SEP Weekly Digest       January 17, 2014  
In This Issue
Opportunities for Internships and Employment
New Scholarships and Conferences
Events

*New Opportunities

*New Job Links

Quick Links

SEP Home page                                                          For past digests:
sep.csumb.edu  
                                                          http://conta.cc/hYUmZo

Just a reminder!
None of the entry doors of the Science Building should be left propped open after hours.  This creates a security problem that affects everyone who works in the building. Thanks!
Student Opportunities 
2014 Currents Symposium: Call for Research Posters
This Symposium takes place annually at CSUMB's University Center and this year will be held on April 26th from 8:00am-3:30pm. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary invites the submission of abstracts for the research poster session at the Sanctuary Currents Symposium. Professional researchers and students at all levels are encouraged to submit an abstract. Abstracts need not be directly related to the 2014 theme of marine debris, but research related to this topic is encouraged. Abstracts may not exceed 250 words and must be submitted by the
submission deadline of Friday, February 28th, 2014 to be considered for the poster session.

For more information and details on submission, please visit:
http://sanctuarysimon.org/posters

UROC Hosts: Summer Research Opportunities Workshop
With deadlines as early as mid-February, NOW is the time to start planning for your summer research experience. Join UROC for a two-hour workshop and learn how to find     
summer research programs and put together a strong application package.

You can start looking for programs before the workshop using 
the UROC's Summer Research Opportunities Listing:
http://uroc.csumb.edu/research-opprtunities-listing

Wednesday January 29, 3-5pm at UROC
(Second floor of the Library, Suite 2150). 
RSVP at [email protected] to reserve a seat.     
Note: UROC staff will host office hours to assist with       
applications and personal statements Friday 1/31, 3-5pm. 

*Elkhorn Slough Reserve, FREE Naturalist training classes. 2014, Jan & Feb. 
Join the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Volunteer Program 2014 Volunteer Naturalist Training Class Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve invites you to participate in the 2014 Volunteer Naturalist Training Class. Naturalist training class topics include: ecology, biology, current and past research at the Reserve, ongoing Reserve projects, cultural histories, Interpretation skills, communication techniques, trail mechanics, and educational activities. Everyone is welcome. 
The Introductory Orientation training class will be on Saturday January 11 & 18.  This basic class is for anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the Reserve and for those wanting to help with our Research, Stewardship or other non-public projects.  Volunteer with our Research and Stewardship programs help as wildlife monitors, habitat restorers, maintenance assistants, administrative support and more. The advanced naturalist sessions are open to any potential ESNERR Volunteer but required to be a Volunteer Naturalist.  Naturalist classes are every Saturday in February (Feb - 1, 8, 15, 22) and Saturday March 9. 
Applications are being accepted and are online at www.elkhornslough.org. Questions can be directed to the volunteer coordinator Amanda at [email protected].
Job, Internship & Research Opportunities
Undergraduate summer research experience at Utah State University

The USU Quinney College of Natural Resources has received a generous endowment, with which we are sponsoring several undergraduate research projects during summer 2014. We are hoping to recruit excellent undergraduates from across the US and beyond. All research projects include a $4000 stipend and travel expenses to and from Logan. I am co-supervising one project with a fish biologist (Phaedra Budy) entitled "Quantifying effects of high severity wildfire on fish habitat" but many other opportunities exist. For a complete list of potential projects and application information, see: http://cnr.usu.edu/htm/students/asc/reu/ 

 

Applications are due March 1st and successful candidates will be notified by March 31. Contact me ([email protected]) or any of the faculty supervisors associated with the listed projects for more information. 


KBS Research Experience for Undergraduates
The Michigan State University Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2014 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program.  KBS will be funding 8-10 REUs on projects related to Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Sustainable Agriculture. 

The KBS REU program provides Free Room & Board, up to $400 in travel expenses, up to $500 in research funds, and a $4,500 stipend.  The program runs 10-weeks from late May to early August.  Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full time student.  We especially welcome applications from students from underrepresented groups in the sciences and first generation college students. 

Research projects for Summer 2014 include: 

-Plant Eco-physiology
-Restoration ecology
-Mating system evolution
-Using soil tests to survey farmer attitudes about soil health
-Effects of genetic diversity on plants and insects
-Algal adaptation to temperature and nutrients
-The role of mutualisms in plant adaptation 

For more information or to apply please visit:
Applications are due February 15th.

