Acordion

Application and Registration Process

To attend the conference, students must first apply, be accepted by the individual conference sites, and then register.

Non-Undergrad Attendee

If you are a non-undergrad attendee (for example are accompanying students to BHSU), we would still love to have you as part of our conference. Please let us know you are coming by sending an email to brianna.mount@bhsu.edu. The conference is able to cover your food at the conference, we ask that you cover your hotel room. There is a block of rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn.

Application/Registration Timeline:

Sept 3: APS website open for applications

Oct 4: Application deadline

OCT 28: Applicants informed of acceptance

Nov 14: Deadline for accepted students to confirm attendance by registering

Apply today

Register

Registration occurs after the application process. Please check back later for more details.

Code of Conduct for APS Meetings

It is the policy of the American Physical Society (APS) that all participants, including attendees, vendors, APS staff, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at APS meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Participants will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment at APS Meetings. Creating a supportive environment to enable scientific discourse at APS meetings is the responsibility of all participants.

Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, photography without permission, and stalking.

Violations of this code of conduct policy should be reported to meeting organizers, APS staff, or the APS Director of Meetings. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, to notifying appropriate authorities. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. If a participant observes inappropriate comments or actions and personal intervention seems appropriate and safe, they should be considerate of all parties before intervening.

Need to report something?

Please contact Dr. Brianna Mount: 850-776-1817, Brianna.mount@bhsu.edu

ABOUT

What is CUWiP?

The APS Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) are three-day regional conferences for undergraduate physics majors. The 2020 conferences will be held January 17-19, 2020.

The primary goal of the CUWiP conference is to help undergraduate women continue in physics by providing them with the opportunity to experience a professional conference, information about graduate school and professions in physics, and access to other women in physics of all ages with whom they can share experiences, advice, and ideas.

The 2020 program at Black Hills State University will include research talks, panel discussions about graduate school and careers in physics, workshops and discussions about women in physics, student research talks and poster session, and laboratory tours.

Who is invited to attend CUWiP?

Any undergraduate student with an interest in physics may apply to attend a CUWiP. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply and register for the conference, and we encourage non-undergraduate students or interested faculty/mentors to email brianna.mount@bhsu.edu for details about attendance and participation.

How do you pronounce CUWiP?

Most people say "Cue-Wip".

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

Who can attend? Do I need to be a physics major to apply?

Any undergraduate student attending a US college/university may apply. High school students are not permitted to apply. For more information, see ourapplication page.

It is very important to complete all parts of the application and to write a thoughtful Applicant Statement. If conferences are oversubscribed, priority will be given to applicants who:

• Are undergraduate physics or engineering physics majors
• Have never attended an APS CUWiP

There is no formal application or registration process for non-undergraduate students and interested faculty/mentors. We encourage you to emailbrianna.mount@bhsu.edufor details about attendance and participation.

What's the difference between application and registration?

You apply to attend CUWiP, the CUWiP leadership directs you to a site, the site reviews your application and you are accepted, wait-listed or declined according to the priorities listed above. Application is free, and the deadline is Friday, October 4th, 2019 at midnight ET.

After you have been accepted, you will register for your accepted site to confirm that you will actually be attending, and provide specifics, such as special accomodations and dietary restrictions. . There is a one-time registration fee of $45, which helps offset some of the cost of the conference. The conference provides all lodging and meals. If necessary, the registration fee can be waived. To request a fee waiver, please contact women@aps.org.

Why can I not apply to a specific site?

As CUWiP is so popular, we need to carefully balance the loads across the sites to minimize travel costs and maximize the number of students who can attend CUWiP. We will aim to follow the distribution described by the APS CUWiP map, but we many need to deviate from that, so please do not book travel until you receive an acceptance email from, and complete registration for, a specific site.

Do I need to book my travel before registering?

No, but you should have an estimate of the cost. If you are traveling by air, or long distance train or bus, and your travel cost is not covered by your department, your travel agenda and cost must be approved by the conference site organizers before you book your travel. Email us at brianna.mount@bhsu.edufor approval. Due to the limited nature of our travel funds, we ask that you find the most economical means of transportation to and from the conference. For example, reach out to others in your department and see if carpooling is an option.

What will increase my chances of being accepted to the conference?

First, make sure you submit your application by the deadline, Friday, October 4, 2019.

