Fostering connections, cultivating resiliency

Finding Your Place: Cultivating Professional Belonging

Session and mixer to foster connections, create an inclusive space

Sunday, November 9, 3–5 pm, 355E, Convention Center
 

Looking for a great way to start your CANVAS experience? Attend the special session (and mixer), “Finding Your Place: Cultivating Professional Belonging,” from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Committee.

Much like the interconnected ecosystems we study, our scientific community thrives when members feel a sense of belonging and form vital professional connections to others at the meeting. This opening session sets the stage for CANVAS 2025 by fostering connections and creating an inclusive space for all. Our featured speaker, Brandon Bell, will explore the meaning and importance of inclusive cultures for professional belonging—how it shapes careers, fuels collaboration, and strengthens our sciences. Then Bell will lead attendees in interactive discussions on creating inclusive cultures (in the workplace and as individuals) that foster belonging. Following the talk, we’ll have a dynamic mixer designed to help you find your people—whether you're new to CANVAS, looking to expand your network, or eager to reconnect. 

Brandon Bell is the People and Organizational Development Lead at Syngenta and is passionate about creating a culture that fosters belonging, innovation, and growth. Bell partners with leaders and teams to enhance employee experience, spur career development, and enable organizational performance. He’s also an international facilitator and practitioner who enjoys working with diverse and cross-cultural groups. In his spare time, he loves exploring sci-fi universes, creating and listening to music, and hanging out with friends over a hoppy IPA.
 

Grounds for Connection: Start Your Day With Coffee and Colleagues 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 7–8 am, Grand Ballroom D, Convention Center
 

Start off every day of CANVAS with a hot (and free!) cup of coffee, a pastry, and some valuable networking opportunities! This event aims to create an intentional space for students, international attendees, first-time attendees, and anyone seeking connection to start each conference day with community. Enjoy complimentary coffee while meeting colleagues across research areas and career stages in a relaxed setting. Each morning will feature conversation prompts and connection opportunities to help you build relationships that enhance your conference experience and professional growth. Drop in any—or every—morning to cultivate connections that will enrich your scientific journey during and after CANVAS 2025!
 

Diversity Student Poster Contest

Monday, November 10, 10–11:30 am, Exhibit Hall
 

This contest spotlights research across our sciences by undergraduate and graduate students who self-identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in science and celebrates both scientific achievement and inclusion. 
 

Cultivating Resiliency: Thriving in Science Careers

Get your ticket now for this Women in Science workshop

Tuesday, November 11, 1:30–4:30 pm, Grand Ballroom H, Convention Center
 

The ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Women in Science Committee's 2025 theme is “Cultivating Resiliency.” The journey of a scientist, whether in academia, industry, or extension work, is often marked by high expectations, demanding workloads, and the pressure to secure funding, publish research, and navigate career transitions. For women in our sciences, these challenges are further compounded by the realities of fieldwork, workplace dynamics, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Cultivating Resiliency is about recognizing these pressures and equipping women with the tools to navigate setbacks, manage stress, and build sustainable careers in science. A workshop under this theme will be held on Tuesday, November 11 to explore strategies for developing mental resilience, fostering supportive networks, and maintaining motivation in the face of obstacles. Through shared experiences, expert insights, and interactive discussions, we aim to empower women to thrive—not just survive—in their scientific careers. 

Attendees will hear from Doris Mold, Founder of Annie’s Project (and back by popular demand); Kathleen Canul, CANVAS DEI and Safe Space Advocate; and Sindhu Jagadamma, 2025 Mentoring Award Recipient. And, we’ll have interactive discussions. After the program, stay for the popular reception for networking across career stages with food/beverages … and this year, attendees will receive a special commemorative gift (with generous support from SSSA)! 

Tickets are available through the registration portal until sold out ($15 students/early career, $40 members)!