Welcome to the ASCEND Convening Webpage!

On January 30th, 2026, we will host a focused gathering of ASCEND fellows and invited mentors to write, plan, and build next steps for future faculty development programs at Arizona State University (Tempe campus).

Please consider joining us by registering below

Schedule (January 30th, 2026; most events in Engineering Center 221A, please consult with the linked map below)

Check in and Breakfast

8:30 — 9:00 am

Sign-in, name tags, light breakfast (coffee available).

Intro / Welcome

9:00 am

Opening remarks and goals for the day.

Keynote Talk — Vanessa Sanchez

9:15 — 9:45 am

From ASCEND Fellowship to Faculty.

Panel — Leadership Pathways & Science Policy

9:45 — 10:30 am

Panel discussion with ASCEND alumni, faculty, and policy advocates.

Morning Break

10:30 — 11:00 am

Informal networking and refreshments.

Guided Writing

11:00 — 12:15 pm

Breakout pods (3–5 people) for policy/impact statements and proposal outlines.

Lunch

12:15 — 1:30 pm

Catered lunch.

Guided Writing / Brainstorming

1:30 — 2:30 pm

Proposal strategy and seed-grant next steps.

Writing Block

2:30 — 3:30 pm

Quiet writing time with templates and prompts.

Break

3:30 — 3:45 pm

Coffee & snacks.

Writing Block & Report Out

3:45 — 4:45 pm

Group summaries, share near-final drafts, agree next steps.

Closing Remarks

4:45 — 5:00 pm

Confirm mailing list, shared drive, and action items.

Dinner

5:30 pm

Informal dinner TBD.

Speakers & facilitators

Dr. Vanessa Sanchez

ASCEND alumna and keynote speaker. (Keynote: transitioning from fellowship to faculty.)

Science Policy Panel

ASCEND alumni, ASU faculty, and science policy advocates — details to be announced.

We will post full bios and affiliation links soon.

Logistics & campus info

Venue: Arizona State University — Tempe campus (exact room TBD; final room posted in the confirmation email).
Parking & maps: ASU parking and campus maps — ASU Parking, ASU Campus Maps.
Getting to campus: Plan time for campus security and parking. Public transit and ride-shares are options for many attendees.

Nearby attractions & things to do (optional)

If you are traveling early or staying extra days, here are a few popular places to consider visiting while in Arizona:

Grand Canyon National Park (day trips available)
Sedona (scenic drives and hikes)
Phoenix Zoo
Desert Botanical Garden
Hole in the Rock (Papago Park)

Register

If you are an ASU local, please register by January 3rd so we can confirm headcount for catering and room setup. If you are an ASCEND person who already registered, please disregard :)

If you need accessibility accommodations or have dietary restrictions, indicate that on the form or email the organizers directly.

Contact & organizers

Please use this Email for further support/information: jimmie.adriazola@asu.edu

Organizing support is provided by the Simon A. Levin MCMSC at ASU (logistics and campus coordination).