The following e-mail message was sent to all current Biology majors on 10 February 2005:

Hello majors!

Time once again for me to bother you with some announcements. First, just a reminder that the drop deadline is tomorrow Friday, February 11. After Friday, you will need the instructor's permission to drop and a "W" will appear on your transcript.

Have you completed an independent study?
PennScience, the student-run, undergraduate research journal at the University of Pennsylvania, is currently looking for submissions for its Spring 2005 issue.
For further information or to submit your paper, visit our website at www.pennscience.org or email us at editors@pennscience.org.
Deadline: February 21st!!!

Fellowship opportunity...
In 2004, Mr. Paul Williams, a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees and the SAS Board of Overseers, established the Andrew N. Binns/Paul C. Williams Scholarship Fund for Research in Ecology and Evolution (the Binns/Williams Fund). Undergraduate students who are doing research in ecology or evolution are eligible for a maximum award of $1000. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, April 1, 2005 to Dr. Peter Petraitis, 325 Leidy Labs. A panel of Ecology and Evolution faculty will rank order and recommend proposals for funding. Mr. Williams and Dr. Binns will make the final decisions. Awards will be announced on Friday, April 15th.

Proposals from undergraduate students must include:
1. Cover sheet with name, major, expected graduation date, research advisor’s name, amount requested, other pending or current support, and an abstract (less than 200 words). The abstract should provide an overview of the research and its significance in a manner that can be understood by someone outside of your field.
2. A two-page proposal, not including references.
3. A budget and justification.
4. An unofficial Penn transcript.
5. A letter from the faculty advisor who will oversee the work. The advisor’s letter should address how long he/she has known the student and whether the student is ready to undertake the proposed work. It should also clearly state who will directly oversee the project and how this will be done, particularly if the student will be off campus.

Work study (or volunteer) opportunity...
 Technology Education and Awareness (TEA) – Digital Horizons is dedicated to improving computer access and training in the underserved populations. TEA offers computer training for first time computer user. With each class the individual becomes more proficient and confident with his or hers’ computer usage. TEA teachers strive to inspire and motivate students, and bring hands-on experience to the classroom. TEA utilizes a simplified version of windows: “Simple C”, this program grants a teacher the ability to move at the speed which each student requires.

Being a teacher for TEA requires professionalism, patience and the desire to serve the city of Philadelphia and already underserved communities. There is no feeling greater and more self-rewarding than making another person more capable in the world. TEA presently has 501 (c) 3 status, which allows students to attain this experience and utilize and earn their work-study money simultaneously. If a student does not qualify for “work-study” but would like to volunteer their services, whether it is for personal fulfillment and or to build their resume we welcome their applications and request the setting up of an appointment. Visit their website at http://www.tea-usa.org for more information (I have tried to access this site several times and it never loads. I have contacted someone at TEA but have not yet received a response.)

Summer Internships...
Ecology in Context: A Summer Program of Independent Research in Ecology for Undergraduates at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES) has openings for 10 students to carry out "cutting-edge investigations of their own design, working closely with a mentor scientist." The program is designed to illustrate the collaborative nature of research by giving you a chance to consult with other scientists, present your plans for critique, speak in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and write a paper for a peer-reviewed IES Occasional Publication. Seminars and informal meetings provide for training in many facets of the process. Through a case study of a regional environmental issue, a career forum, and a day spent teaching high school students from a nearby city; students explore the social, political, intellectual and personal dimensions of being an ecologist. The original e-mail contains a list of projects.

The twelve-week program for 2005 begins May 31 and runs through August 22. Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Participants receive a $3,600 stipend for the twelve-week program, and free housing in an Institute dormitory. Some assistance is available for travel to and from the program.

For more information and to apply (applications must be postmarked by 15 February 2005):
See their website at: www.ecostudies.org/reu.html
or contact:
Ms. Heather L. Dahl
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
P.O. Box R, Millbrook, NY 12545
(845) 677-7600 x326 
Fax: (845) 677-6455
E-mail: dahlh@ecostudies.org

Marine Ecology Internships at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Position description / availability - We are seeking applicants to help conduct research on several projects currently being conducted in various benthic communities.  These projects focus on benthic community structures, the effects of nutrient enrichment, and oyster growth and restoration. Research will be based at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in the Mobile Bay area of the Northern Gulf Coast.  The interns will work closely with Professor Ken Heck, Research Associate Dottie Byron, and graduate students.

Interns are needed for both spring and fall seasons.  The duration of the internship is about 3 months. The internship will have a flexible start date with spring interns starting on or about May 9, 2005 continuing through August 12, 2005.  The fall interns will start on August 15, 2005 and continue through November 18, 2005. 

