Tuesday, March 30, 2010

All In for Haiti Casino Night

Dear Student,

Sigma Beta Rho and the Institute of Industrial Engineers would like to invite you to attend All in for Haiti, a fundraising Casino Night being held on April 5th, 2010 at the Student Center Ballroom. Admission will be 5 dollars (admission + t-shirt for 7 dollars!).

As you may know by now, the tragic earthquake in Haiti left a whole nation in ruins. In the past three hundred years, Haiti has faced a scourge of political conflict, natural disasters, and extreme levels of poverty leaving the country ill prepared for a catastrophe of this magnitude. Immediately after news of the earthquake spread, countries, groups, and individuals from every region of the world raised money and sent donations to Haiti. Unfortunately, it may take years for volunteers to remove all of the rubble and even longer to fix the country’s infrastructure. Food is scarce. The need for medical facilities is as important as ever. Thousands of children become orphans every day, and even more become homeless.

Join the entire Georgia Tech community as we raise awareness for humanitarian needs around the world. All In for Haiti is a philanthropy casino night. Come play professional casino games including craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. We will also be airing the College Basketball national championship on big screen!

Have a great time, eat snacks, and help make a positive impact. All proceeds from the casino night will go directly to the SOS Children's Village Haiti Relief Fund where it will be used to pay for food, medical supplies, clothing, and tents.

For more information on the SOS Children's Village, please visit

So join us on April 5th as we make a difference together and go ALL IN FOR HAITI!

For more information on All in for Haiti, please join our facebook group

To learn about the Georgia Tech Haiti Relief Effort please visit here.



Thank you,

Anirudha Mididoddi
All In for Haiti Chair

Research and Development Job Openings--SASCO Chemical Group

The SASCO Chemical Group, a manufacturer of specialty cleaners for various industrial applications as well as chemical process aides and functional reinforcement additives for the molded rubber goods industry, has immediate openings for R&D Chemists for its operations center located in Albany, Georgia. The R&D positions will entail the characterization and initial monitoring of new raw materials and newly commercialized SASCO products. They will also involve the development of new analytical test methods to fully accomplish these tasks and help transfer these methods to the Quality Control team. The positions will assist R&D in the identification and qualification of competitive raw materials from alternative suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical and statistics background and a working knowledge of both organic and inorganic chemistry. The ability to utilize statistical methods in the analysis of test data and in the execution of DOE based experimentation is required. Strong problem solving skills must be exhibited to resolve internal production problems or customer complaint issues in a timely manner whenever they arise. The ability to interface effectively with production, quality control and sales personnel as well as with customers is therefore essential. The positions will also be involved in the identification and establishment of meaningful application tests for new products being developed by R&D and will be responsible for carrying out these application tests to generate data for new product technical bulletins.

The successful candidate should have a B.S. or M.S. degree in a technical discipline such as Chemistry, Biochemisty or Materials Science. Candidates having additional training in the areas of surfactant science, particle science, aqueous pigmented coating systems or the rheological properties of colloidal systems would be a definite plus for this position. The ability to employ analytical techniques such as micro FT-IR and laser light scattering particle size analysis to resolve product quality issues is needed. A self-motivated individual that has the ability to carry out detailed experimental plans with minimal supervision is required. Good oral and written communication skills, attention to technical detail and good computer skills are also required. Some limited travel may also be involved with respect to supporting field trial work on new products or in resolving raw material and product quality complaints. The jobs are newly created R&D positions that will be filled at a level appropriate to the experience, training and skills of the candidate.

The SASCO Chemical Group is a privately owned, specialty chemical company that offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, profit sharing and a company sponsored 401K savings plan. Additional information about SASCO, its products and markets can be found by visiting our website at www.sascochemical.com . SASCO is an equal opportunity employer however applicants must be a U.S. citizen or already have permanent U.S. residence status. Candidates interested in applying should forward their resume along with their references to the following e-mail address: gary@sascochemical.com

Monday, March 29, 2010

REU in Computational Chemistry

The deadline has already passed, but they are still interested in candidates!

http://www.humboldt.edu/~reu-rms/

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Global Leadership Conference

Dear students,

We would like to invite you to attend our 1st GT Global Leadership Conference on April 10, 2010 at the Student Center Ballroom. Our goal is to inspire future global leaders to understand the importance of increasing diversity in order to achieve success.

