MN Green Chemistry Conference 2012

Minnesota Green Chemistry 2012: Strategies for Growth
January 26, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Humphrey Center, University of Minnesota

Register today at: www.greenchemistrymn.org

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012

This conference will explore how we can reap the benefits of green chemistry by promoting a healthy business environment for green chemistry here in Minnesota.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Paul Anastas is the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development and Science Advisor to the EPA. Known as the “Fa­ther of Green Chemistry” for his groundbreaking research use of minimally-toxic, environ­mentally-friendly chemicals.

Dr. Patrick Gruber is the Chief Executive Officer of Gevo and has served as a director of the company since 2007. In 2008, he was awarded the George Washington Carver Award which recognizes significant contributions in the field of indus­trial biotechnology.

Panel Discussions Include:

• Product Improvement through Green Chemistry
• Green Product Value Chain
• Minnesota Grown to Minnesota Made - the Promise of Bio-Industrial Processing
• Growing Green Chemistry in Minnesota

Green Chemistry 2012 Flyer.pdf

Summer 2012 NSF-REU Undergraduate Research Program

The University of North Texas
Department of Chemistry
Denton, TX 76203-5017

Students looking for an exciting interdisciplinary research experience are invited to apply for the summer 2012 NSF-REU program at the University of North Texas. The ten-week program will begin June 4, and participants will be given a $5,000 stipend, plus housing. Funds are available to help defray travel costs to and from the REU site, which is located at the northern outskirts of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Possible Research Areas Include:

• Analytical Chemistry
  
• Inorganic Chemistry
  
• Organic Chemistry
  
• Physical Chemistry
  
• Computational Chemistry
  
• Materials Chemistry
  
• Ligand Design
  
• Kinetics
  
• Catalysis
  
• Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry
  
• Non-electrolytic Solutions
  
• Biochemistry
  
• Layered Inorganic Materials
  
• Metal Electrodeposition
  
• Surface Chemistry
  
• Organic Electrochemistry
  
• Diamond-like Carbon Films
  
• Organic Synthesis Metal/Ceramic Nanocomposites
  
• Optical Sensors
  
• Gas-Phase Chemistry
  
• Conducting Polymers
  
• Fluorescence/Phosphorescence
  
• Spectroscopy

Application forms and additional information on this program are available by visiting http://www.chem.unt.edu/nsf-reu/

Applications for the program are due by March 1, 2012 and should be sent to:

Shawn Adams
Chemistry NSF-REU Coordinator
Department of Chemistry
University of North Texas
1155 University Circle # 305070
Denton, TX 76203

For Questions and Comments, Contact Shawn Adams:

Phone: 940-565-4372 chem-reu@unt.edu
FAX: 940-565-4318 http://www.chem.unt.edu/nsf-reu

Summer Clinical Lab Internships at Mayo (and Summer Undergraduate Research link)

Please see the message, below, recently received by the Chemistry Department. Note that the program described here is not a summer research program. If you are interested in research at Mayo, see information about the Mayo Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/surf.html

Now, about the Clinical Lab Internships:

Season's Greetings from Mayo Clinic!
We wanted to share with you and your students that we will have opportunities for summer student internships in the clinical lab setting again in 2012. Last year Human Resources changed the computer system and we now have an electronic application instead of the paper applications. Students will be able to start applying January 1, 2012 when the SLSP job posting goes live. Students may visit this web site for more information: http://www.mayoclinic.org/intern-labmed-rst/details.html. It explains job duties, salary (which will increase to ~$14/hr), lab descriptions and FAQ's. You can look at the application tab to see the requirements. Paper applications will Not be accepted.

Students must have ALL required documents (i.e. unofficial transcripts, resume, etc.) at the time of application. If something is missing, the application should be saved as a draft, do not submit if the application is not complete. If the application is not complete, it will automatically be rejected.

It is a very competitive program. We usually have about 125 applications for about 18 positions. The program starts the first week in June and goes to the end of August. The application deadline for our summer lab science program is Friday, February 24, 2011.

Regards.
Karen G. Fields,
MT(ASCP),CG(ASCP)^CM
Placement Coordinator
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Phone: 507-266-4444
Pager: 127(12367)
Fax: 507-266-5193
Email: fields.karen@mayo.edu
______________
Mayo Clinic
200 First Street SW
Rochester, Mn 55905
www.mayoclinic.org

REU: Tackling the Environmental Grand Challenges of Engineering at Purdue University — Environmental and Ecological Engineering

This program is for students who are interested in applying their technical skills to solve some of the Grand Challenges facing humanity. Broad research themes include providing access to clean water, restoring and improving urban infrastructure, and managing nitrogen and carbon cycles at different scales. After completing the program, students will be better prepared to enter the
global green economy and will have a better overall understanding of the environmental impacts of societal and engineering activities.

