The conference theme is "NCSSSMST Exploration: Map Your Course With Math, Science and Technology." The NCSSSMST is inviting area high-school science and math teachers to attend segments of the conference.

NCSSSMST is a consortium of more than 90 secondary schools from 28 states that specialize in mathematics, science and technology. These schools are joined by more than 100 colleges and universities who are affiliate members of the consortium.

NCSSSMST serves as a primary catalyst for the transformation of mathematics, science and technology teaching and learning to enable students to provide leadership in meeting the challenges of the future.

According to Cheryl Lindeman, assistant to the president of NCSSSMST, more than 230 people have registered for the conference. They represent 45 specialized secondary schools and 43 colleges, universities or organizations.

"This conference is extremely valuable for sharing knowledge about the important task of presenting math and science to young people so that they remain challenged as they learn and ultimately become leaders," Lindeman said.

"This is the third event since 1995 that Washington University has partnered with us. People are anxious to come to Washington University. I'm certain its reputation has contributed to the increased number of schools and universities attending this year."

Lindeman said there are more than 65 conference sessions to be held on the WUSTL campus. Topics are wide-ranging and include curriculum development, student services, counseling, and new school development.

A number of WUSTL faculty and administrators will partake in discussions, all of which will be held in Eads Hall.

• Richard K. Wilson, Ph.D., professor of genetics and director of the Genome Sequencing Center, will give the keynote address March 11 on: "The Genome Project: On Zoos and Curing Cancer."

• James E. McLeod, vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, will host a reception March 10 in Holmes Lounge.

• Sharon Stahl, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Nanette Tarbouni, director of undergraduate admissions, will present a March 11 afternoon session on "Admissions Crossfire." Tarbouni also will present a special tour for teachers March 10.

• M. Carolyn Baum, Ph.D., the Elias Michael Director of the Program in Occupational Therapy and professor of occupational therapy and of neurology, will lead a March 11 session, "Occupational Therapy: The Best-kept Secret for Health and Well-being."

Other occupational therapy presenters will be Elaine Halley and Kathy Kniepmann, with students Kristen Lindeman and Ashley Stoffel participating.

• Andrea J. Heugatter, director of engineering undergraduate admissions, will serve on a March 11 engineering panel discussion.

Tours of the Missouri Botanical Garden and downtown St. Louis also are planned.

The cost to attend the conference is $100, which includes lunch and the publication Guiding Student Research.

For further conference information, including schedules, tours and workshops, go online to icsrc.org/ncsssmst05.

For more information, contact Lindeman at (434) 582-1104 or clindema@cvgs.k12.va.us.