This week …
1) MARK YOUR CALENDAR …
2) ATTENTION HUMAN BIOLOGY MAJORS!!
3) PHILIP WHITCOMB ESSAY CONTEST
4) AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS
5) PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
6) SUMMER COURSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND INTERNSHIPS (including Fall/Spring)
1) MARK YOUR CALENDAR …
Monday, March 10 – The Pre-Optometry Club meeting –this has been cancelled.
Wednesday, March 12 - Pre-Medical Club meeting at 6:30 pm, 1st floor conference room, Watkins Health Center. Steve Waxman, M.D., a urologist who currently practices with the Army and who has been involved in conducting clinical research, will be the featured presenter. (Dr. Waxman earned his B.S. with a major in organismal biology and M.D. degrees from KU, and went on to earn a J.D. [Juris Doctor, law degree] from Indiana University.) Air Force Master Sergeant James Pryan and Army Sergeant First Class Victor Sims will present information about funding a medical education with the Air Force (see attached HPSP file) or Army (http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/docs/hpsp.pdf) Health Professions Scholarship Program.
Membership in the Pre-Medical Club is informal. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
Saturday, May 17 – Biology Graduation Ceremony, 7:00 pm, 120 Budig – information was sent out on March 3. If you did not receive an e-mail invitation and are graduating this Spring, Summer or Fall, send an e-mail to me (jelder@ku.edu) so I can send you all the information. We would like to see all our graduating seniors at this ceremony!
2) ATTENTION HUMAN BIOLOGY MAJORS!!
We have been informed by the College that ENGL 362 DOES NOT satisfy the third English requirement. Corrected degree requirement sheets are available in the Biology Office, 2045 Haworth, and online at www.kuub.ku.edu <http://www.kuub.ku.edu/> . If you have already taken this course, you should contact your advisor.
3) PHILIP WHITCOMB ESSAY CONTEST
All undergraduates at the University of Kansas are invited to enter the annual Philip Whitcomb Essay Contest. * $500 is awarded for the winning essay. * Please deliver three copies of the essay to Nunemaker Center by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 18, 2008. Students should identify their essay by listing only their student ID number on the top right hand corner of every page. Students must provide a detachable cover page with their name, student ID, contact information and title of the essay. Throughout his life Philip Whitcomb demonstrated a deep commitment to intellectual honesty and accomplishment, to the integration of diverse fields of knowledge, and to the task of relating fundamental knowledge to problems of broad human concern. The purpose of the Whitcomb Essay Contest is to commemorate his life and to promote the values he held dear. The guidelines state that essays should address "the relationship of knowledge, thought, and action in public affairs and public policy". The Contest committee interprets this broadly. Topics may be political, for example, but they may just as well be intellectual, artistic, literary, scientific, or technological. What is important is that submitted essays make plain the importance of their topic, that they be written for a wide public, and that they deal, in one fashion or another, with knowledge, thought, and action. Essays on an appropriate topic, and derived from an honors essay, a term paper, a research project, would be welcome. Essays should be no longer than 3,000 words. Entries will be judged by a faculty committee. The author of the winning essay will receive a cash award of $500, a prize book, and recognition on the Whitcomb Plaque (mounted at Nunemaker Center). For information and to read previous winning essays, go to: http://www.honors.ku.edu/whitcomb.shtml.
4) AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS
The Program in Entomology, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas proudly announces the George Gould Undergraduate Research Award in Entomology. Two research awards of at least $1,500 available to undergraduate students interested in pursuing research with an entomological focus. Applicants will be required to have a faculty sponsor in the Entomology Program and submit an application outlining their research objectives. Any full time undergraduate student interested in entomological research is eligible and is encouraged to apply. For more information or application materials, please contact: David Alexander, 5020 Haworth Hall, 864-3370, dalexander@ku.edu, or see our web site: http://www.kuub.ku.edu <http://www.kuub.ku.edu/> . Deadline for application submission is April 7; awardees will be notified on or before May 8. (Dr. George E. Gould was graduated from the University of Kansas in 1929 with a degree in Entomology and was generous enough to bequeath funds from his estate to support KU undergraduate students interested in studying entomology.)