Program highlights include:
Exciting, cutting-edge research
Field trips
Professional development
Social events
Sustainability discussion group

Students will receive:
$4000 stipend
Campus housing & meal plan
Up to $500 reimbursement for travel to Purdue University.


Eligibility requirements:
Completed at least 2 years of undergraduate education; continuing undergraduate in fall.
Major or program of study in natural sciences, technology, or engineering.
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Research Topics and Themes:
Reducing the water footprint of manufactured products
Water development in sub-Saharan Africa
Re-designing Urban Infrastructure Networks and Components
Energy Efficiency Enhancements in Existing Buildings
The Role of the Built Environment as a Reactive Component for Chemical Pollutants
Electrokinetic Remediation of Porous Materials
Nitrogen and Carbon Cycling
Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers for Fossil Fuel Combustion

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (EEC-1004974)

Application and more information available by clicking on blog entry title

Applications due: February 1, 2012
Ten-week program: May 29 to Aug 3, 2012
Program contacts:
Prof. Inez Hua hua@purdue.edu
Dr. Stephen Hoffmann srh@purdue.edu

2011 BioTechniques "Twelve Days of Christmas" Holiday Gift Guide

Click on the title, above, to visit the latest version of this annual holiday gift guide for your favorite science-geek.

Some entries:

temporary tattoos (double helix DNA),
talking microscopes,
and parasites as tree ornaments...

how can you resist?

KWAZULU-NATAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR TUBERCULOSIS AND HIV

Student Research Experiences at K-RITH: Summer 2012

K-RITH’s research center is being built at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa.

The KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) seeks world-class scientists to join our groundbreaking research centre at the epicentre of the tuberculosis and HIV epidemics. Our goal is to conduct outstanding research that encompasses basic science and human biology on TB and HIV and translate those scientific findings into new tools to control the deadly diseases.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st JANUARY, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information: email Victoria Kasprowicz, K-RITH’s Director of Education and Training at Victoria.kasprowicz@k-rith.org

K-RITH is a collaboration between the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. Our goal is that discoveries made in the heart of the TB and HIV epidemics will drive innovation to control the deadly diseases. We know that an emphasis on basic science will lead to rational interventions and clinical solutions to many of the problems facing the area.

Experience Scientific Research in Africa!

K-RITH is offering students the opportunity to join its vibrant and productive research community in the ‘Summer’ (African winter). Outstanding undergraduate and post-graduate students with an interest in an academic scientific career are encouraged to apply for an 8-10 week research experience from June-August 2012. Students join labs doing cutting-edge research right at the very heart of the HIV and TB epidemics.

All positions will be based at our state-of-the art, 4,000-square-metre facility, which is being built on the campus of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa.

Caltech Summer Research Opportunities (2!)

MURF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

The MURF program aims to increase the participation of underrepresented students (such as African American, Hispanic, and Native American, females who are underrepresented in their discipline, or first-generation college students) in science and engineering Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs and to make Caltech's programs more visible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech.

Eligibility: Students must be current sophomores through non-graduating seniors and must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.

Competitive applicants will have completed sophomore-level courses in desired research field, have demonstrated through academic and/or co-curricular activities a passion for research, and can articulate how their research interests align with Caltech's research areas.

Support: MURF students will receive a $6000 award for the ten-week program. An additional $500 housing and travel supplement will be provided.

Application: Online Applications are due January 11, 2012.

For more information, please visit www.murf.caltech.edu

AMGEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Caltech's Amgen Scholars Program is geared towards students in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology fields. Some of these fields include biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and chemistry.

Eligibility: Students must be current sophomores through non-graduating seniors, must be attending a four-year university, and must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.

Support: Amgen Scholars will receive a $5500 award, round-trip air transportation, a generous housing allowance, and a food allowance.

Application: Online applications are due February 15, 2012.

For more information, please visit www.amgenscholars.caltech.edu

Carol Casey
Associate Director
Student-Faculty Programs
California Institute of Technology
Mail Code 330-87
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-2887
casey@caltech.edu

2012 NASA Student Airborne Research Program

2012 NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP)
June 17 - August 10, 2012

The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to apply for participation in the NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2012). SARP provides students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and others.

Participants will fly onboard the NASA P-3B aircraft where they will assist in the operation of instruments to sample and measure atmospheric gases and to image land and water surfaces in multiple spectral bands. Along with airborne data collection, students will participate in taking measurements at field sites. Students will work in multi-disciplinary teams to study surface, atmospheric, and oceanographic processes. Each student will develop his/her own individual research project.

