Reader’s Review: Brain Rules

By Michelle Coutu

John Median, a developmental molecular biologist, was the closing keynote speaker at the American Industrial Hygiene conference and exposition (AIHce) 2017. He spoke of how we can build better teams using our current knowledge of brain science. Even with his energetic presentation style and fast talking, it is impossible to fit a comprehensive summary of the current body knowledge on brain science into 60 minutes. Good thing he wrote a book to expand upon this topic!

Originally published in 2008 John Median has continued to update and revise his bestselling book Brain Rules. The book is broken down into twelve sections that take deep dives into how and why our brains developed to their current state, as well as practicable applications. ­The twelve sections include: Survival, Exercise, Sleep, Stress, Wiring, Attention, Memory, Sensory Integration, Vision, Music, Gender, and Exploration. If you have read similar type books, like the Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg, some of the examples and research may be familiar to you, however the author frames the material in a fun and light way that it reinforce previous learning without feeling redundant. (See brain rule #5 Memory, repeat to remember).
As we grow and mature in our careers, it is helpful to pause for a moment and check in and evaluate ourselves. Self-reflection allows us to learn from experiences and build emotional intelligent. Skills that are critical for managers and leaders. This book provides an opportunity to practice and strengthen these abilities in a manner that doesn’t feel like chore. It is an informative light read that provides significant insight in to who we are and why we do what we do.

Committee Meeting Notes – July 2017

Mentoring and Professional Development Committee

By Michelle Coutu

• Moving in to the 2017/2018 year pairing will be completed by a pairing committee which will allow regional directors more time to provide support to established mentoring pairs.
• Look for new pairing connections to be made this fall after all participants complete their surveys due July 28.
• Planning for AIHce 2018 has begun! Ideas for 2018 include
  • Collaborating with the Career and Employment Services Committee and Communication Committee on a session on communication and etiquette in the modern age
  • Continuing our successful sessions based on our favorite leadership books.

 

Student and Early Career Professional Committee

By Michelle Coutu

• Nina Townsend joined our call to talk about the Social Concerns Committee and Ionizing Radiation Committee.
• The Social Concerns Committee is committed to bringing awareness and change for high risk worker populations with collaboration with environmental justice and social justice movement. The sponsor the popular Upton Sinclair Lecture and the documentary screening at AIHce every year. This year’s film Blood on the Mountain (2016) can be found on Netflix.
• The Ionizing Radiation is a technical committee that provides resources and expertise for AIHA members. The committee is made up of members representing industry and regulatory agencies with the common goal of educating and protecting worker health from ionizing radiation.
• The committee reviewed our 2017 AIHce offerings and has begun looking ahead to AIHce 2018.

• • Suggestions and ideas to improve our presence at the First Timers Breakfast and Table Top Talks is welcome.
  • New potential session topics include,
  • A Beginner’s Guide to…[Insert topic],
  • IH and middle level management,
  • Mistakes and blunders we all make [to include a section on technical writing].

Customizing your Conference

No two conference experiences are ever the same. While each city helps shape the conference   participants are given ample opportunity to customize their own experience based on their personal goals and interest. While many folks show up to the conference yearly and wing it, taking a few minutes to think about your own personal interests and goals can help you focus on the sessions, round tables, volunteer group meetings, and networking events that are most pertinent to you. Once you’ve figured out your direction you want to go in, you can use the Conference Program and App to help you keep track of all  the events   you  want to attend. We’ve highlighted  here for you  events and session specifically designed for Students and Early Career Professionals and hope you will join us for as many as you can.  

Spotlight on a Sessions

By Justin Klavan
We here on the Communications Team thought it import to spotlight certain sessions during the AIHce that we are particularly proud of and we thought deserved some attention. This issue, we wanted to make sure to focus on the Mentoring Committee’s session (arranged by Melissa Rupert) The Mentoring Circle: A 360 Degree View of Mentoring Programs and Relationships. The session was well attended and showcased the key aspects of mentoring and being a mentee. Particularly insightful for myself was the presentation of a mentee, who detailed how the relationship affected her and her career. As a mentor myself, it definitely gave me pause to remember how my actions can influence my mentees and how helpful just a simple phone call can be.

