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Over the next several weeks, we’ll 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.

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Kayla Burt

University at Buffalo

Attending the ASIST Annual Meeting was an unforgettable experience, and it would not have been possible without the support of NEASIST. Thank you to the committee for awarding me the Conference Support Award, which enabled me to make this trip a reality. Every interaction I had with NEASIST, whether via email or in person, was met with remarkable kindness and responsiveness.

I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the University at Buffalo (UB) Information Science Department. It is no exaggeration to say that I could not have imagined a program better suited to my interests and aspirations. What a remarkable community of learners we have! Many of us navigate the demands of full-time careers in an array of industries while pursuing our studies. Our student body spans countries, experiences, and perspectives, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment. The faculty at UB continue to amaze me. Not only are they leading scholars and influential voices, but they are also some of the kindest, most approachable, and supportive people I have ever encountered. Their genuine investment in their students’ success is evident, and I am thrilled that UB has created a program that values the experiences of “nontraditional” doctoral students.

One of the most exciting aspects of attending the ASIS&T Annual Meeting was the rare opportunity to see nine members of our UB community—four students and five faculty—in person outside of residency week. Since so much of our program happens over Zoom, this face-to-face connection was a highlight. To make it even better, I had the chance to watch some of my professors and classmates present their work, which added an extra layer of pride and excitement.

Sessions

Though I have attended many conferences in the past and presented my work, primarily through my professional roles, this was my first ASIS&T Annual Meeting. The anticipation was high, as I had heard so many glowing accounts. One of the aspects I most cherish about information science is its interdisciplinarity, and the Annual Meeting encapsulated this beautifully. I explored topics that I have not encountered much in my coursework yet, including crisis informatics, misinformation and disinformation, large language models, and one of my favorites, a fascinating session on mentoring PhD students in challenging times. The latter struck a deeply personal chord, as it included discussions about neurodiversity in academia—a topic I hold very dear and rarely get to discuss in academic and professional settings. As someone with a wide array of interests (sometimes too wide, but I promise they all connect!), it was exciting to see such a variety of topics and perspectives represented. However, what stood out most for me was the opportunity to assist with a panel.

I first met Dr. Jenna Hartel at the ISIC conference, and we have stayed in touch. She graciously invited me and Allie Landy, one of her master’s students from the University of Toronto, to assist with her meticulously crafted panel, Conceptions of Everyday Life in Information Science, alongside Drs. Ana Ndumu, Ian Ruthven, and Melissa Ocepek. Each panelist brought their unique perspectives, positionalities, and research interests to the concept of everyday life in information science, weaving in insights and humor that left the audience (and me!) utterly captivated.

My role was very, very small but incredibly rewarding. I handled logistics such as distributing paper for audience questions, managing slides, and keeping time. While these tasks are minor, being part of such a dynamic session with scholars whose work I admire meant a lot. Dr. Hartel’s energy and passion are contagious, and I was honored to contribute in any way I could.

The poster sessions were another highlight. Unlike some poster sessions I have attended where the atmosphere felt subdued, the aisles here were bustling with energy, lively discussions, and innovative projects. I planned a quick lap to recharge my introvert battery but got sucked into unexpectedly long, interesting, and enriching chats.

Connections

Conferences like ASIS&T focus on much more than sessions; they center on connections. I was looking forward to connecting with my peers and faculty from UB. One evening, we shared laughter and stories over dinner, with football and hockey games playing in the background (Go, Bills! Go, Sabres!), which added to the camaraderie. The UB faculty who could have spent those moments forming new collaborations or reconnecting with old friends, instead chose to invest in us. That generosity and commitment to their students meant so much to me.

I also made meaningful connections with attendees from other institutions. On my flight to Calgary, I sat next to someone reviewing papers, and though I was tempted to strike up a conversation, I hesitated. Imagine my surprise when that same person turned out to be Dr. Gary Marchionini, whom I later met at a poster session. He even complimented my fast typing on the plane (as someone who loves to get work done on airplanes, this brought me great joy). He kindly shared advice as I begin narrowing my dissertation topic, and I am eager to follow up with him. I also had an inspiring lunch with Dr. Yuan from the University at Albany, Dr. Soroya, and other awardees. These moments of mentorship, encouragement, and shared wisdom were invaluable. Even the smaller, serendipitous encounters, like sharing an Uber with doctoral students and faculty from Syracuse University, reinforced the sense of community that permeated the entire conference. It was a powerful reminder that while my support network at UB is incredible, there are others across the globe who share my passion for this field and are equally generous with their guidance and encouragement.

Final Reflections

As I journaled on my flight home, I marveled at how seamlessly the sessions, connections, and conversations intertwined to inspire and energize me. I returned from Calgary with new ideas for my research, potential collaborations, and, predictably, an even longer list of academic interests to explore. None of us achieves anything alone, and the magic of events like ASIS&T lies in the energy generated when we learn together and support one another. To any students nervous about attending a conference for the first time, I have been there. If you would like tips, advice, or just a friendly ear, I am more than happy to chat. I cannot wait to reunite with my friends next year in Washington, D.C., if not sooner.