Instrument and flight preparations, and the research flights themselves, will take place at NASA’s Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility, in Palmdale, CA. Post-flight data analysis and interpretation will take place at the University of California, Irvine. Applicants must have a strong academic background in any of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or engineering and an interest in applying their background to the study of the Earth system. We especially encourage applications from students majoring in Earth, environmental or atmospheric sciences and related disciplines.

SARP participants will receive round-trip travel to California, housing and transportation during the 8-week program, a $3,000 stipend and a $2,500 meals allowance.

Applications received by Jan. 20, 2012 will be considered for early acceptance.
The deadline for all applications is Feb. 10, 2012.

For more information and to download the program application, visit http://www.nserc.und.edu/learning/SARP2012.html.
To watch a video about the 2011 program, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-jqE43PG0

Specific questions about the program should be directed to SARP2012@nserc.und.edu.

Green Energy Outreach

http://northfieldnews.com/content/%E2%80%98energizer%E2%80%99-students

There is plenty of opportunity to get involved with outreach education either through SOCS or through the green energy initiative.  You can e-mail me for further information about either.

Prof. Muth

2012 Summer Internships for Undergraduate Students

Department of Homeland Security-Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

10 week research experience; $5000 stipend plus travel expenses

Areas of research: Engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological/life sciences, environmental science, emergency and incident management, social sciences

Projects offered at:

National research laboratories: Argonne, Idaho, Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest, Sandia, Savannah River

DHS laboratories: Transportation Security Laboratory

Other research facilities, including Air Force research Laboratory, Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Locations include: CA, CO, ID, IL, MD, NM, NJ, OH, SC, TN, WA & VA

US citizenship required

Application deadline: January 5, 2012

www.orau.gov/dhsinternships

Administered by Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Announcing a Few Scholarship Opportunities, Undergraduate and Post-Graduate

Programs for Undergraduates:


• The Boren Scholarship http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship
Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad for at least one semester and study less commonly taught languages in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Special Boren Initative for STEM majors:

The Boren Scholarships offer a special initiative for undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors. The scholarships fund up to $8,000 for summer study (minimum of 8 weeks) for students majoring in the STEM fields. STEM field majors may also apply for semester and year programs.

St. Olaf Application Deadline is January 18, 2012 For more information or to apply, see Helen Stellmaker "stellmak@stolaf.edu" in IOS.

• The Udall Scholarship (for sophomores and juniors) http://www.udall.gov/OurPrograms/MKUScholarship/MKUScholarship.aspx

Scholarships are offered in any of three categories:

To students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, and other related fields; or

To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy, including fields related to tribal sovereignty, tribal governance, tribal law, Native American education, Native American justice, natural resource management, cultural preservation and revitalization, Native American economic development, and other areas affecting Native American communities; or

To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care, including health care administration, social work, medicine, dentistry, counseling, and research into health conditions affecting Native American communities, and other related fields.

St. Olaf deadline is February 13, 2012. For more information, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology.


Programs for Postgraduates:


• Carnegie Junior Fellows Program http://carnegieendowment.org/about/index.cfm?fa=jrFellows
A yearlong research opportunity in Washington, DC, focusing on one of the following topics: democracy, nuclear policy, energy and climate, international economics, Middle East Studies, South Asian Studies, South East Asian Studies, Asian Studies, and Russian/Eurasian Studies.
St. Olaf deadline is November 28, 2012. For more information, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology.


• Rotary Global Grant (http://www.rotary5960.org/scholarships)
$30,000 to fund graduate studies, with a focus in one of six designated areas:

– Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

– Disease prevention and treatment

– Water and sanitation

– Maternal and child health

– Basic education and literacy

– Economic and community development

– Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, room and board, books, travel expenses, visas, inoculations, as well as any humanitarian projects the club or district has planned that relate to the scholar’s studies

Region deadline is March 16, 2012. For more information, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology, or Chris Weber (chrisw@community-resourcebank.com).



• U.S. Student Fulbright Program http://www.stolaf.edu/services/cel/students/fulbright-overview.html#purpose
The Fulbright program, sponsored by the United States Department of State, aims to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries." Program participants are chosen based on academic merit and leadership potential, and are given opportunities to study, research, and teach English all over the world.
The next St. Olaf deadline will be in mid-September, 2012. For more information, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology.



• Fulbright Canada STEM Program http://www.fulbright.ca/programs/american-students/STEM_program.html
The Fulbright Canada Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Award is a new initiative of the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (Fulbright Canada), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and six of Canada’s leading research universities. The STEM award, which is a three year award valued at some $120,000 (tuition, fees, and an annual stipend of $20,000), is the counterpart to Fulbright’s International Science and Technology award for foreign students coming to the United States.
The next deadline is mid-November, 2012. For more information, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology.



