Schedule

All times listed in this conference program are in Eastern Standard Time, EST (UTC - 05:00)

DAY 1: FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024

 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM - (ongoing) Check-in [Michigan League 2nd Floor]

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Optional: Lab Tours

Options - Sign up here: 

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner [Michigan League 2nd Floor Ballroom]

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Introduction  [Michigan League 2nd Floor Ballroom]

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Plenary Talk,  Dr. Christine Aidela  [Michigan League 2nd Floor Ballroom]

8:30 PM - 11 PM - Optional social activities [West Hall]

We will have many options to pick and choose from, feel free to bounce between them! 

  • Minute to Win It game show (8:45-9:30pm) [WH 340]
Compete to finish a series of simple fun activites like stacking cups and bouncing balls
  • Estimation game (9:30-10pm) [WH 340]
  • Movie: The Color Purple (8:40-11pm) [WH 337]
  • Arts and Crafts (8:40-11pm) [WH 335, 320]
    • Bead necklaces
    • Origami
    • Coloring Books
    • Paper stars
  • Board & Video games (8:40-11pm) [WH 411]
  • Town event: Pinball Pete's (9-10:30pm) [1214 S University Ave, Ann Arbor]
Local arcade with pinball and various arcade games 

DAY 2: SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Breakfast at Hotel

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Check-in [Michigan League, 2nd floor]

A reflection room is available and located in the Michigan League, 3rd floor North End, listed on the Wall Directory as "Reflection Room". 

Reflection rooms are used by students for meditation, reflection time, and/or prayer (for more, please see list maintained by Trotter Multicultural Center). 

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Welcome Address [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM - Plenary Talk, Dr. Chris Greenhill [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Coffee Break [Michigan League, 2nd floor Concourse]

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM - Parallel Session 1 [Michigan League]

Note: final details, information, and timing are tentative to change 

  • Beyond Academia: Industry and Teaching Careers with a Physics Degree [Room D, 3rd floor]
Hosted by: Christine AidalaSpeakers: Monika Wood, Sarah Nuss-Warren, Chelsea Hendrus, Cynthia Aku-Leh This session provides advice on how to leverage a physics degree towards industry and teaching careers, helping attendees to seek, apply for, and succeed in these alternative pathways
  • Networking and Mentorship: Cultivating Meaningful Connections [Ballroom]
Hosted by: Cassie LittleSpeakers: Camille Avestruz, Riley Sechrist, Stephanie LaubackThis session focuses on the importance and strategies of networking and mentorship, providing practical advice on creating significant connections and fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Networking tools in this session will be useful for networking throughout the conference, and the future. 
  • Physics Flash Talks: Condensed Matter Physics, AMO Physics, and Biophysics [Henderson, 3rd floor]
Hosted by: Na Hyun JoSpeakers: Jennifer Ogilvie, Ashley Carter, Xiwen GongThis physics flash talk session will provide a summary of the history, state, and future of research in condensed matter physics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, and biophysics. 
  • Being a Proactive Intersectional Ally [Room 4, 1st floor]
Hosted by: Claire ArnesonSpeakers: Hafiz Sheriff, Nora Sherman, Francesco SessaThis session brings together facilitators from a variety of backgrounds and identities to discuss what it means to be an intersectional ally, identifying allies that are present in our communities, and how to implement allyship and change in communities in physics outside of this conference. All attendees are welcome and those identifying with the gender majority in physics are especially encouraged to attend!
  • Empowering Growth: Navigating Challenges & Successes in Physics [Koessler, 3rd floor]
Hosted by: Cynthia NuñezSpeakers: Morgan Loechli, Cynthia Nuñez, Rhiannon WillowThis session presents a dialogue with a panel, providing insights and strategies for managing mental health issues, stress, and imposter syndrome. 

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM - Student Poster Session [Michigan League, 2nd floor Hussey and Vandenberg]

To see the abstracts for the posters, click here.  For more information about the Student Poster Session, click here.  

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch [Michigan League, 2nd floor Ballroom]

Sponsored by Research Corporation for Science Advancement

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Keynote Address, Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell [Michigan League, 2nd floor Ballroom]

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM - Group Photo [Michigan League, 2nd floor Ballroom]

3:45 PM- 4:15 PM - Coffee Break [Michigan Leadue, 2nd floor Concourse]

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM - Networking Fair [Michigan League, 2nd floor Vandenberg]

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Parallel Session 2 [Michigan League]

Note: final details, information, and timing are tentative to change 

  • Navigating and Searching for Internship and Research Opportunities [Room 4, 1st floor]
Hosted by: Anwesha SahaSpeakers: Kelly Vazquez, Demet Usanmaz, Kate NapierThis informative session presents valuable insights into internship and research opportunities for undergraduate students, including guidance for international and domestic students, and advice on overcoming adversity. 
  • Figuring Out Graduate School: Program Selection and Applications[Room D, 3rd floor]
Hosted by: Lesley VestalSpeakers: Lavanya Taneja, Raziq Noorali, Loki Lin This session offers advice on identifying suitable graduate programs, learning about the application process, and making informed decisions when selecting a graduate program and research group. This session is from a graduate student perspective. 
  • Physics Flash Talks: High Energy Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Astrophysics [Henderson, 3rd floor]
Hosted by: Nora ShermanSpeakers: Monica Tecchio, Carolyn Kuranz, Keren SharonThis physics flash talk session will provide a summary of the history, state, and future of research in high-energy particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics/cosmology. 
  • Coding for Physics: An Introduction to Python Coding in Physics [Koessler, 3rd floor]
Host & Speaker: Shubha TewariThis session offers an introductory workshop on utilizing Python for various physics computations and simulations, boosting coding proficiency for physics students. Laptops are highly recommended.
  • Networking fair  [Michigan League, 2nd floor Vandenburg]

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Dinner [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

6:30 PM - 6:45 PM - Welcome Speeches [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

6:45 PM - 7:30 PM - Plenary Talk,  Dr. Lia Merminga [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

7:30 PM - 8:15 PM - Plenary Talk, Dr. Laura Greene [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

8:15 PM - 8:30 PM - Poster Session Award Ceremony [Michigan League 2nd floor Ballroom]

8:30 PM - 11 PM - Optional social activities [West Hall]

We will have many options to pick and choose from, feel free to bounce between them!

