Scholar Newsletter
November 1st, 2023
Voice of Inspiration
STEM News
Spotlight: Bjorn Solberg, Student Researcher
Name: Bjorn Solberg
Major: Physics and Mathematics
Research Experiences:
Biophysics – Lung Surfactant Morphology with Dr. Ben Stottrup at Augsburg University
Plasma Physics / Fusion Energy with Ian Ochs and Eli Kolmes at Princeton University
About Bjorn:
“Beyond being a student, I enjoy cycling and traveling! I am not a traditional student so this is my second try at college. Before coming to Augsburg, I worked full time for an airline and traveled a lot. This led me to cycling across South Korea, Japan, and also the Rocky Mountains. I love being outdoors and cycling is a great way to see a lot of things.”
Advice for students considering research:
“You don't have to know or understand a field of research to begin working in it as an undergrad. Faculty leading research with undergraduates know that most students have limited exposure to any subfield in STEM. When applying for research opportunities, the applications often ask for essay style responses. It can be helpful to tell stories that relate to the questions (if applicable, don't force it), rather than just facts about why you might be interested in a field. Stories allow us to relate to one another and should stand out more than a list of interests. :) “
REU Spotlight
ABOUT ATP-BIO
The Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio) aims to “stop biological time” and radically extend the ability to bank and transport cells, aquatic embryos, tissue, skin, whole organs, microphysiological systems (“organs-on-a-chip”), and even whole organisms through a team approach to build advanced biopreservation technologies.
The figure to the right captures the main societal benefits of ATP-Bio’s research. We also aim to
Build a more robust and diverse STEM workforce, especially in the growing number of fields needing biopreservation technologies.
Promote and deliver equitable and inclusive STEM education from middle school to graduate school and beyond.
Partner extensively with for-profit and non-profit organizations to commercialize ATP-Bio technology, drive new biopreservation research, and contribute to the workforce development and culture of inclusion goals of the Center.
Focus extensively on ethical and public policy considerations around biopreservation so that ATP-Bio’s technology can be effectively translated to public benefit.
Source and additional information: https://www.atp-bio.org/
ATP-Bio is also a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site. For more information on the ATP-Bio REU see: https://www.atp-bio-education.org/atp-bio-reu-program-2023. The page currently contains information from summer 2023, so stay tuned for updates.
The University of Minnesota Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (UMN MRSEC) is “A comprehensive center that integrates interdisciplinary materials research with innovative outreach to inspire excellence in all aspects of science and engineering”.
Link: http://www.mrsec.umn.edu/
UMN MRSEC is also a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site. For more information on the UMN MRSEC REU see: http://www.mrsec.umn.edu/ehr/REU/. The page currently contains information from summer 2023, so stay tuned for updates.
STEM-Related Fields Continue To Lead As Highest-Paying College Majors
CNBC (10/20, Dickler) reported that “when it comes to the highest-paying bachelor’s degrees, engineering and other STEM-related fields of study continue to dominate,” and “students are taking note, according to Eric Greenberg, president of Greenberg Educational Group, a New York-based consulting firm.” Payscale’s recent college salary report “found that petroleum engineering is currently the highest-paying major overall,” followed by “operations research and industrial engineering majors as the next highest paid.”
Eventually, “students who pursue a degree specifically in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or economics – still mostly STEM disciplines – earn the most overall, according to another recent analysis of bachelor’s degrees and median earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.” Greenberg said that people are now “looking closer at pre-professional programs from a financial point of view,” while “the acceleration of college tuition prices is making people look much more closely at the value.”
