Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Scholarships for Future Science Teachers

Tech students who are rising seniors and who plan to become science teachers are encouraged to apply to the Noyce Scholars program! The Noyce scholarship programs are designed to support undergraduates who plan to become science teachers after they graduate from Tech. Georgia Tech rising seniors are eligible to apply for Noyce funding during both their senior year at Tech and their one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at either Georgia State University or Kennesaw State University.

The MAT will provide students with both a master's degree in their teaching field and initial teacher certification. The Tech/Kennesaw Noyce scholars programs are available to students who plan to become Chemistry or Physics teachers. These scholarships are worth up to a total of $20,000. Engineers and science majors, as well as students who have completed a significant amount of coursework in the sciences are eligible to apply.

For more information on the program, including eligibility and the application, go to www.ganoycescholars.org.

Applications are due by April 1. The Tech/Georgia State University Noyce scholars program is available to students who want to become "broad field" science teachers (teachers who are able to teach all sciences, grades 6-12) or for students who want to focus on teaching single science fields (biology, chemistry, physics, or earth & space science).

Applicants should be majors in any of the sciences or engineering. These scholarships are worth up to $24,000. For more information on the program, and the application, go to this website or email Beth Spencer (beth.spencer@provost.gatech.edu) for an application. The Georgia State Noyce scholars application deadline is March 1. Students may apply to both scholarship programs; if offered both options, students will have to commit to either the KSU or the GSU program. Students who have questions about the scholarships, teaching, or MAT options should contact Beth Spencer (beth.spencer@provost.gatech.edu).

International Plan Opportunities Fair and Pizza Party

Piedmont Room, Student Center
February 25, 2010
5:30 - 7:00 PM

You are Cordially Invited to the International Plan International Opportunities Fair and Pizza Party We are gathering many of your international opportunities advisors into one room.

Representatives will be available from Study Abroad, Work Abroad, Modern Languages, and Research.

Don't miss this chance to explore your international options, to meet other students who have just joined the program, and to enjoy some pizza with us. It's never too early to start planning! Please RSVP here.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

GT 27th Annual Alumni Career Fair--Graduating Seniors

The GT Alumni Association is hosting their 27th Annual Alumni Career Fair on April 6, 2010 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Graduating seniors are invited to register and attend the fair.

Visit this site to learn more and register for the fair and associated events.

Chemistry elective for fall 2010

Announcing an elective course in Fall 2010 for upper level undergraduate and graduate students entitled “Catalytic Chemistry and Engineering.” The course will offer and equal emphasis on the chemistry and engineering of catalysts, covering the three major classes of catalysts, (i) homogeneous, (ii) heterogeneous, and (iii) biocatalysts. The intent of the course is communicate the important aspects of each class of catalysts, while simultaneously identifying significant commonalities and differences among the classes of catalysts. Students completing the class should be well-versed in all the catalyst classes.

An overview of what the course will cover is shown below:

Topics
1) Review of Basic Catalysis and Kinetics
2) Homogeneous Catalysis (organometallics, and organocatalysis)*
3) Biocatalysis (enzymes, antibodies, etc.)*
4) Heterogeneous Catalysis (oxides, polymers, etc.)*
5) Reactor Engineering for Catalytic Applications
6) Frontier Research in Catalysis

* equal emphasis

Plus:
- Catalysis for energy applications – solar energy and biofuels
- Case studies from industry
- Industrial organic chemistry including renewable feedstocks of the future

Pre- or co-requisites for Undergraduate Students: (i) Chem 2312;(ii) ChBE 4300 or Chem 3111 and Chem 3411.

Summer Chemistry Course Offerings

Making plans for summer? Keep in mind that the following CHEM courses will be offered in summer 2010. Times to be announced!

CHEM 1310
CHEM 1311
CHEM 1312
CHEM 2211
CHEM 2311
CHEM 2312
CHEM 2380
CHEM 3511

Friday, February 19, 2010

Pre-Teaching Summer Undergradauate Research Experience (P-T SURE)

Undergrads interested in K-12 teaching careers and research are encouraged to apply for the Pre-Teaching SURE

The Pre-Teaching Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (P-T SURE) is designed for Tech undergrads who are interested in K-12 teaching careers and who would like to engage in laboratory research and research methods. Selected undergrads will be paired with classroom teachers in Georgia Tech research labs for 8 weeks (June 1-July 23). They will participate in research projects and work with teachers to translate these experiences into classroom activities.

This is a paid summer research experience, and is open to undergrads in all disciplines. Applications are due by March 15th.

Students can learn more about the program and the application here.

Students who are interested in applying should attend an Information Session on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. in the Success Center's President's
Suite D
.

Students who cannot attend this session must contact Beth Spencer (beth.spencer@provost.gatech.edu) by March 8th.