Second, make sure you put some thought into why you want to attend and what you want to get out of the conference. Please answer all questions on the application fully and honestly. Offering to present a talk or a poster, or indicating interest in travel support, will not affect your chances of being selected to attend.

COST AND FUNDING

How much does the conference cost?

Students who are accepted to attend the conference must pay a one-time registration fee of $45, which helps offset some of the cost of the conference, including all lodging and meals. If you cannot afford the registration fee and your department/college is unable to help, you may request a fee waiver by submitting a statement attesting to your financial need and verifying that department or university funds are not available. Further details will be provided when you are invited to register for the conference. You must request a fee waiver at least seven days before the registration deadline.

Lodging (for non-local students) and food will be covered by the conference; you do not need to pay for your hotel room or food at the conference. We expect that your travel expenses will be covered by your home department or college. However, if they are not able to cover these expenses, travel funding is available. Please see our travel page:http://www.bhsu.edu/Research/CUWiP#Travel-Lodging-1953for more informaiton.

How do I know the amount my department will contribute to my travel funding?

Please talk to your department chair, manager, or director of undergraduate studies before registering for CUWiP. You might ask an academic advisor, faculty member you know, or other mentor for guidance about who to ask if you are unsure. You can also contact us if you would like guidance in asking your department for travel funds.

ELIGIBILITY

Do I need to have research to present in order to attend the conference?

No. While we encourage you to present a talk or a poster if you have been involved in research, you are welcome simply to attend the conference and participate in the activities.

I attended last year; can I come to this year's conference, too?

The content of this year's conference will not be exactly the same as last year's, and you are welcome to apply to attend again. However, if more students apply than we can accommodate, preference will be given to students who have never attended a CUWiP.

I am a local student. Do I need to register?

Yes, all attendees must register by the deadline,Friday, October 4, 2019.

I'm a student from Canada. Can I apply to a U.S. CUWiP?

Students from Canada are encouraged to apply to the Canadian site at the University of Toronto. Students from Canada may apply to U.S. CUWiP if desired. However, Canadian students accepted to U.S. sites are not eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses from the conference or for waiver of the registration fee.

I'm a student in a country other than the United States or Canada. Can I apply for CUWiP?

As APS CUWiP is funded by US federal funding agencies, APS is only able to fund students attending universities in the U.S. If you do not attend university in the US, we are not able to accept your application via the APS application system. We welcome students attending non-U.S. institutions to email our site at brianna.mount@bhsu.edu or another CUWiP siteto request to attend. CUWiP sites will not be able to reimburse students attending non-U.S. institutions for accommodations or travel.

I'm a community college student. Am I eligible to apply to CUWiP?

Yes, undergraduate students at any U.S. college or university may apply.

I'm a high school student/grad student/postdoc/faculty member. Am I eligible to apply to CUWiP?

Only undergraduate students who will be over 18 at the time of the conference may apply to CUWiP.

Grad students/postdocs/faculty members who wish to attend should emailbrianna.mount@bhsu.edu.

I am transgender/gender-fluid/genderqueer/non-binary etc, can I attend this conference?

Yes, students of all genders are welcome to attend this conference. If you have questions, or concerns about the housing for this conference, please contact us at brianna.mount@bhsu.edu.

TRAVEL AND HOTEL

How do I arrange travel?

Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to the conference. We encourage students to coordinate with other attendees from their institution. Please contact your department chair or faculty member if your department is reimbursing you for travel costs. If your department cannot fund your travel, please communicate with Brianna Mount (brianna.mount@bhsu.edu) for plane and train ticket approval before purchase.

Can I come late? Can I leave early? Can I skip things that I'm not interested in?

Because your travel costs are reimbursable, it is expected that you will attend all of the conference events as scheduled. If you have special circumstances, please contact us to discuss them.

Where do I stay during the conference?

Students will be accommodated at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish. Please visit our Travel & Accommodation page for more information. If you are driving to the conference, you may park at the hotel. Do not make your own hotel reservations. Reservations have already been made for double occupancy (each person will have their own bed).

Roommates will be assigned by institution if possible.

How can I get to and from the airport?

We will help you with travel between airports, the hotel and BHSU, by organizing shuttles, or pointing you to commercial services. If you plan to fly, please contact us before making your reservation.