*San Francisco State University Biological Sciences REU

This program is designed to expose participating students to core concepts in Ecology, Evolution and Developmental Biology. The participating faculty provide a broad range of research options in these areas. They also share a strong commitment to working with undergraduates and promoting diversity in the biosciences.

REU students will learn about patterns and processes of molecular evolution and the role of phenotypic and environmental variation in the evolution of diversity and complexity. REU students will engage in independent research activities in laboratories at SFSU and at the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies. They will also will participate in weekly professional development meetings in which they will learn strategies for successfully pursuing a career in science. The summer's activities will conclude with a campus-wide research symposium at which our REU students will have the opportunity to present their findings to the campus community. The program incorporates social interactions and networking designed to foster the development of an ongoing community of learners, giving students opportunities to make connections that will endure beyond the end of the summer and that will support them in their academic paths.

Applications are due February 21, 2014.

More Information 

 
*University of Washington Summer Research Program in Environmental Health

The UW Environmental Health Research Experience Program (EHREP) is a funded, nine-week summer experience for undergraduates with an interest in environmental health sciences. EHREP provides students with hands on experience in laboratories of leading researchers, introduces them to key environmental and occupational health issues while offering research exposure that will help them become competitive for graduate school.  Students will work full-time under the supervision of a faculty mentor and will receive a stipend of $5,200. One of the goals of this program is to increase and diversify the pool of future applicants for graduate study in this field, leading to more outstanding scientists selecting Environmental Health Sciences as a career focus.  We strongly encourage students who are underrepresented in the sciences to apply.

To learn more about the program and the application process, please visit our website.

 
*Science Policy Summer Internship in Washington, D.C.
       A science policy-focused Summer Internship Program (SSIP) conducted by the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is being offered.  This opportunity is for graduate and undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly, but not limited to, students interested in pursuing careers in science policy or science education.               The ten-week, Washington, DC-based internship (May 27-August 1, 2014) is made possible through a grant to the QEM  Network from NSF. Students who successfully complete the internship will receive a taxable stipend, $3,000 for undergraduates and $4,000 for graduate students, paid in three installments over the course of the summer. The students also will receive housing at George Washington University with other QEM interns as well as round-trip airfare and ground travel reimbursement. The application deadline is February 14, 2014.
 
*NSF and NASA Funded Programs for Students
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location. By using this web page,

you may examine opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Also, you may search by keywords to identify sites in particular research areas or with certain features, such as a particular location.

 
*Summer Research Program at University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Nebraska's summer program offers research opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in addition to a new interdisciplinary Minority Health Disparities program doing research in and around the social sciences. A complete listing of faculty mentors and research project descriptions can be found on our websiteStudents can also find information about program benefits including a competitive stipend, room and board, travel expenses, and more. Summer 2014 programs include: Algal Biofuels and Nanohybrid Materials, Applied Mathematics, Bioenergy Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Minority Health Disparities, Redox Biology, Virology, and Water in the Earth System. 
During the Nebraska Summer Research Program, students receive first-hand exposure to research and the experience of graduate school. They work closely with faculty mentors and research teams of graduate students and other summer scholars. Students also have opportunities to participate in meaningful social and professional development activities outside of the laboratory.

Priority review of applications begins Friday, February 1 and all applications must be completed by Monday, February 17. Students historically underrepresented in graduate education and students from academic institutions where research programs are limited are especially encouraged to apply.

 
*Summer Research Program in Genomics at the Broad Institute
The Broad is a non-profit biomedical research institute dedicated to transforming human health through genomic science. The application for the Broad's Summer Research Program in Genomics (SRPG) is now available online. SRPG is a 9-week paid research experience designed for underrepresented minority undergraduates with an interest in genomics and a commitment to research. Students perform original computational or experimental-based research guided by Broad scientists. SRPG features a rich curriculum outside the lab, emphasizing career and leadership development. This includes an intensive scientific communication course, seminars by leading scientists in biomedicine, and workshops preparing students for graduate school admissions. SRPG participants live in student housing at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT). The application is due January 31, 2014. If you have any questions about the program, the application process or eligibility, please don't hesitate to contact Francie Latour, Diversity Initiatives Coordinator, at [email protected]

