LAKELAND, Fla. β 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»this weekend hosted the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Academy of Sciences (FAS) 2017 Annual Conference at the Innovation, Science and Technology Building. Faculty, post-doctoral research fellows, graduate and undergraduate students came together to exchange new scientific discoveries and recognize significant breakthroughs that are building the development and economy of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».
During the two-day conference, attendees from across the state of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» shared their research.
βWe have some of the most brilliant minds in science right here in our state,β said Dr. Jeremy Montague, Professor of Biology at Berry University in Miami Shores and Current President of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Academy of Sciences. βOur goal is to recognize their scientific achievements and celebrate their passion for science, especially in our student presenters at the Senior Academy on Friday and the younger participants in the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Junior Academy of Science on Saturday.β
The event featured student oral and poster presentations, booth displays from several sponsor companies and a banquet dinner with the 2016 FAS medalist as speaker, Dr. George A. Maul from the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Institute of Technology.
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent delivered the Gale plenary address on βThe Future of STEM Education and Research.β
β91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is preparing the next generation of leaders with the technical and critical-thinking skills to advance technology and engineering well into the future,β said Avent. βWe guarantee our graduates are job-ready to build 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs economy. Events like this help us stay current and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom as experts share their work and findings with students.β
A school competition and award ceremony was also held under the banner of the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Junior Academy of Science, the student division of FAS. A combination of high and middle school students visited the IST building for their participation and presentation.
βThis was such an exciting event, particularly for the students,β said Dr. Sesha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of Physics at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly and FAS 2017 Conference Chair. βWe aim to provide all students with the opportunity to network with their peers and professionals with common careers goals. It is the best way to help them reach breakthroughs in their research activities.β
Prior annual conferences were held at Saint Leo University and the University of South 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» St. Petersburg, where 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly students received outstanding presentation awards and recognition.
βI am always amazed to see the kind of projects our students come up with,β said Dr. Kathryn Miller, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly Vice Provost, Academic Support Services and FAS 2017 Conference Co-Chair. βThrough these gatherings and with the help of industry leaders, we can continue to fuel their interest in science, research and other high-tech fields.β
The 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Academy of Sciences was founded in 1936 as a non-profit organization to promote scientific research and foster public and governmental understanding and appreciation of the sciences and the industries that apply them. The 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science represents all disciplines of sciences. To learn more, please visit .