From idea to annual tradition: Symposium connects ASU’s earth and space sciences

In 2021, researchers in the Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration were searching intently for novel ways to come together and share their work with colleagues once again after a highly unusual academic year.

Spearheaded by postdoctoral scientists, with appointments of often only three years or less, the event was designed to help highlight the research and achievements of early-career scholars that are at ASU for only a short time.

“The postdocs who arrived at (the school) just as COVID lockdowns eased felt particularly isolated and worried that they were losing their narrow window to make connections outside of their immediate research groups,” said Jacqueline Monkiewicz, a faculty associate at the school.

“So much of science and academia revolves around sharing your work with peers across the country and internationally,” said Patrick Kamieneski, an Exploration Postdoctoral Fellow at ASU. “It’s actually really enriching to have an opportunity to formally present your work with colleagues at your own institution.”

The bold, interdisciplinary nature of the School of Earth and Space Exploration — which encompasses Earth and environmental science, planetary science, astronomy and cosmology, and science education — made an internal symposium a natural choice.

“With the huge breadth of science under the umbrella of SESE, it can be difficult sometimes to stay up-to-date on what your peers are involved in,” said Kamieneski.

The adoption of the symposium as an annual tradition has highlighted the vibrant spectrum of research in the School of Earth and Space Exploration. It also serves as a crucial first opportunity to introduce and welcome new members joining the community.

“People really appreciate the welcoming environment that the symposium sets up for SESE at the beginning of each year,” added postdoctoral research scholar and chair of the 2025 planning committee, Laura Amaral.

Now, amid a difficult landscape for federally funded scientific research, the importance of speaking accessibly to different audiences and to the general public has been underscored dramatically.

“The committee really strove to incorporate more opportunities to learn and practice science communication,” said Assistant Research Scientist Kathryn Rico. 

For the first time, the 2025 event also included a poster session for an added form of engagement.

Also new this year, leveraging existing school assets from the Center for Education Through eXploration (ETX), the NASA SMD Community of Practice for Education (NASA SCoPE) hosted a virtual workshop on Aug. 11 for school members with tips and tools for bettering science communication.

One workshop participant said: “I gained insight into some great communication and presenting tips, especially with extremely technical data.”

Another commented: “The workshop gave me more initiative to try incorporating some drawings/art into my presentations, even if I don't consider myself that artistically gifted.”

This enthusiasm carried into the symposium itself, with participants showing both confidence and creativity in their presentations.

Another defining feature of the symposium has been the mix of career levels represented. The interdisciplinary aspect of the School of Earth and Space Exploration calls for speakers to communicate their science to a broader audience in a way that allows attendees from different career levels to understand the information. This also gives space for students to interact with senior researchers, allowing them to have a first experience to discuss science in a friendly environment. 

Presenters for this year’s symposium on Aug. 20 included the gamut of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and research/teaching staff. Most of the presentations are in a “lightning talk” format, consisting of a very compact five minutes.

“It’s basically an elevator pitch … just maybe for the Empire State Building,” said Kamieneski. 

“For me, the best part of the symposium is to realize that your colleague at the door next to you has a question that might help address something in your own research,” said Amaral. “Last year, another researcher in the department invited me to collaborate on something that was on my to-do list for a long time, but I didn't have the time to do it alone.”

“When you can recognize commonalities with what others are doing in completely different fields of science, and even get ideas for your own work, it’s really inspiring,” remarked Kamieneski. “It’s gratifying to feel like you’re really part of something collective.”