STEM Events
8TH ANNUAL APPLYING FOR PAID RESEARCH EXPERIENCES IN STEM WORKSHOP AND DINNER
Who: STEM students, faculty and staff
When: Thursday, November 9th, 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Where: Hagfors Center 150 Augsburg University
- Workshop for students, staff, and faculty on identifying and applying for summer research opportunities
- Panel for students: Student and alumni experiences
- Panel for faculty and staff: Supporting equitable access and participation
- Community dinner for students, staff, and faculty
Panel for Students:
- Anahi Cantoran, Plant and Microbial Biology Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Minnesota, Alumna of Augsburg University (‘20, Biology, TRIO McNair Scholar)
- Tesnim Mohamed, Biology, Society, & Environment Undergraduate Student at the University of Minnesota, Transfer Student from North Hennepin Community College, LSAMP North Star STEM Alliance Student Administrative Assistant
- Barbara Sabino Pina, Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Mayo Clinic, Instructor with Science from Scientists, Alumna of Augsburg University (‘23, Biochemistry, Minor in Leadership Studies)
- Bjorn Solberg, Physics and Mathematics Undergraduate Student at Augsburg University, Transfer from Minneapolis College (AAS, Air Traffic Control), Summer 2023 Participant in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI)
- Justin Third, Information Technology Undergraduate Student at Minneapolis College pursuing Software Development AAS and Cyber Security and Defense AAS, Automation Application Analyst, Fairview Health Services
- Semele (Sema) Zewde, Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student at the University of Minnesota, Research Assistant in the Hamid Lab and Biochemistry Teaching Assistant
Panel for Faculty and Staff:
- Phil Engen, Education & Outreach Director, University of Minnesota National Science Foundation Materials Research and Science and Engineering Center (UMN MRSEC), http://www.mrsec.umn.edu/
- Gina Ristani, Program Manager, Diversity and Culture of Inclusion (DCI), The Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), https://www.atp-bio.org/
- Kelly Vincelette, M.Ed., Community Outreach and Education Manager, The Hormel Institute, University Of Minnesota, https://www.hi.umn.edu/
Augsburg First-Generation College Celebration
November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. The HEA was passed to ensure that everyone has access to higher education, regardless of income. In recognition of First-Generation College Celebration Day, the departments of TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO McNair Scholars, and Multicultural Life will be hosting events that highlight the first-generation college experience during the week of November 6.
All are welcome to attend.
Monday, Nov. 6 First-Generation Week Kick-Off
- 10:40 - 11:00am, Hoversten Chapel
- Guest Speaker: Firi Dawid, Campus Life
Wednesday, Nov. 8 Augsburg First-Generation Celebration
- 11:00am - 2:00pm, Gage Center (Lindell Library, 2nd floor)
- Photobooth, treats, “Proud to Be First Gen” stickers
Thursday, Nov. 9 Film Screening & Discussion
- 5:30 - 7:00pm, SCI 123
- A Walk in my Shoes: First Generation College Students What's it like to be the first one in your family to go to college? This inspirational documentary delves into the lives of eight first-generation college students, five preservice teachers and three successful educators, who chose a profession dedicated to a concept they are all committed to: changing lives.
Tuesday, Nov. 14 Terrance Kwame-Ross: what it means to be the “first”
- 11:30 - 11:50am, Hoversten Chapel
NASA STEM GATEWAY
NASA Student Opportunity: 2024 Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop
Are you an underrepresented students pursuing biology who might like a peek into the world of the space medicine at NASA?
Please consider applying for a travel award to attend the 2024 Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop! If awarded, you will join students attending together as a small cohort.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate students 21 and older enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
- Institution that does not already have a NASA Human Research Program grant/award
- Passion for Space Life Sciences
- Available to travel February 13-16, 2024 to Galveston, TX
Application link:
Engagement Opening: Human Research Program -Student Travel Award (nasa.gov)
For questions, please contact Alicia Baturoni Cortez at alicia.baturoni@nasa.gov
STEM Opportunities
Join the S-STEM Scholars Network
S-STEM REC
The Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Resource & Evaluation Center (REC) aims to increase the number of talented low-income students who obtain degrees in STEM and enter the STEM workforce.
S-STEM Scholars and Alumni sign up to receive information and resources to support your success in STEM careers!
Eclipse Ambassadors
Are you an astronomy enthusiast or undergraduate student that loves eclipses? Do you have a passion for sharing the wow of space science with your community? NASA may have just the opportunity for you.
In 2023 and 2024, two eclipses will cross the United States and a new NASA-funded program, Eclipse Ambassadors Off the Path, is inviting undergraduate students and amateur astronomers to join them as “NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassadors”. This an opportunity to partner with NASA, provide solar viewing glasses, and share eclipse knowledge with underserved communities off the central paths.
Eclipse Ambassadors will train together virtually in one of several workshops to be offered over the next year. Eclipse Ambassador partnerships will grow together, learning new tools and techniques for explaining eclipses and engaging with the public. As NASA Partners, Eclipse Ambassadors will be recognized for their commitment to public engagement and supplied with educational materials and community connections.
Eclipse Ambassadors will:
- Partner with an undergraduate/amateur astronomer
- Take a 3-week online course (~12 hours coursework)
- Engage their communities with eclipse resources by reaching 200+ people, with at least half of those from underserved communities
This is an open call to to become an Eclipse Ambassador. Apply here: eclipseambassadors.org
NASA’s Eclipse Ambassadors Off the Path project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC22M0007 and is part of NASA's Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learners
Scholarships and Internships
Boren Scholarship for Language Study Abroad
The Boren Scholarship is an initiative by the US Federal Government to increase the study of languages by individuals committed to public service careers throughout the government. The Boren Scholarship can be used to cover a variety of study abroad experiences where language learning is the focus. URGO and Study Abroad provide joint advising on this program and can assist any applicant in selecting a program and writing/editing application essays.