If interested, please see visit http://univ-prog.disl.org/internship.html for an application or more information or contact:
Dottie Byron
Marine Ecology Lab Intern Program
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Blvd.
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-7551
dbyron@disl.org
The application deadline is March 4, 2005.

Summer job...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located on the upper Delaware Bay in Pennsville, NJ, is hiring a Biological Technician (Wildlife, Position reference #352851) The person selected for this position will collect habitat information at breeding bird survey points and coordinate volunteers to conduct breeding bird surveys. They will serve as a boat operator and recorder on breeding marshbird callback surveys conducted in a 2,500-acre tidal marsh. They will be responsible for data entry of all breeding bird survey data. The technician will conduct vegetation and invertebrate sampling and coordinate weekly shorebird and wading bird surveys in a 30-acre impounded wetland. The technician will coordinate volunteers for monthly wading bird flightline surveys. The technician will conduct woodcock singing ground surveys. The technician will assist with anuran call count surveys and reptile and amphibian searches. The technician will assist with a youth fishing derby. Other duties may include invasive plant control, monitoring and maintaining the refuge’s 25 songbird nest boxes, maintaining nature trails, posting refuge boundaries, developing interpretive materials, conducting interpretive programs, and maintaining refuge grounds and equipment. Forty hour work week schedules can be adapted to meet personal needs; however work will be required on most weekends.

Qualifications:
A successful applicant will have a bachelor’s or higher degree in the biological sciences or a related field. The technician must be comfortable operating a small boat in tidal waters and have orienteering and navigation skills. They must be able to identify plants commonly found in southwestern New Jersey. They must be in good physical condition, capable of working outdoors daily in hot and humid weather with ticks and biting insects. They must have a valid driver's license. They must also be comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word as well as DOS-based programs.

Position starts : 3/7/2005
Hours : 40 per week
Salary range : $540/week. Refuge housing is available (rent is required).
Duration : 4 months
Work Types : Full Time, Temporary, Internship, Spring, Paid, Summer
Cover letter required
Contact information:
Linda Chorba Ziemba
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
197 Lighthouse Road
Pennsville, NJ 08070
Primary Phone : (856) 935-1487
E-mail : Linda_Ziemba@fws.gov
Fax : (856) 935-1198

Full time jobs for graduates in Biology. Some of these positions begin late in the Spring so seniors may wish to apply... (if you are not graduating yet, it's a chance to see what opportunities might exist when you finish!)

Biomedical Research Assistant - The Rockefeller University
The Rockefeller University seeks Research Assistants to work in one of our 80 laboratories. The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for scientific research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, chemistry, and physics. The university is made up of 75 independent laboratories that are free to interact in any and all directions. Scientifically, our programs are devoted mainly to basic scientific investigation, as the motto on our seal states, 'for the benefit of humankind.' The Rockefeller community consists of 700 faculty members and postdoctoral fellows, 140 Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. students, and 850 administrative and support staff members. Our campus is located on 14 park-like acres on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Qualifications
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in eventual graduate/medical school or a long-term commitment to research. We offer an excellent salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and tuition reimbursement. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree in the life sciences, some previous laboratory experience, knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, computer familiarity, motivation, and the ability to work independently. A TWO year intention of service is preferred.

Position description
Qualified individuals will provide support to the laboratory in the completion of assigned experiments and (depending on the lab) assist in molecular biological, biochemical, immunological, genetic, neuroscience, and/or cell biological experiments. A team-oriented approach is used to conduct basic and human disease related research.

This job is listed on PennLink [see www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices] and resume collection has been extended through Friday, February 11th. They plan to interview at Penn on February 16th. (They will be handling their own sign-ups because of the resume deadline extension.) The PennLink position reference is #353200.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is hiring a Research Assistant A. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a member of the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The Department's William Pepper Laboratory is the first clinical pathology laboratory in the nation. The Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality and excellence of patient care and services at reasonable costs. The Department is committed to providing the highest quality of education to medical students, residents, fellows and clinicians including appropriate ethical behavior. The Department is dedicated to carry out basic and clinical research at the highest quality, originality and creativity relevant to pathology and laboratory medicine. The Department shall remain dedicated to excellence in patient care by being at the forefront of education and research in this field.

Responsibilities:
Assist in research of neuronal cytoskeleton in health and disease using established and novel histological methods. Other duties include microscopy, protein purification, running Western Blots, biochemistry techniques, maintaining databases, demonstrating techniques to students, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, preparing stock solutions in histochemistry.

