Co-sponsored by the Federation and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

On November 13, 2006, the Federation, in conjunction with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) held a science forum to explore the implications of the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI).  ACI, which was born from the National Academies’ Rising Above the Gathering Storm document, is focused on funding and enhancing particular areas of science (such as the physical and mathematical sciences) and this forum explored the necessity of including human factors and cognitive systems engineering to accelerate ACI’s goals. 

Dr. Wendy Rogers (Professor – Georgia Institute of Technology and past-president of HFES) kicked off the day with introductory remarks, noting that the field of Human Factors and Ergonomics has always been interested in, and involved with, this issue.  She was immediately followed by Dr. Deborah Stine who was instrumental in the organization and development of Rising Above the Gathering Storm.  Stine works for the National Academies on the specialized Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy which produced the report in record time.  The remainder of the morning included talks by the HFES scientists: Drs. Carolyn Sommerich (Ohio State University), Mark Scerbo (Old Dominion University), and Alan Lesgold (University of Pittsburgh).  They covered the importance of teaching a wide array of individuals (not just children) in carefully-designed ways to reduce errors and to ensure that the current and future workforce can handle the complexity of modern professions which involve understanding science and technology.  Additionally, the concern was raised that perhaps there are not enough jobs in science and technology, or not attractive ones, and therefore many students may drop out of certain majors based on more than simply whether the material is difficult.

The afternoon session included presentations by Drs. Lynn Okagaki (National Center for Education), Christopher Kello (National Science Foundation), and Christine Hartel (National Research Council).  Additionally, James Turner (Chief Counsel, House Science Committee) remarked that, given the shift in leadership with the recent election, ACI legislation would be revised, and he would welcome receiving comments from our community. After a global discussion at the end of the day, several participants carried the conversation over to Georgia Brown’s bar.  

Talk Summaries: 
-- Alan Lesgold, Complex Performance Requirments of Modern Jobs and Professions
-- Mark Scerbo, The Future of Medical Simulation and the Need for Human Factors
-- Carolyn Sommerich, Teaching and Learning with Mobile Technology in High School

Agenda: Click here to view the agenda for this event.

Speaker Bios: Click here to view speaker bios for this event.

Power Points:
-- Christine Hartel, National Research Council
-- Christopher Kello, National Science Foundation
-- Alan Lesgold, University of Pittsburgh
-- Lynn Okagaki, National Center for Education Research
-- Wendy Rogers, Georgia Institute of Technology
-- Mark Scerbo, Old Dominion University
-- Carolyn Sommerich, Ohio State University
-- Deborah D. Stine, Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, The National Academies