Scholarship amounts:
Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
Up to $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)
If you are interested:
- Check out the Boren website to learn about languages you can study and preferred countries.
- Let us know your intent to apply by November 27th by making an appointment with Emilie Lenz in Study Abroad or Dixie Shafer in URGO.
- Submit your application to shafer@augsburg.edu by Augsburg's internal application deadline of Friday, January 5th.
Learn more about Boren Scholarships
Minnesota SciTech Internship Program
SciTech connects college STEM majors to paid internships at small Minnesota companies -- it's a one-stop shop for finding STEM internships statewide! Gain hands-on experience, network with pros, build your resume, and "earn while you learn."
In order to be eligible for SciTech internships, students must meet the following criteria:
- Minnesota resident OR living in and attending college in Minnesota
- At least 18 years of age
- In good academic standing (2.5+ GPA)
- College junior or senior (at least 60 credits completed) OR
- Technical or community college student (at least 24 credits completed) OR
- Enrolled in a STEM degree at an accredited U.S. college
- Legally eligible to work in the U.S. (international students may participate if they have CPT/OPT work authorization)
Deadline to apply: Varies
For more information on how to apply and to view a list of current internship opportunities, visit https://scitechmn.org/.
More Than An Internship
Wallin's UpTurnships program provides highly motivated, underrepresented college students with paid internships and projects. Our career experiences are for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college or university.
To help students succeed in their careers, we offer two incredible UpTurnships pathways: Flagship and Projects.
UpTurnships
Flagship
Our UpTurnships Flagship provides interns with paid full-time work experience across 12 weeks in summer, professional development training, and 1:1 support from a program coach.
UpTurnships
Projects
Our UpTurnships Projects is a 10-week pathway that provides interns with a 40 hour paid work experience, weekly 2-hour professional development trainings, and 1:1 support from a program coach.
Information Sessions: Register
Information sessions are an essential part of the UpTurnships application process. Here you will learn more about the UpTurnships program model, the application process, and be able to ask any questions you have. 30-minute information sessions are hosted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tuesdays at 10:00 AM CST
Thursdays at 4:00 PM CST
Visit our website for more information: https://www.wallinpartners.org/upturnships.html
Resource and Job Fair
You are invited to the
Online Undergraduate Resource Fair for the Advancement and Alliance of Marginalized Mathematicians (OURFA2M2),
taking place via Zoom on November 18th & 19th, 2023 from 10am to 6pm Central.
The Minnesota Local Section of the American Chemical Society is pleased to announce our 13th annual
Chemistry Job & Recruiting Fair
The Chemistry Job and Recruiting Fair will be held from 4 – 6 P.M. on, November 16th, 2023 at the Science Education Center of Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN.
.
Past companies and organizations that have attended the career fair include*:
Aerotek, Apex Life Sciences, Experis, H.B. Fuller, Medtronic, Medtox Laboratories, Pace Analytical, Land O’Lakes, Lab Corp, Verum Scientific, WuXi AppTec, Minnesota High Tech Forum, Sherwin Williams, University of MN Department of Chemistry, University of MN Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of MN Environmental Health Sciences, University of MN M.S. in Patent Law, MN-ACS senior Chemists.
*Confirmed companies/organizations are in bold, others are pending
4-6pm meet with recruiters
light snacks and beverages will be served
This event is an opportunity to meet with technical recruiters from the Twin Cities area and is open to professionals and students from chemistry and related fields. Sophomore and junior chemistry majors are also encouraged to attend to inquire about internships.
Please RSVP to James Wollack, jwwollack@gmail.com by November 10th. If RSVPing as a group please include the number of folks you are RSVPing for.
Graduate School and Research
Virtual GEM Fellowship Session
The National GEM Consortium is partnering with the Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance (LS-NSSA) to do a presentation for students considering graduate school to learn more about their fellowship. It's a great program for students to pursue and these sessions cover a lot about how they could possibly fund graduate school.
The virtual session will be on Thursday, November 2, at 4PM CST. The flyer is attached below.
Here is the registration link: https://www.gemfellowship.org/tec-event/gem-info-session-hosted-by-the-university-of-minnesota/
The NIH-sponsored Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at the University of Wisconsin - Madison
Who Should Apply?
