ATTENTION CHEMISTRY PEOPLE!
The chemistry floor is going bowling tonight (Wednesday, May 5) from 8-10 at Viking Bowling in South Beloit. All levels of bowlers welcome. Call ext. 4238 if you have any questions or need help finding a ride.
The following Graduate School has sent information: New Mexico State University Graduate information is on file in the Seminar Room (Rm 409)
Good Luck During Finals Week and Have a Great Summer
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
THIS WEEK!
"An Overview of Forensic Science"
Thad Whiting '95, Forensic Scientist, Northern Illinois Police Crime Laboratory Highland park, IL
Anyone who has ever wondered what takes place in a crime lab or has an interest in the field of forensic science will want to attend this talk by a Beloit alum who is currently working at a small crime lab outside of Chicago. Some of the various subfields of forensic science, ranging from forensic drug chemistry to firearms/toolmark examinations, will be described. Advice will be given to students interested in pursuing a career or graduate school in this field. Please come with any questions you may have about forensic science.
WORK STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
First years, sophomores, juniors: Looking for an exciting job next year in the chemistry department? We need your energy and expertise in the lab as TAs for Chem 117 and Organic. Please talk to George Lisensky if you are interested in being a TA for next fall.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
April 23:
"Research Chemistry in a Military Laboratory" Dr. Laura J. Parker
Chemistry Division, Code 6112, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave., Washington, D.C. 20375
With the wide variety of career paths to chose from, I will discuss how I chose to work at the Naval Research Laboratory. I will give an overview of the types of research going on and how the laboratory is structured. In addition, I will present the research I have been conducting at the Naval Research Laboratory.
Our group studies energetic materials, commonly known as explosives, which react and decompose under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature. We are currently studying the decomposition of the polymer Teflon, sometimes used in explosive compositions, using high-pressure time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. From the absorption spectra obtained in real time (over 20 ms), we can investigate the reaction mechanisms and global reaction rates of the decomposition of Teflon. High-pressure diamond anvil cells and laser heating techniques were used to produce high pressure (up to 2.0 GPa ~ 20,000 atm.) and temperature (>1000K) conditions.
PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM speaker from Fermilab on April 23
Dr. Dylan Casey will be talking about "some of the sexiest problems in particle physics" (his words, not mine!) in a physics colloquium to be given at
1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday, April 23, in Chamberlin 313 (seminar room)
The level of the colloquium will be appropriate for anybody who has some idea of what atoms are made of, and has heard of special relativity. Dylan is a generally great guy, and I expect him to give a really interesting colloquium. There will also be colloquium cookies, so if you want to feed the brain and the body at the same time, please come!
If you are also interested in what it's like to do particle physics, you are also invited to a more informal talk -
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, in Chamberlin 313
How on Earth do we find these new and strange particles, anyway? Come and find out!
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency is offering a summer internship starting from mid May and ending late August in Lake Geneva, WI. The intern student would assist in lake management and protection efforts. The pay is set at $8.00 per hour and summer lodging is availabel for a nominal rate. Please contact Brock Spencer for more details.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
GEORGE ROGGE
Phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils: methods and physiological processes of heavy metal phytoextraction
Phytoremediation is the use of green plants to remove pollutants from the environment, rendering them harmless. Observations of plants' abilities to remediate waters and soils date back as early as 1885. The focus of current researchis to efficiently utilize these remarkable abilities of plants to concentrate elements and compounds from the environment and to metabolize them in their tissues. Toxic heavy metals and organic pollutants are the major targets for phytoremediation. Lead phytoextraction, or the use of pollutant-accumulating plants to remove lead from soils by concentrating lead in harvestable plant shoots, is an emerging technology. It is arguably the area of most scientific interest and technological progress in recent years because of the dangers lead poses as the most abundant toxic heavy metal in soils. However, there are no reliable reports of plants able to accumulate high concentrations of lead, cadmium or chromium; the most environmentally abundant toxic metals. Through the use of synthetic metal chelates such as EDTA, plants are able to rapidly accumulate these metals in concentrations up to 1% shoot biomass. Chelate-induced phytoextraction is a multi-disciplinary science requiring thorough knowledge of such fields as plant physiology and biochemistry, soil chemistry, agricultural engineering and the disposal of metal-enriched plant matter.