• The St. Olaf Directory of National and International Postgraduate Scholarships and Fellowships
http://www.stolaf.edu/services/cel/students/post-grad-opp.html
For more information about any of the programs listed, contact Dana Gross, grossd, Professor of Psychology.

The King Visits the Chemistry Department

Imagine my surprise! But, alas, I have the photo to prove it!  http://stolaf.edu/people/hansonr/chem247/king-chem.png

Bob Hanson

EMail Received from LeHigh University Chemistry Graduate Program

The Chemistry Department at Lehigh University is accepting graduate applications for the Fall 2012 academic year. The Chemistry graduate program offers cutting edge, multi-disciplinary research opportunities for students in a supportive, small program atmosphere. We offer a competitive stipend ($25,000/year) and full tuition waiver ($13,000/year). We have research opportunities in the traditional areas of chemistry in addition to specializations in surface science, reaction mechanisms, inorganic clusters, materials, biophysical chemistry and nanoparticles. For more information about the Ph.D. program in Chemistry, please click on this link. If you would like to speak to the graduate adviser about our program, please email Professor Rebecca Miller.

The Chemistry Department is participating in the annual College of Arts and Sciences Open House on Saturday, October 29, 2011. The event runs from 10 am – 1 pm with registration beginning at 9:15 am. This is a great opportunity to meet faculty and students in the Chemistry Department, tour the research labs and chat one-on-one with faculty in the department. In addition, all students attending the Open House will receive a graduate application fee waiver (worth $75). Students register for the Open House through this online link. If you can’t attend the Open House event, but would like to visit campus and meet with Chemistry Department faculty at another time, please email Professor Miller.

Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

Not sure that you interested in studying molecular pharmacology?
Not even sure what pharmacology research is all about?

Then just imagine a career that melds the unparalleled thrill of discovering basic biological mechanisms with the excitement of translating those findings into the novel therapies for human diseases—that’s pharmacology. In other words, this is Basic Science on Steroids, where you not only perform cutting-edge basic research that leads to new insights in biology; you see how your discoveries can make a difference. If this appeals to you, consider Mayo Clinic’s Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Program (MPET), a unique and innovative Ph.D. training opportunity for graduate students looking to contribute to the frontiers of 21st century discovery and medicine.

Extraordinary Mentors

Mayo MPET faculty members actively mentor students by guiding your research project, fostering your intellectual development as a scientist, developing your communication skills, and providing you with career advice so that you can become an independent investigator in academia or industry. They also are world-class scientists whose multidisciplinary research programs integrate across the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, organic chemistry, structural biology, and genetics.

Exceptional Outcomes

Our success in training students is demonstrated by the:
•Tremendous productivity during student training including publications in high-impact journals
•Excellent postdoctoral positions students obtain
•Careers, as leaders in academia and industry that former students are pursuing
•Funding of a highly competitive, peer-reviewed NIH predoctoral pharmacology training grant that peer reviewers described as follows:

"The success of the program (MPET) is evident in the productivity of the trainees while they are in the program and the distinguished careers that they have after they have graduated. This program has numerous strengths, including a heavily funded and engaged cohort of trainers, a comprehensive didactic program, and an administration that has a demonstrated commitment to graduate education … the program is highly effective at training these students and bringing out their best. Along these lines, the MPET is a highly cohesive program with significant evidence of collaboration and numerous events that bring faculty and students together. It appears that MPET students are trained by 'a village' … Overall, this is an excellent training program and enthusiasm for this program is very, very high."
-Peer Review of the National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Training Grant

To Apply
Applications are due by December 1, 2011.
(Be sure to indicate MPET as your first choice!)
http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/phd-admissions.html
To learn more about the MPET program and mentor’s research programs http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/mpet.html

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Are you passionate about Biomolecular Science?  Are you looking for like-minded individuals?  If so, you’re invited to the inaugural meeting of the St. Olaf student chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Interested students should bring their cafeteria trays to BC142 on MONDAY, OCT 10^th at 6PM.  At this organizational meeting, we will share ideas for future activities and select student leadership. 

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a national organization that connects students and faculty with interests in this area. Grants from the national organization are available to send undergraduate members to the annual national convention, fund a research project, fund science outreach activities and more!  There may be additional opportunities to organize a mini-symposium or invite a special speaker to our campus.  Student members also have access to the career resources, journals, and professional newsletters of the national organization. 

***Note: The national organization requires an annual membership fee of $20 per student.  If you would like to join but find the cost prohibitive, please speak with Professor Laura Listenberger (RNS 380).  Scholarships are available.  Also, meetings of this group will continue to be open to any student regardless of whether or not they choose to be affiliated with the national organization. 

