening in the world, we also continue to make preparations for the
2021 AAAS Annual Meeting. To ensure the safety of program participants, volunteers,
and AAAS staff, the 2021 Annual Meeting will convene entirely online, February 8-11,
with related pre-released materials available starting in late January. Scientific sessions
and career workshop formats have been modified to accommodate virtual participation.
To maximize this new virtual setting, we are adapting the format of our content. With
these innovations, we are excited to share this experience with virtual attendees from
around the world.
The theme for the Annual Meeting could not be more appropriate: Understanding
Dynamic Ecosystems. We are embedded in a variety of ecosystems, including the
environments that we inhabit and the many social systems in which we live and work.
Finding ways of maintaining the stable balance of these ecosystems in the face of rapidly
changing circumstances is critical for our advancement. Drawing on a multitude of
scientific perspectives, this Annual Meeting seeks to feature diverse ways of
understanding the complexities and dynamics of biological, physical, social, and
economic systems across scales, as well as strengthening and activating new connections
to address underlying problems in various spheres. These challenges facing contemporary
society will provide the opportunity to creatively harness science, engineering,
technology, and policy to promote sustainable change.
I look forward to seeing you there, virtually!
Sudip Parikh, CEO AAAS
Page 3 NAAS Newsletter
2019 NAAS COMMITTEES
AAAS Liaison Committee
Ms. Lee Brogie, Chair (NE) Mr. Ed Brogie (NE)
Dr. Shirley Malcom, (AAAS) Ms. Betty Calinger, (AAAS)
AJAS Teachers Advisors Committee
Mr. Ed Brogie, (NE) Ms. Lee Brogie (NE)
Mr. Ernest Schiller (IA)
Finance Committee Mr. Ernest Schiller (IA) Chair
Mr. Ed Brogie, (NE) Dr. Don Jordan (SC) Dr. David Reif (MA)
Fundraising Committee
Mr. Ed Brogie, (NE), Chair Dr. Don Jordan (SC)
Dr. Mandana Sassanfar (MA)
NAAS Program Committee Ms. Lee Brogie, (NE) Mr. Ed Brogie (NE)
Mr. Ernest Schiller (IA) Dr. Mandana Sassanfar (MA)
Nominations Committee
Dr. Mandana Sassanfar (MA), Chair Dr. David Bass
Ms. Lee Brogie, (NE)
Recognition and Awards Committee Dr. Mandana Sassanfar (MA), Chair
Dr. David Bass, (OK) Dr. Don Jordan, (SC) Ms. Lee Brogie, (NE) Mr. Ed Brogie, (NE)
The Kentucky Academy of Science
Amanda Fuller, KAS Executive Director
The Kentucky Academy of Science has launched Bench Talk Live, a monthly
online program featuring (mostly) Kentucky scientists presenting their research for
a general audience. The series is a partnership with Bench Talk: The Week in
Science, a weekly radio show & podcast produced by KAS members. The
programs are free for any science-curious person, and recordings from past events
are available at the KAS website. Many of our speakers are members of KAS’
Science Speakers Bureau. Topics include green building engineering,
neuroscience & psychology of communication, experimental archaeology, vaccine
development, and more. Details & registration are at:
https://www.kyscience.org/bench_talk_live.php
Science that is Not Communicated is Not Science
Continued from Page 1
BUT a conflict arises. Maybe not a battle, but a problem that makes continuing in that ordinary world impossible. But the creatures
are vicious and have escaped. In science this is the problem you are studying…the thing we don’t know. Say, for example, you know
that a particular enzyme is crucial to a disease and if you could stop its formation then you could prevent the disease (that’s the AND);
BUT the genes that control that enzyme are not known (that’s the BUT). This is the problem you might be working on.
THEREFORE, then, is almost obvious. It’s the solution to the problem…the way you will go about solving it. In a scientific paper it’s
the methods, results, and discussion. For our fictional story its “Therefore, the scientist must learn how to recapture the animals and
save the children.” For our research problem it is: Therefore we isolated and sequenced the genes controlling the enzyme.”
This sort of communication is called narrative. It’s often associated with fictional story writing but it is not restricted to fiction…or
even stories. Narrative is a way of structuring what you communicate so that the reader or hearer knows two essential things about
your research: What is your problem? And why should I care? And it applies when you make a poster, prepare slides for a talk, or are
writing the screenplay for the next Hollywood blockbuster.
So plan on joining us for the first Virtual AJAS Conference in 2021. We’ll talk about narratives and how to make your research as
exciting to others as it is to you.
Welcoming Everyone
This 2021 virtual event will provide an opportunity for students and state Academies who don’t have a budget for travel, hotel, or
meeting registration. We’re very excited to welcome more students in 2021 to participate from around the country and be part of our
scientific community.
This scientific community, comprised of our state academies of science, has been generous in sharing information and resources with
each other and we’re looking forward to continuing this while we all stay healthy at home. Watch for opportunities to meet and chat
with colleagues in other state academies about how we can do more at the state & local level to elevate science and support scientists.
We see more than ever that scientific organizations have a responsibility to dismantle racism in science. NAAS recognizes disparities
and systemic discrimination that has hurt all of us. We all benefit when everyone‘s voices are heard and everyone’s talents are
developed and recognized. We stand in solidarity with those concerned about true equality and with those holding science
accountable. We invite you to hold us accountable and help us build a scientific community that upholds justice for all.
Michael Strauss, NAAS President
Amanda Fuller, NAAS President-Elect
Page 4 NAAS Newsletter
AJAS: From in-person Seattle to virtual Phoenix (Continued from Page 1)
AJAS and NAAS board members want to extend a very special thank you to chaperones and delegates who
provided assistance and leadership during our convention. There are too many names to mention, but you
know who you are. A conference of this magnitude could not happen without your passion, dedication and
professionalism. To everyone who helped with registration, organized student lounge activities, supervised
trips, served as bus captains, assisted with security, moderated oral presentations, supported poster session
set-up, took pictures, and stamped thank-you notes, Thank You!
