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NASA Highlights Webb Telescope, Scientific Virtues, Humor, and LGBT Participation at AAAS Meeting

NASA Highlights Webb Telescope, Scientific Virtues, Humor, and Diversity and Inclusion Participation at AAAS Meeting

NASA researchers will talk about NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and the best practices for diversity and inclusion in academia at the annual meeting of the American Association for Advancement of Sciences Feb. 11-15, 2016, at the Marriott Wardman Park and Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.  

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope
Artist’s conception of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Credits: Northrop Grumman

Every year, thousands of leading scientists, engineers, educators, policymakers and journalists gather from around the world to discuss recent developments in science and technology. The meeting includes symposia, career development workshops, an international exhibit hall, poster sessions, family science days and more.

NASA-related presentations include:   

Feb. 12, 2016: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST, Marshall Ballroom South (Marriott Wardman Park)

Using Humor to Address Serious Topics

Organizer:  Kasha Patel, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Humor has the power to engage the public in a positive way with sensitive, complex, or controversial issues — reflected in science everywhere. This panel highlights communication techniques used by “Daily Show” writers, science communicators and stand-up comedians. Attendees will pick up practical tips on using comedic elements to make science more fun and accessible, learn to assess the risks and pitfalls of incorporating humor, and, most importantly, gain inspiration for thinking about communicating science in a more creative way.

https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Session12291.html

Feb. 12, 2016: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST, Wilson C (Marriott Wardman Park)

Best Practices for LGBT Participation in Academia

Presenter: Jane Rigby, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Although LGBT professionals are represented in certain STEM fields (e.g., nursing), active efforts are needed to promote broader participation in STEM research and higher education. American Astronomical Society recently reported best practices for academic departments, focusing on creating inclusive environments for mentoring LGBT students and attracting and retaining LGBT faculty. These best practices could be implemented throughout academia and make significant improvements to the climate.

https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Paper17494.html

Feb. 14, 2016: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST, Coolidge (Marriott Wardman Park)

How Was NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Built?

Presenter: John C. Mather, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

The James Webb Space Telescope project, planned for an October 2018 launch, began in earnest with NASA Administrator Dan Goldin’s announcement to the American Astronomical Society in January 1996, for which he received a standing ovation. Webb was NASA’s second administrator, responsible for the Apollo program, as well as for the Mariner missions to Mars and the Pioneers to the outer solar system.

https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Paper16280.html

Feb. 14, 2016: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST, Coolidge (Marriott Wardman Park)

Bringing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to the World

Presenter: Amber Straughn, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

How will the successor to the Hubble Telescope achieve the same level of public engagement? We discuss the impact of Hubble on art and culture, scientific literacy and STEM education, and the ways in which the Webb telescope will carry and enhance this legacy for the next generation.

https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Paper16284.html

Feb. 14, 2016: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST, Wilson C (Marriott Wardman Park)

Virtues of U.S. Scientists Guiding Scientific Practice

Presenter: Jennifer Wiseman, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

There is a moral core to science that quietly guides its practice and its practitioners. This symposium presents results of a recent U.S. survey of the virtues and values of exemplary scientists. As a profession, science is dedicated to the discovery and understanding of truths about the natural world, and that pursuit should be based on a core set of virtues such as curiosity, honesty and humility to data. This virtue-based perspective has implications for science education and responsible conduct of research, especially in international scientific collaborations where a common ethical scientific culture is essential.

https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Session12241.html

For information about the meeting, visit: http://meetings.aaas.org

For more information about NASA programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov

Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center