As international barriers and boundaries are broken through cross communication, economic expansion, and political globalization, cultural diversity is rapidly increasing. In order to develop intercultural harmony, appropriate leadership must be practiced to embrace the new backgrounds, ideas, and ways of life. This harmony can be further facilitated by developing bridges across the gaps created by this new “small world.”

The Global Leadership Conference gives future leaders on campus the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of cross-cultural communication and meet other ambitious students on campus. Keynote speakers include Dr. James Anderson (author of books on globalization, diversity and transformative leadership) and Dr. Wynens (Director of Leadership Programs) besides workshops focusing on topics such as sustainable entrepreneurship, leading the flat world, global marketing and more. To register, please visit http://gtglc.org. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Sanchit Ladha
sanchit.ladha@gatech.edu

SGA Progress and Service Award

Are you an undergrad at GT that has made an important impact on the Tech community?

APPLY FOR THE PROGRESS & SERVICE AWARD!

Georgia Tech has always prided itself on a sense of duty and responsibility for both leaps in scientific innovation and their use in service for others. The annual Progress and Service Award was established by SGA to acknowledge students who have made a significant impact on the Tech community and portray the ideals of Progress and Service in their everyday lives.

This award, which includes a stipend of $1000 each, will be granted to three undergraduate students and will be presented to the recipients at the annual SGA banquet.

Any undergraduate student in good academic standing will be eligible for the award, except members of UHR or SGA Academic Affairs Committee. In order to be considered for this award, the applicant must complete and return the attached application to the SGA office by 5pm on March 31st. The application can also be found online. The SGA Academic Affairs Committee will then interview select finalists before making a final selection.

Important Dates
• March 1: Applications Available
• March 31: Applications due by 5pm in the SGA office
• April 5-9: Interviews with the Academic Affairs Committee
• April 12: Applicants will be notified of status and recipients announced
• April 26: Award presented at SGA banquet

Please see the attached application for more information or contact Rob Parrish, robparrish@gmail.com, with any questions.

GT 1000 Team Leaders!

The GT 1000 Team Leader Advisory Board is currently recruiting undergraduate students interested in serving as mentors to incoming freshmen to be Team Leaders (TL’s) for the Fall 2010 semester. As a TL in a GT 1000 Freshman Seminar class, you will gain valuable leadership experience while helping freshmen adapt to and grow within the Georgia Tech community.

Applications and additional information about the GT 1000 program can be found online. Please be sure to fill out and submit your application online by Wednesday, March 31st. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail us at gatechtlab@gmail.com.

We look forward to working with you!
-The 2010 Team Leader Advisory Board
“Helping Freshmen Discover the Magic of Georgia Tech”

If you are interested in working with CHEM/BCHM majors, please also contact Dr. Shepler!

SGA Elections

Elections applications to run for SGA office for the 2010-2011 term are due Thursday, March 18th, at 5PM. We urge YOU to consider serving the other students in your major program through SGA next year!

SGA members...
- Advocate for student concerns to campus administrators on a daily basis;
- Have student representation on all Institute-wide committees;
- Control the entire allocation of your Student Activity Fee -- almost $5 million annually;
- Tackle every issue from athletic ticketing to transportation, academic diversity to student fee increases, and even registration to Institute pride!

You can have a tremendous impact through SGA, and we need capable and hard-working students to run for and assume these leadership roles. SGA is currently accepting candidate applications for the Class and Major Representative seats, and for the positions of Student Body President and Executive Vice President.

The elections application can be downloaded here:
http://sga.gatech.edu/elections

Please note that you must attend an elections orientation session for your application to be complete. If you have any questions about running or SGA in general, please do not hesitate to contact Alina Staskevicius (SGA President, alina.s@gatech.edu) or Mike Donohue (SGA Elections Chair, mdonohue3@gatech.edu).