Photographer Michael J. Collela captured digital memories of our entire event. AJAS conference pictures
can be accessed from our website http://www.academiesofscience.org You are free to download and use
these pictures for personal use. Public use is by permission and proper credit to Michael Colella must be
given.
It’s been almost six months since we were together in Seattle. Less than one month after our conference,
the city shut down including the University of Washington, Boeing, and MoPOP. In May, AAAS made the
decision to go virtual for the 2021 Annual Meeting. Beginning in January, AAAS will release recorded
symposium session. The Annual Meeting will go live February 8-11. Sessions will be streamed from
11:00am-5:00pm Eastern Time, and will be available to view again the following day. The AAAS Annual
Meeting staff are working on the design, and they are adamant that the 2021 AJAS Fellows have a solid
presence; submitting their abstracts and presenting their research at AJAS Poster and Oral Presentation
sessions. The AJAS Conference team is working closely with AAAS to make this happen. The AJAS
mission -- to introduce, encourage, and accelerate pre-college students into the social, cultural, intellectual,
and professional world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – will not be forgotten as we
move from an in-person to a virtual format. There may be aspects lessened and/or lost, but I am excited to
see which aspects will be enhanced and/or created to make the 2021 AJAS Conference an amazing
experience for all.
Lee Ann Brogie, AJAS Executive Director
The Ohio Journal of Science:
Continuous publication since 1900.
Now in its 120th year of publication, The Ohio Journal of Science
(OJS) is an Open Access, online, international, multidisciplinary
journal published by The Ohio State University Libraries on behalf of
The Ohio Academy of Science. Readership is worldwide in more than
150 countries. Daily accession exceeds 900 hits. Digital archives and
a bound set for the office date back to November, 1900.
https://ohiojournalofscience.org/
Dr. Lynn E. Elfner: Editor, Ohio Journal of Science
Page 5 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
Dallas Cocke Memorial Award
Best Essay 2020
Gabrielle Krutsinger
Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences
Chase County High School
What the AJAS Experience Has Meant to Me
By Gabrielle Krutsinger, Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences
As a young woman from a small town in Nebraska, the AJAS experience allowed me to explore a new side of my love for science
as well as meet several extraordinary people. My state academy had many outstanding research projects last spring and they only
select the top six senior projects to attend the AJAS conference each year. I was very fortunate and was selected to be one of the
Nebraska delegates this year. This shocked me because I never imagined that I could make it past the state level competition as
someone from a small school with only 180 students total. Being the first one from my school to attend a prestigious science
conference like this one, I was extremely nervous that I would be lonely and an outcast. However, from the second I arrived in
Seattle, I felt welcomed and respected as a young scientist. I was amazed to be around other people that were as passionate and
excited about learning as I am. Walking into the opening ceremony, I was reserved. Then, I started to connect to other delegates and
scientists in the room. I realized right then that this was truly a special event. Every person I met at this conference was not only
interested in my research, but they took the time to actually listen and ask well thought out questions. I remember boarding the bus
with my chaperone and meeting more delegates while heading to the Boeing Factory Tour. I toured the huge factory with awe with
student delegates that I now call my lifelong friends. After completing another fantastic tour at the University of Washington, we all
shuffled into the convention center and attended the President's Address. I stared in awe as I saw the huge crowd of prestigious
scientists from all over the country. Here I was in the midst of many of the pioneers of science from this time sitting in the same
room as me. Steven Chu, the President AAAS, welcomed all of us and officially opened the 2020 AAAS meeting with enthusiasm. I
noted that he spoke with a passion for learning and science, which increased my excitement for the rest of the conference. The next
day, all the student delegates gathered and proceeded to ride the bus to the Intellectual House on the University of Washington
campus. I remember looking at the various tables with the scientist's names and their specific field. I was almost overwhelmed with
the variety of occupations and science fields that were listed on the name tags laying on the tables. I decided to sit at a table with
two female scientists. As I talked to both of them, I could tell that they excelled in their field and had prominent lab jobs where they
worked. As a young woman, this gave me hope because I aspire to become successful in a science career. As I talked with these
women, I realized how important science is to our world. They both worked as researchers and scientists that changed how we live
daily with their work and findings. By far, breakfast with scientists was my favorite experience at this conference and I hope that
this tradition continues for future AJAS delegates. After breakfast with scientists, all the delegates headed back to our beautiful
hotel and I prepared for the poster session. I was slightly nervous to present my project to other researchers. But, I found that all of
the students around me were just as thrilled to be at this conference as I was. They also were excited to share their own research and
share different ideas on several scientific topics. Many of the people I met supported me throughout this conference and encouraged
me to continue to learn. At this conference, I felt free to share my research in a place where multiple views and lifestyles were
accepted. I had never felt such a connection with others who shared a similar passion for learning before going to the 2020 AJAS
conference. Later that night, I got to ride the Seattle monorail to the Museum of Pop Culture. It was a fantastic time to relax and
enjoy the history and interactive displays. The next day, the oral presentations commenced at the Sheraton in the early afternoon. I
gathered into the room where the round table presentations were and sat at a random table with student delegates from all over the
country. This experience let me learn more about the other researchers personally and it gave all of us the chance to talk about our
research in-depth. I really enjoyed meeting new friends, connecting with them, and sharing the passion of learning with them. Later
that evening, I was honored to join my fellow 2020 AJAS delegates at the honors banquet held at the Museum of Flight. The dinner
was exceptional and I was extremely impressed by the keynote speaker, Dr. Roger M. Myers. He talked about his career, his passion
for science, and how the student delegates were the future of the world. I realized at that moment that I was sitting in a room full of
future doctors, researchers, teachers, and most importantly, future pioneers of science. It was a magical moment to look around and
see my fellow peers in the room. I then realized that this was the last night of the conference and that I would never see this same
group of people together again. My new friends and I were saddened by this thought, but we knew someday, we would see each
other again in the professional world. As I boarded my plane home, I reflected on my extraordinary experiences over the past four
days. I was able to hear renowned scientists and professionals from all over the country talk about real-life issues affecting the world
today. Additionally, I created lifelong friendships and connections with several intelligent people from different backgrounds and
cultures. The AJAS conference is not a competition, but rather a unique opportunity for student researchers to share their ideas to
change tomorrow's world. From the second I arrived, AJAS exemplified collaboration and the importance of envisioning
tomorrow's earth through research and exploration. Every aspect of this conference promoted sharing new scientific ideas to change
tomorrow's world for the better. The 2020 AJAS conference has helped me grow as a scientist and learn more about what it means
to help better the world through science.
