Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Today's topic is "You Can Learn a Lot from a 6th Grader." I'm excited to share some valuable lessons I learned from presenting at the 2017 Georgia Tech STEM Education Research Expo.

Key Takeaways:

Participate in Conferences: Engaging in conferences, meetings, and expos is invaluable. They are living, breathing libraries of information that can provide insights and resources tailored to your needs.

Support, Networking and Feedback: Always check if any of your classmates or colleagues are attending the same conference. Having friendly faces in the audience can be comforting and encouraging. Attend their presentations as well to support them and to build a sense of community. Conferences offer opportunities to network, receive feedback, and discover new tools and methods. Each interaction can help you refine your work and presentation skills.

Preparation and Adaptability: Be prepared for technical issues and adapt quickly. Practice your presentation thoroughly so you can continue smoothly even without your visuals. Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the technology and setup. Ensure you have all necessary adapters and that your presentation is compatible with the provided equipment.

Applying to Opportunities: Don't hesitate to apply for opportunities. Whether it's a job, conference, or other professional events, submit your proposals and let them decide.

Engaging with Peers and Professionals: Presenting at conferences places you alongside peers and seasoned professionals, providing a platform to share your work and learn from others.

Monitor Opportunities: Stay vigilant about opportunities in your field. Important announcements often come via email, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Handling Technical Difficulties: Be prepared for any technical issues. Bring a printed copy of your presentation as a backup. Know how to switch display modes on different devices and be ready to assist others if they face technical issues. Ensure your laptop is updated before the conference to avoid unexpected updates during your presentation.

Adaptability: If your presentation faces issues, stay calm and continue as best as you can. Share your information verbally and engage with the audience.

Learning and Feedback: Use every conference as a learning opportunity. Collect feedback from attendees to improve your work.

Presentation Tips: For posters, ensure they are well-designed and easy to read. Include all necessary logos and funding acknowledgments.

Additional Tips for Conference Participation: Engage in academic and professional events at various levels, not just national or state conferences. Local and school-based events are also valuable. Keep your advisors informed about your conference submissions and activities.

Align with Conference Goals: Ensure your work aligns with the conference's focus. Tailor your proposal to meet their objectives and demonstrate how your work fits in.

Build a Strong CV: Engage in various activities outside of coursework to build a robust CV, including presenting at conferences, reviewing journal articles, and participating as a reviewer for conferences.

Conclusion: Participating in conferences and academic events is crucial for your professional development. It offers practice, feedback, and networking opportunities that are invaluable for your growth. Remember to read the call for proposals carefully and align your submissions with the conference's focus to increase your chances of acceptance.