When will I get reimbursed for travel?

If you are being reimbursed by the conference (rather than by your department): after the conference, you can submit the reimbursement form that will be provided to you. Reimbursement will be mailed to you within the month. For more details please contact us.

MISCELLANEOUS

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We will request dietary restriction information on the registration form. If you believe your dietary needs are unusual, please contact us and we will work to accommodate you.

What should I wear to the conference?

The conference has no dress code, and we encourage students to be comfortable. You may wish to look at photos of previous conferences to see what students typically wear.

Will there be resources available for attendees with disabilities?

We will request information on disability status on the registration form. Please contact us at brianna.mount@bhsu.edu in advance if you have unusual requirements, and we will work to accommodate you.

What are the guidelines for posters and talks?

Please see our Presentation Guidelines for more information.

Can I connect with those going to the conference before arriving ?

Yes! We have set up a Facebook page, instagram and twitter.

I have anxiety, depression, etc, and I am worried about attending this conference. What should I do?

Please contact us if you are comfortable so we are aware. We will encourage you to try your best during the networking opportunities, but if you need to be paired up with someone you know (either in rooming or meals), please let us know so we can try to accommodate you. We hope that you will be able to comfortably attend the conference and get something from it, but we understand that everyone needs to go at their own pace.

What are pronouns?

The pronoun that a person chooses to use for themselves. For example: If Xena's preferred pronouns are she, her, and hers, you could say "Xena ate her food because she was hungry." She, her, hers and he, him, his are common examples of pronouns. Some people call these "female/feminine" and "male/masculine" pronouns, but many avoid these labels because, for example, not everyone who uses he feels like a "male" or "masculine."
There are also lots of gender-neutral pronouns in use. Here are a few you might hear:
- They, them, theirs (Xena ate their food because they were hungry.) This is a pretty common gender-neutral pronoun.... And yes, it can in fact be used in the singular.
- Ze, hir (Xena ate hir food because ze was hungry.)
Ze is pronounced like "zee" can also be spelled zie or xe, and replaces she/he/they. Hir is pronounced like "here" and replaces her/hers/him/his/they/theirs.
- Just my name please! (Xena ate Xena's food because Xena was hungry) Some people prefer not to use pronouns at all, using their name as a pronoun instead.
- Never, ever refer to a person as it or he-she (unless they specifically ask you to.) These are often used as offensive slurs.

Why does CUWiP ask for my preferred pronouns? Why should I consider putting them on my name badge?

CUWiP seeks to be a safe space for all participants. By asking for preferred pronouns, we are ensuring that we don't accidentally misgender any of our participants or make harmful assumptions based off of appearance. Even if you have never considered this in relation to yourself, by including your preferred pronouns on your name badge you can help to make other CUWiP participants comfortable. We hope you will consider this.

Lodging

Hotel and Associated Costs

Lodging is provided during the duration of the APS CUWiP*. Lodging for nights outside of the conference duration is not covered without approval from the LOC.

*Some hotels may require a credit card for incidentals. If you cannot or are not comfortable providing a credit card, you must give BHSU two weeks notice. Note that any charges for incidentals billed to BHSU will be passed on to the student.

The conference hotel is the Holiday Inn in Spearfish.
Reservations have already been made for double occupancy (each person will have their own bed).
Roommates will be assigned by institution if possib

le.

Holiday Inn Spearfish
305 N. 27th Street
Spearfish, South Dakota 57783-0399
605-642-4683

Spearfish Holiday Inn

Driving:

It is recommended that students driving to Spearfish leave their cars at the hotel and use the conference shuttle to and from the events. The hotel is easily accessible by I-90.

Coming from the East: Take I-90 to Exit 14. At the exit ramp, take a right and your first left. Coming from the West: Take I-90 to Exit 14. At the exit ramp, take a left, go over the overpass and take the first left.

Air Travel:

The area is served by the Rapid City Regional Airport.
BHSU will be providing transportation to and from the airport and the hotel. Click here for pickup request.

Meals

Meals are provided throughout the duration of the APS CUWiP. Meals incurred during travel to and from the conference will be the responsibility of the student and/or her/his department.

If you have special dietary requirements, please indicate them on your registration.

