X60 - Annual Pre-Meeting Congress for Students, Post-Docs, and Early-Career Professionals in Microscopy and Microanalysis

X60 - Annual Pre-Meeting Congress for Students, Post-Docs, and Early-Career Professionals in Microscopy and Microanalysis

Organized by the MSA Student Council
Saturday, August 1, 2026 • 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE: Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee and Refreshments, Evening Banquet

Separate registration required – see registration form (Spring 2026)

 

PROGRAM CHAIR: : Austin Houston, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

PROGRAM CO-CHAIR: Naomi Pieczulewski, Cornell University

PHYSICAL SCIENCES CO-CHAIR: Blake Dorame, Arizona State University

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CO-CHAIR: Nicholas Rienstra, University of Wisconsin, Madison

EARLY CAREER CO-CHAIR: Bryan Lim, Oak Ridge National Lab

EARLY CAREER CO-CHAIR: Allison Mis, National Institute of Standards and Technology

EARLY CAREER CO-CHAIR: Selda Nayir, Oak Ridge National Lab

SOCIAL CHAIR: Essance Ray, University of Washington

SPONSOR LIAISON: Andres Marquez

Join us as the Microscopy Society of America Student Council hosts its 10th Annual Pre-Meeting Congress. This year’s theme— “A Decade in Focus: From microscopic beginnings to a magnified community & career”—highlights the growth of our field and the expanding opportunities for early-career microscopists. We’re celebrating with distinguished keynote speakers, including past MSA Student Council presidents and other leaders in microscopy. Our keynote, panel session, and breakout discussions will center on career development and lessons learned over the past decade. Attendees are encouraged to present their work in our poster session—a supportive setting to share research and receive feedback. Beyond the sessions, connect with fellow early-career microscopists through interactive social events and games, culminating in our Saturday Night Banquet at Gather at Deer District. Come learn, present, celebrate, and help launch the next decade of microscopy 

This pre-meeting congress is organized by and for students, postdocs, and early-career professionals, and provides:

  • A forum for early-career professionals to present to peers ahead of the meeting
  • Opportunities for students and postdocs to present posters and win peer-voted awards
  • Career workshops on interview skills and exploring career paths
  • A supportive setting to share research in an engaging and interactive way
  • Networking opportunities with people from diverse research backgrounds