This week …
1) MARK YOUR CALENDAR …
2) GRADUATING SENIORS take note!
3) JOBS FOR GRADUATES 4) ATTENTION HUMAN BIOLOGY MAJORS!!
5) PHILIP WHITCOMB ESSAY CONTEST
6) AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS
7) PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
8) SUMMER COURSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND INTERNSHIPS
(including Fall/Spring)
1) MARK YOUR CALENDAR …
Thursday, March 6 – Biology Career Night, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in 1005 Haworth. Career Night is sponsored by the Biological Sciences Alumni Advisory Board especially for our undergraduates and features representatives from area biotech related companies and organizations who will be present to discuss biology related career opportunities. Pizza, soft drinks and bottled water will be available for everyone.
Saturday, May 17 – Biology Graduation Ceremony, 7:00 pm, 120 Budig – more information later. 2) GRADUATING SENIORS take note!
Deadline to complete Application For Degree (AFD) for Spring graduates: Monday, March 3, 2008, to be listed in the Commencement Program. The final application deadline for Spring 2008 graduation is Tuesday, April 15, 2008. You must apply online through Enroll & Pay. For more information and instructions, go to: http://www2.ku.edu/~clasus/students/SPRG08GradInfo.pdf <http://www2.ku.edu/%7Eclasus/students/SPRG08GradInfo.pdf> . 3) JOBS FOR GRADUATES BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc. is a translational R&D organization affiliated with the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. BVD is the lead investor in Aptakon, Inc., a newly formed biotech start-up that is commercializing a technology platform to develop proteins with novel properties. Aptakon seeks BS-, MS, and PhD-level molecular biologists and biochemists to join its team in Kansas City. Successful candidates will have a degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or related fields and a strong record of academic and/or scientific achievement. To apply, please submit your CV tojobs@biomed-valley.com. The Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking an Associate Population Biologist to provide scientific and logistical assistance to the cooperative conservation and breeding programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Work collaboratively with data entry personnel and population managers from zoos around the country to prepare pedigree ("studbook") databases for analysis, complete standard demographic and genetic analyses on the populations, and develop recommendations for future breedings in cooperatively managed conservation programs; Conduct and/or participate in research and development of techniques for demographic and genetic management of animal populations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Successful candidates must have strong background in population biology, use and interpretation of simulation and deterministic models, and broad biological knowledge of species biologies; Successful candidates would likely have strong computer, organizational, and communication skills (written and spoken); A commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the department's team approach to conservation research projects. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's Degree is essential and Master's Degree is preferred; knowledge of basic zoology or biology preferred. Experience with zoo based population management programs is desirable. Must be able to work up to 10 weekends per year. APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please send cover letter, resume, and completed application to: Lincoln Park Zoo Human Resources Dept (Associate Population Biologist) PO Box 14903, Chicago, Illinois 60614. FAX: (312) 742-2299 (No phone calls please). For further details, go to: http://www.lpzoo.org/info/employment/index.html. -- Lisa Faust, Ph.D., Lincoln Park Zoo.
Ecological Field Research Supervisor.Positions: We have two full-time junior scientist positions available. The working title for these positions is "field research supervisor". The work will be investigating the impacts "working prairies" will have on Minnesota's wildlife. Duration: up to 2 years; longer pending funding. Project background: The increasing demand for biofuels poses a threat to wildlife and wildlife habitat. This project seeks to reduce or reverse that threat by determining how native prairies can be established on degraded farmland and harvested for biofuel in such a way that the new biofuel lands themselves become new wildlife habitat. Duties: 25% Locate and organize field sites across Minnesota. This includes communicating with such agencies and non-governmental organizations as the Minnesota DNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy, for land use and harvesting. Also includes driving to sites for field checks. 55% Hire, train and supervise 6 to 10 seasonal student interns for plot surveys across Minnesota. These surveys will include, but not be limited to plants, insects, birds, and mammals. 20% Organize and check data for quality, and other duties as required. Required: BA/BS degree in a science field with coursework in biology, natural resources, and/or agriculture, or equivalent education in science and work experience related to the job, totaling at least four years in combination. Preferred: Related degree with experience in one or more of the following areas: tallgrass prairie plants, insect identification, small and large mammal studies, and/or bird surveys. Demonstrated ability to work independently and follow specific protocols. Location: The work is headquartered at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (formally Cedar Creek Natural History Area), a field station administered by Ecology Evolution and Behavior Department in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota. The work will be conducted across the state. Application Instructions: Apply online at the University of Minnesota's employment site: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?
use requisition number 153744. Please attach a resume, cover letter and name of three references when applying. For specific questions please contact Troy Mielke (research coordinator) at mielk007@umn.edu or call 763-434-5131. Application deadline is March 31. Active work begins July 1, but related work may be available earlier.