Travel

• When making travel plans, keep in mind that BHSU is in the Mountain Time Zone.
• We encourage coordination amongst students from same institution to minimize travel costs.
• You are required to get prior approval before purchasing airline tickets.
  
• Buses will be provided for transportation from the hotel to BHSU and Sanford Lab.

Driving:

It is recommended that students driving to Spearfish leave their cars at the hotel and use the conference shuttle to and from the events. The hotel is easily accessible by I-90.

• Coming from the East: Take I-90 to Exit 14. At the exit ramp, take a right and your first left.
• Coming from the West: Take I-90 to Exit 14. At the exit ramp, take a left, go over the overpass and take the first left.

Holiday Inn Spearfish.
305 N. 27th Street
Spearfish, South Dakota 57783-0399
605-642-4683

Driving: Sanford Lab - Sunday

Some students may wish to drive to the Sanford Lab on Sunday and leave directly from there. That is perfectly fine. To get to the Sanford Lab from the hotel:

• Head East on I-90
• Take Exit 17 and turn right (South, towards Deadwood)
• Follow US 85 through Deadwood
• Take a left on Mill St (you will see the giant open cut and Visitor Center on your right)
• At the top of the hill, take a left on Summit

Air Travel:

The area is served by the Rapid City Regional Airport.

BHSU will be providing transportation to and from the airport and the hotel. Click here to enter your flight details so pick-up from the Rapid City airport can be organized.

Travel Reimbursement

You are required to request travel funds from your home institution first. If your home institution will not cover travel, the conference will be able to reimburse you. Reimbursement will occur within two weeks after the conference. There are a couple things you need to do:

• Required: Travel Confirmation Letter from Departments

Students requesting full or partial travel grants may be required to provide a letter (on university letterhead or by email) from their department manager or chair stating the funding provided by the department - whether or not their department was providing any funds.

• Required: email Brianna.mount@bhsu.edu by Dec 15!

Email Brianna Mount at brianna.mount@bhsu.edu and send her your department letter. She will send you an online W-9 form, which will be required to be able to reimburse your travel. In this email, please also let her know which flight you are planning to purchase (see below for more flight information).

Driving to the Conference

Carpooling is strongly encouraged as it is usually the most economical option. Students should estimate the costs of air and of car, taking into account the efficiencies of carpooling. Choose the least expensive option. Contact BHSU if the choice is questionable, and in these cases, keep/provide paperwork showing how the transportation decision was made. BHSU's rate of reimbursemet per mile is $0.42/mile.

Receipts are required for tolls and parking charges, if applicable.

Flying to the Conference

Only coach/economy class will be reimbursed. Grant funds do not cover upgrades (e.g., the purchase of extra legroom), early boarding, flight insurance, or the cost of a booking agent. Unless your department is fully covering your airfare, you must receive approval from BHSU for your airfare purchase (see step 2 of the travel reimbursement info above). Requests for airfare reimbursement (even partial) may be denied if the student does not receive prior approval from BHSU.

After notification of your acceptance to the conference, you should immediately investigate flight options if this is the travel route you expect to take. Send the details of your preferred flight to brianna.mount@bhsu.edu with the subject line Flight approval request for the APS CUWiP at BHSU. Allow BHSU up to two weeks to review your request and provide a decision via email.

**Note: Conference organizers expect all flights to be purchased no later than one month before the conference. If a student delays the approval process or waits to purchase a flight after approval has been given resulting in a higher expense, she/he may be denied full reimbursement of the airfare purchase. Also, frequent flyer mileage cannot be used in lieu of a ticket wherein the traveler expects to receive reimbursement for a comparably priced ticket although she/he has used mileage.

Local Transit

We encourage the use of public transportation whenever possible, but in the case that a shared ride or taxi service is used, please search for the most economical option. Limo or luxury vehicle services are not allowed. This would be from your home institution to your home airport as BHSU is providing transport from the Rapid City airport to the conference hotel.

Speakers

Tammy Ma

Dr. Tammy Ma is an experimental laser-plasma physicist at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, where she leads a number of the experiments in pursuit of laser-driven thermonuclear fusion. Tammy was the recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering (PECASE) in 2016, the DOE Early Career Research Award in 2018, and was previously one of 40 scientists around the world appointed to a 2-year term as a Young Scientist of the World Economic Forum. Tammy is strongly committed to education and scientific outreach, so frequently volunteers at STEM events and gives public lectures, and appears regularly on podcasts, videos, and other media. She was recently named Woman of the Year for the California 16th Assembly District for her commitment to education, and to mentoring and encouraging young students who share her passion for science.