Page 6 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
The Dallas Cocke Memorial Award
Former AJAS director Dallas Cocke dedicated her life to teaching science and to the missions of the American
Junior Academy of Science and the Virginia Junior Academy of Science. She was inspired by her students and the
educators and scientists she worked with in Virginia and across the nation. She well knew that the efforts of many
can make a profound difference in the lives of young scientists. As well as many AJAS directors that followed
Dallas Cocke – Like Dean Decker, Virginia; Gloria Takahashi, Southern California; Joan McCoy, Mississippi; and
current AJAS director, Lee Ann Brogie of Nebraska.
The Dallas Cocke Memorial Award is sponsored by funds donated in her memory. This award recognizes a student
who exemplifies the enthusiasm and dedication of Dallas Cocke. Students are invited to address the statement:
“What the AJAS experience has meant to me.” The award recipient receives a certificate and a cash prize of up
to $100. Nine students responded in 2019. The following are their photos with statements from the students:
Lian Snow
New Hampshire Academy of Science (NH)
My name is Lian Snow; I am a rising highschool junior and have been
homeschooled for the majority of my life. A few years ago I discovered my
passion for science and it has since become the center of my career goals,
hyped by my experience at AJAS. For my AJAS project I observed the effects
that fluoxetine (prozac) has on the hatching rates and development of
Caenorhabditis elegans. I hope for my results to provide information on how
fluoxetine affects infants exposed to fluoxetine in utero. I plan on bringing
experiments similar to this into my college career in hopes of someday
improving this field by discovering ways to advance women’s reproductive
health outcomes. I would like to thank many for assisting me throughout the
experimental process,but I am most grateful to Dr. Kelly Salmon and Dr.
Peter Faletra, my primary mentors, from the New Hampshire Academy of
Science. When I am not at the lab, I express my passions by advocating for
human rights and using my scientific knowledge to encourage other girls and
non-binary teens to pursue non-traditional fields.
Hrishika Roychoudhury
Ardrey Kell High School (NC)
Hello, my name is Hrishika Roychoudhury and I am a rising Junior from
Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, NC. I am a science enthusiast and a
student researcher. I have been pursuing individual research for 5 years, and I
wish to continue this into college. For my AJAS project, I focused on the
Bioremediation of Nitrate and Phosphate contents from wastewater using
Algae. I hope one day my science research can be used for changing the world
for better. I thank AJAS and you all for all your help towards that. I am also
deeply passionate about STEM education. I am a co-founder of a non-profit
StemmedHelp that helps younger students in learning and spreading awareness
of STEM education. When I am not pursuing my research, I enjoy composing
songs, mentoring younger students, and writing on science magazines. I would
also like to recognize my science teacher and my mentor Mr. Matthew Welch
for all his help towards my science research.
Page 7 NAAS Newsletter
Shan Lateef
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (VA)
It is an incredible honor to be recognized among the fellowship of the
American Junior Academy of Science. I am a rising senior at Thomas
Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia
and President of the Virginia Junior Academy of Science. Conducting,
presenting and publishing my neuroscience research on Traumatic Brain
Injury has been the highlight of my academic journey through high school. I
aspire to be a neuroscientist and study the shared genetic susceptibilities and
common biologic pathways underlying different types of brain injury. I am
extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Jennifer James, for her tremendous
support and encouragement and I recognize that my success is only possible
due to teachers like her. Besides studying neurons, I am also fully committed
to nourishing them; I am avid chef and author of the food blog, Madras to
Manassas.
Desmen Boykin
Forest Park High School (VA)
My name is Desmen Boykin and I am a ninth grader at Forest Park High
School. My experiment focused on The Effects of Different Micro Plastic
Polymers on the Ficus religiosa tree. During the experiment, I observed
whether petroleum-based plastics impacted our botanical environment. The
information gained from this experiment motivated me to continue my
research on observing whether newly invented bio-based plastics were meeting
our expectations with its ability to biodegrade. As a tribal member of the
Nanticoke Indian Association, this research was particularly important to me
because I believe that we are responsible for the health and well-being of our
planet. For this reason, the study of our ecosystems as well as my love for
space exploration, motivates me to one day help create a habitable ecosystem
on other planets. Some of my hobbies include rocketry, VEX robotics,
linguistics particularly with regard to Chinese, Korean and Hindi, and
nurturing the growth of various exotic plants. I am also a Second-Degree Black
Belt in Tae Kwon Do. I would like to thank my mentor Terressa Boykin for
providing the necessary equipment to conduct my experiments, and Dr. Maia
McGuire of the University of Florida’s Sea Grant Organization for answering
questions I had along the way.
Yeji Cho
Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (CA)
I am a current high school senior, and will be attending the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology next year, studying Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary
Sciences. My research has focused on the use of photosynthetic microbial fuel
cells (PMFCs), which produce renewable energy through the photosynthetic
and respiratory processes of microalgae and bacteria. In the future, I hope to
continue my study of microalgae as a resource for renewable energy
development.
Page 8 NAAS Newsletter
Lauren Aslami
Tenafly High School (NJ)
Hello! My name is Lauren Aslami, and I am a senior at Tenafly High School in
Tenafly, New Jersey. I did my research on the effect of carbonic anhydrase
inhibition on the development of mast cells, which is research that will
hopefully be used to aid the treatment of allergic diseases. I would like to thank
my science research teacher, Ms. Anat Firnberg, for her continued support
these past three years, as well as Dr. Mark Siracusa for allowing me to work in
his lab. Next year, I will be studying linguistics on a pre-medical track at
Georgetown University, where I hope to continue performing research. Outside
of research, I have worked as an emergency medical technician for two years, I
am an avid hurdler for my schools track team, and I am part of clubs such as
Model UN and Science Olympiad.Thank you so much to AJAS for this
opportunity!
