Skip redundant pieces
Undergraduate Biology
CLAS : Biological Sciences : 

Announcements - October 1 - 8, 2007

This week …
1)        ACTIVITIES
2)        PEACE CORPS GALA
3)        INTERNSHIPS
4)        AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
5)        CAMPUS JOB
6)        GET INVOLVED …
7)        CAREER OPPORTUNITIES…attention graduating seniors!
8)        SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
9)        PRAIRIE RESTORATION WORKDAY
 
 
1)        ACTIVITIES
 
October Workshops presented by KU Career Services (additional workshops and more information at: http://www.careerservices.ku.edu/):
*Dynamic Interviewing Skills; October 3, 3:30–4:30 pm, 149 Burge Union (also October 9, 4:00–5:00 pm, 149 Burge Union; October 31, 3:30–4:30 pm, 149 Burge Union).
*Job-Winning Resumes; October 8, 3:30–4:30 pm, 149 Burge Union.
*Around the World with Peace Corps; October 31, 12:00–1:00 pm, International Room, Kansas Union.
 
October 4, Thursday – VOLUNTEER FAIR, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Kansas Union Lobby (sponsored by University Career Center)
 
October 9, Tuesday – ETIQUETTE DINNER, 6:30–9:00 pm, Kansas Union (presented by the University Career Center). This unique learning experience provides an excellent opportunity to navigate successfully through one of the most difficult social encounters in the real world: Fine Dining with Strangers! There is a non-refundable commitment cost of twelve dollars ($12.00) per student to attend. Reservations for the event can be purchased at the University Career Center, Room 110 Burge Union. Personal checks, cash, and major credit cards are accepted forms of payment. Students are encouraged to purchase their reservation as soon as possible since there is limited seating.
 
October 17, Wednesday – CAREER NIGHT for Biology undergraduates (sponsored by the Biological Sciences Alumni Advisory Board).
 
October 23, Tuesday – The Pre-Optometry Club has scheduled a representative from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to come and speak at 7:00 pm in the Walnut Room of the Kansas Union. (NSUCO is one of the schools that has an in-state tuition contract program for some Kansas residents.)
 
October 25, Thursday – PEACE CORPS GALA, 7:00–9:00 pm, Kansas Room, Kansas Union (see #2 below).

2)        PEACE CORPS GALA
 
Peace Corps Gala - Thursday, October 25, 7:00–9:00 pm, Kansas Room, Kansas Union. Are you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Come to the Peace Corps Gala, and speak with representatives who can help your dreams become reality. Hear returned volunteers share their own unique stories. Learn how the Peace Corps can open doors in your career which you never thought possible. It will be a night of information and celebration!

3)        INTERNSHIPS
 
FBI Honor's Internship - Summer of 2008. The FBI is currently taking applications for the 2008 FBI Honors Internship Program. Selected candidates will spend the summer in Washington D.C. working side by side with FBI Special Agents. Each summer outstanding undergraduate students are selected to participate in the FBI Honors Internship Program in Washington D.C. As an intern, you will have the exciting experience of learning first hand about FBI operations and gain professional experience that is unique and marketable. This is a paid internship at the GS-6 or GS-7 grade levels on the government pay scale which is approximately $1,270 - $1,410 per two week pay period on a pre-tax basis. Internship begins the first Monday in June and continues for 10 weeks ending on the second Friday in August. The internship is open to full-time juniors and seniors who will be returning to their school for at least one semester following the internship. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0 scale), be in good standing with academic institution, US citizen, pass an FBI background investigation, and meet all FBI employment requirements. Visit http://www.fbijobs/231.asp and click on FBI Intern Programs for more details, required qualifications and to download necessary forms. The deadline for applications is October 10, 2007. (All applications from students enrolled in the University of Kansas must be mailed/delivered to the attention of Special Agent Robert Herndon, 1300 Summit, Kansas City, Missouri, 64105.)


