All Day

Arrivals

6:00 - 7:30 PM

WELCOME RECEPTION

8:00 - 8:15

Welcome & Introductions
Randy Nelson, AMSNDC President 

S1: Data to Strategy: Predictive Insights for Informed Decisions 

Jack Lipton

Utilizing predictive analytics and trend analyses to enable leaders to make the best data-driven decisions on standards for performance and early warning indicators for at-risk faculty.

9:15 - 10:15

S2: From Vision to Action: Effective Leadership Strategies

Betsy Quinlan  Panelists: Sara Jones and Phil Popovich 

Panelists will discuss strategies for turning vision into action, including cultivating a shared vision, implementing a strategic plan, motivating strategic efforts and celebrating achievements.

Social Guest Activity: Kura Hulanda Museum

Included for all registered social guests 

10:15 - 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30 

S3: Strengthening Departmental Ties: Strategies for Building Community

John Foxe

This session will focus in building community, finding and establishing synergies between faculty and staff, elevating morale and building a collective pride in a unified vision for your department. It will discuss ways to empower faculty, and to democratize decision processes, so that all feel heard and feel fully invested in the collective enterprise.

11:30 - 12:30

S4: AAMC Chief Science Officer Report

  Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH, AAMC Chief Scientific Officer

This presentation will discuss the national research ‘climate’, share some statistics, and open up for questions from the chairs. 

Group Lunch 

Group Excursion: Landhuis Curacao Distillery Tour & Cocktail Class 

Included for all registered attendees & social guests - Meet at 4:15 in hotel lobby

Meet in Lobby

8:15 - 9:15

S5: Navigating the Money Maze: Budgets and Funding Models

Chris Cowan   Panelists: Sara Jones, Charles Hubscher, Chris Cowan 

Understanding funds flow concepts that support the research, education, and service missions of a department and best practices for establishing and maintaining budget discipline in the midst of funding uncertainties.

Ballroom AB

9:15 - 10:15

S6: Energizing Faculty: Strategies for Engagement

 Paul Mermelstein   Panelists: Sara Jones, Gonzalo Torres, Paul Mermelstein

Effective departmental leadership requires faculty buy-in and their willingness to support the mission. Speakers will discuss their experiences regarding successful faculty engagement, including empowerment, effective communication, delegation of authority, and installation of a departmental vision.

10:15 -10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

S7: The Art and Science of Recruiting and Retaining Talent

 Gonzalo Torres    Panelists: Lynn Dobrunz, Harald Sontheimer

In the current academic landscape, neuroscience departments are navigating increased challenges in both recruiting and retaining faculty. This session will begin with a discussion of the most pressing obstacles departments face—ranging from competition for talent and limited funding packages to work-life balance and evolving career expectations. Three panelists will offer brief presentations to frame the conversation based on their own experiences with a discussion with all the chairs to follow.

11:30 - 12:30

S8: Leading Without Losing Yourself: Preventing Chair Burnout

Cheryl Dreyfus   Panelists: Randy Nelson, Sara Jones, Harald Sontheimer

Panelists will discuss their challenges and successes in setting realistic expectations, managing self-motivation, and actively creating sustainability to help avoid burnout. Also, discussion of stress and resilience as a chair will be featured.

1:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 5:00

Optional Tours: 

• Hato Cave & Kokomo Beach Waves ($; box lunch included) - Meet @ 1:15
• Curacao Walking Tour: Willemstad/Punda & Oldest Synagogue ($) - Meet @ 1:45

S9: Navigating the Shifting NIH Landscape: What Neuroscience Leaders Need to Know

Michelle Jones-London

A presentation about how recent policy and political shifts are influencing NIH extramural programs and what neuroscience departments can do to protect research portfolios, training pipelines, and strategic partnerships.

Ballroom AB

9:15 - 10:15

S10: Meeting the Moment: Responding to Generational Shifts in Graduate Education

Rachel Penrod-Martin

Understanding current needs and expectations of students entering PhD programs and how programs are successfully adapting will be explored. Short presentations and a panel discussion will discuss recruiting strategies, modernizing curriculum, program culture and stipends, as well as IDPs and responding to shifts in trainee long-term career goals.

10:15 - 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

S11: AMSNDC Business Meeting

Randy Nelson, Paul Pfaffinger

Year-end summary and financial report, introduction of new officers; discussion of statement on prestige publishing from AMSNDC members. New business. 

1:30 - 5:00

Optional Tour: Maritime Museum & Harbor Tour ($) - Meet at 1:15

6:30– 9:30 PM

Farewell Dinner: "Carnival Celebration" (all attendees & guests)

Included for all registered attendees & social guests 

Rif Fort rooftop 

8:00 - 11:00 AM

Departures