LaserNetUS Launches Student Ambassador Program

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – LaserNetUS, in partnership with the LaserNetUS User Group (i-USE), is excited to announce the launch of the LaserNetUS Student Ambassador Program, a new initiative designed to provide graduate students with opportunities to present their research. Spearheaded by the LaserNetUS User Group (i-USE) Members Dr. Elizabeth Grace and Dr. Matt Hill of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, this program underscores LaserNetUS’ ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders.

The Student Ambassador Program offers graduate students who have conducted research through LaserNetUS the chance to enhance their presentation skills, expand their professional networks, and gain critical exposure for the next steps in their careers. LaserNetUS will fully support participants by covering the costs of attending up to two conferences or academic events in the United States.

Presenting research at major conferences is vital to a graduate student’s academic journey. It builds confidence, sharpens their ability to convey complex ideas, and introduces them to new prospects and partnerships. "These experiences are essential for students looking to take their research and careers to the next level," said Dr. Matt Hill. Our Student Ambassadors will develop the skills to effectively share their work within the LaserNetUS network and beyond, sparking new connections and driving innovation in our rapidly advancing field."

Dr. Chandra Breanne Curry, LaserNetUS Coordinator, emphasized, "The financial burden of attending professional meetings can be a barrier for many students, yet these events are critical for their development. The Student Ambassador Program removes that obstacle, allowing our students to focus on honing their presentation skills and engaging with the broader scientific community."

Dr. Elizabeth Grace, Chair of the LaserNetUS User Group (i-USE),  added, "Clear and engaging presentations of our research are crucial for disseminating information, establishing relationships, and interacting with the wider scientific world. We hope that the skills students obtain during the Student Ambassador Program will help them for years to come in preparing for chalk talks, job interviews, and seminars. We look forward to mentoring and building lasting relationships with these budding scientists."

The program empowers students to lead experiments and present their groundbreaking work on prestigious stages shared by many experts in the fields of plasma physics and high-power laser science. This not only accelerates their individual growth but also advances the entire realm of high-power laser science. By providing these unique opportunities, LaserNetUS equips students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive scientific landscape.

Dr. Mingsheng Wei, Chair of LaserNetUS, added, "Students and young career scientists are critical to our field. A primary focus of LaserNetUS is to provide opportunities to students and young researchers. I hope this program will boost our student ambassadors’ career development while they help share the mission and opportunities enabled by LaserNetUS with a larger audience."

Program Highlights:

• 1-Year Term: Gain valuable experience over an entire year.
• Enhance Presentation Skills: Develop and refine presentations with expert support.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with leading researchers and peers in high-power laser science.
• Full Travel Support: Receive funding to present at up to two domestic conferences or events.

Application Process:

Interested students can apply by submitting the Application Form by October 11, 2024. Short-listed applicants will be contacted with further questions regarding their research and involvement in LaserNetUS.

For more information about the Student Ambassador Program, please contact:

• Dr. Elizabeth Grace (grace11@llnl.gov)
• Dr. Matt Hill (hill108@llnl.gov)

For general information about the LaserNetUS network, please visit lasernetus.org or contact info@lasernetus.org. 

LaserNetUS looks forward to seeing the incredible research its students produce and is committed to supporting the ongoing scientific breakthroughs that will continue to define the future. We look forward to receiving your applications!