Page 88 - Winter 2020

STUDENT AND REGIONAL CHAPTERS
Chapter (see bit.ly/2Efg7Yt) and other groups to create a wider range of opportunities to learn about acoustics. Hosting a webinar for a local or distant chapter is a great way to interact with fellow acousticians, early or twilight career, to the benefit of all involved and at the chapter level is much more manageable than for the society as a whole.
Collaborations and Contributions
Working together speeds up progress, both inter- and intra-chapter. Collaborating with others is a great way to gain different perspectives and grow. The Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, Student Chapter (see bit.ly/3kYcZRq) invited Dan Russell from Penn State to present to their acoustics research group on understanding the physics of various sports equipment (Russell, 2017). Meetings like these can connect students looking to pursue an academic career in acoustics by introducing them to potential advisors. Representatives from various Indiana-based consulting and recording equipment companies were guest speakers for the students of the Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, Student Chapter (see bit.ly/346S5K2).
Sometimes, coming together is a necessary step in honoring those whose contributions to a chapter were exceptional. The North Carolina Chapter (see ncrcasa.org) recently lost two important members, Larry Royster (Berger, 2019) and Fred Schafer and honored them at a virtual meeting in May 2020. Larry and his wife Julia (Figure 3) gave generous support to introduce a poster competition on hearing conservation and noise control. The competition is organized by a volunteering regional and student chapter with $5,000 in prizes for outstanding projects (see bit.ly/3kX85Ew). The
acoustics community is just that, a community. By reaching out and connecting professionals and outside academics to students and interested groups, it creates a great way to share new ideas. Exemplified by Larry’s case, these connections can create a lasting impression on students for years to come.
Continuing to Evolve
The student and regional chapters are hugely important to the future, culture, and ideals of the ASA. The interest, passions, and communities formed through professional speakers, virtual seminars, introducing children to acoustics, and remembrance of those who paved the road ahead all allow the ideals of the ASA to flourish. Consider reaching out to a local chapter and becoming a member, joining a meeting, presenting about a career path, or maybe offering a tour of a facility. You can inspire the next generation, make a difference in your local acoustics community, and forge new friendships. For information on the chapters mentioned here, please check out asachapters.org/asa-chapter-locations. If you and your fellow acousticians are interested in starting your own chapter, contact cochairs Sandy Guzman (sjguzman526@gmail.com) or Evelyn Hoglund (hoglund.1@osu.edu).
References
Berger, E. H. (2019). Larry Herbert Royster. Acoustics Today 15(3), 83. Available at https://bit.ly/2Q6N9g1.
Canney, M. S. (2008). Student Council: An overview. Acoustics Today 4(2), 43-44. Available at https://bit.ly/3hafk9w.
Flynn, T., and Young, S. (2018). Student Council of the Acoustical Society of America. Acoustics Today 14(1), 63-66. Available at https://bit.ly/2MVP8ng. Good, K. W., and Mauck, J. M. (2018). Acoustical Society of America
Chapters: Form and function. Acoustics Today 14(4), 60-62. Available
at https://bit.ly/3icYlnc.
Russell, D. A. (2017). Acoustics and vibration of baseball and softball bats.
Acoustics Today 13(4), 35-42. Available at https://bit.ly/3aC1Cdp.
Figure 3. Larry and Julia Royster (right and center) with Royster Competition Award winner Lisa Burton O’Toole (left).
Contact Information
Colby W. Cushing colby.cushing@utexas.edu
Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering Applied Research Laboratories
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas 78712, USA
Elizabeth F. Weidner eweidner@ccom.unh.edu
Department of Earth Science University of New Hampshire Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
Department of Geological Sciences Stockholm University
SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
88 Acoustics Today • Winter 2020