More information about the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology can be found at www.asbmb.org

Information about the undergraduate affiliation network for this organization is at www.asbmb.org/CareersAndEducation.aspx?id=2374

  

If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to join the student chapter of this organization please contact Professor Listenberger by Friday, October 14^th. 

Israeli Chemist Wins Nobel Prize For Quasicrystals

From NPR and the AP:

The 1982 breakthrough fundamentally changed the way chemists look at solid matter, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Scientists used to believe that atoms were arranged inside crystals only in ordered, repeating patterns, Shechtman's work showed that the atoms could be packed in a pattern that did not repeat – a new chemical structure known as a quasicrystal.

NPR's Joe Palca said Shechtman was in the U.S. studying a mixture of aluminum and manganese through an electron microscope when he made the discovery. The microscope allowed him to see how the atoms in the compound were packed together – but the pattern didn't make sense because it seemed to violate the rules of nature by not repeating.

"This was such a fundamental change in what people understood about crystals that it just seemed impossible," Palca said. "So he sent in a paper to a scientific journal, and they basically sent it right back without even ... looking at it at all. But he knew he had something very weird."

All crystals were thought to have rotational symmetry, so that when they are rotated, they look the same. On April 8, 1982, Shechtman first observed crystals with 10 points — pentagonal symmetry, which most scientists said was impossible.

Read more at NPR...

NDSU Grad School Visit Day (click here to open brochure in new window)

Oak Ridge Science Semester Information Session

What: Opportunity to learn about a fall semester off-campus intensive research experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Who: Current Sophomore or Junior Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Physics

When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 4-5 pm

Where: Regents Hall 284

The Oak Ridge Science Semester ( http://www.acm.edu/programs/15/oakridge/contacts/index.html ) is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to conduct research and work alongside career scientists at a premier facility, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Students do significant work on a research project related to their interests under the mentorship of a scientist at the lab. Students receive a full semester of academic credit, usually including an advanced course in their major. The program runs in the fall semester and is open to juniors and seniors.

A Resident Faculty Director from one of the consortium schools participates each year to teach, coordinate the academic program, and be a liaison for the students. Prof. Craig Teague of Cornell College, who was the Resident Faculty Director in Fall 2009, will be here on Tuesday to share information and answer questions. All students and faculty are invited to stop by, even if you have no specific questions and just want to hear about this opportunity for science students.

Organic Chemistry in Context

Here's an interesting article (click on the title, above) about how chemists are trying to discover the molecular basis for the action of anesthetics (drugs used in anesthesia). Wouldn't it be fun to do something like this for a summer? By the way, if you become a student member of the American Chemical Society, you can get Chemical and Engineering News weekly and discover all sorts of interesting factoids. It's only $46/year. See outside my office, RNS 318, for some free copies.

Employment Possibility for Our Alums

Summit Academy OIC, a technical trade post secondary school in Minneapolis is looking for a full-time basic computer instructor (Word, Excel, etc.). Degree in computer science is not required. A bachelor's degree in any discipline is required. Let her know that Sean Ahrar, wrestling coach at St. Olaf referred them to the position. Pay should be mid to high 30's.

Please contact Kendra Bennet directly at:

612-377-0150

Direct: 612-278-5241

WebAssign -- the leading service provider for online homework in higher education -- is seeking a Chemistry Coder to join our team.

WebAssign -- the leading service provider for online homework in higher education -- is seeking a Chemistry Coder to join our team.

Role and Responsibilities

• Coding of undergraduate level Chemistry content that is complete, accurate, and meets WebAssign requirements for style and functionality using several languages including Perl, HTML, and CSS.
• Complete coding assignments according to project schedule deadlines.
• Provide constructive feedback to peers as a part of content review process.
• Proofread coding, HTML, and algorithms.
• Provide frequent project progress updates to project editor.

Required Skills:

• Fundamental understanding of undergraduate level Chemistry
• 3.0 or higher average GPA in Chemistry courses
• 87% or higher on screening test
• Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Editorial/proofreading skills
• Ability to work on multiple simultaneous projects
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Preferred Skills

• High school or university teaching experience
• HTML experience
• Perl or other scripting/programming language

Education Requirements

• B.S. in Chemistry, science, or engineering

Full time position in Raleigh, NC.  Starts immediately.
Contact: Joe Kedra  jkedra@webassign.net

Unique Online Learning Opportunities at UF

We have recently received a mailing from the University of Florida detailing their "award-winning" online master's programs in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Forensic Science. More information will soon be available on the Resource Center Bulletin Board (across the hall from the stockroom office).

We offer this information as a service to our students, not as a recommendation of specific programs.

