http://cass.jsc.nasa.gov/jove/retreat.html (Einblicke ins Internet, 10/1995)
The Fifth Annual JOVE Retreat at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Cocoa Beach, Florida, provided an excellent opportunity for Jovians and supporters of the program to become better acquainted and see the results of the program. The relaxing south Florida environment and the excitement of a shuttle launch provided a perfect setting for the JOVE faculty, administrators, NASA officials, and USRA representatives to brainstorm, discuss research results, absorb interesting scientific talks and develop innovative solutions to problems.
The JOVE group was treated to a tour of the Kennedy Space Center that included a welcome by the Center Director, Mr. Robert Crippen, and several interesting talks on projects resident at KSC. A bus tour provided the group with an interesting presentation of some of the Center's astronaut training facilities, launch pads, and a great view of STS-65, scheduled for launch the following day on launch pad A. Our activities at KSC concluded with a press briefing on the STS-65 mission.
In addition to being blessed with some very dedicated and talented faculty researchers, occasionally the JOVE program appears to have oversight from a guardian angel that periodically brings unexpected, but not necessarily undeserved, good fortune to the program. We committed to the dates of July 6-9th as the time period for the JOVE Retreat in January and the launch of STS-65 was also scheduled for an early afternoon July 8 lift-off. Given the complexities of the shuttle program and the uncertainties of weather, what do you think the chances were in January for the JOVE group to view the launch of STS -65? Well, as you know, the shuttle launched right on schedule and it was spectacular. Most of the group viewed the launch from the roof of the hotel with binoculars, cameras, etc. The steam cloud from the launch pad, the exhaust from the solid rocket boosters, and the first separation could all be seen very well. The launch was a moving experience and one that will likely bring many of the Jovians back again in search of an even better vantage point.
Faculty research associates set up research posters early in the meeting, which provided plenty of time for review and also helped establish research as the focal point of the retreat. Speakers contributed to research, education, and outreach topics throughout the agenda. Harry Ashkenas of the JPL University Affairs Office provided an insightful presentation on undergraduate research. Julius Dasch presented an interesting slide show and talk on his expedition to Antarctica in search of meteorites as part of the Friday evening awards dinner. The outstanding accomplishments of the JOVE faculty research associates continue to grow and they are recognized individually in this newsletter edition. Other speakers included Patricia Dasch, who gave a stimulating talk on the Clementine Mission, and Dr. George Lebo, who provided a video and some very timely remarks on the then- anticipated comet impact on Jupiter.
The final day included several talks by JOVE faculty research associates on extramural funding success, curriculum development, and outreach programs. Talks were provided by Bill Chren/Grand Valley State University, Ladimer Nagurney/University of Hartford, Ron Clark/New Mexico Highlands University, Emir Macari/Georgia Institute of Technology, and Mitchell Colgan/University of Charleston. Bill Chren's intriguing remarks that describe his personal experiences and original formula for the successful initiation of a research career should be very interesting to new JOVE faculty research associates. Bill's remarks are summarized in column three on this page. Ron Clark discussed and provided copies of a Grant's Handbook that should be an excellent future reference. Mitch Colgan gave the Jovians some data to digest on how to develop a successful outreach program. Also, brainstorming sessions were organized on topics of interest to the JOVE program. These sessions always provide information that is useful to both faculty research associates and the JOVE program staff.
We are already working on preliminary plans for another productive and enjoyable retreat next year. Most of our planning is focusing on either Ames Research Center or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Hopefully, plans can be firmed up this fall so that you can mark your calendar early.