Animal Keeper Intern position at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Description: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a no-kill facility committed to rescuing abused, abandoned and unwanted Big Cats. In the twelve years of our existence we have rescued more than 150 exotic animals, giving them a caring, life-long home at the Refuge. These magnificent creatures are the unfortunate, unwanted products of the private trade in exotic animals; most of them would have been destroyed if we were not able to take them. We are constantly building large natural habitats for our growing family of Big Cats, which give them the room to run, play, and explore like never before. Turpentine Creek is accepting applications for full-time intern positions at the Refuge. B.S. or B.A. in an animal related discipline is preferred. Job Description: Animal Keeper position. Duties include cleaning cages, habitats and compound; feeding and medicating animals; assisting with maintenance, upkeep, and habitat construction; participating in occasional public promotions. Currently we care for 117 exotic cats and a variety of small animals. Compensation: Weekly cash stipend of $50 for living expenses, as well as housing on the Refuge, which has heat, air conditioning, utilities, full bath, kitchen, and a washer and dryer, satellite TV, and free long distance. New positions begin: February 1, 2008: positions last for six months, with an option to extend. Deadline for applications: November 15, 2007. To apply send your resume and cover letter to: Emily McCormack, Volunteer Program, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, phone: 479-253-5841, Fax: 479-253-5059, email: tigers@turpentinecreek.org.

And, an internship experience in Lawrence …  

”KVHA is working with the Jayhawk Audubon Society to develop a program called ‘Wetland Learners’. We have received a grant to coordinate 6th grader field trips to Baker Wetlands and to develop an internship style program for college students to help with said field trips. My role is to coordinate the internship component. These field trips are about 2-1/2 hours long and scheduled during the week. The 6th graders have 20 minute rotates through a variety of activity stations. Each intern will be in charge of an activity station. I'll be doing the primary training and support for the interns as they design their activity stations. As I do with the StreamLink Internship Program, we'll be looking for ways to incorporate career development with their station development. We would like the 6th graders to interact with the wetland in a cross-disciplinary fashion and are therefore recruiting students from a range of disciplines. We need 6 or so interns to pull off the season; we do not expect each intern to take part in every event. Interns are expected to attend 2 planning meetings (about 1.5 hrs each), spend time preparing their activity (about 3 hrs), and take part in at least 3 field events (about 3 hrs each). Interns are paid $50 for each field event they work. We have the funds to purchase the materials necessary for the field activity. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and learning techniques for communicating complex concepts. – Alison (Alison Reber, Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance, http://groups.google.com/group/ksriver, http://www.kvha.org/, phone 785-840-0700.)
 
4)        AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
 
BARRY M. GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIPS. Information--Students can apply during the sophomore or junior year. The scholarships provide up to ~$7500 for two years if one applies as a sophomore, for one year if one applies as a junior. Students need a high gpa and (generally) research experience to compete. They must receive a KU nomination to compete nationally (KU is allowed to nominate four students). Approximately 300 scholarships are awarded nationwide. Interested? Attend the INFORMATION MEETING Monday, October 8, at Nunemaker (4:00-5:00 pm). Applications for the KU competition are available at Nunemaker Center and may also be downloaded from the Honors Program homepage at http://www.honors.ku.edu/scholarships/goldwater.shtml. Local deadline: October 23, 2007. (Additional information is found at the national site: www.act.org/goldwater.)
Applications are now being accepted for the following awards and scholarships. Full information and application materials are available in 2045 Haworth, or can be downloaded from our web site:http://www.kuub.ku.edu/. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is 5:00 pm on Friday, October 5, 2007. Address questions to: Jan Elder, Undergraduate Biology, 2045 Haworth Hall, 864-5883 (jelder@ku.edu) or to Greg Burg, Chair, Division of Biological Sciences Awards Committee, 2045 Haworth Hall, 864-4143 (gburg@ku.edu).
 
