Science Conversation Public Lecture

Title: “From Neurons to Politics--Without a Soul”

Description: This lecture begins with the thesis that developments in neuroscience are calling for a “nonreductive physicalist” account of the person. The prevalence of physicalism in the academic world calls on Christians to re-evaluate centuries of dualistic anthropology. What difference might a physicalist account of human nature have made in Christian attitudes toward politics; what would Christians have been doing all these years if there had been no such thing as souls to save? Perhaps concerning themselves more with Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God on earth?

Speaker: Nancey Murphy, Professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA.

Professor Murphy’s research interests focus on the role of modern and postmodern philosophy in shaping Christian theology, on relations between theology and science, and on relations among philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and Christian anthropology. Her first book, Theology in the Age of Scientific Reasoning (Cornell, 1990) won the American Academy of Religion award for excellence. She is author of nine other books, including Anglo-American Postmodernity: Philosophical Perspectives on Science, Religion, and Ethics (Westview, 1997); and On the Moral Nature of the Universe: Theology, Cosmology, and Ethics (with G.F.R Ellis, Fortress, 1996). Her most recent books are Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies? (Cambridge, 2006); and (co-authored with Warren Brown) Did My Neurons Make Me Do It? Philosophical and Neurobiological Perspectives on Moral Responsibility and Free Will (Oxford, 2007).

Where: St. Olaf College, Tomson Hall, room 280

When: 3:30-4:45, Tuesday, March 13, 2012

This public lecture is initiated and sponsored by St. Olaf College’s Science Conversation program, with support from the Leraas Fund and the Religion and Philosophy Departments.

"Money Week" at St. Olaf: Sound advice as students look to their futures

Monday, February 27th, 7:00 pm, Tomson 280
Watch an episode of "Undeclared" (featuring Seth Rogen and Will Ferrell) about college students learning the hard way about easy credit, followed by a discussion about how to use credit wisely led by Money Revolution. A "Wellness Stamp Event!"

Tuesday, February 28th, 7:00 pm, The Pause
"True Confessions: Money Mistakes I've Made." Learn what NOT to do financially from President Anderson, Dean Kneser, Randy Clay, Sian Muir, Dave Van Wylen, Steve Soderlind and Ted Johnson. A "Wellness Stamp Event!"

Wednesday, February 29th, 7:00 pm, Rolvaag 115
A hands-on workshop led by Money Revolution about how to use mint.com to create and stick to a budget. A "Wellness Stamp Event!"

Thursday, March 1, Community Time, Crossroads
Show your financial smarts, play some Jeopardy and win a prize!

Friday, March 2, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm, Outside the Caf
Visit the Money Revolution table, answer a question correctly and you'll "earn" a cookie to frost!

Here's a Spring Break idea for those who want to do something worthwhile

Restoring Eden, a national Christian creation care ministry, is currently recruiting 60 students for an alternative spring break trip to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, the heart of Appalachia, during March 10^th -17^th OR March 17^th –24^th.

Restoring Eden is teaming up with West Virginia University’s Public Health Department to participate in a health survey comparing the impacts of coal and non-coal environments upon the health of the local community.

The student volunteers will go into communities throughout Kentucky, meet with local folks in their homes, and administer a simple health history survey. Those surveyed will also have an opportunity to give a hair sample which will be tested for toxic contamination. Local community members will assist each group with introductions and with negotiating the back-roads and hollows of this historic region.

Students are asked to commit to one day of training and at least four days of survey gathering. After completing their commitments, there will be the opportunity for students to explore the local region, go hiking or visit historical sites. Additionally, Restoring Eden can work with student activities offices, campus ministries and academic departments to negotiate official compensation (volunteer hours, service credit etc.) for time spent on this project.

The cost for the trip is $150 and includes food, lodging, and training materials for the week. Transportation to Kentucky is not included. Some limited scholarships are available; please contact Gretchen at Alexis@restoringeden.org if the price is a barrier for you.

All students are invited to apply, especially those interested in environmental science, public health, social work, chemistry, nursing, biology, political science, sociology, and social justice. Register here or for more information, contact Alexis Williams at Alexis@restoringeden.org or (360) 518-9094. Sign up today as time is short and spaces are already starting to fill up!