Casey McGuire
Hanover High School (NH)
My name is Casey McGuire and I am a senior at Hanover High School in
Hanover, New Hampshire. For my AJAS project, I studied the Toxicological
Effects of Aluminum and Titanium Nanoparticle Exposure in C.elegans with a
focus on the neurological and inflammatory effects of these nanoparticles. I’m
interested in pursuing biology in college, specifically medicine and
environmental science. I hope to continue doing scientific research this
upcoming year and in college. I would like to thank my mentors at the New
Hampshire Academy of Science, Dr. Kelly Salmon and Dr. Peter Faletra, for
their support throughout my project. Lastly, outside of my research, I’m a
competitive soccer player and ski racer, I’m involved in several environmental
and sustainability efforts at my school, and I love to spend time outdoors.
Anvitha Addanki
Canton High School (MA)
My name is Anvitha Addanki, and this year, I graduated from Canton High
School in Canton, Massachusetts. I have been involved in individual scientific
research for the past 7 years, and I am planning to further pursue my academic
career at Washington University in St. Louis as a biology major. For my AJAS
project, I identified a noninvasive and inexpensive biomarker to detect major
depressive disorder more efficiently and effectively in order to allow for earlier
diagnosis, more efficient treatment, and a better quality of life for individuals
with major depressive disorder. I would like to thank my teacher, Erica
Fitzgerald, for her constant support and guidance in all of my scientific
endeavors.
Page 9 NAAS Newsletter
Ashni Zaverchand
American Heritage School (FL)
My name is Ashni Zaverchand and I am a rising senior at American Heritage
School in Plantation, Florida. I have conducted scientific research for two
years; the project I presented at AJAS was centered around my type 2 diabetes
research modeled in Drosophila melanogaster. The following year, I
completed a project that involved optimizing the process of protein
encapsulation for potential applications in intranasal and oral drug delivery. In
addition to my experience with research, I am the co-president of the HOSA:
Future Health Professionals chapter at my school and an active member of the
Pre-Medical Society and the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthy
Heart Initiative Project. My current interests lie in nanomedicine research and
biomedical engineering; I also love working with kids and hope to pursue a
medical degree in the future!
Anshul V. Rastogi
Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (NH)
I, Anshul V. Rastogi, am currently a rising sophomore at the Virtual Learning
Academy Charter School. Science and mathematics are both diverse fields that
have endlessly enraptured me. I find it quite fascinating to discover more about
the world around us and explore intriguing avenues. My research topic this
year at AJAS regarded the effects of wheat gluten and its hydrolysate on C.
elegans as a toxicological model. It would not have been possible without the
encouraging mentorship of Dr. Peter Faletra and Dr. Kelly Salmon, to both of
whom I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
Esme Kimber
St. Johnsbury Academy (VT)
Hi! My name is Esme Kimber and I am an incoming freshman at St.
Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, VT. I had the incredible opportunity to
attend AJAS with my group project on the effects of cannabidiol oil on C.
elegans. I would like to thank AJAS for inspiring me to pursue a STEM career
and get involved in the scientific community. I would also like to recognize
both of my mentors, Kelly Salmon and Peter Faletra, for providing me with
support and scientific expertise. In addition to my scientific research I enjoy
playing lacrosse, educating my community on Alexander Twilight, a local and
largely unsung 19th century hero, and competing in the annual
Memphremagog Winter Swim Festival.
Gabrielle Krutsinger
Chase County High School (NE)
I am Gabrielle Krutsinger from a small town in Nebraska. I enjoy learning as
well as experimenting and I am passionate about continuing my education after
high school. Additionally, my hobbies include painting, baking, singing, and
helping others.
Page 10 NAAS Newsletter
Garima Rastogi
Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (NH)
Hello! My name is Garima Rastogi, and I am a rising high school freshman at
the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. I researched Genetic Variation
in Lady Slippers for my AJAS project, under the mentorship of Dr. Peter
Faletra and Dr. Kelly Salmon of the New Hampshire Academy of Science. I
am very grateful to NHAS and my mentors for the opportunity to perform
research at their lab. The AJAS experience that followed was truly
unforgettable and helped me realize my passion for research. Besides
research, I like to spend a lot of time solving math problems. In my free time,
I love to play the violin and enjoy cooking vegan meals from scratch.
James Eiler
Hanover High School (NH)
I am a rising senior from Hanover New Hampshire and attend Hanover High
School. Last year, I conducted research with the New Hampshire Academy of
Science and focused on the C. elegans microbiome. Specifically, I determined
the resistance of the microbiome using fluorescence. I would like to thank my
mentors Dr. Kelly Salmon and Dr. Peter Faletra for assisting with my research.
I am very interested in science and enjoy conducting research, and want to
continue scientific research in college. I am currently conducting research on
the DAF-16 gene in the C. elegans. Finally, at HHS I participate in activities
including the school's Quiz Bowl team, Model UN, and Debate Club, and I
participate in non school-affiliated activities including Boy Scouts and
Fencing.
Akshay Padala
Little Rock Central High School (AR)
I have taken part in science fair related activities, competitions, and
conferences for the greater half of my academic career, and have made some
great friends at these conventions while also being able to share ideas and
knowledge across the country. When not working on Science related
extracurriculars, I am a member of the Little Rock Central High debate team
and travel across the country for competitions. Outside of school, I am on the
Rock City Rowing team, where I cultivate in myself not only the ability to
row well, but also the discipline to focus on fundamentals which helps me in
many other facets of life.
Lauren Beckman
Danville Community High School (IA)
Hi, my name is Lauren Beckman and I am a recent graduate of the Danville
Community High School located in Southeast Iowa. I plan to start my college
education by obtaining my Associates of Science degree. I would like to then
obtain a Masters in Biology. My project was using the idea of a Radiant
Technology as a Temperature Regulator Throughout the Artificial
Insemination Process for Cattle. My Instructor, Professor Gail Kunch, is who I
would like to recognize. She has helped me through all my years of scientific
research. I would not be the person I am today without her guidance.
Page 11 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
The Alabama Academy of Science
had its 96th Annual Meeting Feb. 20 -
22, 2019 at Tuskegee University.
