The symposium is free, and open to academia and industry. Featured technology fields include sensing, materials and manufacturing, aerospace systems, medical, and health and human performance.
The event begins with keynote speaker Dr. Teresa Bennett, AFRL’s chief learning officer, followed by speakers from other government agencies and researchers. The event wraps up with a one-hour poster session where AFRL junior force will showcase their work and have meet and greets with other attendees interested in being mentors.
“This symposium is also the kick-off event for the Industry Mentorship Program and will provide information about the program to interested attendees, and provide attendees with the ability to network and socialize while talking about their work and their mentoring needs,” said Brittany Fouts, JFC officer-at-large and medical integration manager at the 711th Human Performance Wing.
AFRL’s Junior Force Council provides professional development opportunities for its active-duty and civilian personnel with less than a decade’s experience. This symposium is the latest effort by JFC to provide collaboration, networking and mentorship opportunities for its members and partners.
“Networking and cross-talk between peers at AFRL and outside partners benefit attendees because it enables collaboration. From the AFRL junior force perspective, it provides them with an opportunity to share their research – which they might not get to otherwise – to outside partners and identify areas where they can benefit each other’s work,” said Fouts. “From the external partners’ perspective, it allows them the ability to listen to the amazing research being conducted right in their backyard and if they are interested in being a mentor, the opportunity to share their knowledge and wisdom with the junior force, ultimately helping to shape the mentee’s career.
“Even if individuals are not interested in the Industry Mentorship Program, attendees can hear from groups they might not know of otherwise, which provides opportunities for collaboration and broadens their perspectives,” she said.
Registration and more information about the symposium is available at https://afresearchlab.com/events/advanced-science-technology-symposium .
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