I will discuss broadly the foundations of phytoremediation, and specifically the research of two studies into the effects of chelate-induced phytoextraction.
There will be special senior seminar presentations by guest speakers for the month of April. Interested students and faculty are encouraged to visit with our guests informally and to join us in the late afternoon for pizza. More details will be forthcoming, or contact Laura Parmentier with questions.
ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
We will be putting together our annual department newsletter over the summer and will need information on what chemistry and biochemistry majors are doing, which is always of interest to alumni and to prospective students who receive the newsletter. The off-campus experiences that we are aware of thus far are listed below. If you know of others, please reply to this newsletter with the added information or contact one of the chemistry faculty.
For the 1998-99 Academic Year:
Oak Ridge Science Semester - Suzanne Thorp ('99) Scotland Seminar - Sarah James ('99), George Rogge ('99), Taherreh Jalali ('00), Julia Kamenetsky ('00)
Kansai Gaidai University (Japan) - Steve Schmoldt ('00)
For the 1999 Summer and 1999-2000 Academic Year
Woods Hole Environmental Semester - Tori Ziemann ('01) Texas A&M University working on telomerase with Dr. Dorothy Shippen - Matt Watson ('00)
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs
- Chemistry at Columbia University, NYC - Jon Scheerer ('01) - Materials Research Center at Northwestern University - Scott J. Barry ('00) - University of Colorado at Boulder with Dr. Stephen Leone - Seppe Kuehn ('00)
FELLOWSHIPS
The Department of Energy sponsors a Global Change Education Program providing undergraduate and graduate fellowships in support of its global change research activities. Information is posted outside 400 Chamberlin and is also available at http://www.atmos.anl.gov/GCEP
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES
AmeriCorps Opportunities
Beloit College is now an EPRUS/AmeriCorps site. This means that students doing volunteer/community service work in the Beloit area over the summer or during the school year may be eligible to register as an EPRUS/AmeriCorps Volunteer and receive a $1000 education award at completion of their service.
Volunteers must be involved in direct service and complete a minimum of 381 hours over the summer or over a school term (minimum of 15 hours per week.). Possible volunteer activities include: after school programs for youth, tutoring, working with elderly or very young, environmental clean up,etc.
Please note: EPRUS stands for Ecumencial Program for Rural and Urban Serivce and is the part of the AmeriCorps program sponsored by the National Council of Churches. However, volunteers do not need to work at a faith-based organization and are, in fact, prohibited from engaging in religious activities as part of their service work.
Please visit: http://www.ncccusa.org/eprus/americorps/home.html for more information. If you have questions or know an interested student, please get in touch with staff at Field and Career Services.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
CHARLOTTE MILLER
Bromodeoxyuridine
According to recent studies, brain cells continue to divide and regenerate in adulthood. This suggests that damage caused by disease and injury, which was previously thought to be permanent, may be reparable. Neurogenesis was documented by labeling cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). BrdU is a thymidine analog, which is taken up into the newly synthesized DNA of dividing cells. Because of this selective incorporation, its presence in cellular DNA indicates that the marked cells were created soon after the label was injected. This presentation will concentrate on BrdU and its applications that are relevant to the scientific study of neurogenesis.
David A. Norris Student Research Fellowships
The purpose of these Fellowships is to encourage and support chemistry-related undergraduate research by providing funds for research expenses and/or travel to present research results. Research that draws connections between chemistry and other fields in the sciences and beyond is encouraged, and student interest in and capability for benefitting from the research experience will be of primary consideration in making the awards.