*CSUMB Greenwaste Internship
 
GreenWaste, CSUMB's recycling, waste and compost hauler, is hiring a part-time student intern. The intern also works with Campus Planning and the Facilities departments on many projects. All majors, graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. Past interns have helped organize Move Out, coordinate low waste events and performed waste audits on campus.  Max Lorenz (MBA '13), our last intern, performed a waste audit of our dumpsters which lead to CSUMB reducing pick up service from 3x/week to 1x/week, resizing and relocating many dumpsters for better use.  If you're interested in hands on work that can make a tangible difference on campus apply to the posting on OtterJobs. They're looking for someone to start asap and who would like to work for 1-2 years since there's a lot more to do!

  

Global Health for Social Change Internship Program in South Africa
This summer 2014 program gives students the opportunity to experience how public health impacts local communities in South Africa. The Global Health for Social Change (GHSC) Internship is an 8-week field placement program unlike any other in Africa where students are embedded with a local or international NGO supporting health and social change while living with a local host family for total cultural immersion. 

    

Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program 

The DOE Scholars Program offers unique opportunities that introduce students or post-graduates to the agency's mission and operations. Participants in the DOE Scholars Program gain a competitive edge as they apply their education, talent and skills in a variety of scientific re http://orise.orau.gov/doescholarssearch settings within the DOE complex. Appointments are available in a variety of disciplines at participating DOE facilities nationwide.

Being selected as a DOE Scholar offers the following benefits:

  • Career possibilities with the nation's leading sponsor for scientific research
  • Opportunities to learn from top scientists and subject matter experts
  • Stipends of up to $650 per week (depending on academic status)
  • Travel arrangements to and from appointment site

Applicants must be US Citizens and undergraduates, graduates or post-graduates of an accredited college or university.  The program is open to majors in: Engineering; Physical Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Computer Science and Information Technology; Physics; Business; Policy; Program Management; Mathematics; Statistics; Safety and Health; Accounting and Finance; Law; Communications; and other related areas.

More Information 

  

  

New Ocean Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) through CSUMB

CSUMB is offering a 10-week, Summer 2014 Ocean Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program (pending NSF funding) in the Monterey Bay Region. While working with faculty and scientists, students will engage in Ocean Science research at the following host institutions: CSUMB, Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, Naval Postgraduate School, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Students will conduct Ocean Science research within the following disciplines and themes: oceanography, marine biology and ecology, ocean engineering and marine geology. A stipend, travel and housing support will be provided. The application will be available in January 2014. 

More Information

 
2014 Energy Efficient Electronics Science Summer Research Internship 
Dates: June 8-August 9, 2014
Locations: UC Berkeley, MIT, Stanford, and University of Texas at El Paso
Application Deadline: 
January 31, 2014
A 9-week program that introduces energy efficient electronics science to undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in science and engineering. Summer interns have the opportunity to join E3S researchers working in a collaborative and innovative environment to make fundamental breakthroughs in the underlying physics, chemistry, and material science of electronics systems.

  

Science Policy Summer Internship in Washington, D.C.
       A science policy-focused Summer Internship Program (SSIP) conducted by the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is being offered.  This opportunity is for graduate and undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly, but not limited to, students interested in pursuing careers in science policy or science education.               The ten-week, Washington, DC-based internship (May 27-August 1, 2014) is made possible through a grant to the QEM  Network from NSF. Students who successfully complete the internship will receive a taxable stipend, $3,000 for undergraduates and $4,000 for graduate students, paid in three installments over the course of the summer. The students also will receive housing at George Washington University with other QEM interns as well as round-trip airfare and ground travel reimbursement. 
 
Medical Scribe Positions at Natividad Medical Center
CEP America's Scribes work exclusively in our Emergency Departments (ED). Scribes document patients' medical histories and physical exams as they work with CEP America healthcare providers in the ED. Our scribes are trained in medical terminology and medical documentation. Scribes also receive customized training using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or documentation system specific to their hospital. Scribes do not perform any clinical duties nor do they provide direct patient care, but they assist with a number of important tasks.
 