Their next Annual Meeting will take
place in the Spring of 2020.
For information, contact: Executive
Director email: [email protected]
The Arizona-Nevada Academy of
Science:
Contact: Permanent Secretary Dr.
Pedro Chavez:
The Arkansas Academy of Science,
helps Arkansas students obtain college
degrees as well as support the
advancement and diffusion of science
in Arkansas. For information contact,
President Dr. R. Panneer Selvam,
Department of Civil Engineering,
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville,
AR 72701/(479)-575-5356
email: [email protected]
In 1857, the Chicago Academy of
Sciences was founded by nature
aficionados and amateur scientists
seeking a space where they could study
and share the specimens they collected.
On October 23, 1999, the Academy's
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
officially opened, helping residents of
urban Chicago to connect with the
natural world. For more information,
visit our website:
http://www.naturemuseum.org or
contact: [email protected]
The Georgia Academy of Science
was organized in 1922 and
incorporated as a nonprofit
organization in 1953. The Georgia
Academy of Science continues to
grow in size and academic strength.
The interests of Academy members
encompass all aspects of science and
that interest is expressed through
participation in one or more of eight
sections. The 2020 Annual Meeting
will be held March 27-28th at
Valdosta State University. Contact
our secretary, Joseph Sloop, at
[email protected] or 678-485-5021.
The Hawai'i Academy of Science
(HAS) is a private, non-profit
organization founded in 1925. The
vision of the Academy is to promote
scientific research & education in
Hawai'i and the Pacific Rim. The
Academy is particularly interested in
developing and executing programs
and experiences for the science and
learning communities.
Contact us at (808) 956-7930 or
[email protected] for more
information.
The Idaho Academy of Science
(IAS) was organized in 1958 to
further the cause of science and
science education in Idaho. The IAS
seeks to improve the effectiveness of
scientific education in Idaho, and to
promote public understanding and
appreciation of the sciences and
applied technology in the modern
world. The Academy is the only
statewide organization in Idaho
which embraces all scientific
disciplines. Contact the Executive
Director at
or 1 208-317-1477.
The Colorado-Wyoming Academy
of Science: We are privileged to have
honored you, your teachers, your
parents, and your NAAS affiliated
Academy of Science representatives
at the 2019 AJAS/NAAS/AAAS
Conference. We can not wait for the
upcoming conference Feb. 12-16th,
2020 in Seattle, WA. For more
information, contact Dr. Doug
Petcoff, President at
[email protected] or 303-556-
3214.
The Delaware Academy of Science,
Inc., based in Newark, Del., opened
in 1968. We own and operate the Iron
Hill Museum and Iron Hill Science
Center, and work to promote science
education in the First State.
The board of directors of Delaware
Academy of Science, Inc., as well as
all the staff and volunteers at the Iron
Hill Science Center and Museum are
excited to announce the launch of
DelawareScience.org as the online
home of the Academy and all things
related to the Iron Hill Science
Center and Museum.
The Science Center staff may be
reached by phone at (302) 368-5703,
or use our contact form at
https://delawarescience.org/contact
The Florida Academy of Sciences,
Inc. was founded in 1936 as a non-
profit organization. The Academy is
the Florida Affiliate of the American
Association for the Advancement of
Science and is the only organization
in Florida that represents all
disciplines of sciences.
For more information, contact our
secretary, Dr. Norine Noonan via
email, [email protected] or by
phone, (727) 873-4793.
Page 12 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
Illinois Academy of Science: Our
mission, from our founding in 1907,
has been the promotion of scientific
research, the diffusion of scientific
knowledge, and the unification of
scientific interests in Illinois.
Beginning in 1907, we have held our
annual meeting at varying locations
around the state every year since. In
addition, our refereed journal,
Transactions, has been published
continuously since its inaugural first
volume in 1908. The Annual Meeting
will be hosted by Illinois College
April 3-4, 2020. For more information,
ontact our secretary, Rick Essner at
[email protected] for details.
The Iowa Academy of Science is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization. The
mission of the Academy is to further
scientific research, science education,
and public understanding of science,
and to recognize excellence in these
endeavors. You may contact Craig
Johnson, our Executive Director by
telephone, 319-273-2581and email,
Indiana Academy of Science:
We are a professional membership
organization of Indiana scientists,
dedicated to promoting scientific
research and diffusing scientific
information, encouraging
communication and cooperation
among scientists, and improving
education in the sciences. The 135th
Annual Meeting will be March 21st,
2020 at J.W. Marriot, downtown
Indianapolis. Contact our Executive
Director, Delores Brown, at (317)
974-0827 or ExecDir@indianaacade
myofscience.org
Minnesota Academy of Science
Mission: To recognize, promote and
influence excellence in science.
For information, email
The Mississippi Academy of
Science helps coordinate and
organize scientific seminars and
symposia in Mississippi. The 84th
Annual Meeting will be held Feb. 20-
21, 2020 at Biloi Convention Center
For information, email
or visit http://msacad.org/
Missouri Academy of Science
The purpose of the Academy is to
foster public interest in scientific
matters and promote cooperation
between the scientific interests of
Missouri. The 56th Annual Meeting
will be April 24th & 25th, 2020 at
Missouri Southern State University.
For information, contact Business
Manager Ginny McTighe, University
of Central Missouri, W.C. Morris
132A, [email protected]
Montana Academy of Science:
For Information, contact President
James G. Berardinelli, Ph.D.,
Montana State University
Department of Animal and Range
Sciences, Bozeman, MT 59117-2900,
North Carolina Academy of
Science: The 117th Annual Meeting
will be held March 27-28, 2020 at
Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory,
NC. For information about NCAS,
contact Dr. Karen Guzman, Campbell
University Department of Biological
Sciences, P.O. Box 308, Buies Creek,
NC 27506; Phone: (910) 814-4365;
FAX: (910) 893-1887; Email:
The Kansas Academy of Science
was organized as the Kansas Natural
History Society at Lincoln College
(now Washburn University) in
Topeka on September 1, 1868. The
152nd Annual Meeting will be held
April 3-4, 2020, at Baker University.