St. Olaf Chemistry This Summer

Here's your chance to get ahead, get caught up, or make time in the school year for something else. You'll enjoy smaller courses taught by experienced faculty members. The St. Olaf Chemistry Department will be offering a variety of courses during the coming summer school terms:

First Summer Term (June 4 - July 12)
Chemistry 125 (and lab)
Chemistry 247 (and Chemistry 253 Lab)
Chemistry 255 (and Chemistry 256 Lab)
.

Second Summer Term (July 16 - August 22)
Chemistry 126 (and lab)
Chemistry 248 (and Chemistry 254 Lab)

Questions about the courses? Ask Prof. Abdella! Questions about summer school, in general? Click here or call Paula Stowe in the Registrar's Office.

"St. Olaf Chemistry Department" Like Us on FaceBook!

Want to stay in touch with the St. Olaf Chemistry Department? Then "like us" on FaceBook. You'll get notified whenever we post a new blog item! Thanks to Prof. Muth for setting this up.

Nebraska REU opportunity

From the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Graduate Studies:

Are your students looking for summer research opportunities? Please post, forward, or tell your students about the 2012 Nebraska Summer Research Program housed on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The program offers students an excellent opportunity to hone research skills and to experience life as a graduate student. Students will enhance their academic resume, work closely with faculty and peers, and have fun with social and professional development activities, all while receiving numerous benefits. Students historically underrepresented in graduate education are especially encouraged to apply. Due to funding restrictions, participation is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

All programs for 2012 are listed at http://www.unl.edu/summerprogram/ and include projects in Applied Mathematics, Bioenergy Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Nanomaterials and Nanoscience, Optics and Laser Physics, Redox Biology, and Virology.

Our online application makes it easy for students to apply. Priority review of applications begins Wednesday, February 15 and all applications are due Thursday, March 1.

Summer NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

The Chemistry Department of Wellesley College is pleased to announce that we have received funding for our summer National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site program for the summer of 2012. I would be grateful if you would forward this email to interested students.

The goal of the ten-week summer program is to encourage bright young women to pursue research careers in science and medicine through their participation in a research project as early as possible in their academic careers.  The key components of the program are: a student research project supervised by a Chemistry or Physics Department faculty member; weekly meetings in which students give oral presentations of their work; weekly seminars by visiting scientists; field trips to nearby industrial and academic research labs; career and graduate school panels; skills workshops in public speaking, scientific writing, and poster presentations; and a campus-wide poster session at the end of the program.

Wellesley’s supportive infrastructure, including equipment and facilities comparable to those at many research universities, contributes greatly to the strength of our research programs.  The diverse array of individual student projects involves cutting edge research such as (a) creating novel responsive systems for investigation as drug delivery vehicles, (b) designing and synthesizing amino acid analogs for the development of a structure-activity relationship for the biological production of insulin, (c) preparing novel antituberculosis compounds, (d) predicting the behavior of Bose-Einstein condensed atoms in ultra-cold dilute gases, (e) investigating the electron-induced reactions in nanoscale thin films under ultrahigh vacuum conditions to understand the role of secondary electrons in electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID), a direct-write technique, (f) investigating the vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy of astrophysical molecules, (g) utilizing MRI and NMR to investigate a mouse model for schizophrenia, (h) combining computer simulations and experimental biochemistry to study membrane proteins, (i) fingerprinting historical lead sources in current urban gardens, (j) investigating the dynamics of atmospheric reactions, (k) using surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles as vehicles for targeting and treating cancer, and (l) designing and synthesizing the natural product Angelmarin and its structural analogues as Anticancer Agents. Undergraduate students, especially those doing research during the summer, have co-authored most of the presentations and papers that have come out of this department.  

In addition to the student research project component, our summer program will build on and expand interdisciplinary connections and collaborations between Chemistry and other departments.  The primary thrust of the interdisciplinary focus will be the continued inclusion of physics and geoscience faculty and students in the summer research program.  Such collaborations will enhance student comprehension of science because of the varied perspectives of the collaborating disciplines.

The summer research program will engage women and minority students and introduce them to the excitement of research.  An NSF funded pilot study, cited in a recent Science article, involving summer research students from Wellesley and three other undergraduate institutions, clearly demonstrates the impact of effective undergraduate research experience on learning, attitude, and career choice.  As in the past, about 60% of the NSF-REU slots will be reserved for non-Wellesley students with preference given to participants from institutions with limited research opportunities.  A distinguished faculty comprised of ~ 50% women and ~25% minorities will serve as role models.

Details of the 2011 summer research program can be found at the following site: http://www.wellesley.edu/Chemistry/insidereu.html

Thank you!

