Abaco Science Alliance Conference makes science approachable for the community

Dr. David Steadman from the Florida Museum of Natural History takes some time to talk with local students at the Abaco Science Alliance Conference. PHOTO CREDIT: FRIENDS.
Dr. David Steadman from the Florida Museum of Natural History takes some time to talk with local students at the Abaco Science Alliance Conference. PHOTO CREDIT: FRIENDS.

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]riends of the Environment (FRIENDS) is currently preparing for the upcoming biennial Abaco Science Alliance Conference (ASAC) on January 6-9, 2016. ASAC was originally designed to facilitate networking between researchers working in Abaco and throughout The Bahamas. Research is a valuable component of the conservation and management of natural resources throughout our island nation, so it helps when everyone shares what they have learned. The conference also helps FRIENDS and researchers meet up with citizen scientists who themselves have gathered very useful information about our local environs and species.

Since the conference began in 2004, it has grown to include the wider community and especially our local high school students. Students are able to benefit by expanding their knowledge of local ecosystems and processes and by learning about opportunities for careers in science through connections they make at the conference. FRIENDS works to provide conference registration and transportation to the venue free for local high schools with the support of grants and local donations. The majority of local schools do not have funds available for travel or conferences, so this support makes their attendance possible. In 2014, 139 students attended ASAC!

Anyone is invited to submit an abstract for consideration at the conference, and the general public is invited to attend. Conference talks typically include a wide assortment of topics from fisheries to coastal development and ancient fossil discoveries. For those interested in learning more about the conference, please visit: http://bit.ly/1N1ZWoE. General attendees may register online, or at the FRIENDS office in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The conference will include a welcome reception, talks and poster presentations, and optional field trips. If you have an interest in or are invested in Abaco’s environment in any way, then this conference is for you! If you would like to support student participation in the conference, please contact us at 242-367-2721 or olivia@friendsoftheenvironment.org.