Contact our Secretary, Sam Leung by
emailing us at
[email protected] or by
calling us at 785-670-2375.
The Kentucky Academy of Science:
Our 2019 Annual Meeting was Nov
1-2 2019 at Berea College. Check us
out at www.kyscience.org.
For more information, contact us at
(859) 227-2837.
The Louisiana Academy of Science.
The 94th Annual Meeting will be held
March 14th, 2020 at Louisiana State
University. For information contact
President John Doucet, Nicholls State
University College of Arts and
Sciences, Thibodaux, LA 70310,
Michigan Academy of Science,
Arts, and Letters:
Mission: supporting research and
disseminating knowledge through
annual meetings and publishing a
quarterly journal of outstanding
papers in the sciences, humanities
and social sciences.
For information, email Director
Karen Gross,
Page 13 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
North Dakota Academy of Science:
The purpose of the Academy is to
promote and conduct scientific
research and to disseminate scientific
knowledge. The Annual Meeting will
be taking place April 3, 2020 on the
campus of the State Capitol.
Membership in the Academy is open
to persons who share the stated
purpose of the Academy and who are
active or interested in some field of
scientific endeavor. For information,
email: [email protected].
The Nebraska Academy of Sciences
was first organized in Omaha in 1880
with 75 charter members. The Union
Pacific Railroad, which supported the
programs to make Nebraska the
educational and cultural center of the
West, was instrumental in the
establishment of the Academy. The
129th NAS Annual Spring Meeting
was April 12, 2019. Over 400
attendees observed nearly 240 abstract
presentations during this year’s event.
The 130th NAS Annual Spring
Meeting will occur on April 17th,
2020, at Nebraska Wesleyan
University. For information, contact
New Jersey Academy of Science:
The purpose of the academy is to
stimulate education and research in
science throughout New Jersey. The
65th Annual Meeting will take place
May 2, 2020 at Kean University
For information about NJAS, visit us
at Kean University, New Jersey Center
for Science, Technology &
Mathematics Education, 1000 Morris
Ave., STEM Bldg. 5-13, Union, NJ
07083, or www.njas.org.
The Oregon Academy of Science
promotes scientific research and
education in Oregon. The annual
OAS meeting acknowledges
contributions by outstanding
university and K-12 educators
demonstrating dedication to the
advancement of science education.
Additionally, each year the Academy
acknowledges an Oregon scientist
who has made outstanding
contributions in their field. In 2020,
this meeting will take place in
February at Portland State
University. For information contact:
Secretary: Jeff Duerr at
http://oregonacademyscience.org/
Pennsylvania Academy of Science:
Since 1924, we have been educating
and supporting scientists throughout
Pennsylvania by striving to promote
science, technology, education and
the diverse interests of our members.
We are the vital and valuable
resource for Pennsylvania science
professionals, faculty and students.
The 96th Annual Meeting will be held
at York College March 20-22, 2020.
For more information visit our
webpage at https://pennsci.org/, or
contact President Ed Levry at
The South Carolina Academy of
Science (SCAS) was organized in
1924, and in 1927 the Academy
affiliated with the American
Association for the Advancement of
Science. The Annual Meeting in
2020 will be March 28th at Furman
University. For information contact:
Secretary Janie Sigmon at
Website: http://scacademysci.org/
South Dakota Academy of Science:
Contact: Paul Johnson for details at
Website: http://www.sdaos.org/
New Mexico Academy of Science:
The mission of the New Mexico
Academy of Science is to serve the
state of New Mexico and its
communities by publishing science
and science education materials,
giving recognition for contributions
to science and science education,
fostering scientific cooperation,
raising public awareness of the
importance of science and science
education, and providing advice on
matters related to science and science
education.
For information about NMAS, email
The Ohio Academy of Science is the
leading organization in Ohio to foster
curiosity, discovery, and innovation
and to unite all who value education,
science, engineering, technology, or
their applications for the benefit of
society. The 129th Annual Meeting
will be April 18th, 2020 at Cleveland
State University. For information,
contact CEO Michael Woytek,
[email protected]. www.ohiosci.org
The Oklahoma Academy of
Science’s goal is to stimulate
scientific research; to promote
fraternal relationships among those
engaged in scientific work in
Oklahoma; to diffuse among the
citizens of Oklahoma a knowledge of
the various disciplines of science; and
to investigate and make known the
material and educational resources of
the State. For information, contact
Executive Director Dr. Adam
Ryburn, Oklahoma City Univ., 2501
N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma
City, OK 73106, [email protected].
oklahomaacademyofscience.org/.
Page 14 NAAS Newsletter
Academy News
Southern California Academy of
Science:
The Southern California Academy of
Sciences is dedicated to promoting
fellowship among scientists and those
individuals interested in science and
more. The SCAS Annual Meeting will
be held May 21st, 2021 at California
State University, Fullerton. For more
information visit the website:
http://scas.nhm.org/
The St. Louis Academy of Science
has many events planned for the
future. On our website you will find
many lectures and events for the
coming months. For more information
call 314-533-8083 or visit
http://academyofsciencestl.org/
The Tennessee Academy of Science
seeks to promote scientific research
and the diffusion of knowledge
concerning science. For more
information contact: Ms Teresa
Fulcher, TAS Secretary. Office Phone:
865-539-7048; email:
visit the website:
http://www.tennacadofsci.org/
Texas Academy of Science:
The Texas Academy of Science
promotes scientific research in Texas
colleges and universities, encourages
research as a part of student learning,
and enhances the professional
development of its members. TAS
possesses a complex, intriguing and
long-standing educational mission. For
more information contact Secretary
Frank J. Dirrigl, Jr. at
[email protected] or visit the
TAS webpage here:
www.texasacademyofscience.org/
Washington D.C. Academy of
Science:
The Washington Academy of Science
was incorporated in 1898 as an
affiliation of Washington D.C. area
scientific societies. The formation of
the Academy culminated a decade of
planning under the leadership of the
Philosophical Society of Washington.