  • Family Feud game show (8:45-10pm) [WH 340]
Watch attendees compete to guess survey answers to physics-y questions from other attendees! (Like "What's you're favorite 'law' of Physics?")
    • Round 1: 8:45-9:20pm
    • Round 2: 9:25-10pm
  • Movie: The Color Purple (8:40-11pm) [WH 337]
  • Arts and Crafts (8:40-11pm) [WH 335]
    • Bead necklaces
    • Origami
    • Knitting
    • Coloring Books
    • Paper stars
  • Board & Video games (8:40-11pm) [WH 411]

DAY 3: SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024

7:00 AM  - 8:00 AM  - Breakfast at Hotel 

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Check-in [Weiser Hall]

A reflection room is available and located in Weiser Hall Room 653. 

Reflection rooms are used by students for meditation, reflection time, and/or prayer (for more, please see list maintained by Trotter Multicultural Center). 

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Parallel Session 3 [Weiser Hall]

Note: final details, information, and timing are tentative to change 

  • Roundtable for Physicists with Marginalized Identities [Room 269, 2nd floor]
Hosted by: Gabriela F. MartinsSpeakers: Morgan Loechli, Kelly Vazquez, Ayla RodriguezThis inclusive roundtable session brings together physicists with marginalized identities to share experiences and strategies for navigating issues in the workplace and the classroom, such as due to their identity and cultural differences. 
  • Networking and Mentorship: Cultivating Meaningful Connections  [Room 110, 1st floor]
Hosted by: Chelsea HendrusSpeakers: Jennifer Ogilvie, Veronica Verkest, Ashley CarterThis session focuses on the importance and strategies of networking and mentorship, providing practical advice on creating significant connections and fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Networking tools in this session will be useful for networking throughout the conference, and the future.
  • Roundtable for LGBTQIA+ Physicists [Room 268, 2nd floor]
Hosted by: Loki LinSpeakers: Raziq Noorali, Riley Sechrist, Rhiannon WillowThis session is a platform for LGBTQIA+ physicists to share their unique experiences concerning identity in the workplace, discuss ways to acknowledge and manage gender and sex differences, and create an open dialogue about inclusivity in the field. 
  • Figuring Out Graduate School: Program Selection and Applications [Room 296, 2nd floor]
Hosted by: Vanessa SihSpeakers: Bing Zhou, Shubha Tewari, Qiong YangThis session offers advice on identifying suitable graduate programs, learning about the application process, and making informed decisions when selecting a graduate program and research group.  
  • Applying Your Physics Degree: Diverse Career Pathways and Experiences [Room 260, 2nd floor]
Hosted by: Hiba AssiSpeakers: Elizabeth Covington, Laura Greene, Rachel KoltunThis session brings together a varied panel to discuss the applications of a physics degree, explore careers in different physics fields (such as academia, industry, and teaching), and share their insights and experiences.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Coffee Break [Weiser Hall 10th floor]

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Parallel Session 4 [Weiser Hall]

Note: final details, information, and timing are tentative to change 

  • The Balancing Act: Academic and Personal Life as Undergraduate Students [Room 269]
Hosted by: Lavanya TanejaSpeakers: Lesley Vestal, Stephanie Lauback, Chris GreenhillThis panel discussion shares insights and strategies for fostering a healthy work-life balance, tailored specifically to cater to the unique challenges faced by undergraduate students. 
  • Being a Leader: Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Groups at Academic Institutions [Room 110]
Hosted by: Hiba AssiSpeakers: Francesco Sessa, Claire Arneson, Veronica VerkestThis session will discuss ideas for creating inclusive and equity-focused groups at universities, and share resources related to DEI-related organizations. 
  • Negotiation and Professional Skills Workshop [Room 296]
Host & Speaker: Carolyn KuranzThis workshop is designed to provide professional training in effective negotiation, communication and leadership skills. 
  • Applying Your Physics Degree: Diverse Career Pathways and Experiences [Room 260]
Hosted by: Monica TecchioSpeakers: Hui Deng, Ariana Bueno, Sarah Nuss-Warren This session brings together a varied panel to discuss the applications of a physics degree, explore careers in different physics fields (such as academia, industry, and teaching), and share their insights and experiences. 
  • Physics Flash Talks: High Energy Physics/Nuclear, Biophysics, Cosmology [Room 268]
Hosted by: Cynthia NuñezSpeakers: Cynthia Nuñez, Nora Sherman, Gabriela F. MartinsThis physics flash talk session will provide a summary on the history, state, and future of research in condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, and biophysics. 

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM - Transition time

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Closing Remarks [Weiser Hall Room 170]

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM- Lunch [Weiser Hall 10th floor and Room 110, 1st floor]