THE HOWIESON OPPORTUNITY FUND--The Howieson Opportunity Fund has been established to assist undergraduate students who wish to travel to off-campus research laboratories, field research sites, or academic/scientific conferences. Priority is given to applications which include active research and/or intent to present papers/posters. Eligible applicants include all undergraduate students conducting research in the biological sciences at the University of Kansas. Monies from the fund are not designed to cover all of the costs associated with travel, etc., but to serve in conjunction with other resources. Proposals requesting up to $500 will be considered; however, final determinations will be based on the quality/quantity of submissions and documented need.
 
IDA H. HYDE SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE TO STUDY IN A NON-KU RESEARCH LABORATORY--The Ida H. Hyde Research Scholarship fund provides an annual award ($500 to $3,000) to an advanced (upper-class or graduate) woman student in biology to provide an opportunity “to study in the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, or any other marine laboratory, or any biological, chemical or physical research laboratory, offering environment and advantages different from those found in the University of Kansas . . . .”
 
THE PAUL A. KITOS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH--Presented annually to an undergraduate based on achievement in biochemical research. Past awards have been $200. Eligibility: Any undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences, and who is currently participating in biochemical research.

THE ERMA REED PETERSON SCHOLARSHIP for Pre-Medicine Seniors-- Through the generosity of the Peterson Family, the Division will present a scholarship to an outstanding KU pre-med senior. Award amount: Tuition for the Spring 2008 semester to a total of $750. Eligibility: Must be a KU pre-med senior graduating in Spring 2008. Preference will be given to (a) a student from either Saline or McPherson County, Kansas, and (b) a Genetics major. (In the event there are no applicants meeting criteria (a) and/or (b), the scholarship will be awarded to a Pre-Med Spring 2008 graduate.)
DEL and CAROL SHANKEL BIOMEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP--The Division of Biological Sciences will present an award (past awards have been $500) to an undergraduate who is planning a career in the biomedical sciences. Any undergraduate: (a) majoring in microbiology or a related discipline, (b) participating (or planning to participate) in a research program with a KU (Lawrence campus) faculty member, (c) maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, and (d) enrolling at KU for the next academic year is eligible.
 
5)        CAMPUS JOB
 
Undergraduate Computer Programmer--The program Syngraph (http://web.nhm.ku.edu/inverts/syngraph/beta/index.htm) is used in my laboratory for research on biodiversity. It links information about animals, including contributing to a map display of places the animals have been found. I seek an undergraduate student to: (1) modify it for use with any RDB application, (2) make it downloadable, (3) write documentation for it, (4) write instructions for its use. Work will begin this Fall and extend through Spring 2008. This position is half-time (scheduled around classes); work hours will be during the regular workday (8-5). Required Qualifications: Undergraduate standing for academic year 2007-2008; knowledge of and experience in programming; knowledge of and experience in use of Visual Basic and ActiveX data objects; experience in web development; excellent command of the English language; ability to work as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ColdFusion; experience with Oracle; experience with GIS, especially ESRI products; interest in biodiversity informatics; major in computer science or biological science. Contact: Daphne Fautin, Professor, fautin@ku.edu, phone 864-3062, office 3002 Haworth. Application: Send letter that includes: (1) Description of how each required qualification is met, and information on preferred or other qualifications. (2) Names and contact information for three references who are reachable (at least two must be in the US).

6)        GET INVOLVED …
 
The Biology Majors Advisory Committee (BMAC) is now accepting applications for the 2007-2008 year.  BMAC is a group of KU Undergraduate Biology (KUUB) students who meet regularly with the Director of KUUB. BMAC also alerts faculty of problems that students consider important, provides peer mentorship and leadership, suggests ways to improve KUUB and aid current and future biology students, and assists with the Graduate Recognition Ceremony. If you are interested please stop by the Biology Office, 2045 Haworth, to fill out an application. Please direct any questions to jwewel@ku.edu. "

7)        CAREER OPPORTUNITIES…attention graduating seniors!
 
