Abstract
As a professor, I am always delighted when organizations reach out to young people, and encourage their educational and professional development through special programs and offers. I am even more delighted when young people take advantage of these opportunities.
ALA and its members recognize the value of attracting promising young talent to the field of laboratory automation. ALA offers many programs, products, and services designed to empower and advance this next generation of thought leaders. ALA membership is just the beginning. For just US$25 per year, undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows can enjoy full access to all ALA member benefits (except voting privileges).
Students and young professionals with an interest in lab automation can fast-track their careers by becoming ALA members and then:
Listening to voices of experience via The Lab Man blog and podcasts.
Reading the 50 scientific manuscripts and 40 regular columns published each year in JALA.
Referencing past issues of JALA via JALA Online.
Keeping up with new products, company news, and industry events via JALA World News Online.
Exploring ALA's growing archive of application and technical notes via JALA World News Online.
Browsing quick links to exhibitor's online technical libraries via JALA World News Online.
Monitoring ALA Career Connections for new job opportunities.
Posting resumes to ALA Career Connections for consideration by prospective employers.
Enjoying discounts on Amazon.com purchases.
Network with the more than 1000 lab automation professionals in the ALA Member Directory.
Sharing achievements with the lab automation community by publishing scientific papers in JALA and/or making scientific presentations at LabAutomation.
Competing in the LabAutomation Student Poster Contest.
Attending the LabAutomation conference, including one short course, for just US$25.
Applying for academic travel awards to attend LabAutomation.
Reading the ALA LabSnap e-newsletter for information about other new ALA opportunities.
During LabAutomation2007, an enthusiastic group of student members met to discuss how they can provide grassroot support and leadership to this growing list of ALA student initiatives. Their immediate priorities include continuing to grow the ALA Career Fair and Workforce Development programs presented at LabAutomation, and enhancing the online ALA Career Connections program by creating an internship database.
I am pleased that ALA has put this new, official channel in place to recognize and integrate the voices of young scientists. I am grateful to the members of this new ALA Student Committee, and am confident that their inquiring minds and creative energy will benefit ALA's young professional members and those with years of experience.
Welcome and congratulations to the 2007 ALA Student Committee:
Chair: Irena Nikcevic, University of Cincinnati
Peng He, North Carolina State University
Vindhya Kunduru, Portland State University
Dorothea Schaefer, Wiesbaden University of Applied Sciences
Rachel Snider, Vanderbilt University
Peter Vandeventer, Keck Graduate Institute
Yamini Yadav, Portland State University
Sincerely,
Reinhold Schäfer
