Monday, August 15, 2011

Free Web-cast session at GSA 2011: "T.171 Developing the Global Geoscientist..."

The YES Network is convening GSA Session 215: "T.171 Developing the Global Geoscientist through International Geoscience Networks and Research Projects"

This session will be broadcast via web-cast, and web-based participation is free. Find the session's schedule and register as a web-based participant on the YES Network website: www.networkyes.org/index.php/meetings/gsa_2011/

This session will focus on best practices for cultivating global geoscientists through the use of international geoscience networks and cutting-edge technologies and the development of international research projects from these international networks. This session also highlights the Geoscientists Without Borders® program and its associated projects, including the logistics of establishing projects and the impact the program and projects have made.

Session Chairs: Leila Gonzales, Sophie J. Hancock
Co-sponsoring Organizations:GSA Geoscience Education Division; YES Network; American Geological Institute; Society of Exploration Geophysicists Foundation; GSA Geophysics Division; Society of Economic Geologists

Thank you to the SEG Foundation and the American Geological Institute for making the session web-cast possible.

YES USA Member Activities at GSA in Minneapolis, MN

Hi YES members!

Those of you who will be attending GSA this year in Minneapolis, MN might want to consider participating in these informal YES Network USA events:

1. Join us for an informal dinner where you can meet other YES USA members to share stories, research and ideas about being a young geoscientist. We will be organizing this informal event the week of GSA once schedules are more finalized.  If you are interested, please contact Heather Houlton (the YES USA webmaster).

2. Come join in on the Green Space 5K run as a YES USA member at GSA!  It will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday, October 10th at 6:30am.  Registration is $20, but includes a T-shirt!  If you're interested, please contact Tiffany Rivera or Mary Seid for more information!  

Friday, August 5, 2011

Short Course offered at GSA 2011

Short Course 515: Setting up a GeoSciML data service to publish your geological map data

Saturday, 8 October 2011, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $50; includes continental breakfast and lunch.
Early registration deadline is 6 September, Registration after 6 September costs an additional $3, Cancellation deadline: 12 September
Organizers: Arizona Geological Survey, AGI, and YES Network

This course is aimed at graduate students and early-career faculty who are doing geological mapping projects and are interested in online data publication. GeoSciML is a standards-based data format that provides a framework for application-neutral encoding of geoscience thematic data and related spatial data. Using GeoSciML, you will learn how to set up a GeoSciML data service so that you can publish your geological mapping data in a vendor-neutral format that will allow for data exchange and interoperability. Participants are required to bring their own laptops that are equipped with a wireless connection.

To register for the short course, go to:
http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2011/courses.htm

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Remember to Submit Your AGU Abstracts by AUG 4th!

The GSA 2011 meeting abstract deadline just passed, and now it's time to focus on getting those abstracts ready for the AGU 2011 Fall Meeting! Did you know about the sessions that the YES Network is convening at the AGU 2011 meeting? If not, here's the information. Please consider submitting an abstract to one of the following sessions that the YES Network is convening.

ED32: Innovative Education, Outreach, and Communication (EOC) Activities by Early Career Scientists (ECS)
Beyond research, scientists are expected to communicate their science. EOC activities by scientists enhance public understanding of pressing topics, foster scientific literacy among the public, open lines of communication with scientists, and inspire young people to consider science careers. EOC skill development is crucial for ECS. While important for obtaining funding, ECS training generally does not cultivate EOC skills. ECS efficacy in EOC occurs through practical experience and professional development activities. This session aims to highlight innovative EOC activities initiated and conducted by ECS, as well as professional development activities designed to foster these skills.

ED49: The Student-to-Professional Continuum: How to Retain Students and Successfully Transition Graduates into Geoscience Careers 
Description: Since the mid-1990's geoscience degree completion rates have remained near 12% for undergraduates and 20% for graduate students. Furthermore, data from NSF indicates that only 30 percent of geoscience graduates work in core geoscience occupations. The US and other developed nations are beginning to see the loss of technical skills in the geoscience workforce, both within academia, government, and industry sectors. The implementation of successful retention and student-to-professional transition strategies are critical for bolstering the supply of new graduates to geoscience occupations.

ED51: Using International Networks to Develop the Future Global Geoscience Workforce
As the geoscience workforce becomes increasingly global, geoscience graduates need to be equipped with strong geoscience skills and experience in international collaboration. Data from the IUGS Global Geoscience Taskforce indicates that developed nations face the immediate need to replace the current wave of retiring geoscientists while developing nations need to bolster human and capital infrastructure to support the training of future geoscientists. International geoscience networks, which remove geographical constraints and connect geoscientists via the web, may help solve the unequal distribution of geoscience capacity while providing geoscience students with the ability to develop international experience.