February 2012

TN-SCORE (Tennessee Solar Conversion using Outreach, Research, and Education) is excited to offer summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). TN-SCORE is an alternative energy research grant involving nine universities across Tennessee. Funding comes from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. There are three research areas within TN-SCORE:

• Thrust 1 Advanced Solar Conversion and Innovation
• Thrust 2 Components and Devices for Energy Storage and Conversion
• Thrust 3 Nanostructures for Enhancing Energy Efficiency

During the summer, there are competitive opportunities for undergraduates to work in research groups. The summer research experience is an 8-10 week program. Students will receive a $4000 stipend, housing, and supplies. Depending on the host institution, the stipend may differ and food may be included. In 2012, the host universities include:  Tennessee Tech, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University. Funding is provided by NSF EPS-10004083. Detailed TN-SCORE Summer REU information is located at www.tnepscor.org and the application is available

at https://server.ilisurveys.com/fmi/iwp/cgi?-db=ILI-APPLICATION-DATABASE-TNSCORE-REU&-loadframes.

The Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) of Middle Tennessee State University proudly announces the First Annual Forensic Science Symposium for middle and high school students to be held on May 12, 2012. This science fair will showcase original research performed by students in seventh through twelfth grades in various fields of forensic science. We would like to invite everyone to participate in this exciting opportunity. FIRE has created the Forensic Science Symposium to encourage middle and high school students with an interest in forensic science to conduct and present original scientific research. FIRE hopes to promote success in scientific fields by providing a program that will stimulate, motivate, and inspire students. For more information, please visit www.mtsu.edu/fire or contact us at fire@mtsu.edu

TWISTER STEM Science Conference

It is true one person can make a difference. It could be your destiny to achieve The Power of One. Meet professional women already succeeding in making a difference and learn about their experiences at the 2012 TWISTER hands-on science conference.There are only a few weeks left to register for the Tennessee Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Research (TWISTER) hands-on science conference scheduled for February 11, 2012 at Adventure Science Center. Confirmed presenters include: astrophysics, medical careers, genetics, engineering, environmental health, information technology, epidemiology, cybercrime, fuel cell technology, website and social media marketing, and much more! Seniors may apply for the Women in Technology of Tennessee College Scholarship opportunity for a chance to win a $2500 or $1000 award. Go to www.adventuresci.com for forms and details about the event. You must be in 9th to 12th grade to register.

The Program for Excellence and Equity in Research (PEER) at the University of Tennessee with participation from Oak Ridge National Laboratory facilitates advanced research, mentoring, and professional enrichment activities for doctoral students who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide the professional skills and tools necessary to persevere in quantitative biology and enjoy life as a scientist.  For more information contact:

The PEER Program Office; 1414 West Cumberland Avenue; M407 Walters Life Sciences Bldg.; Knoxville, TN 37996-0840  (865) 974-4064