Proposals for research support or for support to present research results at a regional or national meeting may be submitted at any time. As you are thinking about courses and are planning for next year, if you are planning a research project or a research presentation and would like to be considered now for support, please submit a proposal (a brief description of the project or presentation along with a budget) to Brock Spencer before the end of the semester.
Summer Research Opportunity
We have been contacted by a faculty member at Grinnell College:
We have an opening in our NSF REU program this summer at Grinnell College. We were wondering if you had any qualified students from Beloit who might be looking for a summer reserch opportunity who would be interested in our program. More information is availalbe on our web site at: http://www.grinnell.edu/chemistry/chemresopp.html. I would appreciate if you could forward this on to any other faculty who might know of students or directly to students.
Briefly some details: The program runs for 10 weeks (June 1 to Aug 6), with a stipend of $3000, housing will be available for a nominal fee and some travel expenses are paid. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded 4 semester hours of credit at Grinnell.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
University of Southern Mississippi - Polymer Science Research University of Alabama at Birmingham - Medical Scientist Training Program Georgetown University School of Medicine - Biomedical Sciences Carnegie Mellon University - Engineering & Public Policy Purdue University - Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology College of William & Mary - Department of Applied Sciences Wayne State University - Neurobiology
Franklin Pierce Law Center - Intellectual Property Law
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
SUZANNE THORP
ANTICHOLINESTERASE AGENTS: CHEMICAL WARFARE AND INSECTICIDES
Anticholinesterase agents, which are commonly used as insecticides and chemical warfare agents, inhibit acetylcholinesterase. The function of acetylcholinesterase is to terminate the action to acetylcholine at the junctions of various cholinergic nerve endings. These drugs cause acetylcholine to accumulate at the cholinergic receptor sites and thus are potentially capable to producing effects equivalent to excessive stimulation of cholinergic receptors throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. There are both reversible and irreversible anticholinesterase drugs. The focus of this talk will be on the irreversible inhibitors. The mechanism of anticholinesterase drugs, structure activity relationships and the reactivation of acetylcholinesterase will be discussed.
MAYA DAS
Keloids
A keloid is a hypertrophic scar that forms a firm dermal nodule that grows from the original trauma site, invading adjacent normal tissue. A keloid can be large and aesthetically displeasing, and is often accompanied by pruritus (itching) and paresthesia (burning sensation). The formation of a keloid is a result of a disruption in the balance required for proper wound healing. This is due to a favoring of the synthesis of the structural protein collagen, over degradation. The traditional mode of treatment has been surgical excision of the keloid. Over the past 30 years, however, various therapies (including corticosteroid, calcium-antagonist, and anti-histamine therapies) have also been introduced to prevent the recurrence of keloids. Some of these will be discussed.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
DEREK L. DIVINE
The Wonderful World of Bioluminescents: Luciferin
For eons people have been fascinated with the brilliant glow emitted from a firefly as it dances in the darkness. Up until very recently many regarded this light show as magic. However, in recent decades, chemists and biochemists have learned that this magic is none other than complex chemical reactions involving a very unique and interesting chemical called luciferin. Luciferin is not only found in Fireflies but also in fish, earthworms and bacteria just to name a few. Luciferin reacts with oxygen in the prescence of the enzyme
luciferase to give off light. There are many different wavelengths of light given off from this process. All depending upon the initial chemical formula of the luciferin used.
TAHERREH JALALI
Caffeine:
Caffeine is present in beverages such as tea, coffee and cola drinks which are widely consumed throughout the world. Caffeine is a methylated xanthine and is the most consumed Central Nervous System stimulant. Methyl xanthines have various cellular actions such as inhibiting phosphoesterases, controling intracellular calcium concentrations (directly and indirectly), and adenosine receptor antagonism. The most important of these actions is the antagonism of adenosine receptors. This action is said to be responsible for elevated mood, decreased fatigue and an increase in the capacity to work (in human beings), and is caused by consumption of methyl xanthines (ex: caffeine).
I will be talking about the effects of caffeine intake on human beings and the action mechanism of caffeine on the adenosine receptors.