Chris Arumainayagam

Professor of Chemistry

Wellesley College

106 Central Street

Wellesley,  MA 02481

Telephone (Office): 781-283-3326

Telephone (Lab): 781-283-3530

Fax: 781-283-3642

Email: carumain@wellesley.edu

Web Page: http://www.wellesley.edu/Chemistry/Chris/chris.html

Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity for Women

The Chemistry Department of Wellesley College is pleased to announce that we have received funding for our summer National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site program for the summer of 2012.

The goal of the ten-week summer program is to encourage bright young women to pursue research careers in science and medicine through their participation in a research project as early as possible in their academic careers. The key components of the program are: a student research project supervised by a Chemistry or Physics Department faculty member; weekly meetings in which students give oral presentations of their work; weekly seminars by visiting scientists; field trips to nearby industrial and academic research labs; career and graduate school panels; skills workshops in public speaking, scientific writing, and poster presentations; and a campus-wide poster session at the end of the program.

Wellesley’s supportive infrastructure, including equipment and facilities comparable to those at many research universities, contributes greatly to the strength of our research programs. The diverse array of individual student projects involves cutting edge research such as (a) creating novel responsive systems for investigation as drug delivery vehicles, (b) designing and synthesizing amino acid analogs for the development of a structure-activity relationship for the biological production of insulin, (c) preparing novel antituberculosis compounds, (d) predicting the behavior of Bose-Einstein condensed atoms in ultra-cold dilute gases, (e) investigating the electron-induced reactions in nanoscale thin films under ultrahigh vacuum conditions to understand the role of secondary electrons in electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID), a direct-write technique, (f) investigating the vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy of astrophysical molecules, (g) utilizing MRI and NMR to investigate a mouse model for schizophrenia, (h) combining computer simulations and experimental biochemistry to study membrane proteins, (i) fingerprinting historical lead sources in current urban gardens, (j) investigating the dynamics of atmospheric reactions, (k) using surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles as vehicles for targeting and treating cancer, and (l) designing and synthesizing the natural product Angelmarin and its structural analogues as Anticancer Agents. Undergraduate students, especially those doing research during the summer, have co-authored most of the presentations and papers that have come out of this department.

In addition to the student research project component, our summer program will build on and expand interdisciplinary connections and collaborations between Chemistry and other departments. The primary thrust of the interdisciplinary focus will be the continued inclusion of physics and geoscience faculty and students in the summer research program. Such collaborations will enhance student comprehension of science because of the varied perspectives of the collaborating disciplines.

The summer research program will engage women and minority students and introduce them to the excitement of research. An NSF funded pilot study, cited in a recent Science article, involving summer research students from Wellesley and three other undergraduate institutions, clearly demonstrates the impact of effective undergraduate research experience on learning, attitude, and career choice. As in the past, about 60% of the NSF-REU slots will be reserved for non-Wellesley students with preference given to participants from institutions with limited research opportunities. A distinguished faculty comprised of ~ 50% women and ~25% minorities will serve as role models.

Details of the 2011 summer research program can be found at the following site: http://www.wellesley.edu/Chemistry/insidereu.html

UC Davis ChemEnergy REU: Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates in Energy and Catalysis

Sophomore and junior Oles! A St. Olaf Chemistry alum is (almost) begging for applications to this undergraduate research program!

UC Davis Chemistry Department Summer 2012: ~June 20 to August 17

Introduction: The objective of the UC Davis ChemEnergy REU site is to provide diverse undergraduate students with a unique ten-week research experience tackling important societal research problems in energy and catalysis. During this program students will live on campus and work alongside faculty and graduate students and gain a unique perspective on modern chemistry research. Students will also network with faculty and students in weekly social activities. Field trips to local companies are also planned. Students will also get training to improve scientific communication skills.

Eligibility: Strong students who are sophomore or junior chemistry (or related) majors. Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Financial: Stipend (~$4,000); Housing provided; Travel costs up to $700.00

Research Projects: see website, www.chem.ucdavis.edu/REU

Time-line: Applications are available at website above. Applications will be due by March 1 and offers will be made by early April.