Qualifications:
BA/BS in scientific or related field. Computer literacy, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop. Prior laboratory experience preferred. Ability to work in a team environment.
Reference # #69537 
Current status  
Deadlines Preselect Resume Submission : 2/6/2005 to 2/17/2005
Preselect Signup : 3/3/2005 to 3/6/2005
Preselect Alternate Signup : 3/2/2005 to 3/10/2005
Interviews scheduled on 3/15/2005
To be considered for this position, you need to apply through HR’s website. To apply through HR, go to the following website: www.hr.upenn.edu/jobs Click ‘Search open positions’, type reference number 041116150 into the appropriate field and complete an online application.

Dr. Gary Foster, Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weight and Eating Disorders Program in the Department of Psychiatry is looking for a Research Assistant to work full-time beginning Spring 2005 (but there is no information on application deadlines, start dates, etc.).

Dr. Foster's research focuses on the etiology and treatment of obesity. Most of his work has focused on evaluating the efficacy of different approaches including their psychological and metabolic effects. His current federally funded projects include studies that evaluate: 1) the effects of weight loss on sleep apnea; 2) the safety and efficacy of low carbohydrate dieting and 3) the effects of a school-based program for obesity prevention

The Research Assistant will have primary responsibilities coordinating a large multi-year study in addition to collaborating on several other research projects. Subject recruitment and retention, data management and analysis, and numerous other administrative responsibilities will be required. Some research experience, experience working within schools and/or nutrition education experience is required. Must be available full-time, be highly motivated, able to work independently, and should possess good organizational and interpersonal skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, SPSS, Access and Excel are a plus. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates considering graduate school in clinical psychology, public health, nursing, nutrition or medical school.

Interested applicants should e-mail a resume and cover letter to:
Stephanie L. Sargent, CCRC, MPH
University of Pennsylvania
Weight and Eating Disorders Program
3535 Market St., Suite 3094
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-898-2824
Fax: 215-898-2878
ssargent@mail.med.upenn.edu

Research/job opportunity for field botanist in Panama
Researchers Thomas Kursar and Phyllis Coley would like to hire a recent university graduate with training in plant ecology and field botany who wants to obtain research experience. The work is at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facilities in Central Panama and is an investigation of the factors determining the distribution of plants (contact Robin for a copy of the abstract). The applicant should have good skills in vegetative plant identification. The position is expected to begin about April 1, 2005 until about May or June 2006. We will pay $900 per month. Knowledge of English is helpful, but not necessary. Applications can be in Spanish. Please send a statement describing your research interests and background, a CV and the names and email addresses of three people who can serve as references to Tom Kursar at tkursar@bci.si.edu. We will review applications March 5th.

Teachers wanted!
The NYC Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) is an alternate route certification program through the NYC Department of Education. The program seeks to hire career changers or recent college graduates who wish to become full-time teachers in the New York City public schools beginning in September 2005. The Fellowship focuses on recruiting and training talented individuals who do not have any previous teaching experience or educational coursework.

NYCTF will be visiting Penn on February 16, 2005 from 6pm-7pm in the Jon M. Huntsman Hall at the Wharton School, Room F-90.
Key components of the program include:
* Full Teacher's benefits and salary (starting at $39,000)
* A subsidized Master's degree in Education
* Intensive pre-service summer training with living stipend
* On-going support

NYCTF is seeking to place teachers in various high-need subject areas including math and science. Teaching either of these subjects in the New York City public schools is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity. Math, in particular, is a subject area for which there is an acute need for qualified teachers. The NYC Teaching Fellows Math Immersion program helps selected non-math major candidates who are interested in teaching math gain the credits they need to teach math in the New York City public schools. This program targets individuals who have academic and/or professional backgrounds in math-related fields.

Visit the NYCTF website at www.nycteachingfellows.org or contact Rebecca Schatzkin at rschatzkin@nycboe.net for more information or to apply.

Abbott Laboratories, located in Deerfield IL, hires outstanding sophomore, junior, and graduate students majoring in Biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related disciplines into their extensive internship program based on business need. The purpose of the internship is to provide meaningful professional experience to students with proven academic performance and leadership potential. Abbott strongly considers those internship performers that continuously excel for their direct hire positions upon graduation.

Responsibilities could be in the following areas:
·Drug Discovery
·Drug Development
·Manufacturing Operations
·Operations Technical Support
·Medical Products Research & Development

Abbott listed this opportunity through Career Services' PennLink database at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices or you can go to Abbott Laboratories website at http://www.abbott.com/career/internships.cfm for more information.

Meetings, open houses, fairs...

