Scholar Newsletter
October 4th, 2023
Voice of Inspiration
STEM News
PRISM Spotlight – Minneapolis College S-STEM
Minneapolis College is a valued partner in the PRISM collaborative. Led by Dr. Renu Bhagat Kumar (Principal Investigator), Dean Dr. Ben Wang (co-Principal Investigator), and Carmen Buhler (co-Principal Investigator), the Minneapolis College scholars and mentors are actively engaged in a range of STEM-related activities including cohort meetings, faculty mentorship, advisor meetings, undergraduate research, internships, and community service.
“This collaborative project contributes to a national commitment to advance well-educated scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians. Undergraduate research and internship experiences provided in Transfer Pathways support professional development through cross-institutional partnerships and workforce development programs.”
– Program director Renu Kumar, Ph.D.
Minneapolis College S-STEM program has provided high impact practices like undergraduate research opportunities to scholars. Two scholars, Eva Skipwith and Justin Third, presented their results at the recent NSF S-STEM scholar conference held in Washington DC. Students have successfully transferred to complete their degrees at schools including Minnesota State University, University of Minnesota and Augsburg University and joined the STEM workforce with employers like Ecolab, 3M and RMB Environmental Laboratories.
“Working as both a mentor and a Co-PI over the years since our students have participated in the NSF STEM scholarship, I have witnessed our scholars blossom and open their eyes to many possibilities for their future. Besides receiving money, each scholar is paired with a faculty mentor, is encouraged by the cohort and STEM meetings, and participates in research/internship opportunities. Through these opportunities, the scholars are able to see themselves in a STEM field in their future endeavors.” says Carmen Buhler, co-PI.
The S-STEM team at Minneapolis College is looking forward to hosting the first annual STEM Transfer Pathway Workshop on Saturday, October 7th, which will bring together students, staff, and faculty from multiple institutions in support of seamless transfer for STEM students to bachelor's degree programs. Faculty mentors will also learn practical information to help support their students in the transfer process. There will be opportunities to interact with individuals from different institutions and build community.
Minneapolis College NSF Mentors, Advisor, PI and co-PIs
Minneapolis College NSF S-STEM Scholars, Fall 2023
STEM Events
Upcoming PRISM-Wide Events!
RSVP for October 2023 STEM Transfer Pathway Workshop
This in-person event is designed to help PRISM Scholars achieve seamless transfer to bachelor's degree programs. Faculty mentors will also learn practical information to help support their students in the transfer process. There will be opportunities to interact with individuals from different institutions and build community.
The event will take place on Saturday, October 7th at Minneapolis College, Rooms L 3000 & L 3400.
Please see below for the agenda:
STEM Transfer Pathway Workshop For Scholars, Advisors, Mentors
Saturday, October 7, 2023
10:00 -11:00 am - Introduction to Transferology
11:00 - 11:45 am Breakout sessions
A: Hands on practice - Scholars and Advisors
B: Disciplinary conversations - Faculty Mentors
11:45 am - 12:30 pm Lunch (Discussions contd.)
12:30-1:30 - Transfer Advisors Panel Discussion
A $25 transportation stipend will be provided for all Community College students.
Students are encouraged to bring a laptop computer to use during the hands on practice. If you need one to be provided, you can indicate this in the event RSVP below.
Please fill out the following pre-event questions: STEM Transfer Workshop RSVP
Thanks so much and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Feel free to send any questions to renu.kumar@minnepolis.edu or carmen.buhler@minneapolis.edu
Fall Internship & Career Fair -Strommen Center for Meaningful Work at Augsburg University
The Strommen Center for Meaningful Work is excited to announce the internship & career fair happening this fall. The fall fair present excellent opportunities for students to explore career paths, network with potential employers, and gain valuable insight into the job market. Students are taking proactive steps toward knowing their options and fostering their personal and professional development.
PRISM Scholars from Century, Normandale, or Minneapolis College are invited. To register, please email Janet at moralesj@augsburg.edu with the subject line of Augsburg Internship & Career Fair and she will follow-up with you.