Greenpeace Global Warming Field Organizer Job--Greenpeace, the world's leading international environmental organization, is seeking passionate organizers who are ready to stop global warming. Scientists say we must act now to stop the worst effects of climate change: more severe hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, floods, and sea level rise. We have the solutions and the technology to solve global warming, but the political will is lacking. Greenpeace's cutting-edge Project Hot Seat (www.projecthotseat.org) is leading the charge to convince Congress to take significant action to stop global warming. Our field team is mobilizing thousands of citizens to make global warming a key issue in the 2008 elections. Greenpeace Field Organizers will make sure that Congress pays attention to the people they represent instead of powerful corporate interests. History--Greenpeace was founded in 1971 by a small group of activists standing up to nuclear testing off the Alaskan Coast. These daring few effectively won a total ban on nuclear testing and launched Greenpeace's legacy of "bearing witness" to environmental abuse. We continue to use non-violent direct action, creative confrontation, and grassroots organizing to build solutions to global warming, toxic pollution, and destruction of our ancient forests and oceans. Today, Greenpeace is the world's largest environmental organization, with 2.5 million members in 40 countries, and continues to lead the way to a clean and peaceful planet. Job Scope and Responsibilities--Greenpeace Field Organizers are driven, articulate, strategic, and able to quickly and effectively inspire a community to challenge their member of Congress to stop global warming. Each organizer will plan and implement a community-based campaign to mobilize the public and work with Congress to make global warming a legislative priority. Specific responsibilities include--Recruit and train campaign volunteers and key coalition partners; Plan and execute global warming education and outreach events; Generate media coverage on the issue of global warming; Build relationships with Congress to ensure long-term action; Implement other tactics to pressure congressional targets to become champions; Quickly develop knowledge of global warming issues. Skills and accomplishments--Demonstrated leadership experience; Able to inspire a diverse group of people; Strong communication skills, including public speaking, written and oral; Critical thinking and time-management skills; Able to keep a level head in a fast-paced campaign environment; Commitment to grassroots organizing as a means of affecting change. Apply online at:http://members.greenpeace.org/survey/start/41/. Preferred deadline: February 29; final deadline April 28, 2008. Two start dates: April 14, 2008 or June 9, 2008. Campaign expected to end December 2008. 4) 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.
5) 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 4:00pm 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.
6) AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS
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.
The Bates Scholars program at Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences provides partial scholarships for up to five outstanding African-American science or engineering students who are driven to launch a career in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical devices industry. Qualifications: undergraduate degree in science, engineering or math, gpa 2.75 or higher, admission into Master of Bioscience Program at KGI. For information, go to: www.kgi.edu <http://www.kgi.edu/> or contact Admissions@kg.edu.
7) PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
The Southern College of Optometry, http://www.sco.edu <http://www.sco.edu/> , invites you to Discover Optometry 2008, Friday, April 11, at 11:30 am, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Sessions will include the Basics of Admission, Practice Opportunities in Optometry, Demonstrations and Tour, What It's Like to be an SCO Student, and Lunch. If you have questions, you can contact their Admissions Office at (800) 238-0180.
Georgetown University is pleased to announce the fourth Georgetown Summer Medical Institute for college students (rising juniors and seniors) and post-baccs. This is a unique opportunity to take an actual medical school course, taught by regular medical school faculty of Georgetown University. Students will receive an outstanding education in the medical science and learn what it's like to go to medical school. In addition, students who enroll in one of our for-credit courses will be eligible to participate in two seminar-style courses designed to educate them on the medical school application process (Medical Admissions Workshops) and issues faced by physicians in today's health care environment (Physician in Society). Course offerings and dates are: Human Gross Anatomy (June 16-July 25); Medical Biochemistry (June 16-July 25); Human Physiology (June 16-July 25); Histology (June 16-July 11); Physician in Society (June 16-July 25); Medical Admissions Workshops (June 16-July 25). These courses are formal offerings by Georgetown University School of Medicine, and are taught on our campus in beautiful Georgetown. Please see our website for further information: http://gsmi.georgetown.edu <http://gsmi.georgetown.edu/> .
8) 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.
Field and Lab assistants are needed at the Penn State Weed Ecology Lab this summer. The Mortensen Lab at Penn State University is interested in hiring research assistants for the 2008 summer/fall field season. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in plant ecology, biology, and weed management. Successful candidates will be working side by side with graduate students on diverse research projects such as: Using cover crops in agricultural systems; Examining landscape patterns for agricultural biodiversity; Tracking invasive species dynamics in forest ecosystems; Assessing the attractiveness of native plant species to beneficial insects. Potential duties for this position include data collection, and maintenance for experiments in the field, laboratory and greenhouse. This is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to gain field and laboratory research experience. If interested, please email a resume and contact information to Dave Sandy (djs230@psu.edu). You can also learn more about us, and our research, at http://weedecology.psu.edu/.
