Letter from the 2024 Conference Chair

Dear Colleagues,

We’d like to share with you some of the preliminary details about the technical program of the 42nd Annual Conference for the American Association of Research. This year we are hosting AAAR from October 21-25, 2024, in the picturesque city of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The conference promises to be a great opportunity for AAAR members to convene, exchange insights, and immerse themselves in the forefront of aerosol science research.

The program includes a unique and varied selection of topics across Plenary Lectures, Special Symposia, Poster Sessions, Oral Platform Sessions, Tutorials, and Special Events.

This year we are excited to present five special symposia on these topic areas:

• Bioaerosols in Agriculture: Sources, Risks and Mitigation.
• Chemicals of Emerging Concern in Aerosol: Sources, Transformations, and Impacts
• Planetary Aerosols: From Earth to Exoplanets
• Indoor Air Purification Technologies, Best Practices, and their Health Impacts
• Coast to Coast Campaigns on Aerosols, Clouds, Chemistry, and Air Quality

The Abstract portal is now open (https://aaarabstracts.com/2024/) and we hope you will consider submitting an abstract to one of our special symposia.  Abstracts submission deadline is May 8th and Late-Breaking Posters abstract submission deadline is July 22nd.

Every morning, Tuesday through Thursday, and at the close of the conference on Friday we are honored to host four plenary lectures from esteemed colleagues throughout our community.

• Shirley Malcom from the American Association for the Advancement of Science will be presenting on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the STEMM fields.
• James Cutts, of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will illuminate us on the captivating realms of extraterrestrial atmospheres and aerosols, offering a fascinating glimpse into worlds beyond our own.
• Ivan Rusyn from Texas A&M University will discuss the cutting-edge domain of organ-on-a-chip technologies, shedding light on their expanding roles and applications within the field of aerosol science.
• Alex Huffman from Denver University will offer a timely retrospective on the evolution of bioaerosol research, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the advancements made over the past few years in this dynamic field.

The Education Committee has curated a collection of 16 Tutorials covering a diverse range of aerosol science topics, incorporating both new subjects, such as Grant Writing, and established favorites.  There will be two Student Presentation Competitions this year, featuring both Poster and Oral Platform Competitions. Please consider volunteering to be Judges for both competitions when registration opens. It is very important for us to support and promote the next generation of aerosol scholars.

The Exhibitor and Instrument Application Showcase, aka ‘Scientists doing Experiments drinking Coffee’ was such a hit last year, we are bringing it back featuring a platform session area within the Exhibit Hall. This new program provides opportunities for practical education and exchange, focusing on real measurement applications and challenges.

The Exhibit Hall will also host our Welcome Reception and the Meet the Job Seekers Poster Session on Tuesday evening. This session allows job seekers to present their background and expertise to potential employers in academia, government, and industry, and provides employers with the opportunity to meet job seekers.

We are planning for a Monday evening program and activities focusing on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of aerosol science (more details to follow).

Additional events and programs to be offered during the Conference include:

• Early Career Event
• Representation and Equity Affairs Program
• Fine Particle Art and Video Competition
• Mentoring Program
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia
• Fun Run and more!

As previously mentioned, the conference will be held in the captivating city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sandia National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory along in collaboration with AAAR are coordinating a private visit and tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. The tour will be open to all AAAR participants and transportation will be provided.  If you are interested in attending, you can sign up during registration for the conference. Additionally, while you’re in Albuquerque consider exploring the historic Old Town, where adobe structures and cobblestone streets echo the city’s rich heritage. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a breathtaking ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, offering panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Most importantly- don’t miss the opportunity to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of New Mexican cuisine. From green and red chile dishes to savory sopapillas and authentic tamales, the city is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts.

For more information about the conference and program please visit (https://www.aaar.org/meetings-events/meetings-and-events/). Registration for the conference opens in early June.

We look forward to seeing all of you in October at the 42nd Annual Conference of the American Association for Aerosol Research!

Sincerely,
Shanna Ratnesar-Shumate, Ph.D.
2024 AAAR Conference Chair