The founders included Alexander
Graham Bell and Samuel Langley,
Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution. For more information
contact: [email protected]
call 202-326-8975 or visit:
http://www.washacadsci.org/
The West Virginia Academy of
Science is an organization to meet
and work with professional associates
in many areas of science, engineering
and humanities. It is a corporation
chartered by the authority of the West
Virginia legislature for the
advancement of scientific knowledge
and the promotion of scientific work.
The 95th Annual Meeting of WVAS
will be held at Fairmont State
University in Spring 2020. For more
information contact Jeremy Keene at
[email protected] or visit:
http://pwvas.org
The Wisconsin Academy of
Sciences, Arts, and Letters brings
people together at the intersection of
the sciences, arts, and letters to
inspire discovery, illuminate creative
work, and foster civil dialogue on
important issues. In this way, we
connect Wisconsin people and ideas
for a better world. For more
information:
visit: www.wisconsinacademy.org/
Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts,
and Letters:
The University of Utah Annual
Conference will be held March 13th,
2020 in Salt Lake City Utah
To find more information please
contact: [email protected] or
visit: http://www.utahacademy.org/
Vermont Academy of Arts and
Sciences The Vermont Academy of
Arts and Sciences was organized in
October 1965. Membership is open to
all who share the Academy’s
interests. Becoming a member will
help support the mission and the free-
to-the-public educational activities of
the VAAS. For information contact
us at [email protected].
The Virginia Academy of Science
promotes the advancement of science
in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our publication the Virginia Journal
of Science publishes peer reviewed
original research reports as well as
abstracts of the Annual Meeting
presentations. The VAS Annual
Meeting is most commonly held in
the Spring of each year.
For more information contact:
[email protected] or call 804-
864-1450.
Washington State Academy of
Sciences:
Our mission is to provide expert
scientific and engineering analyses to
inform public policy making and
work to increase the role and
visibility of research in Washington
State. For more information contact
Executive Director Donna Gerardi
Riordan at
visit: http://www.washacad.org/
By Gloria J. Takahashi, SCAS Board, SCJAS Director.
Southern California Academy Junior Academy of Sciences Students Chosen to attend 2021 AJAS
Congratulations are given to our highly motivated and exceptionally hard working high school students who were
part of the SCAS-Research Training Program (RTP) for the 2019-20 academic year. Because of the wide spread
covid19 outbreak, they displayed and discussed the results of their scientific research in the first ever virtual Poster
Session meeting on May 30th. This virtual meeting was organized by Dr. Kimo Morris and Ms. Shelly Moore of
Santa Ana College and members of the SCAS Board. The review of students’ papers and posters by 23 judges was
chaired by Dr. Robert F. Phalen, UCI, Department. of Medicine.
Nine students and one alternate were selected to attend the national AJAS meeting on Feb. 2021. They will present
their work in both Poster and Oral sessions virtually in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This year and the next are unusual because of the world wide
covid19 pandemic.
The students, their mentors and project titles are listed below:
1) Sabreen Alam. Portola High School, Irvine, CA
Mentors: Guillaume Roussel, and Stephen White. Department of Physiology and
Biophysics, University of California, Irvine Medical School, Irvine, CA
Unravelling the Structure of SecA: Analysis of WT- vs. Y134S-SecA
2) *Yeji Cho. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Palos Verdes, CA
Mentor: Andres Carillo. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Los Angeles, CA
Riboflavin as an Electron Shuttle in Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cells for Azo Dye Reduction
(Year 2)
3) Su Kara. Capistrano Valley High School, Mission Viejo, CA
Mentors: Jake Y. Akers , and Peter D. Chang. University of California, Irvine, CA
Assessment of Endotracheal Tube Position Relative to the Carina Using a
Cascaded Convolutional Neural Network Approach
4) *Junhee Lee. California Academy of Math and Science, Carson, CA
Mentor: Douglas A. Pace. California State University, Long Beach, CA
Effect of Water-Soluble Fractions of Diesel on Fertilization and Embryonic
Development of Pacific Sand Dollars Dendraster excentricus
5) *Sabrina Li. Walnut High School, Walnut, CA
Mentors: Bryce Perog and Danielle C. Zacherl. Department of Biological Science, California State
University, Fullerton, CA
Effests of Baycrete Texture and Tidal Elevation on the Recruitment of Native Ostea lurida
and Nonindigenous Balanus amphitrite in San Diego Bay, CA (year 2)
Page 15 NAAS Newsletter
Southern California Academy of Sciences
900 Exposition Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90007
[email protected] scas.nhm.org
Supporting scientists and students in Southern California since 1891
6) William Oertel. Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Mentors: Samantha Leigh, and Misty Paig-Tran. California State University Fullerton, CA Microplastic Contamination in Zooplankton Along the Southern California Bight
7) Nithin Parthasarathy. Northwood High School, Irvine, CA
Mentor: William Speier. Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA A Novel Brain-Computer Interface to Communicate with Neurologically Impaired Patients
Using Language Models
8) Ashwin Sivakumar. Flintridge Preparatory School, Los Angeles, CA
Mentor: Alexis Mychajliw. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Fossil-Augmented Species Distribution Models Reveal the Shifted Baselines of California
Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Under Climate Change
9) Jesse Vela. Cathedral High School, Los Angeles, CA
Mentors: Debra Moreno Garcia, Michael Ta, and Emilie Kovalik. California State University,
Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles, CA
Understanding the Gap: The Difference of Reported Mental Health Stress Level A
Among Generation Z Adolescents
*10) Alternate:
Roushon Dong. Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City, CA Mentors: Seo Hyun and the Kuhn-Hicks Lab, USC Michelson Center, Los Angeles, CA
Circulating Endothelial Cell Enumeration in Clinical Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung
Cancer * AJAS Fellow = attended a previous meeting
2020-2021 SCAS RTP
The resurgence of COVID-19 in southern California has affected the 2020-2021 SCAS high school Research Training
Program (RTP). Rather than placing the RTP on hold this year due to the health risks created by COVID-19, students are
not working physically in labs in close contact with mentors and other members of the lab so that they can remain safe.
