Scholar Newsletter
February 6th, 2024
Voice of Inspiration
STEM Events
Register Now for ATP BIO Research Showcase!
U of M College of Science & Engineering Events
David Hermanson & Jennifer Kang
BME-Industry Grand Rounds: Immune Cell Therapy Solutions
When
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Location
Virtual event open to all
Topics and speakers:
- Non-Viral gene editing using TcBuster Transposon system for CAR T Therapy — David Hermanson, Director, Cell & Gene Therapy Applications, Bio-Techne
- Exploring the frontiers of immune response: study of T cell media and behavior — Jennifer Kang, PhD Candidate, UMN Department of Biomedical Engineering
There will be hands-on activities, guest speakers, and demonstrations throughout the weekend in celebration of our closest star. Space Fest kicks off on Friday Night with a special star party. Saturday and Sunday will be filled with activities that illuminate our closest star, including special planetarium shows all about the Sun! Throughout the weekend, enjoy presentations by researchers and special guests (including a NASA astronaut!) and sun-themed activities throughout the building.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT AUGSBURG!
Welcome to MICS 2024
The Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS) is a regional conference dedicated to providing an educational experience to students and instructors at higher education institutions. The conference focuses on the teaching of computing and its use in all disciplines and the incorporation of the study of this technology in the curriculum.
This year MICS will be held at Augsburg University in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Activities include the presentation of technical papers and posters, as well as programming and robotics competitions. Participants typically come from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Key Dates
- Abstract Submission: February 24, 2024
- Acceptance Notification: March 2, 2024
- Final Paper Submission Deadline: March 23, 2024
- Early Registration Deadline: March 23, 2024
- Student Contest Registration Deadline: March 23, 2024
- Conference Dates: April 5 & 6, 2024
The Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Program-April 15-16, 2024
The featured lecturer for the annual Convocation will be Dr. Bala Chaudhary from Dartmouth.
Biosketch of Dr. Bala Chaudhary:
Bala Chaudhary, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College. She is a National Science Foundation CAREER Awardee and a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Continent Scale Biology. Research in her lab focuses on three areas plant-fungal symbioses (mycorrhizas), continent-scale ecology (macroecology) and microbial dispersal (movement). Prior to academia, Chaudhary worked as an environmental consultant in Los Angeles designing and restoring drastically disturbed urban areas to create habitat for endangered species. She received the Early Career Motivator Award by the Association for Women in Science and the Woman of Spirit and Action Award for her work on promoting antiracism in STEM.
Schedule of Events:
MONDAY April 15, Hagfors 150 ABC, 5:00 PM
Title: Continent-scale aerial dispersal of fungi
Abstract: Dispersal is a key process driving local-scale community assembly and global-scale biogeography of ecological communities. Plants in most ecosystems on Earth form close associations with mycorrhizal fungi, obligate root symbionts that improve plant access to soil resources in exchange for photosynthetically derived carbon. Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms of dispersal for these cryptic, yet common plant symbionts. Combining macrosystems ecology, trait-based methods, eDNA metabarcoding, and data synthesis, we address fundamental questions in the emerging field of microbial movement ecology.
TUESDAY April 16, 11:00 - 12:00 PM (Chapel)
Title: Strategies for antiracist action in STEM
Abstract: Labs are our scientific homes, the front lines of where either inclusion and belonging are fostered, or where exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination occur. As scientists are increasingly acknowledging the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in science, there is a need for clear direction on how to take antiracist action. Guidelines for developing antiracists policies and action are presented as well as discussion in an effort to promote racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion.
THE 2024 ZYZZOGETON RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Session Date and Time:
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Hagfors Center
Session Description:
Hosted by URGO, McNair, and STEM Programs, Augsburg celebrates the creativity and scholarship of undergraduate students with its annual Zyzzogeton Student Research Poster symposium. The event falls at the end of each academic year and is a culmination of achievement featuring work across departments. Over 50 students participate each year, showcasing their research in various science, social science, and humanity disciplines.
A “Zyzzogeton” is a green leaf-hopper as well as the last word in the Webster Collegiate Dictionary, which is a fitting symbol to mark the end of the academic year. Zyzzogeton is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Registration is now open!