Kimberly Palladino

Kimberly Palladino is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin and a member of the LZ Experiment, which is located in Lead, SD and will search for dark matter with ten tonnes of liquid xenon. She has also worked underground on the LUX and MiniCLEAN dark mater detectors. South Dakota in January will be a joy, as Kimberly has lived in Sudbury, Canada, Anchorage Alaska, and did her thesis experiment at McMurdo station, Antarctica. Growing up across the East Coast, she's visited all 50 states. Kimberly is the mother of a toddler and an infant, you might get to meet the baby at the conference.

Ellen Arens

Ellen Arens is Program Manager for Autonomous Machines at Raven Industries, Sioux Falls, SD. She is a native South Dakotan who attended South Dakota State University and Florida Institute of Technology where she received her undergraduate degree in physics and went on to received her master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida. Ellen worked for NASA for 13 years in research and development labs in support of space shuttle processing and robotic science missions. In 2014, Ellen took the opportunity to return to South Dakota to work Raven where she has worked in software development, test management and program management to advance the technology that will allow for autonomous tractors and implements in the agricultural industry.

Kathryn Jepsen 

Kathryn Jepsen is the Editor in Chief of Symmetry, an online magazine about particle physics and astrophysics produced by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. She has a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University, and she has been communicating about particle physics and astrophysics for more than 11 years. She serves on the boards for both the National Association of Science Writers and the University Research Magazine Association. She has worked in communications at Fermilab, CERN, SLAC, and now works remotely from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barbara Szczerbinska

Barbara Szczerbinska is a Professor of Physics at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) in Corpus Christi, TX. Prior moving to Texas, she was a faculty at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, SD. Dr. Szczerbinska earned her M.S. from University of Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland and her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Her main research interest is Neutrino Physics, Geoneutrinos and Dark Matter. Currently she serves as a Physics Program Coordinator and Assistant Chair in Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at TAMU-CC.

Barbara is a strong proponent of women in science. For over nine years she served as a faculty advisor for Women in Science and Technology (WIST), student organization at DSU whose goal was to develop strong academic and social support network for women in sciences and technology. WIST obtained multiple South Dakota Board of Regents Academic Excellence Awards and certificates of merit for active involvement in outreach activities promoting STEM to the community. Barbara was a multiple recipient of Equal Pay Gap grant sponsored by American Association of University Women. She is also actively involved in promoting STEM to people of all ages. As part of her multiple education outreach initiatives she established a regional ‘It’s All About Science’ science festival. Dr. Szczerbinska served on the Board of Directors for the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Community Learning Committee at the Washington Pavilion, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Leadership Council. Currently she serves on multiple college and university committees, technical review panels and is actively involved in education outreach initiatives in Corpus Christi. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, American Physical Society and serves as a chair elect for APS CUWiP National Organizing Committee.

Theresa

Theresa is a postdoctoral researcher at University College London (UCL) working on the LZ dark matter search. The experiment is currently under construction at the Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota. Theresa is originally from Germany, where she completed her schooling before moving to London for University. She studied Natural Sciences at UCL and completed her PhD at the University of Oxford. One of her favorite perks of being an experimental physicist is to meet new people from different backgrounds and getting to travel many interesting places.

Zens Rochelle

Zens Rochelle (Rosebud Sioux) was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Rochelle earned her bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies and Political Science from the University of Minnesota. Following her undergraduate career, Rochelle worked for a U.S. Senator in his Rapid City and Washington D.C. offices. After her time in the nation’s capital, Rochelle returned to work in Rapid City in the non-profit sector while earning her master’s degree in Community Development through South Dakota State University. Rochelle now works at Black Hills State University as the Assistant Director for the Center for American Indian Studies. In her free time, Rochelle enjoys spending time with her husband Andrew, and dogs, Lucy and Zuma.