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Imagine it, Biology v. Psychology, English v. Computer Science, Visual Arts vs. Economics--It is a WHOLE NEW WAY to prove who has the best major. What is it?
The BELOIT COLLEGE MAJORS SOCCER TOURNAMENT
On Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11, there will be a good chance for you to unite with your fellows of your particular major and try to beat down the other majors. Professors are also encouraged to participate. If you are interested, sign up in the Student Activitiesoffice today. Additional sign up areas will be posted later.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Indiana University - Chemistry
Case Western Reserve University - Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
GEORGE ROGGE
L-dopa, or levodopa, is a naturally occurring form of dopa, one of the pre-cursors to naturally occurring catecholamines such as dopamine. L-dopa is most commonly known for its antiparkinsonian effects, where orally administered L-dopa is converted into dopamine and used as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system of Parkinson's disease victims. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for coordination of motor skills and movement. It is not produced by the bodies of Parkinson's victims.
In addition, dopamines physiological functions go beyond movement and coordination. Direct action on b1-adrenergic receptors release norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings, increasing cardiac output of congestive heart failure patients. Demands for L-dopa encouraged scientists at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin to devise an efficient, inexpensive synthesis. We will look at the mechanism of this unique synthesis that uses fungi and also at L-dopas clinical values.
SUZANNE THORP
DETERMINATION OF MASS TRANSFER AND MICROBIAL DEGREDATION RATES OF AIRBORNE CONTAIMINANTS
A monoculture of bacterial cells was studied for its ability to convert propane into other products. Using gas chromatography, the maximum specific uptake rate was determined to be 1.8 umole/mg cells/h, and the Monod saturation constant for growth was found to be 0.0056 atm. As a result of the low saturation constant, we concluded that only a weak dependence existed betweeen the specific uptake rate and the concentration of propane in the liquid phase. These kinetic parameter values were compared to literature values for other propane-consuming bacteria. The results of a preliminary product determination study will also be discussed.
Undergraduate Research Symposia in Chemistry
On Saturday, April 17th, the Wisconsin Section of the American Chemical Society will hold its 29th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Chemistry at Carroll College in Waukesah, and the Minnesota Section will hold its 42nd Symposium at Carleton College. Information about submitting abstracts for oral or poster presentations is posted outside 409 Chamberlin. Perhaps it's time for the Chemistry Club to plan a road trip with its Pepsi fund?
SUMMER OPPORTUNITY
Laura Parmentier's brother is again looking for summer interns to work hard for no pay at his fantastically beautiful farm in western Norway. Dawn Doran (Biochemistry '98) spent last summer there and had a wonderful experience. Contact David Parmentier directly at the address below, or stop by Laura's office (415 Chamberlin) for more information.
Interested in being a farm hand in Norway? Vetle-Kroken farm is looking for someone to help out in the spring and early summer. The farm is run organically and grows strawberries and raspberries. It is located on the Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord. To the east lie Norway's highest mountains.
We have sheep, goats, a horse, chickens and rabbits to care for in addition to work in the berry field. We also offer kayak and mountain tours for tourists. See http://www.vetle-kroken.com for pictures and description of the area and farm.
We are looking for someone to live and work with our family. We offer room and board for 2 months of hard work and play. Contact dparm@sf.telia.no for more information.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
DEREK DIVINE
Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Could it Save a Life?:
Laser induced fluorescence is the process by which a molecule is electronically excited to its excited singlet state by laser light. Once excited, the molecule only remains in the excited singlet state for about 10E-8 seconds. This may seem like a very short period of time but on the molecular scale this is a rather long lifetime. Since energy is input into the system to excite the molecule, energy must be released when the molecule relaxes back to its ground state. To fluoresce, a molecule transmits this energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Often this radiation lies in the visible spectrum and one would see light. The color of this light depends on the energy difference between excited states, where the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation released is given by the expression wavelength = hc/E (Where h is 6.626 E-34 Js and c is the speed of light).
