Research Featured at the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting
More than 300 research papers will be presented throughout the day in twelve topical sessions and poster sessions at the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting. We would like to encourage and invite you to present a paper. Also if you work with undergraduate or graduate students we would ask that you encourage them to participate in the SCAS Annual Meeting and present a paper if they have been engaged in research. To encourage greater participation by undergraduate students, the value of the undergraduate research awards have been increased to over $2,000.00. Please encourage all interested students to come and present their research and posters.
The rooms in which the sessions will be held will all be media equipped classrooms that should support PowerPoint presentations and have computers equipped with USB plugs. But presenters are strongly encouraged to bring either hard copies or transparencies of all relevant materials to be shown in case there is some sort of compatibility problem. All session rooms will have overhead projectors and Elmo or similar projection units available. For information pertaining to research abstracts and deadlines please contact Dr. David Ferris at dkferris@uscupstate.edu.
Invited Speakers Featured at the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting
In addition to more than 300 research presentations, the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting will feature an interesting array of invited speakers. Coming from areas of expertise including medicine, chemistry, and historical science research a common thread will be woven through the presentations concerning the critical need to effectively translate scientific research into public awareness and scientific literacy.
The keynote presentation during the plenary session will be given by Dr. Michele Dominick Bishop, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Medical School in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Dominick Bishop is a nationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and hepatology who specializes in pancreatic diseases. Michele is also a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School in Cayce, S.C. and a former member of both the SCJAS and the SCAS. We are very pleased that Michele has agreed to be our keynote speaker and we welcome her back to South Carolina!
Two other special presentations will be featured during the afternoon. Dr. Bassam Shakhashiri, a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and former chief education officer at the National Science Foundation, will present Science and Scientific Literacy. According to Dr. Shakhashiri, "Our democratic society is becoming increasingly dependent on science and technology. It is essential for the well-being of our society that all citizens develop an appreciation of science, the benefits of technology, and the potential risks associated with advances in both Citizens must gain 'science literacy'". Dr. Shakhashiri has given presentations throughout the world. His presentation at the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting will include many of the fascinating chemical demonstrations that he has developed over the years.
Later in the afternoon Mr. Howard Burnham will present On the Shoulders of Giants in which he will portray five famous scientists whose vision and research changed the course of human history including Aristotle, Louis Pasteur, Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Mr. Burnham not only has conducted meticulous research concerning the background, research, and lives of these scientists, but also portrays these individuals during his presentation. Born in Bournemouth, England, Mr. Burnham is a gifted scholar who has worked as an educator, museum curator, and actor. His historical characterizations have been presented throughout the United States and have included portrayals of Charles Darwin, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, General Thomas Sumter and many others. We are delighted that Mr. Burnham is developing this new monolog exclusively for the 2007 SCAS Annual Meeting. You will not want to miss this fascinating presentation!
SCJAS to Feature New Competitions at 2007 Annual Meeting
The South Carolina Junior Academy of Science (SCJAS) will offer two new competitions in addition to the research presentations. Science In the News tests students knowledge of current events in science. Speaking of Science is an oratorical competition. More than $1,000 will be awarded as prizes to the top competitors in these events. These competitions will be open to any interested students in South Carolina in grades 8-12. Please pass this information along to high schools and interested students in your geographical area. For complete rules and information pertaining to these two events contact Dr. Tom Reeves at reevest@midlandstech.edu or telephone 803-822-3554. For all other information pertaining to the SCJAS please contact either Dr. Karen Fox, Executive Director SCJAS, at kfox@med.sc.edu or telephone 803-733-1529 or Dr. Don Jordan, Director for Center for SCAS at USC, at Jordan@gwm.sc.edu or telephone 803-777-7007.
A Celebration of Science at Midlands Technical College
To draw attention to the 2007 SCAS and SCJAS Annual Meetings, Midlands Technical College will sponsor a Celebration of Science during the preceding week featuring special speakers, science activities, and films open to all students and the general public at no charge.