“It was very successful, presentations on how to be a better mentor, how to be a better mentee, how to mentor multiple mentees, a pair presented perspectives on their relationship together.”
~Melissa Rupert

In the coming issues, we will be spotlighting some other SECP sessions from AIHce 2015!

SECP and MDPC in Salt Lake City

By Kerry Schmid

Another AIHce has come and gone! Thousands of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health professionals from around the world flocked to Salt Lake City, UT to engage in roundtables, podium sessions, workshops and networking events. The Students and Early Career Professional Committee (SECP) and the Mentoring and Professional Development Committee (MPDC) participated this year by organizing series roundtables on topics surrounding CIH preparation, mentoring, career advice and professional opportunities. The lunch table talks encouraged breakout dialog between students and SECP members on variety of topical issues. The ABIH partnered with the MPDC to Sponsor the Mentoring Networking Event which has become a highly attended must attend event for all students and professionals interested in participating in the program.
Every conference offers the opportunity for committees and colleagues to meet face to face, discuss the current and potential projects for the coming year. Checking in with the Andrew Brugie, the SECP Outreach group leader, he had this update to share about the exciting work his team is doing:
“Most recently, I conducted a ten-week project in Industrial Hygiene for a program called Citizen Schools which targets Middle Schools in underserved communities and pairs them with professionals from various disciplines to actively engage these student in mini apprenticeships after school that teach them a skill set that can then be demonstrated in front of an audience mixed with peers, parents, and professionals called a “WOW!” Session. The chosen professionals work closely with a series of staff members and teachers from the Citizen Schools program that conduct weekly briefing sessions on teaching tips and techniques following each class apprenticeship session (Apprenticeship + Briefing ~2 hours total).”

The SECP Communications Team will also continue with the quarterly publication covering updates and topics relevant to SECP and MPDC Community. This year look for a new theme each issue, as well as our reoccurring favorites such as the Mentoring Corner. Can’t wait for the next newsletter? Stay connected with us and the SECP and MDPC communities on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn! @AIHA_Mentor @AIHA_SECP

Welcome to the New SECP Leadership!
Christine Hoehn – Past Chair

Ryan Moon – Chair

Melissa Rupert – Vice Chair

William Cyrs – Secretary

Are you ready for the AIHce?

By: Kerry Schmid

The 2015 AIHce is almost here!  This weekend, thousands of Industrial Hygienists and Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Professionals will attend various events, podiums, roundtables, and professional development courses.  The six day event is where colleagues from all fifty states and the world shares experiences and learn from each other.

The Student and Early Career Professional Committee (SECP) and the Mentoring and Professional. Development Committee (MPDC) are sponsoring sessions and events throughout AIHce.

The AIHA offers SECPs a tailored part of the AIHce 2015 website completes with a sample agenda.  This agenda includes cross over topics from various AIHA committees.

To see a copy of a sample agenda, check out the following website for more information:   http://aihce2015.org/education/studentyoung-professional-sample-agenda/

One of the best ways to be involved in AIHA is to volunteer.  I encourage all students and early career professionals to get involved.  Over the last year, SECP members have had the chance to listen to various volunteer groups.  At conference, there are more than 40 different volunteer groups that will be meeting throughout conference.  The volunteer groups are always looking for new members.

Visit this link to get more information on meeting times: http://aihce2015.org/networking-events/boardcommittee-meetings-special-events/meetings-special-events/,

If you are an AIHA volunteer, make sure to check out the Red Carpet Room.  To all of the SECP and MDPC volunteers, thank you for all your hard work this year! 

Below are just some of the events for students and early career professionals as well as sponsored sessions and events from SECP and MDPC!  The information was gathered from the AIHce2015 website.  To see the full lineup of events and sessions, visit the AIHce 2015 website at http://www.aihce2015.org.

Sunday May 31

AIHce Welcome Party

, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. “Kick off the conference with food, drinks, live music and fun at the first-ever AIHce Welcome Party.”