Laser -induced fluorescence has a wide variety of applications from analytical chemistry to physical chemistry along with every day uses. One application could involve coating the armor of military vehicles with special fluorescing compounds specific to that vehicle type. These compounds, excited by a modified laser targeting system, could be engineered to fluoresce at specific non-visible wavelengths reducing friendly fire casualties in a combat arena. Of course this technology would be classified, but it is an interesting idea worth looking into.
TAHERREH JALALI
Allergic reactions to Penicillin.
Allergic reactions to Penicillin are common. Any dosage of the penicillin drug can cause an allergic reaction. The overall incidence of allergies caused by penicillin drugs are from 0.7% to 10%. There are three substances that determine penicillin triggered allergies. The two minor determinants are the intact molecule of penicillin itself and penicilloate. The most important allergy causing derivative of penicillin is an intermediate formed due to the opening of the beta-lactam ring of penicillin, this intermediate is called penicilloyl. The allergic reactions that are caused by penicillin are maculopapular rash, urticarial rash, fever, bronchospasm, vasculitis, serum sickness, exfoliative dermatitis, Steven-Johnson syndrome and anaphylaxis.
SARAH JAMES
Gingko biloba: Nature's Cure
The Gingko tree is a species which can be traced back over 200 million years. This tree can grow an average height of 100 feet tall and is native to Southeast China. For hundreds of years, the Chinese have used the leave extract for many different ailments. As the most reasearched herbal remedy, Gingko biloba has aquired much respect in the medical field with its wide range of healing properties. This properties span from increasing blood flow to the brain to decreasing tinnitus. My presentation will cover the history and health benefits of this amazing herbal remedy.
CHARLOTTE MILLER
Black Widow Spider Venom
Mention of the black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) brings to mind harrowing images. These may be deserved as this spider's venom is actually more potent than pit viper venom. The venom released by the spider causes an uncontrolled release of norephinepherine and acetylcholine at the neural synapses. However as serious as it is, envenomation frequently does not lead to death in humans. To help minimize the affects of envenomation, there are a number of drugs that can provide relief for the muscle cramping and other severe symptoms that result from the neurotoxin's distribution. This presentation will discuss some of the treatments available. As much as possible, it will include mechanisms of drug action.
Peace Corps
A Peace Corps representative will be here on Tuesday, March 2nd. Information seminar at noon in the Mead Room of Pearsons. Information table in the mail room from 10:00-4:00.
Summer Research Opportunities (posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
The Deparment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago has summer research internships for 10 weeks with "a competitive living stipend." Deadline March 31st.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
MAYA DAS
To Have Hair is Human
Black or blond, curly or straight, it is obvious that hair has a large array of visible variety in humans. Hair shaft cells, like all epidermal cells, produce abundant amounts of the linear protein keratin. The alpha helices and linking of the keratin is responsible for the structural variety of hair. Hair shaft cells also contain a variant type of the pigment melanin called eumelanin which determines hair color. Research regarding hair and its structural properties have been greatly enhanced due to the resolution capabilities of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study of hair is important medically for understanding hair regrowth and pattern baldness. It is industrially significant in the manufacturing of hair care products (conditioners, shampoos, hair dyes, etc.).
SUZANNE THORP
Are Beetles Smarter Than Chemists? The first example of combinatorial chemistry in nature.
Combinatorial chemistry is a type of chemistry in which hundreds of different compounds are assembled from the same set of basic chemical building blocks. This type of chemistry began to make news in 1991, and has steadily increased in popularity, especially with medicinal chemists who use this technique to increase molecular diversity. Researchers studied the pupal defensive secretion of the "Lady-Bird" beetle (Epilachna boralis), using a myraid of analytical techniques and discovered a combintorial library of macrocyclic polyamines comprised of the carboxy and 2-hydroxyethylamino moieties of several (w-1)-(2-hydroxyethylamino) alkanoic acids. These defensive secretions are much more effective than any single chemical would be, but did they actually figure out combinatorial chemistry before us, or are they just sloppy and unable to control the process? Either way, they must be counted as the pioneers of combinatorial chemistry.
