Tours & Workshops

Meet before 9:30 AM, Sunday, November 9 and ride the 704 TRAX Green trolley Line from the Temple Square Station by the convention center west to the Fairpark Station at 1193 W North Temple by the Jordan River trail. Walk about 0.5 miles south on the Jordan River bike path across the Archuleta Bridge over train tracks to the Fisher Mansion. Walk back the same way to the Fairpark trolley station and return to the convention center at about noon. 

Dress for the weather, food or drinks are on your own. This is mostly a social walk, but it is also a search for germplasm of the quinoa crop wild relative, winged pigweed (Dysphania atriplicifolia), a wild plant in the area. There will be special recognition for finding winged pigweed, or the next best find, on the foray. The event is sponsored by C08 the Genetic Resources Division, and all are welcome.

Advances in AI technology, such as ChatGPT, have revolutionized technical writing and data analysis, offering unprecedented efficiency and accessibility, and agriculture is not left behind. However, these tools must be used ethically to ensure integrity, accuracy, and transparency. This workshop aims to educate participants on the responsible application of ChatGPT in technical writing and data analysis, equipping them with skills to harness its potential while adhering to ethical standards. Specific Objectives (a) Provide a foundational understanding of ethical principles in AI usage, including privacy, accuracy, and intellectual property. (b) Demonstrate how ChatGPT can enhance clarity, structure, and productivity in technical documentation while maintaining authorship accountability.

In today’s digital era, visibility is as crucial as research excellence. This interactive workshop empowers scientists and professionals to build their personal brand, increase public engagement, and amplify the impact of their work through strategic social media use. Drawing from evidence-based communication strategies and real-life examples, Dr. Anna Paltseva guides participants through the essentials of digital self-presentation, from defining a personal brand to creating compelling content across platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Participants learn how to make science relatable using visual storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, and simple language that bridges the gap between research and public understanding. The workshop also covers tools for content creation, ethical considerations in online communication, and actionable tips for sustaining a professional online presence.

This workshop will provide an overview of the top skill set needed to be a good fit for a plant science professional in the private sector. If you are an expert in agronomy, crop science, or soil science, there are certain skillsets needed to secure a professional role in the private sector and ensure your growth. Some of the questions that will be addressed in the workshop include: What is the top skillset required for a role in the private sector? What if your current project/s does not fully align with the available opportunity?

The objective of this workshop is to provide participants with the skills to identify poorly designed tables and graphs. They will then apply this knowledge to create figures that enhance the effectiveness of their papers and presentations. This 2-hour workshop includes a mandatory pre-workshop assignment. Half of the participants will be asked to select what they consider to be a well-designed and a poorly designed table from their area of expertise. The other half will do the same for graphs. The workshop will begin with a 15-minute presentation by an experienced reviewer, followed by a 15-minute presentation on design principles. We will then spend 15 minutes reviewing examples of tables contributed by participants and another 15 minutes on graphs.

Peer review is an essential part of the scientific publishing process, but many early career professionals are not comfortable taking on this important task without experience. In this workshop you will receive hands-on instruction on the peer review process from a team of experienced mentors. You will be placed in a group of people with similar scientific backgrounds as you gain the skills necessary to become a confident reviewer. All attendees will be expected to complete a pre-workshop assignment before attending the workshop.

An interactive hands on photography workshop where we will examine how to create images that communicate scientific information effectively and persuasively. We will work through a series of sample problems together to demonstrate principals of lighting, composition, and storytelling that apply to anyone who wants to enhance their work with images. Whether you are using a smartphone or digital camera, working in the lab or in the field, the basic skills are the same. We live in a visual world improving your photography will enhance your writing and presentation skills. You will need to bring a smartphone and/or a digital camera.