The UW-Madison PREP program is for students underrepresented in STEM who:
- are seeking doctoral graduate degrees in biomedical science
- have received their baccalaureate (4-year) degree in the past three years
- are not currently enrolled in graduate school
- want additional research experience and development
- want to conduct research at one of the 10 largest research institutions in the world
- would enjoy living somewhere with stunning lake views and a vibrant community
Benefits of UW-Madison PREP:
- Dedicated research faculty & staff support
- Research experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Individualized mentorship
- Connections to the scientific community
- Focus on your health, wellness, and belonging
- PREP Scholar annual salary
The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is delighted to announce that it will host a series of events for students who are considering graduate programs in sustainability and the environment.
Please Save the Dates:
November 7, 2023 @ 5 p.m. ET
Funding and Careers
Learn about employment trends in the environment and sustainability sector, the range of professional roles and compensation SEAS graduates attain, and the funding and financial aid options available to SEAS students.
November 14, 2023 @ 5 p.m. ET
Student Resources and EdTech
Discover student resources and engagement opportunities offered at SEAS. You’ll also be introduced to online resources available to you even before joining SEAS, as well as the generative AI and educational technology plans of our school.
November 16, 2023 @ 5 p.m. ET
SEAS Application Workshop
Get tips on how to create a compelling application for admission. We’ll review the online application, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
Get Paid to do Physics Research at the University of Maryland in Summer 2024!
Schedule a one-on-one meeting here
Application deadline: February 9, 2024
Applicants notified: Starting February 19, 2024
Program dates: June 3 to August 9, 2024
===
What's TREND?
A mentored, paid summer REU (research experience for undergraduates) in nonlinear dynamics at UMD College Park. We welcome physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering students from institutions across the country to collaborate with scientists conducting research in an wide range of topics.
===
What will I get?
- 10 weeks of mentored research experience in some of the best nonlinear dynamics labs
- Travel funds to UMD and back home
- Housing at UMD for the summer (with ~9 other TREND students)
- $5,400 stipend + $600 food allowance
- $500 for travel after the summer to present your research at a conference
- Community-building with ~9 other undergrad researchers
- Practice and mentoring with oral, visual, written and multimedia communication skills
- Outreach opportunities
===
What kind of research can I do?
Projects topics include:
- 2D materials
- Biodynamics/Cell movement
- Chaos
- Lasers
- Neural networks
- Photonics/Optoelectronics
- Plasma dynamics
- Quantum nanodevices
- Turbulence
- Underwater robot dynamics
- Weather prediction
... and more. Details here under each mentor group.
===
How do I apply?
Submit (by February 9, 2024):
- Our application form
- At least one letter of recommendation (ask each recommender to send to trend-reu@umd.edu)
- Unofficial transcript (send it to trend-reu@umd.edu)
Details here.
Consider The TRIO McNair Scholars Program
Attention PRISM Scholars please consider this dynamic program aimed at supporting your educational goals in research and graduate school!
For PRISM Scholars at Century College, Minneapolis College, and Normandale Community College who are transferring in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, we invite you to consider McNair at Augsburg as part of exploring transfer to Augsburg.
Although Augsburg’s TRIO McNair Scholars Program is recruiting students for Fall 2023 admission, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all participant slots are filled.
Eligible applicants will be at Junior status by the end of Spring 2024 and available to conduct full-time research Summer 2024. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, though preference is given to applicants that are interested in pursuing a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree.
The TRIO McNair Scholars Program works with students who are members of groups underrepresented in graduate education and who exhibit strong academic potential. The goal of the program is to prepare Scholars for graduate study through coursework, academic advising, workshops, and involvement in undergraduate research and other scholarly activities. The program also assists with securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. Students will acquire the research skills necessary to succeed in graduate school through a paid research internship ($6000) with an Augsburg faculty member during Summer of 2024.
The McNair Scholars Program is federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, to be eligible, applicants must be first-generation (neither parent graduated from a four-year college or university) AND low-income AND/OR may be persons from groups underrepresented in graduate education. The Department of Education defines these groups as African-American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino. Additionally, applicants must be either U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and maintain at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA (3.0+ preferred).
Unsure if you qualify? Please visit the link below for more information on eligibility requirements.
Determining McNair Eligibility “Cheat Sheet”
PRISM Scholars from our partner institutions are encouraged to apply. If you’re interested in learning more about McNair, please contact Lara Crombie, Program Coordinator, crombie@augsburg.edu. Lara is available to meet over Zoom.
Visit https://www.augsburg.edu/mcnair/ for more information.