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Resource Volunteer Program 

The Natural Resource Volunteer Program (NRVP) assists the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) by providing enhanced public service to the community while offering opportunities for for citizens to make a definitive contribution toward protecting California's wildlife resources.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Internships
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is one of the nation's largest marine protected areas and encompasses more than 6,000 square miles of central California coastal waters containing a rich array of habitats and marine life. The Sanctuary program provides protection of these natural resources through research and education to foster public understanding and stewardship of this nationally significant marine area. 
 
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary constantly seeking interns to work on various research, education and resource protection projects. 

FishWise Sustainable Seafood Internship
FishWise is a non-profit organization designed to improve the sustainability and financial performance of seafood retailers, distributors, and producers.  Uniquely positioned between the seafood industry and marine conservation organizations, FishWise offers a range of services that create trust between seafood vendors and their customers.  FishWise joins business imperatives with leading ocean conservation strategies. The intern's primary responsibility is two-fold: 1) to provide support to existing member retailer partners and 2) provide general office support. 
 

UROC Student Opportunities     

Visit the UROC (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center) office located in the Tanimura and Antle Library suite 2150 for more information on research opportunities or visit www.csumb.edu/uroc  

Scholarships and Conferences
Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program
 

The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with training and mentored research activities in conservation biology and other disciplines relevant to land, water and wild life conservation.  Scholars participate in an intensive conservation skills and leadership program; work with agency, faculty and graduate student mentors on paid group research projects and internships; attend national meetings; and engage in mentoring and social networks.

 

The Year 1 experience, Classroom in the field, commences June 23rd, 2014.  Doris Duke Conservation Scholars will have all travel, insurance, food and lodging paid for during the 8-week summer student experience, and will receive a weekly stipend of $500.  Year 1 Scholars may be invited to join a Conservation Solution Team, or receive a prestigious Conservation Internship in subsequent summers.

 

The program is targeting freshmen and sophomores due to the program's multi-summer opportunities.  However, they are willing to consider juniors, especially if they are able to participate in more than one summer.

 

 

The program is open to all majors (including "undecided").  In fact, they are looking for a broad mix of students, from ecology to film studies.  You also don't need to have field or outdoor (camping and backpacking) experience. 

 

The deadline to apply is January 31, 2014.  Please click on the following link to access the application and view additional program details:

 http://coenv.washington.edu/conservationscholars/

*US Army Health Profession Scholarship Program
The US Army can help students afford medical schools with one of the most comprehensive scholarships available in the healthcare field - The F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. Qualifying students receive full tuition for any accredited medical, dental, veterinary, psychology or optometry program, plus a generous monthly stipend of more than $2,000.

NOAA Internship/Scholarship Applications Open Now

The OEd Student Scholarship Programs provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain "hands-on" experience, pursue research, and educational training in NOAA-mission sciences. Students competitively selected to the programs are matriculated in science, technology, policy, management, and education. Financial support is provided for two years to full-time students in good academic standing. More Information 

 

Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) would like to invite you to encourage students to consider a career in toxicology. SOT offers students and their advisors the opportunity to learn more about toxicology by attending a special program for undergraduate students at the SOT Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, March 22-24. We provide travel funds and host a special Undergraduate Education Program designed to guide talented undergrads along the path to graduate school and a research careers in toxicology. More Information 

 

Student Opportunities at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently advertizing two student programs for students in oceanic, environmental, biological and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education.  Many of the disciplines NOAA employees study overlap with USDA.

The Hollings Scholarship brings approximately 100 students to DC every summer for a scholarship/internship program.  NOAA is looking to diversify their candidate pool as a very small percentage of students awarded are minorities.

http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/scholarships/hollings.html

The Educational Partnership Program Undergraduate Scholarship is for students from Minority-Serving Institutions, including HSIs.  Includes an academic scholarship and internship.

http://www.epp.noaa.gov/ssp_undergrad_page.html

This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in STEM and the federal government.   Contact NOAA with any questions.

Education Opportunities
Spend the Fall 2014 Semester in Costa Rica
The 12-week program begins in the capital with orientation activities and introductory lectures. 
The cloud forest of San Luis de Monteverde is the base of operations; there students will live 
with local rural families, learn about tropical biodiversity, study quantitative ecology, and 
undertake an intensive program of Spanish language and culture. Field excursions will expose 
students to a full range of Costa Rica's spectacular tropical ecosystems, from the Pacific to the 
Caribbean coast, and from the lowlands to the highest mountain peaks. The program is 
rigorous, intensive, and hands-on. 