CoBiD-UREKA Undergraduate Summer Research Programme 2008 is currently open to applications from undergraduate students completing their 3rd (Junior) year in biological sciences. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 30 MARCH 2008. We must receive all materials by this date, including application form from student and a reference directly from a member of academic staff in the student's home Institution.-- Collections-Based Biology in Dublin (CoBiD), Summer Research. This summer programme offers research projects and activities for students in organismal biology using biological collections. Research Projects: extreme environments; fire ecology; DNA barcoding; freshwater ecology; biocontrol; environmental epigenomics; terrestrial ecology; invasive species; plant evolution and extinction; life history; genomic imprinting. Requirements: completion of the third (junior) year of an undergraduate biosciences degree, ability to work independently, strong interest in the project of choice, career goals in organismal biology. Full funding for the 10-week programme will be provided for 10 successful candidates, including assistance with air transportation to and from Dublin, accommodation in Dublin, and a small weekly allowance, as well as project expenses. Prior experience with museum collections is not required, one of the goals of the programme is to expose students to new research skills. The programme is open to all international as well as Irish and EU students. Term dates: June 16 to August 22. For application instructions and more information: http://www.ucd.ie/ureka/.
Research Assistants – Summer. Undergraduate assistants needed to help investigate effects of genetic and ecological factors on monogamous behavior of prairie voles. Duties include live-trapping and radiotracking of voles, vegetation surveys, and data entry. Previous experience desirable, but primary job requirements are an interest in behavior and/or ecology, and enthusiasm for working outdoors under a range of weather conditions. Most work will take place in the early morning and afternoon/evening. Location: University of Kansas Nelson Environmental Study Area. Project dates: late April-early July 2008. Hours/week flexible, ~10-40, depending upon employee availability and project needs. Pay: $7.00/hour. May start at part time during spring semester, and increase to full time during summer. To apply: send a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for two references to Dr. Karen Mabry, Department of Zoology, Miami University; email preferred (mabryk@muohio.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.
Summer in Belize – Environmental Studies. The program offers students an understanding of the issues involved in sustainable development, as well as exploring a variety of natural environments including forests, savannah and Caribbean coast. All courses will be taught in English at Galen University in San Ignacio, Belize. Hands-on field-based experience relevant to student’s academic topics. Earn six credits through fully-accredited coursework. For information check: http://www.globalsemesters.com/Belize.html.
Biological Science Technician Crew Leader--This project examines the ecological impacts of chipping and mastication fuel treatments in different coniferous ecosystems across Colorado and New Mexico. We are investigating the impacts of these treatments on: 1) fuel loadings, 2) understory vegetation, 3) nutrient cycling, 4) seedling recruitment, and 5) soil moisture/temperature. JOB DESCRIPTION: The Biological Science Technician will partake in a rigorous survey of overstory and understory vegetation, fuel loadings, soils, and abiotic variables. Work involves installing and sampling plots in treated and untreated coniferous forests, as well as revisiting plots installed in summer 2007. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field (typically 9-11 hour days), often in inclement weather. The duty station will be based in Fort Collins, Colorado, but the crew will travel the majority of the work week. Camping at sites for several days a week will be required. Tents and cookware will be provided. This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is expected to start in May and continue through August/September. DUTIES: 1) Serve as crew leader for seasonal crew (crew leader plus one or two technicians) responsible for conducting surveys in plots according to an established protocol. 2) Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal crew (including finding and reserving camping sites or other housing arrangements). 3) Act as liaison between crew and USFS postdoctoral Ecologist. 4) Assist with identification of appropriate study sites and installation of plots. 5) Identify and estimate abundance/cover of understory forbs, shrubs, graminoids, regeneration, and abiotic substrate. 6) Measure surface fuels, stumps, tree diameter, height, and live crowns. 7) Use taxonomic keys and dissecting scope to identify unknown plant species. 8) Prepare, download, and install electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 9) Check data for accuracy and completeness. 10) Enter data and manage electronic data files. 11) Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets and other administrative tasks by crew. 12) Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, making new datasheets, etc.). REQUIREMENTS: 1) Bachelor's degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. 2) Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and understory vegetation. 3) Proficiency in identifying flora in lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and Pinyon-Juniper Intermountain West ecosystems. 4) Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. 5) Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field related activities. 6) Experience using electronic data loggers. 7) Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 8) Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. 9) Experience with GIS preferred. 10) Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 11) Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. 12) Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. 13) Valid driver's license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires long (10+ hour) days of physical exertion such as hiking with heavy field gear over steep terrain and through dense vegetation and logging slash. Work is often done in remote, isolated areas and inclement (rainy, cold, and hot) weather conditions. LODGING: Crew members are expected to live together during the work week, either at camp sites (developed and undeveloped) or in group housing provided by the Forest Service. Private space will be provided when available, but is not guaranteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living spaces. Camping at most sites will be required. Developed campgrounds will be used when available, but camping may also occur at undeveloped sites (i.e., no running water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable. Lodging during non-work days is the responsibility of the individual. SALARY: $18.87/hr + travel per diem. TO APPLY: Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), a list of three references, and a copies of academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable) by March 15, 2008 to email address below: (in cover letter, please indicate if you are interested in being on the crew if not selected as crew leader). -- Mike Battaglia (mbattagl@cnr.colostate.edu); snail mail: 240 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
Internship Opportunities with Exotic Cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs, Arkansas—Animal Keeper: responsible for daily care of animals, including animal husbandry, enrichment, record keeping of animal behavior, educational public tours, and customer service. Horticulture Intern: assist with maintenance and improvement of landscaped areas of the Refuge, including planting, pruning, and watering of trees, shrubs and perennials, spreading mulch, labeling of plant displays, mowing, plant litter removal. Compensation of $50 weekly cash stipend for food. Housing is provided on site (heat, A/C, paid utilities, full bath, kitchen, washer/dryer, satellite TV, free long distance. New position begins August 25; deadline for applications: April 15. Send cover letter/resume to: Emily McCormack, Internship Program, 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (emily@turpentinecreek.org). For information check: www.turpentinecreek.org <http://www.turpentinecreek.org/> .
