VL2 kicks off 2021-2022 with in-person meeting, announces new theme

Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto points at her presentation and points at a person in the audience at the same time.
Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto, Science Director of VL2 and Acting Director of the PEN program, kicks off the event with welcome remarks and a history of VL2's continuous transformation.
VL2 members, with their masks on, handwave at a student.
During introductions each VL2 member -- PEN student, PEN faculty, lab research assistant, lab graduate assistant, or staff -- is welcomed with a handwave from the full house.
Glenn speaks at audience with presentation behind him
Glenn Lockhart, VL2 Executive Director, asks "Where do you see yourself and your lab in the Gallaudet Promise," referring to the university's strategic plan running through 2030. VL2 members then used their mobile devices to text one-word responses, which together created a word cloud.
Poorna signs with yellow-background presentation behind her.
Dr. Poorna Kushalnagar, Special Assistant to the Provost for Research, shares remarks. Displayed on the screen behind him is "Thought Leader," the 2021-2022 theme for VL2.
Gaurav signs 'success' with yellow background presentation behind him.
Dr. Gaurav Mathur, Dean of the Graduate School, shares remarks. Displayed on the screen behind him is "Thought Leader," the 2021-2022 theme for VL2
Students sit around a white rounded table and discusses
PEN and graduate students are sitting around a table and engaged in a discussion on VL2's place in Gallaudet's strategic plan (printout copies shown on table).
Student sit/stand around a rounded white table; a staff makes notes on printout paper;
BL2 research assistants and staff are sitting around a table and engaged in a discussion on VL2's place in Gallaudet's strategic plan (printout copies shown on table).
Students/staff sits face of Glenn while he speeches
Glenn Lockhart, VL2 Executive Director, asks "What words describe you and your lab?" VL2 members then used their mobile devices to text one-word responses, which together created a word cloud.
Faculty and students sit around a white rounded table.
PEN faculty member and NENS lab director Dr. Ilaria Berteletti waves as PEN faculty members are sitting around a table and engaged in a discussion on VL2's place in Gallaudet's strategic plan (printout copies shown on table).

On September 13, 2021, VL2 hosted an in-person, all-hands meeting, its first since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic. This meeting brought approximately 30 PEN students, PEN faculty members, lab research assistants, lab graduate assistants, and staff back together. Highlights included:

  • Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto, Science Director of VL2 and Acting Director of the PEN program, provided a history of VL2's national impact and 14-year transformation then announced "Thought Leadership" as the theme of 2021-2022.
  • PEN students who joined the program in Fall 2020 and in Fall 2021 were spiritedly welcomed to campus for the first time!
  • Dr. Poorna Kushalnagar, Special Assistant to the Provost for Research, and Dr. Gaurav Mathur, Dean of the Graduate School, provided remarks, their first with VL2 in their new research leadership roles.
  • Dr. Petitto was recognized for her 10 years of service to Gallaudet University, all with VL2.

The work meeting also had everyone engaged in a socially distanced team-building activity. VL2 members held small-group discussions on the questions of "What words describe you and your lab?" and "Where do you see yourself and your lab in the Gallaudet Promise," referring to the university's strategic plan running through 2030. VL2 members then used their mobile devices to text one-word responses, which together created a word cloud for each question. Afterwards, everyone interacted and enjoyed refreshments.

Off VL2 embarks on a new year of contributing to thought leadership and another year of transformative science for the benefit of society!

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