Park Naturalist--The City of Lenexa is a growing, dynamic and progressive city that is accepting applications for a Park Naturalist. This is a newly created position to plan, develop, promote and present interpretive and outdoor recreation programs to visitors of the Lenexa park system. Primary responsibilities of work will be served at the Black Hoof Park and the connecting trail system but includes programming throughout Lenexa Parks and Recreation parks and facilities. Coordinates volunteers and part-time staff to ensure park guests’ services are of the highest quality. The Park Naturalist will conduct field trips; prepare and present various programming; assist with operations and general maintenance of facilities; prepare brochures and written materials for publication; construct historical, scientific and nature displays; assist with park resource management, festivals and watershed events. Qualifications:  Requires Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences or related field plus two years experience working with interpretation programming, youth/summer camps and/or recreation programming. Must have valid driver’s license and ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Working knowledge of office procedures and equipment helpful. Certification in CPR and basic lifeguard/water rescue desired. The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills, proven communication and presentation skills, and takes pride in providing patron’s with a quality park experience. Starting salary range is $16.54 to $19.00 per hour DOQ. The City of Lenexa offers a highly competitive compensation package including health, dental, life, short term disability; both state and city sponsored defined benefit pension plans, educational reimbursement and much more. Apply on-line (http://www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/) or in person at Lenexa City Hall, Human Resources, 12350 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS, 66215. Applications accepted through October 8, 2007 or only until filled.

A research assistant (full time term) position is available at Kansas State University immediately to investigate mechanisms of viral gene regulation and pathogenesis. Applicants should have a B.S. in the Biological Sciences and 1-2 years laboratory experience. Background in molecular biology and a M.S. are preferred. Qualified applicants should be able to work independently and have excellent technical, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills. Salary will be competitive but commensurate with experience and includes benefits. Submit a cover letter describing prior experience and interests, résumé, and three letters of reference to: Dr. A. Lorena Passarelli, Kansas State University, Division of Biology, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS  66506, e-mail: lpassar@ksu.edu. Review of applications will begin September 26, 2007 and will continue until the position is filled. KSU is an equal opportunity employer and highly encourages diversity among its employees. 
 
8)        SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences are accepting applications for Summer 2008. These programs promote an understanding of field-oriented environmental biology and how field research is conducted. Both programs focus on 9-10 weeks of summer field research and instruction in environmental biology at the UNDERC-East facility in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the potential for a second summer at UNDERC-West in Montana. The programs are open to sophomores and juniors; acceptance in either program includes tuition, housing, round trip transportation between Notre Dame and the UNDERC site, and a $2,500 summer stipend. The UNDERC-East site encompasses more than 7500 acres with abundant wildlife and includes 30 lakes, several streams, wetlands, and northern forests that have been protected for nearly a century. More information can be found at http://underc.nd.edu/; applications are due November 9. (At least four students of Indigenous/Native American descent will be funded in the two year program (UNDERC-West) with funds specifically for Native Americans interested in environmental biology. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like additional information. - Gretchen Gerrish, UNDERC West Assistant Director, ggerrish@nd.edu.)
 
Summer Microbiology Undergraduate Research Program, University of Iowa. Nine-week program designed for students interested in a career in science. Research will be conducted on a project under supervision of a faculty member. The program will begin on Tuesday, May 27, and end on Friday, July 25. Students who are citizens or permanenent residents of the United States and who will have completed by June 2008, their sophomore or junior year towards a bachelor’s degree in a biological science are eligible to apply. Each student will receive a $3,900 stipend; free dormitory housing is provided; funds also available for travel to/from Iowa City and for two semester hours of academic credit. Contact: Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa (e-mail: undergrad-micro-info@uiowa.edu); information at: http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/microbiology/educational/summer.htm; applications due: February 15, 2008.
9)        PRAIRIE RESTORATION WORKDAY
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City, Missouri (north-west Missouri), will coordinate a loess hill prairie restoration workday on Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is an opportunity for students to work with other developing professionals to enhance the unique loess hill habitats. Students who have an interest in participating and are traveling from a distance may wish to plan a camp out at nearby Big Lake State Park. Additional Squaw Creek Refuge student workday information may be obtained by calling: 660-442-5754, ext. 15. Participant reservations are requested for this event—please call for further details.
Jan
 
 
Jan Elder
Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Biology