Program Directors: Dr. Sheila David and Dr. Jared Shaw, email: REU@chem.ucdavis.edu

An Employment Opportunity for Recent Grads: Elite Medical Scribe

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare provider? Working as a medical scribe provides a first hand opportunity to work with a physician in the medical field. We are currently seeking college students or recent graduates in your area who have future aspirations to enter the medical field. While employed as a medical scribe, you will be working with physicians to expedite patient care. The scribe is responsible for accompanying the physician during the examination and transcribing the patient’s history and physical exam. Scribes gain valuable experience working in a medical setting which will benefit them in their future career as a health care provider. We have both part-­time openings (approximately 24 hours/week) and full‐time openings (approximately 36-­40 hours/week) available in the emergency department and various clinical specialties in Owatonna, Minnesota. Starting wage is $9.50/hour. Qualified candidates will be detail‐oriented, will have a mastery of the English language, excellent verbal/written communication, and strong observation and listening skills. All applicants must plan to pursue a future career as a health care provider (such as a PA, NP, MD, or DO), and either be in the process of or have completed the prerequisite coursework. Applicant’s majors may be from a broad range including biology and chemistry. Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus. Applicants must be adaptive and flexible to a variety of situations and must strive to be constantly improving their knowledge and usefulness. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website (www.elitemedicalscribes.com/recruitment) and submit an application and resume. Please contact our Scribe Program Director, Rachael Carter, at rachaelc@elitemedicalscribes.com with any questions!

Jobs and Internship Workshops from the CEL

Fast Lane to Jobs and Internships

Session I: Tuesday, February 28th
6:30-8:30pm, RNS 310
Students can bring their laptops and participate in an information session that will help them narrow their search for relevant job and internship postings. We'll cover important networking strategies that will propel students forward in their search. Open to all students of any class year or major!

Session II: Tuesday, March 6th
6:30-8:30pm, RNS 160D (Science Library computer lab)
During the first half of this session we will provide a tutorial on cover letter, letter of inquiry and resume writing. Students who have working drafts of their materials can stay on for the second half when CEL staff members will provide one-on-one advising to help students apply for postings and reach out to professionals in their field(s) of interest.

Minnesota's Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair

February 21 & 22, 2012
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

For the 35th year, Minnesota's Private Colleges will host the annual JOB AND INTERNSHIP FAIR on February 21 and February 22 which stands out as one of the premier college/employer partnerships in the country. This Fair allows employers and candidates to meet at the booths from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while simultaneously allowing interviewing for either job or internship candidates until 5:00 p.m. The second day of the Fair will be exclusively for interviews. The job fair is attended by approximately 1,800 candidates.

Special Events

Biomedical Science Panels, sponsored by Aerotek Scientific
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Minneapolis Convention Center
Room: L100A/B

Each panel will be comprised of 5-8 scientists from local biomedical/medical device, pharmaceutical science or biotech organizations. Panelists will present information on their organization, what they do, their career path, etc...to students interested in the industry.

Organizations represented at previous job fair panels include: 3M, Aerotek Scientific, Beckman Coulter, Boston Scientific, Ecolab, General Mills, Guidant, Medtox, and Medtronic

10:30 a.m. Panel
Clinical Research

11:30 a.m. Panel
R & D / Laboratory Science

Please note: * Students MUST register for the job fair to be eligible to attend the panels.

Why Should I Attend?

By attending the Job Fair, you will have the opportunity to network with 150+ employers who are interested in starting and maintaining employment relationships with MN graduates! Many of the employers who will be present at the event will be actively recruiting for jobs and internships. Other employers may anticipate hiring in the next six months. No matter what the organizations' objectives may be, as an attendee, you can take advantage of speaking with recruiters from a variety of different industries to learn how your career goals may fit with their hiring needs. Contact your university Career Services office if you have further questions related to this Fair or your job search.

In addition to meeting many employers at the fair, all registered candidates also have the opportunity to make their resume available to EVERY employer simply by posting their resume to our online resume book. For more information, click on the "Post A Resume" link.

How Do I Register, And What Is The Cost?

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled at one of the participating seventeen Minnesota Private Colleges are eligible to attend. You may create an account on our website to post your resume by clicking here, but you must register for the job fair with your career services department. Only pre-registered candidates will be admitted to the job fair.

What Is The Schedule For Tuesday at The Job Fair?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

8:30 a.m.

Doors open to students with special needs.

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Open session for all registered undergraduate students. Students visit with employers in exhibit booth area for either full-time employment or internships. Employers have the opportunity to identify candidates to interview at any time during the first or second day if they have reserved an interview booth. Interviews may also occur at the booths as staffing permits. It is the employer's responsibility to contact students directly to inform them of their interview time.

Visit the career services office on your campus to register for the Job and Internship Fair.