Andrea Liu

Andrea Liu is a theoretical soft and living matter physicist who received her A. B. and Ph.D. degrees in physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Cornell University, respectively. She was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA for ten years before joining the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Liu is currently Speaker-Elect of the Council of the American Physical Society (APS) and Chair-Elect of the Physics Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She is a fellow of the APS, AAAS and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Jami Stone

Dr. Jamalee (Jami) Stone is an associate professor of mathematics education in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish, SD. Her research interests include equity and mathematics education, and pre-service students’ co-planning and co-teaching during their clinical experiences. Prior to earning her Ed.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jami taught 8-12 mathematics in Nebraska for 21 years. She is the South Dakota Equity Fellow for the Midwest and Plains (MAP) Equity Assistance Center (EAC) at the University of Indiana-Purdue. She is involved with the Clinical Experiences Research Action Cluster (CERAC) and Equity and Social Justice Working Group of the Mathematics Teacher Education Partnership, initiated by the Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) to transform secondary mathematics education teacher programs.

Michelle Kane

As director of SD CEO, Michelle Kane provides business counseling and resource guidance to aspiring and established entrepreneurs. She and the SD CEO team are privileged to bring outstanding workshops, networking opportunities and conferences to professional women across the South Dakota while promoting entrepreneurship and leadership. Prior to joining SD CEO, Michelle owned Black Hills PR, a public relations firm she launched in 2011. Headquartered in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills PR designed marketing, social media and PR programs for local, regional and national clients including three years traveling with a professional rodeo association.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Advertising from San Jose State University and is a 4th generation Californian who says that she “found her spot” in Spearfish. Married to her college sweetheart Mike for 29 years, Michelle is an avid herb gardener, chef, writer, advocate for young adults on the autism spectrum and is interested in all things metaphysical.

Rachel MK Headley

Dr. Rachel MK Headley is the CEO of Rose Group Int’l, a consultancy that reignites trust during the most critical of transitional phases with the most critical teams. In 2018, she co-authored iX Leadership: Create High Five Cultures and Guide Transformation, which contains the essential tools for her work with executives to evaluate and design exceptional internal experience for their organizations. Headley is a Mensa PhD scientist and former operational science officer of the NASA/USGS Landsat satellite mission, with over two decades of experience leading complex and groundbreaking achievements, managing big projects, uniting diverse international stakeholders, and guiding teams through change.

Julie Olson

Julie Olson: Owner & CEO of Turner Lee Consulting & Design, Inc. TLC is a full-service agency, a unique agency that focuses on improving the clients design experience, process, timeline and budgetary goals – for over 21 years. Our dedicated and skilled team is highly efficient in developing a customized strategy that ensures client integration, innovation, collaboration, and distribution of thousands of projects and services world-wide. The agency specializes in cohesive solutions for brand identity, package design, web development campaigns and print materials. We also provide consumer/product research, competitive & shelf analysis, sensory upsell and product/package ideation. Understanding all aspects of research, design and print potential, while educating and involving the clients every step of the way, sets up apart from other agencies. When you know the capabilities and value of what can be created, it makes the process much more efficient and successful for our customers. Julie, originally from Spearfish, SD – earned Business/Marketing & Tourism degrees from BHSU. Later went on to northern California to work for pharmaceutical companies, market research firms and other large advertising agencies before starting her own. Helping people, communities and companies create customized sales programs and differentiation strategies is our passion – and helping you find yours!

Mary Caton-Rosser

Mary Caton-Rosser is Professor of Corporate Communication and Mass Communication [public relations, science communication, integrated media/journalism emphases] at Black Hills State University, Spearfish, S.D. Since 2007, she has advised the school’s student-produced newspaper, Jacket Journal, and its online multimedia component of BHSUmedia.com, and also the BHSU Public Relations Club. She teaches classes in science writing, mass media law, mass communication issues and theory, public relations and newsgathering, multimedia writing and editorial. Current research projects include study of multi-media education and media literacy, as well as the application of social media in classrooms and local-to-global community informatics networks. Caton-Rosser’s 40-plus-year career has included positions as a strategic communications and leadership consultant, print and photojournalist, artist and illustrator, corporate media executive working in the photography, film and cable television industries. She has been an organizational media-communications specialist and consultant for arts and entertainment, sciences, business, education, agriculture, environmental and political sectors. Caton-Rosser has been grant-funded by the Soros/Open Society Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Annenberg Foundation and other public and private entities in the development of community-based media programs for youth and adults using print, audio, visual and new media. In this programming, she was recognized with awards and scholarships, and worked collaboratively on research and conferencing with such institutions as Harvard University, UCLA, Columbia University, the National Education Association and the Salzburg Institute, Austria.