Teach For America

Teach For America is a national non-profit dedicated to eliminating the academic achievement gap. We enlist our nation's most promising future leaders to teach for two years in one of 35 low-income regions across the nation. Teachers, better known as Corps Members, work relentlessly to improve their students' performance as well as their life prospects.

Tech students are in a unique position to give back and ensure all students have the same opportunity at educational success that we've had.

FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE is this Friday February 19th!

Eligibility Requirements Include: graduation by Spring 2010, 2.5 minimum GPA, and demonstration of leadership.

Go to www.teachforamerica.org and click Apply Now!

POINT OF CONTACT

Lindsay Chatel
Teach For America, Campus Campaign Coordinator
lindsaychatel@gatech.edu
404-372-2260

Imerys Scholarship Program

The Imerys Scholarship Program is open to exemplary Juniors and Seniors who are majoring in:

Accounting and/or Finance or Economics
Business or Marketing
Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering
Chemistry or Materials Science
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering
Geology or Mine Engineering

The application deadline is March 31, 2010.


For more informaiton go to the Imerys website , click on Recruitment, and look under Imerys North America Scholarship program.

Georgia Tech Natural Sciecne Career Fair

GT Natural Science Career Fair is sponsoring another exciting seminar: "How to Find an Internship" on Tuesday, February 23rd, from 11-12 in room 204 (Cherry Emerson).

The speaker is Ms. Ann Blasick, Assistant Director of Internship Program and Division of
Professional Practice at Georgia Tech. Come to the workshop to learn a variety of practical and effective ways to find an internship including Georgia Tech job databases, employer info
sessions, career fairs, networking, LinkedIn, company directories, employer websites and external job databases. During the workshop we'll cover valuable tips on timelines, follow-up, cover letters and many more important job search topics.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Job Opportunity--Lab Technician

Laboratory Technician
One of the research groups int he department is looking for a Freshman or Sophomore Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry undergraduate student to work part time as a Laboratory Assistant. The main duties will be to assist with large scale algal culturing and would involve
media preparation, washing dishes, autoclaving, growing and harvesting
algae. The position will require between 10-15 hours per week.

Pay rate: $8-10 per hour

Please contact Dr. Nicole Poulsen at nicole.poulsen@chemistry.gatech.edu to express your interest.

Internship and summer program websites

Education
Robert Noyce Scholars Program
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science: Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists; Pre-Service Teaching (PST)

Forensics

FBI Internship
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Office of Crime Laboratories
Federal Bureau of Investigation (general)
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
International Association for Identification


Industry

Pfizer Summer Internship Program (organic, biochemistry, analytical)

Abbot--healthcare industry
Genentech

Miscellaneous
American Chemical Society SCI Scholars
Amgen Scholars Program

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates

Pharmaceuticals
Merck Manufacturing Science Intern

Pre-Health
AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
University of Mississippi Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience
Summer Medical and Dental Education Program
Tulane National Primate Research Center Summer Fellowship
Pediatric Oncology Education Program--St. Jude Children's Hospital
Weill Cornell Medical College Travelers Summer Research Fellowship
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Scholars Program in Organic Chemistry
Eastern Virginia Medical School Department of Pediatrics
Medical College of Georgia Student Training and Research (STAR) Program







Community Foundation Fellowship

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

The Summer Fellowship is designed to share the work of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta with a current undergraduate student interested in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a community foundation over the course of a summer. The fellowship lasts 10-12 weeks with concentrations in the Office of the President, Philanthropic Services, Community Partnerships, Finance and Operations, and Marketing and Communications.

Skills and Qualifications:
Must be committed to a future in the Atlanta community
Currently enrolled as a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in pursuit of a BS degree
Strong interest in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and good time management skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software
Must be a lifelong learner

Compensation:
$200 weekly stipend

Deadline:
Friday, February 26, 2010

Send resume and cover letter (one page maximum) explaining interest and qualifications to:
2010 Summer Fellowship Program
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc.
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 449
Atlanta, GA 30303

or email to: jsheppard@cfgreateratlanta, org

GT Faculty Women's Club Scholarships

Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded by the GT Faculty Women's Club

  • Must be a GT Undergraduate
  • Overall GPA of 2.75 or above
  • Must have completed at least one semester
  • Parent must be a GT employee
  • Applications at www.gtfwc.gatech.edu
Application, transcript, and essay due on March 1, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

How Do I Get Started Undergraduate Research?

Great question! We currently have about 25% of our undergraduates involved in research within the School during any given semester, and we'd love to see that number increase! Here are some tips on getting started.

1. Figure out with whom you'd like to work
Check out the faculty biographies on the School homepage. Don't worry if you don't understand everything in the bio--it's very specific to the area of research. Just use it to get a general idea of what the professor does and whether you'd be interested.

