5th Annual Women in Microscopy Conference!
Women in Microscopy Virtual Conference Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
The 5th Annual Women in Microscopy Virtual Conference took place March 7th in honor of International Women's Day, providing a platform to celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of individuals in the field of microscopy. Close to 500 people from over 35 countries registered for this year’s event, which featured an impressive lineup of speakers spanning biological and physical sciences.
Opening and Keynote Address
The conference commenced with a warm welcome from Tirzah Abbott, NUANCE EPIC Facility Manager, and Dr. Stephanie Ribet, a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Their opening remarks set the stage for an inspiring and educational event.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Michelle Thompson, an Associate Professor in Purdue University’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, captivated attendees with her talk, From Atomic Sales to Asteroid Surfaces: Analyzing Samples Returned from across the Solar System with Electron Microscopy. Her research sheds light on how electron microscopy enables the study of extraterrestrial materials, providing critical insights into planetary formation and space exploration.
Research Talks: Pioneering Scientific Discoveries
The conference continued with research presentations divided into two sessions: Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences.
In the Biological Sciences session, researchers explored diverse topics, from the biosynthesis of ergothioneine in Streptomyces coelicolor to the structural analysis of biological macromolecules using cryo-STEM. The session, moderated by Louisa Mezache, showcased the intersection of microscopy and life sciences, emphasizing how advanced imaging techniques are transforming our understanding of biological systems.
The Physical Sciences session featured groundbreaking research on electron detectors, ferroelectric thin films, and the application of microscopy in cultural heritage studies. Moderated by Aubrey Penn, these talks highlighted the crucial role of electron microscopy in material science and technological advancements.
Panel Discussions: Career Development, Inclusion, and Data Management
Beyond research presentations, the conference provided invaluable discussions on career development, inclusion, and data management. The panel Illuminating Your Path: A Conversation on Career Journeys featured leading scientists and industry professionals who shared insights into various career trajectories in microscopy. This session, moderated by Liz Griffin, underscored the importance of mentorship and resilience in navigating scientific careers.
The panel Creating Opportunities for All: Allyship, Outreach, and Accessibility Across Borders tackled issues of inclusion and accessibility in STEM fields. Experts discussed strategies for fostering a more equitable scientific community, advocating for mentorship programs and outreach initiatives that encourage everyone to pursue careers in microscopy.
Finally, Level Up Your Data Toolkit: Management to Visualization addressed the growing importance of data science in microscopy. Panelists delved into best practices for data management and visualization, stressing the need for robust methodologies in handling complex imaging datasets.
The success of the 5th Annual Women in Microscopy Virtual Conference reaffirms the value of fostering relationships across all the various fields in STEM, ensuring that diverse perspectives enrich scientific discovery.
Thank you to the MSA Student Council for their continued collaboration on this conference and to the speakers for their incredible presentations. Visit our YouTube Channel to see the recorded content from the conference!
Visit the website for a full list of the speakers and panelists and to learn more!