Constance Walter

Currently I serve as the Communications Director for the Sanford Underground Research Facility, a world-leading physics laboratory, where I oversee media and community relations liaison, plan events, work on strategic planning and fundraising, write articles and manage a team of incredibly creative people. I even got to meet one of my childhood science heroes—Buzz Aldrin, who showed up for a tour of our underground facilities. I like to say I have the best job in the world—and not only because of the Buzz Aldrin thing. It’s challenging, always exciting and I get to work with so many terrific people from all walks of life: former miners, brilliant scientists and engineers, educators, students and so many others. Going to work every day is a treat. In my long career, I’ve been an entertainment editor at the Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska; the communications director for the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska; the assistant director of the Peru State College Foundation in Peru…Nebraska; and the director of university relations at Dickinson State University. And before becoming the communications director at Sanford Lab, I operated my own marketing consulting firm, working with individuals and businesses; represented a regional entertainer; and produced concerts. I have a BA in English (with a minor in communication arts) and an MS in Organizational Management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and economic development. I am a member of the Interactions Collaboration, a group of physics communicators, and an ex-officio member of Sanford Lab’s Cultural Advisory Committee. I also am participating in the Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration, serving on the Fundraising and Events Committee. In all my many years of living and working, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing people from all walks of life; most of them just want to be happy and do some good in the world. I like that. It gives me hope for the future.

Deb Wolf

Currently, I am the Director of Education and Outreach (E&O) for the Sanford Underground Research Facility, an underground science laboratory, in Lead, South Dakota. As Education and Outreach Director, I guide the E&O team as we work to translate the world-leading physics research into learning opportunities for K-12 students and teachers. I feel like I have the BEST job on the planet because every day I get to connect with scientists and engineers from around the world AND with students and teachers. One of my passions is to support teachers as they develop leadership skills to advocate for high quality science learning opportunities for all students in South Dakota. Over my 30 years in education, I have been a high school science teacher in California, Nevada, and South Dakota. I’ve taught everything from biology to physical science to AP chemistry and have loved working with each group of students. I have also served the Sioux Falls School District as a science instructional coach. As an instructional coach, I was fortunate enough to work with early-career teachers, supporting them, collaborating, and mentoring. And just prior to coming to Sanford Lab, I worked for the South Dakota Department of Education as the state’s education innovationist. I have a BA in biology, chemistry, and secondary teaching from Augustana College (go Vikings!) and an MS from South Dakota State University in science education. I’ve been involved with Toastmasters, the South Dakota Science Teachers Association, the National Science Teachers Association, the Association for Supervisors of Curriculum and Development. My hobbies take me outside hiking in the beautiful Black Hills, watching the wildlife, and reading on the deck at our home. Often joining me on the deck are my husband, Brad, and our two cats, Howard and Stuart.

Workshops

iX Leadership with Rachel Headley

Whether you end up in university, owning your own company, working for a big research firm or with a nonprofit, the rest of your career will end up in some type of team setting. Within each place, however, there are different types of roles. This session will explore what type of job *you* might be great in, how you can communicate with others like and unlike you, how you can lead others, and why sometimes people drive you crazy. We'll talk about your tolerance for change, your need for team (or not!) and how those will affect the entirety of your career.

What's Next? with Rachel Headley

Often the reasons the future seems so overwhelming is the wide variety of options (MS? Job? Gap Year? What if I pick incorrectly?!) or the perceived lack of options (What if there's nothing I want to do?) OR the worst - what if no one wants me? Ack! This workshop will help define what roles would suit you based on your values, your work preferences, and the style of life you want to lead. It will be a guidepost to consider as you move through the rest of your time at university and as you reach out into the world to determine what direction is truly right for you.

REU/Internships with Katrina Jensen

There are many opportunities to gain research experience as an undergraduate student, and the benefits of participation can be life changing. The REU/Internship Workshop at CUWiP will provide information about some of the most common research internship opportunities available to undergraduate students studying physics or other areas of science and engineering.The workshop will provide information about what programs are available, how to apply, major deadlines, tips for successful application, and the benefits of participation in these programs.