2. Draft an email to the professor to request a brief appointment to discuss their work and the possibility of working with them. The email should be succinct but also convey the following information:
  • your class (FR, SO, etc.)
  • what CHEM courses you've taken, especially lab classes
  • if you took any AP science courses, those can also be listed
  • why you are interested in research, in general (I want to make my resume look better is not a good reason--even if it's true :D )
  • why you are interested in this research in particular
Some professors like for you to include a resume as an attachment. This is probably more pertinent for students farther along in their academic careers.

Tips for making a good first impression
  • Be professional--do NOT start the email with, "Hey" or use first names
  • Err on the side of being too formal
  • Proofread--and have someone else proofread for you (Dr. Shepler is always happy to do this)
You may have to email several professors to find someone that has space and resources for you and you are interested in working with. Be patient and persistent!

4. After you get a position
Congratulations! Now we need to make sure there is a record of your work. You can sign up for academic credits or do this on an audit basis. The latter just means that you are not paying for the credit hours and you are not receiving credit for them. It's just a record keeping method and it's nice for you for the work to show on your transcript.

Fill out the form at this link.
2698 = FR/SO standing, audit based
2699 = FR/SO standing, credit based (pass/fail)
4698 = JR/SR standing, audit based
4699 = JR/SR standing, credit based (letter grade)

The "adviser" is your research adviser, not your academic one.

Return the form to Ms. Thomas in Molecular Science and Engineering 2222K. She will set up the course in Oscar and email you with the CRN. Be sure to read the information at the bottom of the form detailing what is expected of you at the end of the semester (copy of lab notebook for 2698/9 and report for 4698/9).

Are you a "new" major?

Just changed your major to chemistry or biochemistry? Welcome to the department!

There are a few things you may be wondering since you made your switch. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. Who is my academic adviser?
Once your change of major form is signed, one of seven advisors should be assigned to you (Baron, Bottomley, Cox, Jenson, Morris, Peek, or Shepler). If you do NOT receive an email notification of this assignment, then please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Shepler (carrie.shepler@chemistry.gatech.edu). Dr. Shepler also serves as a secondary adviser to all chemistry and biochemistry majors.

2. How often do I have to see my adviser?
We do mandatory advising once per semester. If you do not receive an email from your advisor as Phase I registration nears, then please contact them for an appointment. We do place a hold on your registration that is not lifted until you have met with your adviser.

You are welcome (and encouraged) to seek out additional meetings with your adviser whenever you feel the need!

Most advisers use the "Sign Up" tool on the T-Square advising site (CHEM/BCHM Advising2) to schedule appointments during Phase I registration. If meeting times for your adviser do not appear, then please contact them directly to schedule.

Outside of registration periods, email is typically the best way to contact and schedule an appointment.

3. Where can I find information on scholarships, summer programs, and jobs?
The primary resource for this is the blog you're reading right now! You can search the blog by category (see list to the right) and see an archive of all old posts. The blog is updated at least once a week with all kinds of information regarding opportunities available to you.

4. How do I get involved in undergraduate research?
There's a separate post all about this. See "Interested in research" to the right.

5. How do I get access to the reading room in Boggs?
You should be put on the Buzzcard access list after your change of major form is signed, but if not please contact Dr. Shepler (carrie.shepler@chemistry.gatech.edu).

6. What students groups are there for chemistry and biochemistry students?
The primary groups are the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) and Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE). Both are great organizations and a good way to meet people in your major.

7. Where can I find information about major courses, rules, regulations, etc.?
The T-Square Advising site is full of information (see the Resources tab) and links to important websites (Registrar, GRE, and more). The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry homepage also has good information (see the "Undergraduate" link). And, of course, your adviser can help point you in the right direction.

8. How do I get access to the T-Square advising site?
You should be added after your change of major form is signed (check under "My Active Sites" on T-Square if the tab does not automatically appear. But if not, contact Dr. Shepler.

9. What am I going to do with this major?
Look for posts addressing this topic coming soon!

10. Do I need to read all the emails from the undergraduate list-serv?
YES. Non-essential announcements go out on the blog, and emails typically contain important information about registration deadlines, degree petitions, and more. PLEASE read them.

11. How do I subscribe to this blog?
If you are in Firefox (it doesn't seem to work in Internet Explorer), then just click on the blue or orange square with three white lines that appears in the main bar of the browser header (right after the blog address). Select "Subscribe.....RSS." Follow the prompts, and select your email provider to have new posts sent directly to your inbox.

Fulbright Scholarship Information Session

Thursday, February 11 at 11:00am in the Crescent Room of the Student Center.

The Fulbright is a very prestigious and competitive scholarship with great potential! Check it out!

