About this Event
- What helps people build meaningful connections?
- How do physical and digital spaces shape our sense of belonging?
- How can we design a campus where everyone has the opportunity to thrive?
Join us for the first event in the Advancing Connection Science Convening Series, an interactive, student-led experience where participants become co-designers of connection at UC San Diego.
Rather than simply listening to presentations, you'll collaborate across disciplines to share ideas, reflect on lived experiences, and identify research priorities and practical solutions that strengthen connection on campus. Your voice will directly contribute to shaping future research, programs, and initiatives.
The convening will also feature an interactive art activity hosted by special guests from the UC San Diego Craft Center, offering a creative opportunity to explore and reflect on what connection means to you.
The convening will also feature an interactive art activity hosted by special guests from the UC San Diego Craft Center, offering a creative opportunity to explore and reflect on what connection means to you.
✨Free lunch provided! ✨No research experience required – just curiosity and a willingness to collaborate.
We welcome four panelists to our first convening: Annika Nelson, Elizabeth Eikey, Jessica D'Elena-Tweed, and William Simpson.
Together, we'll explore:
- How physical and digital spaces shape connection
- What makes people feel welcome and included
- How campuses can foster meaningful relationships through thoughtful design
This is the first of three student-led convenings exploring the science of connection through the lenses of empathy, compassion, and belonging. Future convenings will be held on November 12, 2026, and tentatively in February 2027. While each convening can be attended independently, we encourage participants to join all three to help co-create a shared vision for advancing connection science at UC San Diego.
By registering, you are acknowledging your awareness that campus communication will be on-site taking photos/videos.
Event venue & nearby stays
Great Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, United States
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