The ISTVS 2022 Americas Symposium in Montreal, Canada, this past October finally brought together Americas members for the first time since 2019. We express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the significant lift by Professor Jozsef Kovecses and his research team. Professor Kovecses’ persistence over the last three years resulted in two wonderful events, the first-ever ISTVS online conference and the first return to in-person events in Montreal. Not only was it fantastic to see our friends and research colleagues, it was also the first opportunity for many of us to exchange research in person.
The Americas Symposium would not have been possible without the support and interest of our members. Remember now is the time to renew your ISTVS membership in the ISTVS Member Portal. Additionally, I would like to challenge my fellow ISTVS members to introduce the researchers and students you mentor to ISTVS and the Journal of Terramechanics. The ISTVS has started the creation of student chapters at universities. This affords the opportunity for students to serve as officers in an international society at the local chapter level.
As a young researcher, my mentor provided the opportunity for me to present my research in Alaska. Without his encouragement of my involvement in ISTVS, I would not have had the opportunities to collaborate and develop the extensive network of fellow researchers that I now have. ISTVS has been critical in the development of my research network. As a female researcher, I cannot overstate the significance of other female ISTVS member encouragement and support. I want to pass along to my team how involvement in ISTVS can support their goals and research efforts.
I hope to see you at the 16th European-African Regional Conference this fall in Lublin, Poland.
Heidi R. Howard
ISTVS Deputy General Secretary for the Americas
ERDC-CERL