Fall Classes
We are in the process of scheduling Division I classes for next fall. A preliminary listing appears on the blackboard in 215 Chamberlin. Please check it over and let us know of any conflicts so that we can see if we can resolve them before sending the final schedule to the Registrar. Let George Lisensky know of any potential chemistry course conflicts. The Chemistry part of the schedule appears below.
117.1 General Lisensky 8-10 MWF
117.2 General Lewis 10-12 MWF
117.3 General Parmentier 1-3 MWF
230.1 Organic I Brown 9 MWF 8 Tu, Lab 1-4 W
230.2 Organic I Abrams 10 MWF+11 Tu, Lab 1-4 Tu
245 Quantum Viswanathan 9-11 TuTh, Lab arranged
250 Inorganic Lisensky 10 MWF+11 Tu, Lab 1-4 Tu
300 Biochem Ordman 11MWThF, Lab 1-4 Th
370 Adv Org Brown 11 MWF
375 Nutrition Ordman 9-11 TuTh, Lab 1-4 Tu
380 Seminar Ordman 1F
Summer Research Opportunities (posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
The Chemistry Department at the University of Nevada - Reno has a 10 week summer research program open to students who will have completed organic chemistry by this summer. A stipend of $3000, free housing, and up to $400 for travel are provided. For information see http://www.chem.unr.edu/reu. Deadline March 1st.
The Chemistry Department at the University of Kansas has a 10 week summer research program open to current sophomore and juniors. Stipend of $2800, travel up to $300, and free dormitory housing and meals. Deadline March 4th.
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
GEORGE ROGGE
Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Activity of Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in at least 72 plant species, has been previously recognized as the component in red wine that acts to prevent heart disease by inhibiting platelet aggregation. There is now strong evidence for resveratrol's cancer chemopreventive activity (prevention of cancer by ingestion of chemical agents that reduce the risk of carcinogenesis).
Resveratrol inhibits cellular events associated with tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Anti-initiation activity involves inducing phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes and resveratrol's antioxidant and antimutagen properties. Antipromotion activities are anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase functions. Antiprogression activity was observed in human promyelocytic leukemia cells where resveratrol induced cellular differentiation. In addition, it inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-treated mouse mammary glands in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in a mouse skin cancer model.
CHARLOTTE MILLER
Artemisinin as an Alternative Antimalarial Drug
Malaria, which causes an estimated 1.5 to 3 million deaths annually, is a major disease in tropical climates. The incidence of this disease continues to increase as many Plasmodium falciparum strains have become resistant to available medications. Thus new alternatives are being explored. One of these alternatives is the drug artemisinin, which is isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Qinghao. Due to a limited naturally occurring supply of Qinghao, endeavors have been made to synthesize artemisinin from synthetic components. These have been successfully completed and attempts to produce structurally similar drugs continue.
SARAH JAMES
Sunscreens: Their Place In The Sun
One in ten Americans will contract some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Sunscreens contain various compunds that absorb or physically block UV radiation which can lead to skin cancer. The early sunscreens contained p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) which absorbds UV radiation. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that PABA could cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This discovery led cosmetologists to investigate alternative compounds and there effectiveness. This presentation will look at these various compounds and their effectiveness in the fight against skin cancer.
Summer Research Internships (posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
The Center for Photochemical Sciences at Bowling Green State University has a 10 week summer research program in chemistry and biochemistry for current sophomores and juniors. Stipend $2500 plus housing provided. Deadline March 1st.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has an internship placement program for science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities. Their Entry Point! program arranges placements with IBM, DuPont, NASA, and UNUM Insurance Company. The placement process is ongoing, and they hope to announce all placements no later than April 30th. Check their website at http://entrypoint.org.