Students will earn 21 units of academic credit in science, language, and service learning. 
Previous coursework in Spanish not required. Course credit: 
ENSTU 349S. Environmental Interpretation (5 units) 
ENVS 350. Quantitative Field Methods (4 units) 
BIO 395. Special Topics: Survey of Tropical Ecosystems (4 units) 
SPAN. Spanish Language (8 units) 
Applications due February 1, 2014
Contact Please contact Dr. Diana Lieberman ([email protected]) or Holly White ([email protected]), for further information or to request application materials.
 
Graduate School Test Prep Books Available in the Library
In an effort to support graduate school efforts for our students, a partnership with UROC, support programs (CSS and SSS), and the library have come together to make some test books available for our students. Check out the selection of available test prep books here.

 

Masters of Environmental Management or Masters of Forestry
Each fall, the Nicholas School visits college campuses around the country. Members of the Nicholas School Academic and Enrollment Services staff and faculty travel around the country to meet with students, faculty, career services professionals and administrators to share information about our unique and distinct Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry degree programs. We invite you to meet with one of our representatives at a location near you.
 
Winter Field Intensive Study Program on Mexico's Carribean Coast
 The Environmental Studies Program of the University of Montana at Missoula is offering another session of ENST 291: Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies, held over winter break on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.  This course is approved for 3 undergraduate semester credits. More Information

 

Winter Intensive Field Studies in Belize
 The Institute of Sustainable International Studies, ISIS, is offering courses this winter that will allow students to do both. Students have the chance to explore inland jungles and rivers, elaborate cave systems, grasses and mangroves surrounding the Belize Barrier Reef and discover traditional methods of environmental conservation. For more information visit the website.

 

Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program  in Puerto Rico 

The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the third season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. 

Join our research team studying humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico. Space is limited to 4 students in each  7 day session for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 19, 2014- April 19, 2014. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. Gap year students are welcome to inquire about programs lasting multiple weeks, including in depth analysis of data. More Information 

Upcoming Events and Seminars
Return of the Natives Restoration Education Project

Habitat Restoration Planting  

Saturday, January 18th,  

10:00am - 1:00pm

Ft. Ord Dunes State Park, Marina   

Please join us in planting California native plants and restoring the native dune habitat on the former military training grounds. The Planting season will kick off at the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, on January 18th from 10am to 1pm. Volunteers are needed to help plant native plants, remove invasive ice plant, and enjoy a beautiful restoration site overlooking the Monterey Bay.

Join us for a day of fun while learning more about where you live, meet new people, get community service hours, and help protect and increase our natural habitats.

As always, this is a great family activity that is FREE. All ages welcome. 
Tools, water and great snacks provided for this special event!

*Students under the age of 18 need to sign a waiver. Download one here!   

Winter Bird Count and Planting

Saturday, January 18th,  

7:00am - 12:00pm 

Upper Carr Lake, Salinas    

Experienced birders and novices alike are invited to join Return of the Natives at Upper Carr Lake for the Winter Bird Count! Last year, we identified over 70 species and had a great group of students who had never been on a bird count before.  

Why count birds? The quantity and diversity of birds helps us to assess the success of our ongoing habitat restoration work. Also, it is fun! After 10am, volunteers are invited to help plant California native plants at Upper Carr Lake.

Join us for a day of fun while learning more about where you live, meet new people, get community service hours, and help protect and increase our natural habitats. 

   

This is a great family activity that is FREE. All ages welcome.
Tools, water and great snacks provided f
or this special event!

*Students under the age of 18 need to have a parent/guardian sign a waiver prior to event. Download
one  here!  
  

   

Everyone's Harvest Farm Stand
The Farm Stand happens on Tuesdays from 12pm to 3pm outside the Library Cafe. 
Clubs and Club News
Association of Environmental Professionals
Website: www.califaep.org                       

American Medical Student Association 
 
TRIBETA 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

Science Club 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

Pre-Health Society

Contact: [email protected]

 

CSUMB Garden Club 

Contact: [email protected]

 

Marine Science Club

Contact: [email protected]