Connecting in all Directions At Symposium 2024

Last month, more than 170 students, professionals, and university educators gathered in Virginia Beach, Va., for two days of education, professional development, and collaboration at Virginia Sea Grant’s Symposium 2024. The symposium sparked scientific and professional imaginations, highlighting cutting-edge research and expanding professional networking channels.

“This was a really amazing conference – full stop. I did not know what to expect from a more non-research-focused conference, and it surpassed every expectation I had, said Alyson Hall, a Virginia Sea Grant Graduate Fellow and Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS. “The focus on workshops and panels was unlike any other conference I have attended, and I left with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of new skills I plan to use as I finish up my degree and beyond.”

Participants from nine Virginia universities and one community college engaged directly with researchers, nonprofits and industry professionals. The conference covered topics such as science communication, collaboration across industries and disciplines, the intersection of climate and health, community engagement, leadership, and more.

Symposium 2024 keynote speaker Fabian Schmid covered topics including fear, mental health, change, and perception, and invited attendees to open their minds and experiences to curiosity and not fear discomfort during the conference, engaging people from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Participants took this charge to heart during a power outage, using the lights on cell phones and computer screens to illuminate the workshops and panels underway.

“Symposium 2024 demonstrated what Virginia Sea Grant stands for; innovation, collaboration, and impactful learning, said Virginia Sea Grant Professional Development Coordinator Hilary Parmentier. “From the engaging keynotes and TED-like Talks to the hands-on workshops, every aspect was designed to encourage meaningful growth to address shared challenges and opportunities. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.”