The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland

As we wrap up the fall semester during this last week of classes, it is with gratitude for the work, dedication and support of all members of the Natural and Applied Sciences community that we wish you a joyous holiday season. This month’s newsletter highlights the Loyola UIFs' recent regional meetup trip as well as resources for summer opportunities and upcoming events.
If you have news or photos to submit for a future issue, please send to Jen Sullivan at jlsullivan4@loyola.edu. We are excited to share all that is happening in the sciences!
Student Spotlight
Loyola UIFs attend regional meetup
Student Opportunities
Helpful Links for Undergraduate Research
Visit for research opportunities, conferences, fairs, internships, fellowships and more: www.cur.org
Have you considered summer undergraduate research opportunities?
Application deadlines are quickly approaching in January and February. Winter break is an ideal time to explore opportunities. Visit the below links for details.
- National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
- American Association of Medical Colleges Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Kolvenbach Programs at Loyola
Loyola University Maryland offers the Kolvenbach Research Grant Program to foster and encourage socially engaged research. The program seeks to honor Loyola's research strengths and galvanize the institution's commitment to faith and justice work that serves the needs of the underserved in the Baltimore community and beyond. Work may be conducted during the academic year or summer. Faculty, students, staff and administrators are invited to apply.
Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, January 17, 2020. Visit the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs website for details.
Hauber Summer Research Fellowship Program at Loyola
Each summer, a select group of Loyola undergraduate students from natural and applied sciences work side-by-side with faculty mentors to conduct research in the students' area of interest. The program runs for 10 weeks during the summer.
Applications are due Friday, January 31, 2020 and will be available soon at www.loyola.edu/hauber. Look for an email in the coming weeks with more information.
New for 2020 - Maymester course offerings
Courses and details will be posted in early January 2020. For more information, visit www.loyola.edu/join-us/summer-sessions/maymester.
2020 Maymester in Ireland
Interested in a study abroad opportunity during the first three weeks of summer? Courses in biology and environmental studies minor will be available during 2020 Maymester (May 15, 2020 – June 6, 2020) in Ballyvaughan, Ireland at Burren College of Arts. Application deadline is February 15, 2019.
Courses:
BL302: Ecology of the Burren (3 credits)
BL303: Natural and Cultural History of the Burren (co-requisite) (1 credit)
For more information, contact Dr. Bernadette Roche, broche@loyola.edu.
2020 Maymester Online
Study introductory physics and astronomy online this Maymester. Where are we in the universe? How do we relate to the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars? How did the universe begin? What will happen to the universe in the future? Is there life in the universe besides us?
For more information, contact Dr. Ingeborg Heyer, iheyer@loyola.edu.
Upcoming Events
December Pop-Up Class
Creating 360 degree videos for teaching
Thursday, December 5 | 6 - 7 pm | LNDL IdeaSpace
Instructor: Zulma Jimenez
Participants will learn some examples of how people have used 360 degree videos in education, how to create and stitch 360 degree videos, how to upload them in YouTube, and how to watch them using the Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard. This class is for beginners only. The goal of the class is for the participant to gain ideas on how to use 360 degree videos in their teaching.
Register at https://forms.gle/en3WRka9XRUSE8a66
Presentation in celebration of Health Outreach Baltimore
Join Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein for his presentation in celebration of Health Outreach Baltimore’s first five years.
“How to Get More Health out of Healthcare”
Thursday, January 23 | 6:30pm | Fourth Floor Programming Room
Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Daniela Colavita, dcolavita@loyola.edu and Kristina Burns, kmburns@loyola.edu.

Celebration of Science Week coming in February 2020
We are planning seminars, interactive demos, special events and activities throughout the week. All science departments and student groups are invited and encouraged to participate. Help us share the fun and excitement of the sciences with the Loyola community!
Please submit your event and activity details along with the date and time, preferred location, and faculty or student contact info using this Google sign up sheet or email to Jen Sullivan, jlsullivan4@loyola.edu, by Friday, January 31 (the sooner the better!).
Faculty Opportunities
Save the date for the Capital PKAL Regional Network Meeting
Diverse Tools for Diverse Students: Interdisciplinary STEM Edcuation to Increase Accessibility, Inclusion, and Success.
Friday, March 20, 2020 | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
For more information, visit https://www.aacu.org/pkal/regional/capital
Part-Time Faculty Orientation and January Teaching Enhancement Workshop
Part-Time Faculty Orientation
If your department has any new or newer part-time or per-course faculty for the spring semester, please invite them to attend the part-time faculty orientation at the Timonium campus on Tuesday, January 7 from 5 - 8:30 pm. Details can be found on the New Faculty page.January Teaching Enhancement Workshop
All faculty are invited to attend the January Teaching Enhancement Workshop on Thursday, January 9 from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, held on the Evergreen campus in McGuire Hall East.