Brookings Report: Sizing the "Clean" Economy

This last week the Brookings Institution issued a report that attempts to put the "clean" economy into some perspective. What, you ask, is the clean economy? The “green” or “clean” or low-carbon economy is defined as the sector of the economy that produces goods and services with an environmental benefit. "Not only do 'green' or 'clean' activities and jobs related to environmental aims pervade all sectors of the U.S. economy, they also remain tricky to define and isolate—and count." Not surprisingly this kind of economy does not have a one-size fits all configuration. Each area of the country is different than another; however, the report's executive summary does its best to pull common themes together.

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/Programs/Metro/clean_economy/0713_exec_summary.pdf

Check out the clean economy elements listed for Minnesota and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area.

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/Programs/Metro/clean_economy/clean_economy_profiles/metros/33460.pdf

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/Programs/Metro/clean_economy/clean_economy_profiles/states/27.pdf

Some data from the reports and interactive maps are excerpted below. Remember that the green products are certified in some type of list, and it does not necessarily mean renewable. Note that these are all direct jobs, no calculations for total economic impact were done.

Green Chemicals: 148 Jobs (likely understated) Ranked #25.

A few surprises in this category. We have about 0.5% of the total. Far and away, the leader in this category was Tennessee, who has over 7,000 jobs in this industry. Some influence may arise from Eastman Chemical Company having their HQ in the state. Also, Nebraska only has 7, though Natureworks has a large facility manufacturing PLA in the state.

Green Building Products: 1,2887 Jobs. Ranked #15.

Green Consumer products: 2,218 Jobs. Ranked #11.

Renewable Energy: 2,003 Jobs

Biomass/Biofuels: 1,441 Jobs

Biomass/Biofuels makes up 70% of renewable energy jobs in Minnesota.

You can access an Interactive map that can give more detailed data: www.brookings.edu/metro/clean_economy/map.aspx

For the full Report: http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2011/0713_clean_economy.aspx

American Chemical Society Career Fair, August 28-31

The 2011 ACS Career Fair will take place over the internet and at the ACS National Meeting in Denver. You can now attend from anywhere.

Meet employers who are hiring chemical professionals in the chemical, pharma and biotech fields. We're expecting about 400 job openings onsite and online (2010 virtual career fair positions).

Who should attend? Anyone who wants to meet employers, attend keynotes and workshops, polish their resume, practice interviewing, and network with global scientists and engineers.

Cost: Free.

Best Regards,

ACS Careers Team

careers@acs.org

Jeopardy and the International Year of Chemistry

Celebrate the International Year of Chemistry by checking out the chemistry clues used on the June 21, 2011 game show, Jeopardy!. How well did you do?

For more International Year of Chemistry resources, check out the web pages at the American Chemical Society.

2011 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

Greetings from the 15th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. On this past Monday night, a new group of scientists, engineers and associated organizations became winners of the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge. One of these, BioAmber, is a Minnesota based company. Read more about the green technology and their award in the small business category here. It has been a fantastic meeting and more details will be coming. If you are interested in the conference, click here to go to it! Continue celebrating 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry and make it green.

Additional links to the PGCC BioAmber Award

Award Commentary on YouTube

C&EN Article

BioAmber Press Release

Senior Chem Majors 2011 News Letter

Please enjoy our Chem Majors 2011 Senior News Letters

Want to Keep in Touch with Science over the Summer?

Check out these websites for fun and information:

http://faculty.washington.edu/crowther/Misc/Songs/
Songs about science...audio files, sheet music, lyrics. Who doesn't want to learn to sing "The Schiff Base Riff" or "Hooray for NMR Spectroscopy!"

http://www.sciencereview.silentspring.org/
A Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure funded site. Lots of information on environmental factors in breast cancer (diet, pollutants, medications, etc.)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/GeneTests
Calls itself a "publicly funded medical genetics information resource developed for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers, available at no cost to all interested persons." Your tax dollars at work, better take advantage!

Blog Updates

Several updates have already been made to the Student Work Opportunities blog. Please check the actually BLOG posting at http://httpwwwstolafedudeptschemistry.blogspot.com/ before applying for a position!

Student Work Opportunities

Students who have applied for chemistry department student work positions for next fall will soon hear whether or not we were able to match them to a position. At this time, there are several positions for which there are no viable applicants (already had a job, didn't have proper pre-requisites, etc.) We can hire students without work awards for these if there are no other suitable applicants. Please contact Karen Renneke (renneke@stolaf.edu) if you are interested, whether or not you have a work award.