Augsburg scholars who plan to present Register for Zyzzogeton.
PRISM scholars at Century, Normandale, and Minneapolis College, you are invited to attend no registration needed.
STEM Opportunities
Conferences
National Society of Black Engineers 50th Annual Convention
Participants at NSBE49 in Kansas City
March 20–24, 2024 Atlanta, Georgia
The National Society of Black Engineers’ four-day convention in Atlanta will host over 15,000 attendees for celebration, networking, and personal and professional development. The convention also features a career fair with 400+ companies.
APS March Meeting: Advancing physics for 125 years
Attendees at the 2023 Meeting in Las Vegas
March 3–8, 2024 Minneapolis, Minnesota
The American Physical Society will celebrate its annual March Meeting and 125th anniversary in Minneapolis this spring. This scientific research conference brings together more than 13,000 scientists and students from around the world to network and discover the latest findings in physics. Undergraduates can also participate in Future of Physics Days. The first year of APS membership is free for undergrad and graduate students.
14th Annual St. Louis River Summit: Braiding Visions for an Enduring Future
Attendees at the 2023 Summit
March 6–8, 2024 Superior, Wisconsin
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve presents the annual St. Louis River Summit, featuring two days of presentations, networking, and field trip opportunities at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The call for abstracts is still open for students who are interested in presenting posters or artwork broadly related to the St. Louis River, estuarine research, and conservation. Here are examples of previous presentation abstracts from last year’s event.
SB3C 2024: Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference
Students at SB3C 2023
June 11–14, 2024 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The theme of this year’s Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference is “Innovation without Borders: Uniting Ideas, Technologies, and Communities.” The meeting will feature a diverse program of events, lectures, student-centered activities, and opportunities to connect with scientists and peers.
Undergraduates can participate in the SB3C Student Paper Competition and Undergraduate Design Competition. The abstract submission deadline for undergraduates is February 16, 2024.
2024 Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium
Participants at the 2023 Symposium
April 13, 2024 Winona, Minnesota
The Winchell Symposium is a forum for undergraduates in STEM fields to showcase their scientific research and network with professionals and peers. Registration opens March 2024.
Discover Mayo Clinic College Webinars
IMAGINE A CAREER COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Whether you are a student, starting your professional life or already have a substantial career, you are invited to learn ways to have a life-changing career with Discover Mayo Clinic.
Discover Mayo Clinic provides students with the opportunity to engage with professionals through a series of webinars. The college webinars are designed to provide guidance through Mayo Clinic's application and interviewing process, along with highlight careers at Mayo Clinic that may align with a student's career aspirations.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
You will have the opportunity to speak with recruiters and hiring managers to learn about the types of roles at Mayo Clinic and how to start preparing for them. Click below to register!
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.
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
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
This is an open call to to become an Eclipse Ambassador.
Graduate School and Research
Quick reminder that the APS Bridge Program is accepting applications until March 15, 2024. Students from historically marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Office hours will also be offered for interested students to learn more
information about the Bridge application and application process.
Tuesday, March 5, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
“The Bridge Program provided that foundation to help me get my footing,
whether it was additional academic help or research.”
Michelle Lollie, Louisiana State University
If you have questions about the Bridge Program, reach out to staff at bridgeprogram@aps.org.
Looking for a mentor? Join the National Mentoring Community. Join a network that centers on the experiences of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous physics students. Sign up on a rolling basis.
The NIH-sponsored Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
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
Summer Research
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.
Application Now Open for the MnDRIVE Summer Research Internship!
Thanks to a collaboration between the North Star STEM Alliance and Minnesota's Discovery, Research, and InnoVation Economy (MnDRIVE), LS-NSSA scholars have the opportunity to conduct research at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities during a 10-week summer program.
Selected students will gain first-hand experience in scientific investigation in a dynamic, collaborative research environment. Students will be matched with MnDRIVE faculty, who will provide training and support.
MnDRIVE is a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota that aligns areas of research strength with the state’s key and emerging industries to address grand challenges.