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Med School? Industry? CDC? Not sure what you want to do after graduation?

Then we've got seminars for you!

The following will be offered in conjunction with the CHEM 2802 seminar course.
All seminars meet in Molecular Science and Engineering 1224, 3:05-5:00pm.



Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Medical/Public Health School Opportunities: Dr. Madhu Adiga of Emory

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Careers in Industry: Dr. Eva Heintz of Solvay, Dr. Robert Kriegel of Coca-Cola, Dr. William Baron (retired Lucent Technologies)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
CDC Career Opportunities: Dr. Victor DeJesus, Dr. Carrie Pierce, Mr. Jeff Jarrett of CDC)

GTRI Policy Analyst Internship

The Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR)
is seeking student interns for the Summer 2010 semester. Ideal candidates will
balance technical skills with an interest in public policy. The work environment is a
small team of policy analysts in an information technology research laboratory.

Note: This is an unpaid position, but we encourage students to pursue course credit for
the experience.

Company Information: GTRI is the non-profit applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of
Technology in Atlanta, GA. OPAR strives to facilitate the dialogue between policymakers and
technologists.

Job Responsibilities:
1. Work 18 hours per week through Summer semester 2010 (May 17th – August 6th).
2. Attend weekly team meetings.
3. Conduct in-depth legislative research.
4. Participate in innovative applied policy research project.
5. Identify and update content on the OPAR website.
6. Fulfill other research assignments as needed.

Qualifications, Experience and Personal Attributes:
• Interested in the public policy implications of science and technology.
• Familiar with the US legislative process.
• Detailed-oriented, but able to step back and see the big picture as needed.
• Willing to seek assistance when assignment instructions are unclear.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and respectful.
• Able to effectively use Microsoft Office products
• Able to work in a team environment
• Fluent in English and have strong written and oral communication skills.
• U.S. Citizen (required)

Application:
Please send a résumé and brief writing sample (3 pages max.) to Moon Kim at moon.kim@gtri.gatech.edu. Acceptable writing submissions include, but are not limited to policy briefings, memoranda and articles. Previously submitted class assignments are acceptable.

Based on your written application, you will be contacted for an interview.
Interviews will be conducted in mid to late April. Selected candidates will
be announced within two weeks of the completion of interviews. Note that
OPAR’s Summer 2010 team will be limited to six persons.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 5, 2010

5th Annual Undergradute Research Spring Symposium

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Student Center Ballroom and Surrounding Rooms
Oral Presentations: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Poster Sessions: 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Reception: 4:30 - 5:15pm
Awards Ceremony: 5:15 pm

For more information about this event please visit,
http://undergradresearch.gatech.edu/SpringSymposium.php

Georgia Tech's Expertise at Work in Haiti

Dr. Reginald DesRoches of the Civil Engineering department shares his first hand experiences in Haiti and goes in depth on his involvement with the earthquake emergency response.

Tuesday, March 16th
Student Success Center, Clary Theatre

Organized by Gamma Beta Phi @ Georgia Tech

Kids@Kollege

Sign up for Kids@Kollege!

Kids@Kollege is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to bring children from the Atlanta area to our campus for
a day in the spring. The 3rd Annual Kids@Kollege day will be at the SAC fields this Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 12-4 pm.

This event benefits the local schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, near-by children shelters, and other Atlanta-based children organizations by giving kids a day of interactive science experiments, recreational activities, and food with Georgia Tech students and athletes. The event is free for all in attendance, and it is open to children and adolescents of all ages, as well as their families. We will start with a free lunch, followed by Sean Bedford, GT football starting center and aerospace engineer, giving an opening speech. The day will consist of 30 minute rotations between experiments, sports, and a blow-up bouncy house and slide. We have experimenters coming from a variety of research labs on campus, as well as several other campus organizations.