CHBI 125 A Lab Assistant 8:00-11:00 Th (FILLED)
Chem 125 C Lab Assistant 11:45-2:45 T
Chem 253 C Lab Assistant 8:00-11:00 T
Chem 256 B Lab Assistant 1:20-5:20 T
Chem 357 A Lab Assistant 1:20-5:20 T
Chem 373 Lab Assistant 1:20-5:20 T

CHBI 125 Paper Grader flexible hours (FILLED)
Chem 125 Paper Grader flexible hours (FILLED)
Chem 255 Paper Grader flexible hours (FILLED)

Fourth floor stockroom Monday afternoons (need to have taken Chem 255/256 already)

Third floor stockroom window Mon 11:50-3:00
Third floor stockroom window Wed 12:00-3:00

Chemistry Department Makes Awards to Graduating Seniors

The annual banquet for senior chemistry majors, faculty and staff was held recently and several awards were given out:

The winners of the Agre Awards were Steven Braun (heading off to Japan on a Fulbright scholarship, followed by graduate school) and Ajay Madhavan (heading off to medical school at U of MN or Mayo).

Several students won Academic Achievement awards: Karen Bieraugel, Laura Bond, Steven Braun, Greg Carlson, James Clark, Bogdan Conrad, Ellen Daugherty, Terin Euerle, Catherine Holm, Ajay Madhavan, Erin McAllister, Brett Morris, and Rachel Powell.

Several industry/organization-sponsored awards were handed out:
The Merck Awards: Laura Bond and Brett Morris
The CRC Award: Ian Gunsolus
The HyperCube Scholar Award: James Jaffe
The Analytical Chemistry Award: Nicholas Parker
The American Institute of Chemists Award: Haley Phillips

Two students going on in science education were awarded copies of Bob Hanson's book Molecular Origami: Zachary Hudson and Laura McDaniels. This is a book that provides patterns for making accurate scaled-up models of a variety of chemical molecules by folding paper.

Two students tied for the coveted "Doughnut Award," which is given to the student(s) who attend the largest number of department seminars during their junior and senior years; James Jaffe and Haley Phillips both attended 27!

Several students were honored for their outstanding service to the department over their time at St. Olaf: Karen Bieraugel, Alise Carlson, Terin Euerle, James Jaffe, Jessica Johnson, Garvey Liu, Erin McAllister, Nick Parker, Haley Phillips, Rachel Powell, Jennifer Sandahl, Sarah Steinmetz.

Call for Scholarship Applications! Time is short...

Current FY, sophs, and juniors majoring in chemistry or other STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Here's a chance to win a sizeable scholarship...but you need to work quickly:

The Minnesota High Tech Foundation (MHTF) will award more than $60,000 in scholarships in 2011 to strengthen Minnesota’s future technology workforce. Students pursuing degrees in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines (or education with a STEM subject focus) are eligible for up to nine $5,000 scholarships; and two $10,000 scholarships are available for students studying Computer Science or a Computer Science-related field. Each scholarship recipient will also have an internship opportunity at a Minnesota High Tech Association member company.

Scholarship Application:

The Minnesota High Tech Foundation Scholarship Application should be completed on-line and is available by following this link: MHTF Scholarship Application

Questions about the program should be e-mailed to scholarship@mhta.org. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted electronically by April 29, 2011. Applicants will be notified of award status by September 30, 2011.

About MHTF

The Minnesota High Tech Foundation (MHTF) is a nonprofit 501 (c) corporation founded in 1985 to promote and support excellence in science, math and technology education. The Foundation educates Minnesotans about the importance of a strong technology-based economy through outreach.

Pathways to Careers in the Biosciences Event

Pathways to Careers in the Biosciences registration is now open for students! St. Olaf students can register with the CEL. This annual event from the Minnesota Private Colleges is a great opportunity for students to learn from and network with alums of the colleges as they discuss their career path and offer strategies, tips and information.

Date: Tuesday, April 5th
Time: 3:30-7:00pm
Cost: $10 per student
Location: University of Minnesota Continuing Education & Conference Center, St. Paul

Format of the event:

3:45-4:00pm- Welcome and Introductions
4:00-5:00pm- Breakout Session 1 (Alumni Panel)
5:00-6:00pm- Breakout Session 2 (Alumni Panel)
6:00-7:00pm- Networking with Alumni

Each student must select the breakout sessions they attend when they register. Their choices are:

• Clinical Research / Regulatory Affairs
• Food Science / Personal Care
• Medical & Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing
• Research & Development / Lab Science

The deadline for registration in the Center for Experiential Learning is Friday, March 18th.

Transportation: We will arrange for vans as needed- those who need transportation will need to pay $5 up front to hold their seat- if they take the van, they get their money back.

VMD-PhD Combined Degree Training.

