Professional Development Committee

In alignment with the Strategic Plan and its priorities, the committee is responsible for planning the professional development component of the Annual Meeting and webinars, reviewing applications for awards as needed, and providing oversight of related projects.

The committee must fulfill all responsibilities and committee activities while complying with the association’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, and all other policies in place at the time of service.

Are you a committee member? Check out the volunteer resources that are available. You'll find leadership training, policies, webinars, and more! 

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Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement professional development sessions at the Annual Meeting including recruiting participants, speakers, and workshop organizers.
  • Develop and implement professional development webinars.
  • Advance career networking and mentoring opportunities for members at Annual and Regional Meetings.
  • Generate enduring professional development materials and resources for distribution at meetings, workshops, and online.
  • Review and score award applications and select recipients as needed

Qualifications

  • Be an active member in good standing.
  • Have a vested interest in professional development and mentoring of members.

Roster

Chair

NameCompanyThru Date
Aidan RuthSaint Louis University School of Medicine3/31/2027

Members

NameCompanyThru Date
Radhika AtitCase Western Reserve University3/31/2027
J. CorneliusIndiana University School of Medicine- Bloomington3/31/2029
Innocent EdaghaMoi University3/31/2028
Jodie FosterOhio University3/31/2029
Leslie HoffmanIndiana University School of Medicine - Fort Wayne3/31/2027
Rachel MenegazUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center3/31/2028
Ahdeah Pajoohesh-GanjiGeorge Washington University3/31/2027
James ProffittUniversity of Arizona - Tucson3/31/2027
Diana RigueurUniversity of California, Los Angeles3/31/2029
Kristin StoverOhio State University3/31/2029
The Professional Development Committee is working to increase diversity on the committee. We seek members whose primary role is as a bench scientist and/or those who are in advanced stages of their career (mid and late). We also have a seat for a student/postdoctoral committee member. AAA members from underrepresented groups in STEM/academia are encouraged to apply when the Call for Volunteers opens in the fall.

Reporting

  • The Committee submits a report to the Board at its spring and fall meetings.

Schedule

  • The Committee shall hold video conferences as needed and may meet during the Annual Meeting.

Composition

  • 10 members, including the chair.
  • One position is reserved for a student member.
  • The Chair or representative will serve on the Program Committee as a liaison.
  • Committee members serve 3-year terms, and the chair serves a 2-year term.

Application Process

  • Applications are solicited annually through a Call for Volunteers.
  • Applications are reviewed and scored by the committee chair and outgoing members; scores, demographics, needs of the committee, and comments from the reviews are taken into consideration when choosing new members.
  • New committee members are chosen and are then approved by the full Board of Directors.
  • After Board approval, notifications are sent out. Feedback is given if requested by the applicant.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Get involved today!