Students accepted into the RTP will work on a “Scholarly Paper” much like those in the graduate school at UCI as a
substitute for a laboratory based Masters thesis. The paper focuses on an important scientific problem or question that
student and mentor will determine based on their mutual interests. It should have a thorough literature review and display
an understanding of the basic concepts in the scientific area. Virtual meetings will be held periodically to teach students
about the Scholarly Paper, how to write a scientific paper, give a presentation and make a scientific poster in preparation
for the SCAS Annual Meeting set for May 21, 2021 at California State University at Fullerton.
For more information contact the Junior Academy at [email protected],
website- http://www.scas.nhm.org/junior-academy
-Submitted by: Gloria J. Takahashi, Junior Academy and SCAS RTP
Page 16 NAAS Newsletter
Page 17 NAAS Newsletter
General Interest in Science and
Engineering (Y) Section Steering
Group Primary members
SECTION STEERING GROUP
This section steering group comprises the
secretary, chair line, council delegate and
members-at-large.
Chair
Carol Lynn Alpert
Museum of Science, Boston
Chair-Elect
Erika C. Shugart
American Society for Cell Biology
Retiring Chair
Patricia L. Ward
Museum of Science and Industry,
Chicago
Secretary
Barbara Gastel
Texas A&M
Members-at-Large
David Berube
North Carolina State University
Sharon M. Friedman
Lehigh University
Keegan Sawyer
National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine
Marilee Long
Colorado State University
COUNCIL DELEGATE
JoAnn M. Valenti
Brigham Young University (Emeritus)
ELECTORATE NOMINATING
COMMITTEE (ENC)
Susan Gaidos
Freelance
Mari N. Jensen (ENC Chair)
University of Arizona
Jennifer Cutraro
Science Storytellers
Donna Gerardi Riordan
Washington State Academy of Sciences
Sue Nichols
Michigan State University
Jocelyn Steinke
Western Michigan University
Note: Terms end on the last day of the
Annual Meeting held in the year given in
parentheses.
Representing Section Y: General Interest in Science and Engineering
Congratulations to AAAS Fellows 2019-2020
Monica M Bradford
American Association of
Academies of Science
For advancing science
through longstanding and
forward-thinking leadership
at Science magazine and
through contributions to the
scientificpublishing
community.
Lee Ann Brogie
American Junior Academy of
Science
For fourteen years of
leadership and commitment
to the National Association of
Academies of Science as the
Director/President of the
American Junior Academy of
Science.
Ronnie Coffman
Cornell University
For distinguished
contributions to food security,
including innovative research
programs, support for women
throughout science, and
development of worldwide
science communication
programs.
Rebecca Finlay
Canadian Institute for
Advanced Research
For distinguished work in
science communication for
innovators in business, policy
making and civil society,
thereby accelerating the
societal impact of the
scientific research.
Julia M. Gelfand
University of California,
Irvine
For significant and
distinguished contributions to
professional societies,
advancements to the study of
scientific publishing and grey
literature, and service as a
distinguished science
librarian.
John Charles Nemeth
CGJC Enterprises
For distinguished
accomplishment and
excellence in environmental
consulting, teaching, research,
and research administration at
Georgia Tech, and for not-for-
profit leadership at ORAU and
Sigma Xi.
Clayton E. Teague
National Institute of
Standards and Technology
For distinguished
contributions to the field of
nanotechnology and precision
engineering and leadership as
director of the NNCO.
AAAS Section Y: Call for Nominations for 2020 Fellows
AAAS Section on General Interest in Science and Engineering (Y) is soliciting suggestions for 2020 fellows. Examples of areas in which nominees may have made significant contributions are academic research in the areas of science communication and science journalism; teaching, mentoring and leadership through States’ Academies of Science; and communicating and interpreting science to the public through museums and other informal science education organizations.
Fellow nominations may be made by: 1) the Steering Groups of the Association's 24 sections, or 2) any three previously elected Fellows who are current AAAS members, so long as two of the three sponsors are not affiliated with the nominee's institution, or 3) the Chief Executive Officer. AAAS encourages diverse nominations that include a fair representation of women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
Fellows who are current members of AAAS are invited to nominate members for election as Fellows. A member whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished, and who has been a continuous member for the 4-year period leading up to the year of nomination, may by virtue of such meritorious contribution be elected a Fellow by the AAAS Council.
Please send your suggestions with a brief rationale to Patricia Ward, [email protected]. Please also copy our section secretary Barbara Gastel, [email protected].
Thank you in advance for your ideas and help in this important endeavor.
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AJAS Wash. DC, Delegates (2019) - 96 females/57 males = 153
AJAS Austin, Delegates (2018) - 75 females/66 males = 141
AJAS Boston. Delegates (2017) - 74 females/49 males = 123
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AJAS Chicago Delegates (2014) - 89 females/67 males Total = 156
State Academies have many members that would qualify for AAAS Fellow. By Don Jordan, NAAS Newsletter Editor
An American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow is one of the most prestigious honors in the United States. The AAAS Fellow Award acknowledges individuals that may have made significant contributions in research, teaching, technology, education, leadership in education for professional societies, in academia, industry, and government, and communicating and interpreting science to the public.
We appeal to the members of the State Academies to find and nominate members from their State Academies for this distinguished award.
The nomination process is well designed and does not present a time-consuming task.
You must be a member of AAAS for four consecutive years and members of AAAS receive SCIENCE the most prestigious science magazine in the world. A must read for any scientist, included with membership.
Fellows who are current members of AAAS are invited to nominate members for election as Fellows. We have many members of the leadership of the National Association of Academies of Science (NAAS) who are Fellows of AAAS. Membership to AAAS allows one to identify & affiliate with three sections and sections play a vital role in the nomination process. It is well worth the approximate $150.00 per year to be blessed with all these opportunities.
So if you have questions or individuals you want to nominate please get in touch with NAAS President Michael Strauss, [email protected], or NAAS CEO Ed Brogie, [email protected].
Do it now even if you are not a member of AAAS, it well worth the consecutive membership for four years.
Go Science
Don Jordan, [email protected] NAAS Newsletter Editor
2021 AJAS/AAAS Annual Meeting: Phoenix, AZ, February 11-14, 2021
2022 AJAS/AAAS Annual Meeting Philadelphia, PA, February 16-20, 2022
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