Rabbits help lower cholesterol. Cats may lead to a breakthrough in the AIDS epidemic. And dogs have taught doctors new heart surgery techniques. Even lobsters help scientists understand Parkinson's disease. Since the turn of the last century, animal research has helped wipe out such diseases as smallpox and polio while increasing the human lifespan by 28 years. Whether it's fighting epilepsy, finding a cure for Alzheimer's or making progress in brain and spinal cord trauma, the link between human health and animal health is absolutely crucial.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine provides an outstanding environment for the training of future veterinary scientists through our combined VMD-PhD program. It's an excellent way for you to continue your education while impacting the future of medicine ­ for humans and all species.

Who knows what today's research could do for future generations? Find out more by visiting www.PennVetPhD.org

Michael Atchison, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
Director, VMD-PhD Program
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
3800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215 898-6428
Fax: 215 573-5189

Entry Level Chemist Job Opportunity in Coralville, Iowa

A chemistry alumnus writes to us:

My name is Kevin Roberts and I am an 1999 graduate of the St. Olaf chemistry program. The reason I'm writing is to pass along a potential job opportunity for your graduating seniors this year.

I work for Integrated DNA Technologies (www.idtdna.com) in Coralville, IA (Iowa City suburb.) Our company is a major supplier of custom DNA sequences for a wide variety of molecular biology applications. I've been here for almost 10 years. I'm currently the Assistant Manager of our Small Molecular Chemistry group. We're responsible for the in-house synthesis of a number dyes and other specialized chemicals we use in our DNA production departments.

We're looking for an entry level chemist for our department. Here's a link to the job posting: http://www.idtdna.com/Careers/JobDescription.aspx?ContentID=972. Someone with a solid organic chemistry background and a summer of research experience (especially synthetic organic) would be more than qualified for this position.

Segetis - MN Green Chemistry Moves into Production Mode

A few weeks ago I attended a day-long conference in Minneapolis organized by the Minnesota Green Chemistry Forum. There attendees from Minnesota industries, academia, government organizations and non-profits learned how green chemistry is progressing in the state. One presenter, Cora Liebig, talked about a relative newcomer to Minnesota industry, Segetis, Inc. The four-year old company uses a set of Levulinic ketals, derived from biological materials, to make cleaning solvents or coupling agents in liquid formulations. By using this same base material the company also produces effective plasticizers for a range of plastics, can make polyols for polyurethane materials; and can extend the materials for applications as polyester thermosets or thermoplastics. See the recent Star Tribune article about the new partnership between Segetis and Method Products or check out their web site.

Summer Course Offerings in Chemistry

The St. Olaf College Chemistry Department plans to offer an array of courses during the coming summer: Chem 125/126, Chem 247/248 with labs 253/254, and Chem 379 (first summer session only, no lab, but Experimental Biochemistry, Chem 373, can be taken in a subsequent term). A special offering of Chem 123 is available to a limited audience, see Dr. Abdella if you are interested in this possibility.

More information about summer school at St. Olaf College, and how to register for courses, is available at the Registrar's web site: http://www.stolaf.edu/offices/registrar/summer.html.

Another Summer Research Opportunity!

The St. Olaf Chemistry Department has received word from an alumna that the new NSF-supported Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at UC-Davis is looking for chemistry students for this summer. The website for the REU program is: http://davidlab.ucdavis.edu/REU_intro.htm. The website for the department at UC-Davis is: www.chem.ucdavis.edu.

Put Peace Corps on Your Calendar

Information Table

Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Buntrock Commons, 2nd Floor

Come to the information table to talk to a Peace Corps Recruiter about Peace Corps!


Information Session

Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Buntrock Commons 143

Come to the information session to watch a video, talk to Returned Volunteers, and ask a Recruiter your questions!

Chemists & Celebrating Black History Month

A few years ago the American Chemical Society put together an education page highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the chemical sciences. By no means was this an exhaustive list, but it illustrates the creative depth and passions an array of people contribute to chemistry. Take some time to explore the ACS list, search the literature or peruse the publications at the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBBChE).

This past November Dr. Warren Washington received the National Medal of Science for his work on the development of computational climate models. Two of his creations were used extensively by the IPCC in their 2007 report. Dr. Washington is a renown climate modeler and his biographical profile with the National Center for Atmospheric Research can be found here. You will also find a variety of other links, including multimedia resources, regarding Dr. Washington on the page.

Enjoy celebrating chemistry and Black History Month.

Job Opportunity: Recent Grads

An Ole chem alumnus writes about a job opportunity:

NHK Laboratories, Inc. is located in sunny Southern California. As a growing firm, we are constantly searching from qualified, energetic and enthusiastic personnel. We realize that employees are the lifeblood of any organization. Accordingly we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including health and retirement plans with company contributions, and a dynamic fun place to work!

We are currently looking for Chemists to work in our Quality Control laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates. My name is Christopher Yen (class of 1989) and my email is chriscurtisyen@gmail.com. If you are interested please email a letter of interest with your resume and supply three references.

Thank you,

Chris Yen