J. Michael Young Opportunity Fund for students in CLAS only--$300 to $500 awards to enable students to attend academic and professional conferences or to conduct research away from the Lawrence Campus. Applications are due five different times during the year; remaining deadlines are: Fridays, March 14, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. (Approximately 20-30 awards will be granted per year.) The award was established in honor of J. Michael Young, former professor of philosophy and Director of the University of Kansas Honors Program from 1990 to 1995. Professor Young was an avid supporter of undergraduate research during his tenure at the university. A faculty committee will consider the applications after each of the five due dates listed on the application. If you miss the due date you have circled on the application, you must resubmit the packet for a later date. We will consider the applications only for the specified due date. In order to apply for one of these grants you must fill out the application form. For information, go to: http://www.honors.ku.edu/jmyoung.shtml.
Topeka Daylily Club Scholarships to sophomores enrolled as full-time students. Each scholarship is for $250, payable to the university in the recipient’s name. One scholarship is for a student majoring in horticulture and the other scholarship is open to any second year student seeking a degree in any field. Application forms are available in the Biology Office, 2045 Haworth; deadline is April 1.
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Scholarships, application deadline Monday, March 31 … thanks to Paul Crosby for this information.
The Dean's Office has just posted information about College Scholarships at http://www2.ku.edu/~clas/ScholarshipApplication.doc.
For information about Undergraduate Biology Awards & Scholarships, see http://www.kuub.ku.edu/awardsscholarships.
And, you can always do a free search for external scholarships with FastWeb and other scholarship databases, http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/other.phtml.
The Dean’s Scholars Program is a two-year program that mentors academically talented undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in a discipline represented by the College, and are from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Factors for consideration are enumerated in the University of Kansas Policy on Diversity of the Study Body (www.diversity.ku.edu/student_diversity.shtml <http://www.diversity.ku.edu/student_diversity.shtml> ). Benefits include: $1,000 annual stipend; matching each scholar with a faculty mentor; participating in a series of semester long seminars designed to help scholars determine a field of graduate study and to prepare to achieve success in graduate school. Applications due Monday, April 4, in Nunemaker Center. Applications available in Nunemaker Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and at: www.honors.ku.edu/scholarships/dspinfo.shtml <http://www.honors.ku.edu/scholarships/dspinfo.shtml> .
5) PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
Cleveland Chiropractic College Open Houses, Friday, April 11, and Friday, July 11
http://www.clevelandchiropractic.edu/prospect/prospect.htm
DC Discovery Day Spring 2008: Friday, April 11, 2008, 9 a.m.
DC Discovery Day Summer 2008: Friday, July 11, 2008, 9 a.m.
You can register for an open house program by sending an e-mail message to kc.admissions@cleveland.edu
[Paul has posted some introductory pre-chiropractic information at http://www.medadvising.ku.edu/chiropractic.]
6) SUMMER COURSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND INTERNSHIPS (including Fall/Spring)
Information on these and other opportunities can be found in the Internship/Opportunity book in the Biology Office, 2045 Haworth, and in BTRC, 1004 Haworth.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Texas A&M - The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M has been granted an REU by NSF. If undergraduate students are interested in exploring the role that host-plant species may have in the evolution of herbivorous insects, they should contact my lab (rfmedina@tamu.edu). The student will learn DNA extraction and molecular marker development methods and will use these genetic tools to explore the role that host-plant species have in the differentiation of herbivorous insect populations. By the end of the experience the undergraduate student involved in our mini-project will be able to present her/his results at a professional meeting. For information on how to apply please go to: http://insects.tamu.edu/reu. Raul F. Medina, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology, College Station TX 77843-2475; Phone: (979) 845-8304.
Full-time summer internship/field technician position, The University of California, Merced/Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) approximately June 1-July 31. We are seeking a field assistant for summer work in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The successful applicant will spend the summer hiking and taking measurements at high elevations. Education/Experience: This position is a great learning experience for any individual interested in alpine plant ecology and climate change. Strong applicants will either be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a program in natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience in taxonomic keys, field botany, and GPS is a plus. Ability to enjoy long days of repetitive but meaningful work is strongly desired. Applicants must have proven experience in working well with others, be very attentive to details, well organized, responsible, and have a high level of physical fitness. We are looking for someone who is not afraid of hard work and has a sincere interest in ecological field research. Conditions: Applicants must be enthusiastic about and capable of hiking long distances over rugged terrain while carrying a pack and be able to work long hours in often inclement weather at high elevations. Snow is likely, and rain and high winds are inevitable. The successful candidate will be required to provide his/her own personal field gear. Benefits: Salary for this position is $2,167-$2,794/month depending on experience. Housing will be provided at RMBL. More information about living at RMBL can be found at http://rmbl.org <http://rmbl.org/> To apply: Complete applications should include a cover letter, a resume, transcripts (can be unofficial), and two letters of recommendation. Submit application materials through the online application system at UC Merced: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/staff/position.jsf?positionId=1488. Please also notify Dr. Ramona Butz (rbutz@ucmerced.edu) by email when your application materials have been uploaded. All application materials should clearly indicate your name and the position (RMBL Field Assistant). Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions: contact Dr. Ramona Butz (rbutz@ucmerced.edu; 209-228-4135).