Augsburg Internship & Career Fair
When: Wednesday, October 18, 3:00-5:00 pm - FOSS Chapel at Augsburg University
Cost: Free
Transportation: A $25 transportation stipend will be provided for all Community College students
Who should attend: Augsburg undergraduates & Summer 2023 grads as well as PRISM
Scholars from Century, Normandale, and Minneapolis CollegeAbout: There will be 35 employers from various organizations recruiting for internships and full-time opportunities. (Some of the employers who have already registered are: Boulay, Conservation Corps, Ameriprise, US Bank, SciTech Programs, Metropolitan Mosquito Control, Northwestern Mutual, Securian Financial, Ecolab, MN Senate, EPPA Medical Scribes and Walser Automotive corporate offices)
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
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!
Gilman Scholarship Applications – Due October 5
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.
The program encourages students to conduct STEM-related research abroad as part of their study abroad or international internship program. The program also encourages students to study languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.
To be eligible for the Gilman a student must be a U.S. Citizen or National and receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or during the term of the study abroad program or internship.
This application cycle is for programs that start between December 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024 (Terms Accommodated: Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Academic Year 2024-2025)
Plan ahead to give yourself time to submit a solid application:
Internships
Internship Opportunity at Genentech for Community College Students
Genentech is preparing to launch an internship for Summer 2024 that is geared towards Community College students. This is an amazing opportunity to get the foot in the door at one of the best companies to work for in science! Enter info through the link to receive more information as it comes out. There will be an informational session coming up soon on October 16th via Zoom.
Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
NASA Summer Internship Applications
As a NASA intern, students will work with leading experts and gain valuable experience as they participate in research and mission projects.
Internship applications are being accepted with the following deadlines:
- Summer 2024 Session Application Deadline: Oct. 20, 2023
For students who are undecided about applying read the “5 Misconceptions about Applying for a NASA Internship."
For more information and to apply, visit the NASA Internship Program’s website.
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/.
Job Fair and Grad Info Sessions
Register now for the 2023 AMS Online Fall Graduate School Fair!
Attention, students! Are you considering graduate study in mathematics? Are you already enrolled but want to explore your options? Do you want to meet representatives of programs actively recruiting students?
Then save the date for the AMS Online Fall Graduate School Fair on Wednesday, October 18, 2023,
3:30 – 6:00 p.m. ET (12:30 – 3:00 p.m. PT)!
This free event is a great opportunity for undergraduates to learn about the possibilities for graduate study and for master’s students to learn more about PhD study. Participants will have the chance to connect with representatives from graduate programs around the United States, get answers to important questions, and begin the graduate school application process with confidence.
Please register by October 16, 2023. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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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
NDSU Graduate Visitation Day 2023
Looking for a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry/Molecular Biology?
Visit us in Fargo, ND on
Saturday, October 21, 2023
The visit is on us!
Any student who is considering graduate school in the areas of Chemistry and Biochemistry is invited to visit North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo to learn about our graduate programs. Come and check us out with no strings attached – No need to apply to the program first; the NDSU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department will cover local hotel charges for your stay up to two nights and provide up to $100 towards your transportation expenses.
· You will learn about our graduate program, admission criteria, and application instructions.
· Find out what research is going at the Department by meetings with our faculty members.
· Get a tour over our Chemistry/Biochemistry Research Facilities and new chemistry building.
· Meet with our graduate students and learn about career opportunities of our graduates
For a schedule of events and more details visit:
To reserve your spot contact:
Bonnie Hurner, Academic Assistant
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Tel: 701-231-8694; email: bonnie.hurner@ndsu.edu
Please make reservations by Friday, October 13, 2023
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 September/October Issue
Joel Bervell, aka the Medical Mythbuster, graces our September/October cover and discusses health care disparities. We also feature Latino composers, diverse surgical technologists, programs providing jobs for people with disabilities and much more. Read it here:
Diversity in Action September/October 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