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This is part 4 of the blog series where we share reflections from our 2024 NEASIS&T Conference Support Award recipients, offering a glimpse into the value and impact of the 2024 ASIS&T Annual Meeting. Through their experiences, we aim to highlight the learning, networking, and growth that make this event so impactful.

Attending the ASIS&T 2024 Annual Meeting in Calgary was an incredible experience, and I am grateful to NEASIS&T for their conference support award. Their support made this opportunity possible, allowing me to learn from the best in our field, network with fellow researchers, share new research ideas, meet new colleagues outside my doctoral program, and co-present our poster on Healthcare Disparities in Telemedicine Access and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The ASIS&T conference was the embodiment of knowledge and innovation. Sessions were diverse and engaging and covered topics ranging from virtual reality simulations to open dialogues on health and social informatics theory and research. The rooms were filled by passionate professionals who were dedicated to advancing the field of library and information science through teaching and research.

A highlight of my experience was co-presenting our poster. It was an honor to share our findings on the access and use of telemedicine among racial groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The feedback and discussions that followed were valuable to our team, providing new insights and perspectives that will enhance our future research. It was also an incredible opportunity to connect with other researchers who are working on similar projects and to explore potential collaborations. Networking was another significant aspect of this conference. I had the chance to meet and interact with researchers from various institutions and backgrounds. The informal conversations during coffee breaks and social events were just as enriching as the formal sessions.

I am thankful to ASIS&T, NEASIS&T, and my mentors at the University at Buffalo for their support. Their commitment to fostering academic growth and collaboration is truly admirable. The conference support award from NEASIS&T was instrumental in making my attendance possible, and I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity. For students and early-career researchers, I highly recommend attending this conference. The experience is not only academically rewarding but also personally enriching. The exposure to cutting-edge research, the opportunity to acquire or practice presentational skills, and the chance to network with leading professionals in the field are invaluable. It is an experience that can significantly impact your academic and professional journey.

In conclusion, attending the ASIS&T 2024 Annual Meeting in Calgary was an unforgettable experience. The knowledge I gained, connections I made, and inspiration I drew from this event will influence my work in the future. I encourage all doctoral students to seize these national and international conference opportunities whenever you can! I am grateful for the support provided by the NEASIS&T and the University at Buffalo. Thank you for making this incredible experience possible.
Thank you,
Jesus Montiel