LS-NSSA scholars may apply for research opportunities within three areas:
Benefits of Participating
- Great experience in STEM, which may lead to a more robust resume and stronger recommendations
- A $5,000 stipend funded through financial aid
- Opportunity to produce a poster and present your research at the MnDRIVE Summer Research Symposium
- Housing stipend and/or on-campus housing will be provided to any scholar who does not live in the Twin Cities metro
- Build your professional development and science communication skills
- Connect with your STEM peers
Recommended Qualifications
- Have a GPA above 2.75
- Be fully committed to the research experience (i.e., not planning to hold a full-time job or enroll in a course)
- Completed some STEM coursework
- Excited and ready to learn!
Eligibility
- Be/become an LS-NSSA scholar, apply online at northstarstem.org, and email nssa@umn.edu for questions.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- In your 3rd or 4th year
- Must not be a graduating senior (May 2024 and August 2024 graduates are not eligible)
Students: Research Training Opportunity
Gain critical skills and experience, conduct research with a mentor, present your findings, and build your professional network.
Undergraduate students (PReP)
✓ Paid summer research experience.
✓ For students enrolled at colleges and universities in Minnesota, or with a strong connection to Minnesota, who are from an underrepresented population.
Applicants currently working with UMN/CTSI affiliated faculty mentors that would like to continue working together through the summer may also apply.
Graduate & professional students (A-PReP)
✓ Paid summer research experience.
✓ For University of Minnesota doctoral-level health sciences students and early-predoctoral students.
✓ Students from populations underrepresented in research are highly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are required to apply with the support of a proposed faculty mentor.
Discover Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS) at Michigan and Columbia
NIH grant R25HL161786
Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics and Data Science at Columbia
May 28, 2024 - July 12, 2024
Apply by March 15, 2024
NIH grant R25HL147207
Big Data Summer Institute at the University of Michigan
June 17, 2024 - July 26, 2024
Apply by March 15, 2024
What is the Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science program?
The Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS) and Data Science is sponsored jointly by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
The comprehensive six to seven week summer training course on biostatistics and principles of data science combines classroom learning with career mentoring and hands-on data analysis using data collected from clinical studies in prevention and treatment of infectious, immune-mediated, and chronic diseases.
Designed to address a growing imbalance between the demand and supply for biostatisticians and data scientists, the course targets undergraduates and beginning graduate students who are interested in learning about biostatistics, and encourages them to consider graduate programs related to biostatistics and data science.
The typical curricula include an intensive introduction to biostatistical approaches and research by exposing participants to the principles, methodologies, uses, and applications of statistical methods in biomedical and clinical research.
Click the link for more information: Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science
Maeve Tuley, Wolf Ecology Field Fellow
Voyageurs Field Fellows is offering four exciting paid fellowship opportunities for college students and recent graduates for summer 2024. Voyageurs Field Fellows program offers stipend-paid opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to develop professional experience in wildlife biology, environmental education, aquatic invasive species prevention, public land and nonprofit management, cultural/historic preservation, and more.
Field Fellows will assist with research and conservation projects, develop visitor and education programs, and be immersed in public land stewardship. In turn, fellows will build valuable job skills, engage in ongoing professional development activities, and represent a new generation of scientists and public land professionals.
An absence of paid or college credit earning internships is one of the greatest barriers to increasing accessibility in the environmental field. Our public land professionals should be representative of America’s racial and socioeconomic diversity.
Click below for more details on the positions and application requirements on our website.
Job Fair and Internships
Event Details
- Date: March 21, 2024 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Location: Coco Downtown, 400 S 4th Street, #401, Minneapolis MN 55415
- Categories: MINNESTAR EVENT
It’s time to connect community members and job seekers with some fabulous companies and organizations.
Enjoy free food & drinks, get plugged into your community and learn about job opportunities at some of the best companies around.
About the event
What: Minnesota Tech Job & Opportunities Fair – a fun, casual happy hour with tables featuring local hiring companies (oh, and free food & drinks)
When: Thursday, March 21st, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Coco – Downtown Minneapolis
Cost: FREE (or a donation to Minnestar, if you’re so inclined).
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
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 January/February Issue
We’re leaping into the new year with the Harlem Globetrotters as they reach a whole new generation of fans. We also take a deep dive into the science of sleep and food sustainability, plus more in honor of Black History Month in our Jan/Feb issue. Diversity in Action January/February 2024 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