The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland
December 2020 | Issue 27
As the end of the fall semester nears and the holidays quickly approach, we reflect on the resilience of our Loyola community, especially the students, faculty, administrators, staff, and supporters of the sciences, with gratitude. We wish you a rejuvenating break with time for self-care and connection and look forward with great anticipation to seeing you on campus very soon.
Over winter break, we encourage students to consider the Haig Scholars Program and Hauber Research Fellowship Program, both excellent opportunities for top students majoring in natural and applied science programs. The deadline for applications is the third Friday of spring semester (February 5).
And we also encourage faculty, staff, and administrators to consider nominating a colleague for the university's AMDG Community Award recognizing employees who have gone above and beyond, embodying Loyola's core values and advancing Loyola's mission. Nominations are due February 8.
Share your news, photos, inspiring stories and upcoming virtual events for a future issue. Please send any feature suggestions to Jen Sullivan at jlsullivan4@loyola.edu.
Good luck on final exams and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season!
HIGHLIGHTS & GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Now accepting applications for Haig Scholars Program
For eligibility requirements and application details, visit the Haig Scholars web page.
Applications Due: February 5, 2021 (Third Friday of spring semester)
Now accepting applications for Hauber Research Fellowship Program
Visit the Hauber web page for details and application link.
Interested in learning more about past student research projects?
Check out recordings of the 2020 virtual presentations here.
NAS welcomes endowed professor in innovation, Michael Tangrea, Ph.D., '96
Loyola's Natural and Applied Sciences is pleased to welcome the division's first endowed professor in innovation, Michael Tangrea, Ph.D., '96. Dr. Tangrea's work will help to expand research in biohealth and promote economic and entrepreneurial success in the state of Maryland. The endowed professorship is funded in part by the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund (MEIF), which is administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Associate professor of biology Christopher Thompson shares COVID-19 insights on local news
Dr. Thompson's message is shared by other public health experts - while there is light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines hopefully coming soon to the elderly and healthcare workers, this pandemic is continuing to worsen. We must all be vigilant and do our part by masking, social distancing, staying home when possible, and assessing risks for our own families when planning holiday gatherings and celebrations this year.
Grand Seminar speaker Dr. Leana Wen shares insights about COVID-19 and the future of healthcare
It was an honor to welcome Dr. Leana Wen for the 2020 virtual Grand Seminar to answer the Loyola community's questions about COVID-19 and the future of healthcare.
Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at George Washington University’s School of Public Health. She is an expert in public health preparedness and previously served as Baltimore's Health Commissioner. She is a contributing columnist for The Washington Post and an on-air commentator for CNN as a medical analyst. In 2019, Dr. Wen was named one of Modern Healthcare's Top 50 Physician-Executives and one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
Watch the interview with Dr. Wen at www.loyola.edu/grandseminar.
Aerial view of the Fernandez Center progress captured by Loyola's UAV club
STUDENT & FACULTY OPPORTUNITIES
Webinar Series: Self-care and Resilience in Challenging Times
Session 1: View recording and materials here.
Session 2: December 10
Session 3: January 5
Session 4: January 28
Up to $25K available for science or tech innovation grant funding
VentureWell is looking for student teams seeking funding and training to launch their science & tech innovation!
Teams developing a positive solution to a social, environmental, or health challenge can take the first step in applying for an E-Team Grant by submitting a brief executive summary outlining the market potential and impact of their invention for the Qualification Phase.
Applications for the Qualification Phase are due by December 11 (tomorrow!).
Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Upcoming Events
Looking ahead...
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) | April 12 - 14, 2021
NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines.