Career and Professional Development Workshops at AAS 246 and Beyond

While semesters are winding down, opportunities for late spring career and professional development are on the upswing. Here's what's on in June.

246th AAS meeting in Anchorage — register soon! Rates increase after 28 May.

• Software Carpentry 2-Day Workshop (7-8 June) 
  This workshop will consist of short tutorials alternating with hands-on practical exercises and will cover the core software skills needed to construct, use, verify, and share software in astronomy. The first day’s tutorials will consist of shell automation of tasks, basic Python programming, and an introduction to code review. The second day’s sessions will shift to focus on advanced Python and version control with git/GitHub.


• Proposal Writing Workshop: Using NASA ROSES as an Example (7 June)
  The success of scientists depends upon their ability to obtain funding. One of the most significant challenges is to create strong proposals. Using Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) from NASA as a template, this workshop will teach the audience key points to communicating science through successful proposal writing. 


• MAST Data Challenge: Defeating Dr. Nefarious (7 June)
  The Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes hosts data from dozens of missions, including HST, JWST, TESS, GALEX, and IUE. With observations dating back to the 1970s, the archive is an all-sky treasure trove of optical, ultraviolet, and near-infrared data. This one-day workshop is an opportunity to learn about the next generation of MAST's data access tools: cloud platforms. 


• Embracing Ungrading: Transforming the Classroom Experience in Physics and Astronomy (8 June)
  Join us for an active workshop on ungrading, designed for educators at both high school and college levels across all subject matters, focusing on physics and astronomy. This workshop will delve into the motivations and benefits of removing traditional grades from your classroom and go over methods to transition all assessment forms to ungraded/non-traditional grading formats. 


• Preparing for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: Working in Roman's Cloud-Based Science Platform (8 June)
  This one-day workshop will provide the scientific community with an introductory overview of the Roman Research Nexus, which will be made available to the science community in Summer 2025. The training will feature presentations and short tutorials, alternating with hands-on practical exercises focused on exploring several high-level workflows, as well as hack hours.


• How to Get a Dark Sky Friendly Lighting Management Plan Approved on your Campus (8 June)
  In this workshop, we will provide participants with training on identifying attributes of dark sky friendly lighting. We will also provide strategies for working with campus facilities to improve outdoor lighting on their campus that meets the expectations of stakeholders like students and campus police.

Also at AAS 246

• Laboratory Astrophysics Division: Mentoring and Career Counseling (9 June)
  The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) is holding an informal mentoring and career counseling session for early career scientists. Members of the LAD Executive Committee and the community at large will be available for informal discussions.


• Mapping Your Career Path: How SPS Can Support Your Undergraduate Journey (9 June)
  In this interactive event, discover how SPS can guide you at every step, from landing internships and research roles to preparing for graduate school. We’ll explore the Careers Toolbox and engage in a hands-on exercise to help you craft and practice your elevator pitch — an essential skill for applications, interviews, and networking. Join us to refine your pitch, make valuable connections, and build a roadmap to your future career.

Beyond the summer meeting: Faculty Teaching Institute, 25-28 June, College Park, Maryland

This 4-day immersive workshop will dig deep into the how and why of helping students learn physics and astronomy, to help faculty build the type of teaching practice they want. Get the agenda and travel details, then register.