Building your Brand through Passion, Confidence and Connecting with Michelle Kane, Julie Olsen and Hans Nelson

Starting with stories of the physics power women of the past, three communication experts will take you on a journey to discover your true passion, gain more confidence, think bigger when it comes to your network, how to stand out online and simple ways to build your career through building connections.

Graduate School Workshop

All your grad school questions answered! To which grad schools should I apply? How do I choose an advisor?, etc.

Gender 'Gotchas' - Breaking through Barriers for Women in Physics with Peggy Norris

What you don't know CAN hurt you. In this workshop we will examine the research and key findings on several environmental and social barriers that continue to block or slow down womens' progress as they advance through a career in physics or other STEM fields, including stereotype threat, implicit bias and the climate in college and university departments. We will discuss strategies for surmounting these barriers (or maybe taking a quantum approach and tunneling through) and leave plenty of time for discussion and networking.

Leadership without Authority with Deb Wolf

Leadership can be a choice you make rather than a position you hold. Leadership can be about influencing decision-making rather than about control. Leadership can be bottom-up in nature rather than top-down. Although you can lead BECAUSE you have been given authority, leading doesn’t require authority. Aspiring leaders should focus more on opportunities to influence decision-making rather than on the lack of control they might feel. In this session, we will explore the characteristics of leading without authority and how to develop the skills needed to do that.

Panels

Grad student/post-doc panel

What is life in grad school like? What is a post-doc? Come find the answers at this panel!

K-12 Teaching and Outreach with Kristin Rath and Peggy Norris

Are you passionate about helping kids love physics? Becoming a k-12 teacher or outreach staff might be for you! Come hear about the good and the bad at this panel.

Science Communication with Connie Walter and Kathryn Jepsen

Decoding physics-speak to the broader public can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding career, where you are able to cover a broad range of topics within the sciences. Three professional science communicators will be on-hand for this panel.

Peer Alliance and Inclusivity in Physics

Current status of LGBT+ issues in physics will be discussed as well as how to be a good ally to ensure a more inclusive physics community.

Work-life balance with Brianna Mount and Peggy Norris

three professional physicists talk about their career paths through the lens of family life.

Check back during the conference for slides, presentations and workshop materials

Attendees! We highly encourage you to present a poster at our Saturday afternoon poster session and ice cream social. Register by filling out the Poster Session Registration form.

CUWiP Poster Guidelines

CUWiP attendees are encouraged to present a poster on any scientific research with which you have been involved. The poster session will be Saturday January 18th. We seek to provide a welcoming environment and lively discussion for all presenters. However, if you have not been involved in research or do not feel comfortable presenting your research, don’t worry! Engage with the presenters during the poster session and learn about how you can become involved in undergraduate research.

When You Register

Submit a short poster title and abstract. Please keep abstracts short and to the point (1000 charcters or less).

Important Information

To ensure your poster fits on our boards, please limit poster size to 3’ x 4’ (36” x 48”), landscape orientation.  You must print and bring your poster with you  to the CUWiP. We encourage you to ask your home institution to help you print the poster.

Some Suggestions

Content. The poster should include (1) a short title, (2) student’s name, (3) collaborator(s) and adviser(s) names, and (4) their department(s), (5) funding sources, (6) research objectives, (7) scientific background and significance to the field, (8) methods, (9) results/findings, (10) interpretation of results, (11) conclusions and directions for future research, (12) references.

All text and figures should be legible from a distance of 4 to 6 feet.

All language should be clear and unnecessary jargon avoided. CUWiP attendees span many disciplines within physics – don’t assume everyone has the same scientific vocabulary. Remember what it was like when you first started research. Limit the length of text – well thought out pictures, drawings, charts, figures, etc. can convey more information than a large block of text.

All components of the poster should be easy to follow even in the absence of the presenter.

If you’ve never made a research poster before, look at examples from your department or online. Practice explaining your poster to friends, labmates, classmates, etc. Get excited!

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Local Organizing Committee

CUWiP Black Hills Winter Activities

Spearfish

Spearfish Canyon

Drive and see frozen waterfalls - Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls! 

• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
• Explore the Frozen Waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors.

If you'd like to become a sponsor of the BHSU CUWiP, please contact Brianna Mount, (605)642-6094, Brianna.Mount@BHSU.edu