Right now, we have over 1,000 kids registered, so we need all of the volunteers we can get! We are looking for Tech student volunteers to be group leaders for the kids and help us facilitate the event. This day is a very rewarding experience, and all volunteers will receive philanthropy hours for helping out. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

The Fourth R: Human Rights Education

Hello,

My name is Swetha Krishnakumar, and I work with an organization known as the Fourth R: Human Rights Education.

Through the support of Amnesty International (AI) and the AI Southern Regional Office, we work in local elementary schools to promote an understanding of human rights and encourage students to use their knowledge in a practical way to help others around the world.

We are currently looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to work in schools beginning in Fall 2010. So if you are interested in working with children, learning more about the teaching profession, and promoting human rights, please join us for one of two info sessions. We will have refreshments and provide additional information about the Fourth R as well as the application process.

Info Session 1:
WHAT: The Fourth R: Human Rights Education Info Session
WHEN: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 5 PM
WHERE: Student Center Crescent Room
WHY: To make a difference…1 child at a time!

Info Session 2:
WHAT: The Fourth R: Human Rights Education Info Session
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 11 AM
WHERE: Student Center Crescent Room
WHY: To make a difference…1 child at a time!

Thanks! I look forward to seeing many of you at the info session!

Swetha Krishnakumar

42nd Annual Southeast Regional ACS Undergraduat Research Conference

This is a reminder that The 42nd Annual Southeast Regional ACS Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) will be held on Thursday and Friday (April 8 – 9) at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.

Welcome activities on Thursday (5:00 – 8:00 pm) will include student groups participating in a liquid nitrogen ice cream contest. Student clubs please contact cdockery@kennesaw.edu for more information. We will also have a t-shirt swap where student groups bring chemistry t-shirt designs to share and trade with other clubs in the region.

Highlights of the full program on Friday will feature two speakers (morning and evening) who will share their expertise in applications of surface-initiated polymerization reactions, and problems associated with counterfeit drugs and current methods of identifying counterfeits.

We will also have graduate school recruiting information from schools in the Region including; the University of Georgia, Clemson University, Florida Atlantic University, and Kennesaw State University.

Deadline for abstracts submission and registration is Friday, March 26. This conference offers a unique opportunity for students to discuss research and exchange ideas in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Details on abstract guidelines and submission as well as registration can be found in the menu of the SURC 2010 Home page

Crystallography Research Experiences for Undergraduates

The Chemistry Department at the University of Toledo will be hosting a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focusing on "Exploring Structures of Molecules and Materials" from June through early August, 2010.

Students will learn to use a variety of structural characterization methods, including crystallographic techniques.

The summer program will start with three days of introductory coursework covering the basics of scattering and diffraction methods, NMR, mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy. Hands-on training using state-of-the-art instruments available in the Arts & Sciences Instrumentation Center at UT will be an integral part of the coursework, allowing the undergraduate researchers to get an appreciation for the applicability of the techniques covered in the theory sessions. The remainder of the first week will be spent on a two day trip to Argonne National Laboratory, where students will have the opportunity to visit the Advanced Photon Source and participate in experiments on several beamlines. This will expose the students to cutting-edge research facilities, and will hopefully instill excitement about crystallography related research. A number of students will gain additional exposure to national facilities through participation in their group’s research projects during their internships.

Participating mentors include: Amanda Bryant-Friedrich (analysis of oxidative damage in DNA using NMR, mass spectrometry and crystallography); Connie Schall, in collaboration with Paul Langan at LANL (fiber diffraction studies of cellulose); Cora Lind in collaboration with Zhongwu Wang at CHESS (powder diffraction studies of negative thermal expansion materials under non-ambient conditions; Don Ronning (study of tuberculosis infection by protein crystallography); John Belizzi (crystallographic analysis of circadian proteins); Leif Hanson (neutron and x-ray scattering techniques to study protein complexes); Max Funk (crystallographic and scattering methods to study lipoxygenases); Terry Bigioni (colloidal nanoparticles); Timothy Mueser, in collaboration with Kandace Williams at the UT School
of Medicine (neutron and x-ray scattering and diffraction methods to analyze DNA replication and repair complexes); and Wendell Griffith (analysis of protein conformation through a combination of x-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry).