Environmental Intern 1, 2 OR 3, Dept. of Ecology, Lacey, Washington; Intern 1: $1848-$2169; Intern 2: $2119-$2492; Intern 3: $2222-$2611 per month, depending on qualifications; closing date: March 17 (Note—the closing date below is March 12!—Jan ).
MISSION & VISION: The Department of Ecology's mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land and water for current and future generations. This means protecting both humans and the environment from pollution; restoring and preserving important ecosystems that sustain life; and finding ways to meet human needs without destroying environmental resources and functions. Fundamental to achieving these results lies in our everyday interaction with citizens, stakeholders, and the public we regulate. We treat our customers as partners and collaborators: provide respectful and prompt service; explore creative solutions for the best results; and act with integrity. Also critical is maintaining effective infrastructures and a workforce that is committed, productive and successful. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. The citizens of Washington trust that the Department of Ecology supports and assists them in promoting the sustainable environmental and economic well being of the state. That trust, coupled with our effectiveness, helps Ecology to continue to receive the support it needs to advance our environmental mission. To learn more about our Agency, please visit our website at: www.ecy.wa.gov.
POSITION INFORMATION: There are four current vacancies with the Department of Ecology, Environmental Assessment Program, Headquarters, in Lacey Washington. These internships are funded through June 30, 2008, but funding is expected to continue until June 30, 2009. The mission of the Environmental Assessment Program is to measure and assess environmental conditions in Washington State for the purpose of providing credible science to guide environmental decisions. Duties: Under supervision, serves as field assistant on 2-3 member crew during collection of regional stream and riparian forest data related to State of Washington forestry practices rules. These are primarily field positions focusing on private second-growth forest riparian zones in Eastern and Western Washington. Work will be based in Lacey, but 3-4 days/week of travel in Eastern Washington for two months is expected. Housing is not provided but employees will be reimbursed for motel costs while in travel status related to state business. Responsibilities may include: Placement of temperature loggers in small to mid-sized streams; collection of simple forest measurements; maintenance of detailed field notes; interpretation of maps; navigation to study sites; driving state vehicles and other tasks as requested; valuable prior experience includes ability to use GPS, navigate by compass, hike through forests and along rivers, familiarity with spreadsheets and database programs such as Access, and general field safety practices. Work schedule: Full time, four 10-hour days per week, Monday-Thursday, beginning at 7:00 am. Interns are eligible for overtime compensation (when working >10 hrs/day or 40 hours/week) and reimbursement of travel costs (food and lodging) as defined by agency policies. These positions include full state employee benefits. Qualifications: A valid driver's license (required). For Administrative Intern 1: Completion of at least four semesters or six quarters work (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university OR equivalent education/experience. For Administrative Intern 2: Possess a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent education/experience. For Administrative Intern 3: Completion of at least one quarter or one semester graduate work after receiving a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent education/experience.
DESIRED: Attention to detail; Ability to hike over rugged terrain with field gear; Travel throughout the state as necessary; Project interest and enthusiasm; Tolerance of long field hours, biting insects, and inclement weather; Previous experience conducting environmental monitoring is desired but not required. Special Notes: To ensure consideration for this position, apply electronically at www.careers.wa.gov using reference code NB00009996* and submit the following materials as attachments (ATTACHMENTS TAB) by March 12, 2008: Letter of interest, resume, other information. Requisition Title: 4610 104H 104I 104J A007 NB00009996. - Jack Janisch, Environmental Assessment Program, Washington Dept. of Ecology, P.O. Box 47710, Mailstop 47600, Olympia, WA 98554-7710 (360-407-6649).
Jan
Jan Elder
Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Biology
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