BOSS Conference

BOSS is an annual spring conference for high school students in east Tennessee; we reach nearly 100 9th-12th graders each year. This year’s BOSS is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024. Our theme this year is Adventures & Explorations, highlighting astronomy, aerospace engineering, and galactic exploration, but also focusing on social responsibility, environmental protection, sustainability, and innovation in every field. Our vision is to bring information on STEM careers and exposure to university life to historically underrepresented populations, and get them excited about STEM and being a VOL.

BOSS is a growing online resource for teachers and students dedicated to STEM learning. This work includes conferences, workshops, and connections to other STEM agencies.

• BOSS 2019 Keynote Activity: “Adulting 101” – John Nolan, SunTrust Bank
• BOSS 2018 Keynote Activity: “Creating Video Games like a BOSS” – Mark Baggett, UTK
• BOSS 2017 Keynote Activity: “‘Retro’ Video Games with Lua and PICO-8” – Mark Baggett, UTK
• BOSS 2016 Keynote Activity: “Slime Science!: Fun and Practical Applications of Polymers” – Tam’ Ra-Kay Francis, UTK
• BOSS 2015 Keynote Activity: “Everyday Science: No Junk in My DNA” – Anthony DePas, Long Island University