To apply, go here

The fellowship includes a stipend, housing, and the visit to Argonne National Laboratory.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Noyce Scholarship--Interested in Teaching?

Did you know that we have a pre-education adviser on campus? We do, and she'll be speaking in CHEM 2802 on Wednesday, March 3 from 3-5pm in Molecular Science and Engineering 1224. Dr. Greg Rushton, from Kennesaw State Univeristy, will also be present to discuss the Noyce scholarship program which can help you pay for a Master's in teaching.


All undergraduates from our department are invited to attend.

Potential employment--law and coporations

The Annual Southeastern Intellectual Property Job Fair (SIPJF) at Georgia State University is creating a new recruitment resource, PaTech Portal, to provide law firms and corporations with potential candidates.

Individuals with backgrounds in biology, chemistry and physics are highly sought for positions as patent agents and technical advisors in the field of intellectual property.

SIPJF is compiling a database of these targeted individuals with such degrees at http://law.gsu.edu/patech/candidates and would like to share this opportunity with our community of students.

*(Please note SIPJF makes no claim to guarantee employment)**

GSkyTeach

Western Kentucky University has recently been awarded a $5.4 million
dollar grant over five years to prepare physics, chemistry, and
mathematics teachers for high schools in Louisville, Kentucky. The
program called "GSkyTeach" is recruiting graduating seniors or recent
graduates with majors in the above three disciplines, but no teacher
preparation.

The program will pay trainees $30,000 plus benefits during
the year of preparation and all tuition costs to earn a Master of Arts in
Teaching degree. At the end of one year of preparation, the graduates
will be employed by the Jefferson County Public Schools at a starting
salary of $42,000. GSkyTeach is an exciting new program very different
from traditional teacher preparation.

For more information, go here.

GE--Appliances & Lighting Diverse Scholars Program

GE developed this new, entry-level talent development program focused on identifying and cultivating diverse talent. This is a highly competitive two year program that will consist of scholarships, paid summer internships and continuous leadership and professional development. For more information, please visit our website.

Applications will be accepted March 1 - 31, 2010.

PhD/MSCR Dual Degree--Careers in Clinical and/or Translational Research

Applications Being Accepted for Dual Degree Program (PhD/MSCR) for PhD Graduate Interested in Careers in Clinical and/or Translational Research

Available to PhD Students at Emory, Georgia

Tech, and Morehouse School of Medicine

The Research Education, Training and Career Development Program (RETCD) of the NIH-Funded Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI) is accepting applications for a clinical and translational research training opportunity for doctoral students. The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree will be combined with and complement their PhD degree.

Stipends, travel reimbursement, tuition for the MSCR, and health insurance costs will be awarded to accepted applicants.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A full description of the program, eligibility, and application instructions can be found at: www.ACTSI.org/RETCD.

The deadline to apply is March 15, 2010.

Address questions to:

Thomas R. Ziegler, MD or Cheryl Sroka

tzieg01@emory.edu csroka@emory.edu

Georgia Tech BEST Scholars

Current GT BIOL, CHEM, BCHM, BME, and CHBE undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in an exciting opportunity to participate in the Georgia Tech Biomolecular Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Scholars Program. This program provides scholarship support to financially-needy Georgia Tech undergraduates majoring in biological studies (ie. chemistry, biochemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering).

For Fall 2010, sixteen incoming Georgia Tech undergraduates will be selected as BEST scholars as well as 6-8 continuing students (mentors). BEST Scholars may receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 for the academic year. Scholars beyond the first year of fellowship support are expected to reside in an assigned living-learning community of GT housing with BEST freshmen scholars (i.e. likely Woodruff dorm) and participate in a mentoring role of entering students.

If you wish to be considered for this scholarship and serve as a mentor in the BEST program, be sure to complete the following application AND the 2010-2011 FAFSA by March 10, 2010:



Georgia Tech BEST program is funded by the National Science Foundation and supports students towards successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). STEM graduates are expected to embark on a productive and successful career utilizing skills learned as part of the program.