The Third Annual Environmental Career Fair, presented by Greater Philadelphia Society of Environmental Professionals (SWEP)
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2005
Time: 5-7pm
Location: Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge
There will be free food!
This is a wonderful opportunity for all (men and women) undergraduate and graduate students to learn more about the various options for environmental professionals. Attend a panel discussion featuring speakers from various environmental professional backgrounds who will present information pertaining to the speakers' own career paths and personal insights. Engage in informal discussions with members of industry, law firms, consulting firms, and government agencies regarding potential employment opportunities.

Panelists will include professionals with the following specialties: a risk assessor with ENSR, an engineer with Montgomery, Watson and Harding, and an associate attorney with Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman, Goggin.

Recruiters will include representatives from the following companies: Aerotek Engineering, ESI, BEM (www.bemsys.com), ERM (www.erm.com), ENSR (www.ensr.com), NTH (www.nthconsultants.com), ROUX, and RMT. Additional companies are signing up to recruit at the Career Fair this week. These consulting firms employ engineers, geologists, accountants, managers, chemists, biologists, lawyers, and more. Representatives from the government environmental agencies will also be in attendance.

For more information, contact Polly Davis of Penn SWEP, at ecd@sas.upenn.edu.

We are pleased to announce that the Second Annual Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Society (LVEES) meeting will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2005, from 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, at Muhlenberg College. We are honored to have as our keynote speaker Dr. Peter Dodson, noted paleontologist from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and Research Associate at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

We invite abstract submission for oral and poster presentations from faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students. We particularly want to encourage students to submit abstracts and will give them priority as we develop the program. Non-presenters, including beginning students, are encouraged to attend. Oral presentations should be 12 minutes long and will be followed by 3 minutes for questions. A power point projector will be available in the presentation room, and some additional AV equipment can be provided if requested in advance. There will be an afternoon poster session followed by a banquet and the keynote address. Awards will be given to the best student oral and poster presentations.

Registration for the meeting, including a box lunch and the banquet, is $10/person for students (graduate and undergraduate) and $25/person for all others. We suggest that faculty be responsible for paying the registration fees of their students.

The deadline for abstract submissions (250 words or less) will be on or before March 4, 2005, submitted as an electronic copy to Erika Iyengar (iyengar@muhlenberg.edu). For more information about the format of this, as well as a registration form, visit the web site for this meeting at
http://www.muhlenberg.edu/depts/biology/LVEES
We will add information to that site as the winter progresses. Come and see what ecologists and evolutionary biologists of the Lehigh Valley have been up to!

The Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Ecological Society of America would like to invite all students and faculty of all majors and disciplines to the University of Maryland Baltimore County for the second annual ecology conference on March 12, 2005. The theme is Urban Landscapes and will deal with policy issues, hydrology, urban development, geology, air quality, health, green space initiatives, and many other fields. On Sunday, March 13th, there is a field trip to the Baltimore Urban Ecosystem LTER. It's too late to submit an abstract but registration to attend ends February 28th. Visit the meeting website at http://www.esa.org/midatlantic/ for registration information.

The Department of Biology at American University has recently instituted funding for graduate programs in Biology and Environmental Sciences.  Qualified graduate students can now earn over $20,000 a year to support their graduate education.

We are holding a Graduate Student Open House on Monday, February 21, 2005 for you to visit and learn about potential research projects and graduate funding opportunities. This day-long event is designed to familiarize you with our campus resources and give you a better idea about the themes and goals of our Master's programs.  At these events, there will be many opportunities to talk with both faculty and graduate students.  

The day will start at 9 AM with a welcome and introduction to the Department, followed by a tour of our facilities and the campus, then a luncheon with faculty in the department.  In the afternoon we will have some short research talks from our faculty and graduate students.  At the end of the day, the graduate students will take you out for an informal pizza social.
 
Please reply to Dr. Nancy Zeller, letting us know if you plan to attend the February 21st open house by Friday, February 18, 2005.  We will also try to find you accommodations with the graduate students or faculty for the nights of the 15th or the 16th.  Contact Nancy Zeller at nzeller@american.edu or 202-885-2191.  Let Dr. Zeller know if you would like to arrange accommodations and if you would like a copy of the agenda.
 
Applicants interested in funding are strongly encouraged to attend the Open House, as the departmental review of applications begins in late February.  Also note that attendees are awarded waivers for their application fees. I also encourage you to inquire about reimbursement for your travel costs to the event!  We hope you will be able to visit and learn more about our graduate programs.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nancy Zeller at 202-885-2191 or visit our website at http://www.american.edu/cas/bio/welcome_bio.html.  We look forward to meeting you.

Ahhh, you made it to the end! If you need more information on any of these, let me know - I can send you the original message.
Robin

Robin Sherwood
Undergraduate Coordinator
Dept. of Biology
Dept. of Biology