American Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) conference in support of multidisciplinary science and workforce development

This is a proposal for funding for American Society for Microbiology (ASM) conference in support of multidisciplinary science and workforce development, which supports STEM trainee to participate in research, mentoring, and career and workforce development activities. There are few national research symposia designed specifically for developing scientists, including undergraduates and graduate students, to gather and present their work while also learning about cutting edge science and experiencing career and workforce development and mentoring. While scientific societies have increasingly recognized this and other developed programs focused on welcoming such trainees, the issue persists. Thus, in addition to attendance at such discipline-specific society and national meetings, meetings focused on these students’ professional development and mentoring are critically needed. In this funding cycle, the specific aims are to 1) Provide opportunities for developing scientists to share their research via in-person and virtual presentation platforms; 2) prepare developing scientists for successful transition to graduate or professional training via exposure to the cutting edge science, professional development, and biomedical and behavioral sciences research careers; and 3) provide professional development opportunities for faculty advisers, research scientists, and program directors to enhance their roles as advisers, mentors, educators, and leaders.