What's In a Doctor's Bag? @ Georgia Tech

WHAT’S IN A DOCTOR’S BAG? @ Georgia Tech

General Meeting: February 15th in room CoC 102

Information Session: February 18th in room Coc 102

At What's in a Doctor's Bag, we work with children from all over Atlanta to demystify medicine and make the visit to the doctor a fun experience! We currently have many opportunities to go out and work with children but are in need of more volunteers! We will be visiting Centennial Place Elementary, Barnes and Nobles, The Orion School and more this semester!

Please come learn more about what we do and meet the officers at our Spring General Meeting which will be held on Monday February 15th @ 7pm in room CoC 102 which is right above the chem annex. We will also have an additional information session on Thursday February 18th @ 7pm in the same room for those that cannot make it Monday.

You will have the opportunity to sign up for volunteering on either of those dates. Dues are $10 and if you have paid last semester you don't have to pay this semester. FREE refreshments will be served! Bring your friends! Please email Andy Chung at achung@gatech.edu, if you have any questions.

CHECK US OUT or find us on Facebook.

Syngenta Corporation Summer Internships

A Talent Acquisition Manager for Syngenta Corporation will be on campus on Thursday, February 18th from 6-7pm (Student Success Center--President's Suite A) to conduct an information session regarding summer internships. Interviews will follow in Friday the 19th.

Students must attend the information session to interview for summer internships. They are specifically looking for CHEM and BCHM majors!

Presidential Fellows Program

Campus Due Date: February 26
Contact: Dr. Karen Adams, Fellowships Office ( karen.adams@provost.gatech.edu)

Georgia Tech may select one student to participate in the Presidential Fellows Program. This non-resident program offers 75 select undergraduates and graduate students a year-long opportunity to study the American Presidency and public policy-making process. Fellows participate in a fall and spring leadership conference in Washington, DC and discuss national issues with Presidential scholars and are briefed by public policy experts and senior government officials.

Fellows undertake an original research project on an aspect of the modern Presidency and write a 15-page paper. They also write two essays that are considered for publication in the annual anthology of the 20 best essays. The Program is affiliated with the Center for the Study of the Presidency


Eligibility:
Strong academic credentials, interest in the institution of the Presidency, and interest in public service. All majors are eligible. Both undergraduate and graduate students may be nominated.

Nomination Materials:
1. Resume (include major and GPA)

2. A 300-word statement written by the student about why the program is of interest

3. Contact information name, phone number, email address, and both summer and fall mailing addresses

4. Name of person or group providing the nomination--nominations may come from faculty, administrators, or from students.

Please send nominations electronically as soon as possible and no later than February 26, to
Dr. Karen Adams, Fellowships Office ( karen.adams@provost.gatech.edu).

A campus committee will be convened by the Fellowship Office to make final selection.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Tower--Call for Papers

The Tower Undergraduate Research Journal is seeking submissions for their future issues. Papers may be submitted in the following categories:

1. Article--the culmination point of an undergraduate research project,; the author addresses a clearly defined research problem

2. Dispatch--reports recent progress on a research challenge; narrower in scope

3. Perspective--provides personal viewpoints and invites further discussions through literature synthesis and/or logical analysis

If you have questions, please email review@gttower.org

For more information, including detailed submission guidelines and samples, visit here.

Nourish International--Volunteer Opportunity

Nourish International is a student movement to eradicate global poverty. During the school year, Nourish Chapters run small businesses called "Ventures." Using the money they earn, Chapters plan and invest in sustainable community development projects. Students then travel abroad to partner with local communities in implementing those solutions.

To expand our impact, we're looking for students on your campus who want to be a part of the solution to global poverty and challenge themselves in the process. These students will receive professional training and support as they start a Nourish Chapter at their school – building membership, running ventures and implementing sustainable development projects overseas.

There are several ways to get involved:
Apply to be a Chapter Founder – Between now and February 19th Nourish is accepting applications for its Chapter Founders Program. This spring, we'll be selecting student leaders from campuses across the country to receive professional training, support and $500 start-up capital. To start your application, click here.

Tell a friend – If Nourish isn't the right opportunity for you, you can still help accomplish our mission of eradicating global poverty. Spreading the word to just three people drastically raises our chances of finding the right student on your campus. Nominate a friend now by clicking here.

About Nourish International
Nourish International was founded in 2003 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the student group Hunger Lunch. Since incorporating as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit in 2006, Nourish has begun chapters on 29 campuses nationwide. In 2008, Nourish was awarded the North Carolina Peace Prize for excellence in cross-cultural solutions and sustainable development.
Since inception, Nourish students have raised and invested more than $140,000 in sustainable development projects in 22 communities worldwide.

Act now - applications are being reviewed as they come in!