The following are abbreviated internships recently posted on KU Career Connections. To view complete postings, students must be registered with KU Career Connections, or they can contact me for the full listing of a specific internship. Information regarding how to register for the listserv can be found at: http://www2.ku.edu/~ucc/cgi-bin/internlistserv.php. – Erin Wolfram, Assistant Director – Internships, University Career Center, Burge Union 110 (ewolfram@ku.edu, 785-864-7676, www.ucc.ku.edu).
Summer Employment Opportunities in Alaska. Description: Do you like adventure? Nature? Excitement? Are you interested in finding a great way to have fun this summer while earning money? If so, think about working this summer for Alaska Geographic. Applications accepted until: March 30.
Wildlife Biology Internship - Summer (offered each semester), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, Maryland.Duties: Intern works primarily with non-native, invasive plants currently growing on the refuge. Identifies plants and records their locations in GPS units, using ArcGIS software. Implements control of invasive plants by hand-pulling, mechanical, and chemical means. Manages teams of volunteers in treatment efforts on non-native, invasive plants. Participates in various Refuge surveys, including frog calling surveys, whippoorwill surveys, waterbird surveys and vegetation surveys. Assists biologist with various other responsibilities, including data entry and data analysis. Knowledge of operating a GPS unit (Trimble GeoXT) and ArcGIS software is desirable, but can be trained. Must interact effectively with staff and volunteers to assure quality data is collected. Work schedule will be standard Monday through Friday with federal holidays off. Applications accepted until: April 1.
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.Description: Rabbits help lower cholesterol. Cats may lead to a breakthrough in the AIDS epidemic. And dogs have taught doctors new heart surgery techniques. Even lobsters help scientists understand Parkinson's disease. Since the turn of the century, animal research has helped wipe out such diseases as smallpox and polio while increasing the human lifespan by 28 years. Whether it is fighting epilepsy, finding a cure for Alzheimer's or making progress in brain and spinal cord trauma, the link between human health and animal health is absolutely crucial. Applications accepted until: September 1. National Institutes of Health and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Summer Research Internship. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases STEP-UP Program is designed to provide short-term research education for undergraduate students from racial and ethnic minority or disadvantaged backgrounds to expose them to research within the mission area of NIDDK. The Program exposes students to research in areas of diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, nutrition, obesity, digestive, liver, urologic, kidney, and hematologic diseases. Applications accepted until: March 4.
2008 CMS Diversity Summer Internship Program, Kansas City.Description: Join the team that helps ensure health care security for millions of Americans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) works in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality and efficiency in an evolving health care system and provides leadership in the broader health care marketplace. Our effectiveness depends on the capabilities of a dedicated, professional staff who is committed to supporting these objectives. A career with CMS offers the opportunity to get involved on important national health care issues and be part of a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly visible organization. CMS announces a 12-week Diversity Summer Internship Program for college and university students. CMS is the Federal agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Programs. The purpose of the Diversity Summer Internship Program is to enhance students' knowledge about CMS programs, mission, vision and goals. Additionally, the program seeks to familiarize participants about Federal, State, and local health care programs serving underserved and uninsured populations. This 12-week program is offered to college/university students of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent, and to students attending Hispanic Serving Institutions or of Hispanic descent, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The program, developed by CMS, is consistent with the goals and objectives for the Hispanic Agenda for Action, and the AAPI, HBCU, and TCU Initiatives. Applications accepted until: April 4.
Jan
Jan Elder
Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Biology
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