AIHA Connect Keynote Speakers Focus on Problem Solving and Cognitive Agility
Dr. Samuel Ramsey and Dr. Helena Boschi use their respective backgrounds in research and psychology to delve into ‘peculiar thinking’ and the neuroscience behind innovation at the upcoming event in Columbus, Ohio.
- By David Kopf
- May 13, 2024
The American Industrial Hygiene Association’s AIHA Connect event, scheduled for May 20-22 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, is set to feature two keynote speakers who will address critical aspects of workplace safety and innovation.
Dr. Samuel Ramsey and Dr. Helena Boschi will share their insights, aiming to inspire industrial hygiene and safety professionals to take new approaches to their work. Dr. Ramsey, an entomologist and researcher, has gained recognition for his work on pollinators and their population’s impact on global food security. Dr. Boschi, a psychologist with extensive experience in applied neuroscience, brings a deep understanding of the brain’s impact on behavior and organizational effectiveness.
The Power of Peculiar Thinking
On Monday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET, Dr. Ramsey will present “The Power of Peculiar Thinking: Problem-Solving Through Creativity and Ingenuity.” Known for his groundbreaking research on honeybee health, Dr. Ramsey will discuss how unconventional thinking led to significant discoveries in bee research and how this approach can be applied to complex problem-solving and innovation in workplace safety. His work emphasizes the importance of challenging conventional ideas and fostering creativity to address complex challenges effectively.
The Neuroscience of Innovation
On Wednesday, May 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET, Dr. Boschi will explore the limitations and potentials of human cognition in her talk, The Neuroscience of Innovation – and How to Develop New Insights. With a focus on applied neuroscience, she will explain how understanding the brain’s tendency towards distraction and its decision-making processes can enhance cognitive agility, creative thinking, and continuous learning. This session will encourage attendees to question their perceptions and biases, promoting a more open and innovative approach to their work and roles.
Both keynotes aim to provide attendees with new perspectives that will help them foster work environments that not only prioritize worker health safety but also embrace innovation and continuous improvement.
This year’s event marks the first year under the AIHA Connect moniker (it was previously known as the AIHce EXP Conference and Exposition), but the event continues to focus on providing a venue for industrial hygiene and safety management professionals to engage with cutting-edge research and practical insights that can help enhance healthy and safe workplaces.
About the Author
David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.