I attended a Feed Your Brain lunch session in which the focus was environmental policy. The speaker discussed how there needs to be more of helping political decision makers understand the implications the decisions they are making. Scientists are not the ones who make the decisions, but rather present information and facts for educated decision making by others. The speaker's group of workers come up with scenarios in order to prepare for natural disasters. Emergency drills were put into place incorporating tens of millions of people. The result of her efforts brought about higher building standards, strengthened water systems in buildings, and increased telecommunication standards during emergencies. I had never really put much thought into how scientists are not the ones actually making the decisions that effect us. This talk made me realize the importance of presenting the facts and educating those in charge so that the correct measures can be taken to prevent as much loss of life or destruction as possible from natural disasters.
GSA was not just field trips, talks, and lunch sessions. The exhibits and poster sessions were a way to meet potential graduate schools, employment opportunities, and other advances in science worldwide. Poster sessions were also great to attend. It amazes me that so much research and problem solving is going on by even students!
Elizabeth Haralson
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