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Changes to AGU Fall 2021 the Hydrology Section OSPA Program

  
Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few years, it has become increasingly challenging to run the OSPA program and meet its fundamental goals that are to nurture interactions between experienced researchers and students, to provide feedback and encouragement on ongoing research, and to highlight the importance of communication in science.  This is a very important mission for us.  Due to the increasing number of students presenting at the Fall Meeting, the inadequate number of volunteers to help, mostly due to scheduling conflicts, and coordination challenges, there has been an increasing number of student presentations that are overlooked, resulting in increasing inequities in the assessment process.  This situation has been aggravated in virtual and hybrid formats.  Presently, the OSPA platform is not working as it should, which is posing many challenges to the Section OSPA committee and the Section Conveners.  After careful thought and consideration of various alternatives, the Hydrology Section will not be participating in OSPA this year.  Rest assured, we are working on developing an equitable way to recognize our outstanding student presentations.  Engaging in student research remains a critical aspect of our Section.  Meanwhile, please make every effort to visit and actively engage with students at their posters and oral presentations, both virtual and in-person.  This is perhaps the most meaningful way to have an impact on the career of our junior scientists.

Early in 2022, I will be establishing a Task Force to examine Student engagement in the Section and Student Awards going forward.  I plan to engage the Technical Committees in this effort, and I encourage non-student members who would be interested in serving in the Task Force to reach out to me and, or John Selker and, or Shirley Papuga.  I will also gladly accept your nominations, and of course, we will be involving students as well.  It is important that all stakeholders in the future of our discipline and the AGU Hydrology Section be involved.

Warm regards, and looking forward to seeing you in person or virtually next week.
Take good care,

Ana
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