Over the span of four days in April, graduate students from the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) in the Faculty of Science held a conference doubleheader.
On April 20-21, they co-hosted the annual “Binocular Conference” with students from the University of Toronto’s Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. The theme of the conference was “Environments of Science” and featured presentations by graduate students, a keynote address by Professor Jennifer Light from MIT, a film screening of Containment, and a networking reception.
“As an interdisciplinary field, STS can be a challenging place for students to build the networks of like-minded colleagues that will help them throughout their careers,” said David Thurlow, a graduate student in the Department of Science and Technology Studies in the Faculty of Science. “Because our research and applications of STS methods are diverse, coming together in student conferences is a great opportunity to meet, learn about each other’s work, and discover shared interests that can lead to new collaborations and friendships.”
York STS students then hosted the NESTS (Northeast Science and Technology Studies) Conference on April 22-23. NESTS brings together STS students from the Northeastern United States and Canada for a fun weekend of connection and discussion. The conference is coordinated by a partnership of volunteer students from York University, Cornell University, MIT, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and others. The event featured student presentations, opportunities for group questions and feedback, and a networking social event.
“What I most look forward to at these conferences are the lively discussions that allow us all to express our opinions and personalities freely,” adds Thurlow. “After the ice has been broken, people are able to get to know each other and participate in fun and meaningful ways.”
The conferences were funded by the Department of Science & Technology Studies, the Faculties of Graduate Studies and Science, and the Graduate Student Association at York University.