In the dynamic realm of academia, the Society of North American Scholars (SNAS) has emerged as a beacon for scholars dedicated to fostering socially responsible scholarship. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SNAS stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of academic excellence for the greater good. In this blog, I will delve into the impactful workshops organized by SNAS and explore how these initiatives contribute to its mission of promoting sustainable and ethical research practices.
The Genesis of SNAS Workshops
SNAS’s journey began with the founders’ commitment to creating a platform for scholars to connect, learn, and contribute to societal well-being. The inaugural Winter Retreat in December 2019 at Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, NJ, marked the organization’s humble beginning. Featuring presentations on diverse topics such as crafting a professional identity, academia, and industry relations, grant writing, academic job markets, and online teaching, the event drew 35 participants and set the stage for SNAS’s future endeavors.
The Success of Academic Development Workshops
Due to overwhelming interest, SNAS expanded its reach by organizing the 2nd Academic Development Workshop in May 2020, conducted over Zoom with 144 registrants. This virtual event featured sessions that catered to a broad audience, emphasizing the importance of crafting a professional identity, navigating academia and industry relations, mastering grant writing, understanding the academic job market, and embracing online teaching best practices.
The success of these initial workshops paved the way for the official founding of SNAS in January 2021. The founding board of directors, consisting of esteemed academics from various institutions, brought together their expertise to guide the organization. SNAS has since continued to evolve, organizing events that transcend geographical boundaries, exemplifying its commitment to creating a global academic community for social impact.
In the summer of 2021, SNAS showcased its dedication to knowledge dissemination and mentorship through two noteworthy events. The 3rd online research methods workshop attracted around 100 academics and covered essential topics such as writing empirical papers efficiently, conducting in-depth interviews, and leveraging advanced techniques like Geographical Information Systems and Natural Language Processing for industry and research applications. Please visit our YouTube page for the recording of these workshops.
Additionally, SNAS organized the Research and Academic Mentorship Program (RAMP) workshop, attracting 80 undergraduate and graduate students interested in academic work. The RAMP workshop not only provided mentorship support but also featured a panel discussion with accomplished academics, offering invaluable insights into the life of an academic for the next generation.
A Call to Action: Join SNAS for a Transformative Academic Journey
As SNAS continues to expand its offerings, there has never been a more opportune time to join this thriving academic community. As the founding SNAS President, I would like to extend a warm invitation to academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals to become part of a movement dedicated to turning lofty goals into tangible reality.
Becoming a member of SNAS means gaining access to transformative workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a network of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive societal impact through their scholarly endeavors. To stay informed and engaged, interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to SNAS’s newsletter by emailing info@snascholars.org.
In conclusion, the Society of North American Scholars is not merely an academic organization; it is a community with a purpose – a purpose rooted in social impact. The workshops organized by SNAS serve as catalysts for intellectual growth, collaboration, and the pursuit of ethical research practices. As SNAS continues to shape the future of academia, it invites you to join this vibrant community, contributing to a collective journey towards a socially responsible and impactful scholarly landscape. Please become a member here!
Sincerely,
Omer Topaloglu, Ph.D.
Former SNAS President & Professor of Marketing at Fairleigh Dickinson University