Monday June 1

First Timer’s Orientation, 6:45 a.m. – 7:45 SPCC, Room 255 ABC

If this is your first time attending AIHce, then come to learn how to make your first AIHce memorable! 

SECP Table Topics, 12:00 p.m. in the Expo Hall

Over lunch, sit down and discussion various topics and issues.  Seating is first come, first serve.  This year, topics include:

• Breaking Down Barriers
• Career Paths
• CIH Exam 101
• Field Work & Travel for the IH
• IH in an EHS World
• IH in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Networking for the IH.

 Expo Hall Networking Reception, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Browse the Expo Hall and meet this year’s exhibitors and vendors and view posters.

 Mentoring Program Networking Event, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gracie’s Bar 326 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT

This event is open to all members of the AIHA’s Mentoring Program as well as students and professionals interested in being a mentor or wanting a mentor! Gracie’s is walking distance from the convention center.

The Mentoring Circle: A 360 Degree View of Mentoring Programs and Relationships (RT209), 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Listen and learn from a variety of speakers on the importance and development of industrial hygiene professionals.  This session truly takes a 360 degree view!

Presentations Titles are:

• Grow, Learn and Teach by Being a Mentee
• Mentoring: The Student Internship and Beyond
• On the Job: A Look at Mentors and AIHA ® Career and Employment Services as Career Guides
• Turning on the LIgHt: Tips for Developing or Getting Involved in Mentoring Program to Sustain the Future of Industrial Hygiene
• Defining Metrics: Lessons in Restraint and Patience
• The Tale of Two Mentees: The Success and Challenges of Being a Mentor
• Mentor You Mentee Me 

 

Tuesday, June 2

29^th Annual AIHF Fun Run, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 am.

Bring your running or walking shoes! Participants can either run a 5k or walk a 2k. Visit the FunRun desk for more information

Mentoring & Professional Development Committee Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hilton, Grand Ballroom, Salons A/B

Ignite: Enlighten Me but Make it Quick! Offering Enlightenment and Knowledge – In a Hurry! (IL06) , 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Industrial Hygiene and Safety in Non Traditional Industries (RT219), 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learn about hazard safety and IH in a non-traditional workplace settings. The roundtable includes:

• Industrial Hygiene for the Architect of the Capitol
• Lights! Camera! Action! Motion Picture Opportunities in the Environmental Safety Fields (Aka How Do You Teach Ergonomics to a Stunt Double and Fire Prevention to a Special Effects Artist?)
• Domestic and International Safety Auditing of Live Broadcasts/Developing IH & Safety Standards for Live Events
• Industrial Hygiene Practice in the Insurance Industry
• Industrial Hygiene at a Winery
• A Tale of Two Careers

 

Wednesday, June 3

Perspectives on Preparation for the CIH Exam v10.0 (RT238), 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you plan on taking the CIH exam, this session covers the requirements and information on preparation strategies.  Presentations include:

• CIH Exam Study and Reference Material on the Cheap
• Learning to Sit Still
• Finding Time to Study with a Busy Schedule
• My CIH Good Luck Charm Kicked me in the Ribs
• CIH: Controlling the Insanity and Hype of Studying
• How to Pass the Exam Without Alienating Family and Friends
• Planning a CIH Prep Vacation
• OMG! You Failed… Now What? CIH Exam Prep Advice

Mark of Excellence Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

This is a new event which honors the extraordinary contributions made by members and the volunteers of AIHA and ACGIH.

Student and Early Career Professionals Committee (SECP) Meeting, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom D

Thursday, June 4

 Oh! The Places You’ll Go! (RT 245), 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This roundtable is “designed to provide new graduates early career professionals with valuable insights offered by fellow IH professionals at varying stages in their careers”. Presentations include:

• AIHA’s Career and Employment Services (CES) Committee: Supporting Your Career
• So Many Questions
• And Now… Life Happens
• There’s No Place like IH!
• IH in High-Tech

Student Scholarships Avaliable for AIHce 2015

AIHA is sponsoring five students to travel to and attend this year’s AIHce in Salt Lake City, UT. Complete and submit the following application by April 1, 2015.

2015 AIHce Sponsorship Application Form