Connect with STEM at Stillman School of Business
By 2028, it is estimated that there will be more than a million jobs in the STEM field. In preparation, the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University offers STEM-designated programs that will equip you to use technology, data and business analytics to make effective business decisions and solve complex problems. Learn more click below:
NASA's Human Lander Challenge (HuLC)
Awards include $7,000 stipends per team, $18,000 in cash prizes, and a visit to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center!
Through the 2024 HuLC competition, NASA seeks near-term, innovative solutions
for Human Landing System (HLS) challenge areas... specifically addressing
the mitigation of lunar Plume-Surface Interaction (PSI).
HuLC solicits proposals for innovative, systems-level solutions that can help NASA understand, mitigate, and manage the impacts of lunar PSI - with the ability to be implemented within 3-5 years. The potential solutions could include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Trade Studies on Landing Trajectories that Minimize PSI
- Reduction / Mitigation of Erosion (Cratering) and Ejecta during Descent, Landing, and Ascent
- Development of PSI Flight Instrumentation / Measurement Methods & Concepts
- Tracking Dust During Descent, Landing, and Ascent
- Instrumentation Performance Through the Dust Cloud During Landing
- HLS Asset Safety (ejecta damage, excessive lander heating, etc.)
- PSI Modeling and Validation
Proposals are due on March 4, 2024
HuLC is open to teams of undergraduate and graduate students at accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) are encouraged to apply. Based on a review of initial proposals received by March 2024, up to 12 teams will be selected to continue developing their proposed concepts. Each finalist team will receive a $7,000 stipend to facilitate full participation in a competitive design review at a Forum in Huntsville, Alabama in June 2024.
This is only a brief excerpt of the 2024 HuLC competition.
Please read the full, printable 2024 Challenge Guidelines by clicking the button below.
Biomedical Research Programs
GPiBS
The application for our 2024 GPiBS (Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences) class opened on August 1st, 2023 with a priority deadline of December 1st. If you know of any students interested in pursuing a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences, please encourage them to apply/inquire about our programs. OUHSC is a comprehensive medical campus home to cutting edge research facilities and top-tier scientists. Our 2.5:1 PhD student-to-post-doc ratio equates to students being the major drivers of our research enterprise, as evidenced by our publication numbers (5.3 manuscripts per PhD graduate!).
Interested students can utilize the GPiBS website or reach out to us directly at GPIBS@ouhsc.edu for additional information or questions.
GPiBS highlights:
- Stipend - $30,000
- Full tuition/fees waiver
- Health Insurance provided
- >95 mentors seeking graduate students
PREP
The Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is an NIGMS-funded program designed to prepare trainees for gaining admission and succeeding in biomedical PhD programs. Whether participants were lacking in research training, had subpar grades, or simply don’t feel ready to for graduate school, PREP is a great stepping-stone towards a PhD or MD/PhD program. We welcomed our first cohort of participants in June of this year and look forward to recruiting the next group. The application for our 2024 cohort will open September 1, 2023.
More information can be found at the PREP website or by contacting us at PREP@ouhsc.edu.
PREP highlights:
- Stipend - $30,000
- Full tuition/fees waiver
- Health Insurance provided
- $3,000 travel allowance to present research
SURP
The Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP) have expanded and we look forward to continuing 5 programs next summer. The SURP applications will open in October with a deadline of January 31st, 2024. More information about our summer programs can be found at the SURP website or by contacting us at SURP@ouhsc.edu.
PREP highlights:
- $5,000 summer salary
- Full-time research at OUHSC
- Weekly enrichment sessions
- Final Symposium and luncheon
STEM Blog
Interested in learning more about advocacy, research and how it relates to the human experience? NSF Gallery Images? Click below:
Diversity in Action Fall Issue
For our annual Fall issue on higher education, we've got the dynamic Deborah Bial on the cover discussing The Posse Foundation and its many achievements. We also highlight green campuses, the women leading universities, STEM stars and much more. Read it here:
Diversity In Action Fall Issue
- NSF-supported research impacts nearly every field of science and engineering. NSF's influence reaches from the ends of the Earth to the depths of the oceans and to space and beyond. Our Multimedia Gallery has some of the most stunning images from NSF’s research legacy. We have pulled some of the most beautiful gallery images for you to use as a virtual background.
Do you have suggestions for opportunities to include in the upcoming newsletter? Feel free to forward them to stem@augsburg.edu.
Augsburg STEM Programs
Email: stem@augsburg.edu
Website: https://www.augsburg.edu/stem/
Location: 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Phone: (612) 330-1042