Personal statement, transcripts, and financial aid information will be carefully considered by the BEST selection committee in selection of finalists. Awards are expected in March/April 2010.

Note: If you are currently applying to reside on-campus next year(GT housing deadline is March 1), please proceed with your own preferences for housing. If offered the BEST scholarship and you accept the scholarship, we would change your housing assignment to GT BEST Dorm (likely Woodruff Dorm).

Want to be a FASET leader?

Go here for a leader application and more information!

Leader applications are due March 5, 2010 by 4pm in ISYE Annex, Room 330.

Study Abroad Summer 2010 in Cadiz--Medical Spanish and Health Care Courses

WHAT YOU GET FOR THE BASIC $6,140 PROGRAM FEE

  • Round trip airfare and transfers on May and July 29 (confirm return transfer)
  • Use of Centro MundoLengua facilities, classrooms, excellent instructors for classes and visits.
  • Several visits in Cádiz and the surrounding cities.
  • A GT Director, a local Instructor, and 2 Coordinators to teach/ support you.
  • Anatomy Atlas in Spanish
  • GT Medical, Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains insurance. You can buy extra days if staying longer.
  • Double room in Cádiz for 26 nights with a family, 3 meals a day, no AC.
  • Double room for 5 nights in Madrid, air-conditioned residence, breakfast, dinner.
  • June 17-20 excursion to Andalucía in private bus, hotels and breakfasts only.
  • Admission to La Alhambra, Sevilla´s Cathedral & Alcázares, Mosque in Córdoba.
  • Two subsidized group lunches in Cádiz, you pay only 5 euros each
  • One subsidized flamenco show, you pay only 5 euros.
  • Three dinners in Atlanta, you pay only $2 on site.
  • You need to give the coordinator a total of 20 euros for above

Returning July 8th? Iberia´s surcharge is around $120-$150

In Madrid, to more fully experience the culture (and save $$$), we recommend that you eat the all-included two-course 7-11€ lunch with dessert + beverage in neighborhood restaurants or in the nearby Comillas University´s cafeteria (7€). We can show you these places. Lunch is the main meal at 2:15-3:30pm. It is important to eat well since dinner is not until 8:30pm. Avoid buying sandwiches and drinks, since they are 7-11 €.
You will need at least $250 for meals not included in the basic price. Pack cereal bars/ snacks that don´t melt.

Admissions to La Alhambra, Seville´s Cathedral and Alcázares, and Córdoba´s Mosque are included in the fee if you have an ISIC card. Other visits to museums, cathedrals, bullfights, etc., are not included in the program fee since not all students want to see the numerous sites Cádiz and Madrid and the surrounding cities like Puerto de Santa María, Jerez, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Segovia, Ávila, Valencia and Salamanca have to offer. Required for excursions: The ISIC card, which entitles you to lower (or free) admission rates. El Prado and the Royal Palace are free on Sunday mornings.

Many students take small-group, side trips to Portugal, Morocco, Valencia, Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastián, etc. You have one free weekend and 5 days at the end of the program for these trips but you need to have a separate budget for them. Form a group and make arrangements from here or once you arrive in Spain but please know that Georgia Tech is not responsible for these trips because GT does not sponsor or promote unsupervised side trips or visits.


If you're interested, contact John Watson at johnwatson@gatech.edu

ThinkBig Communities

ThinkBig is a new program offered by the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Department of Housing to better the student experience for undergraduates transitioning between their freshmen and upperclassmen years. There are ten different communities where students will dive into a topic of interest, work closely with a professor, and participate in exciting events with their peers.

Two of the communities may be of particular interest to Chemistry and Biochemistry students. One is "Sustainability and the Science of Real Food" that will dive into our attitudes about food and how its production affects global health. Additionally, there is "Urban Outdoor Adventures" where students will uniquely explore the surrounding outdoor community.

You can find more information here about all 10 communities