Student Research Symposium
If you are considering presenting research you have done at the Student Symposium on April 15th, plan on attending an information session on Wednesday, 10 February, at 7:30 pm in W.A.C. South Lounge. This workshop will both provide basic information and answer specific questions. It will assist students who wonder whether to participate, whether they're eligible, what is required of presenters, how to prepare, and whether special needs can be accommodated.
All You Can Eat!
Get a group of friends together and venture forth to the Turtle Town Hall (home of the Turtle Grange) for the 44th Annual "Turtle Volunteer Fire Department - Benefit Pancake Feed - Famous for delicious whole-hog sausage." Saturday, February 13th, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Adults $4. Contact Brock Spencer for directions and a critical review of the social and culinary importance of this annual ritual.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
University of Houston - Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin
SENIOR SEMINAR - Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!
The following students will be giving presentations:
MAYA DAS
"DENDRIMERS-Miracle Molecules?"
Dendrimers are a new class of polymers that owe their enormous potential to their unique, round structure. Unlike their two-dimensional counterparts, scientists are able to manipulate dendrimers. The discovery of these three-dimensional molecules by Donald A. Tomalia has opened the field of amplification chemistry. Studies are currently in progress which are aimed at expanding the scope of dendrimic multilayers by use of ionic, covalent, and network formation. Chemists hope that dendrimers can be used as catalysts. As "ideal" catalysts, dendrimers could increase the rate of catalytic activity, have precisely distributed catalytic sites, and be easily recovered by ultrafiltration. Their treelike structure mimics a variety of biological molecules in shape and size. This shows that dendrimers have remarkable promise in gene therapy and drug delivery. Also, researchers in the field of electronics speculate that a single dendrimer could someday, act as a computer.
DEREK DIVINE
"Chemiluminescence: The Chemistry Behind Lightsticks"
Almost everyone has marveled at the glow of a lightstick. This glow, most often green, is a product of chemiluminescence. Chemiluminescence is the non-thermal production of visible light via chemical reaction. This reaction between phenyl oxalate esters and hydrogen peroxide excites the molecules in a dye. These dye molecules then relax back to their ground-states and release a photon in the process. These photons make up the chemiliuminecence that has made lightsticks famous.
TAHERREH JALALI
"Vitamin C: Antioxidant Activity"
The vitamin C (ascorbic acid) molecule is made up of two asymmetric carbons C-4 and C-5. There are therefore four stereoisomers of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid in solution is a good reducing agent, that means that while it reduces other substances , itself gets oxidized (to dehydroascorbic acid) in the process. The oxidation of ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid is reversible. This cycle of reduction-oxidation termed as redox reaction is what makes vitamin C an antioxidant. An antioxidant substance is one that delays the process of oxidation, especially in living cells, that age.
Summer Research Internships (posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
Georgia Tech has a 10-week summer chemistry and biochemistry research program for current sophomores and juniors with a $3200 stipend, travel, and housing. Deadline March 1st.
North Carolina State has a 10-week summer research internship in Chemical Synthesis (solids, materials, natural products, polymers, drugs, monolayers) for current sophomores and juniors with a $3000 stipend, room, board, and travel. See http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/chemistry/chemreu. Deadline March 1st.
The University of Virginia Chemistry Department has a 10-week summer research program in chemistry and biochemistry for current sophomores and juniors with a stipend of $3000 plus housing. Deadline March 1st with rolling acceptance, so apply now.
The University of Oklahoma Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a summer research program with stipend of $3000 plus room, board, and travel (totalling $4500). Deadline March 15th.
The Chemistry Department at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California has a 10-week summer research program for current sophomores and juniors with stipend ($2700-3100 depending on class) and housing. Deadline March 1st. Information and applications are available at http://www.chem.hmc.edu under Summer 1999 Research Program.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) for Biomedical Sciences. The fellowship runs trhough June and July and offers a $1,400 stipend, housing and travel reimbursement. Information is available at http://www.surf.uthscsa.edu. Deadline is March 1st.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
University of Illinois - Chemistry
University of South Carolina - Masters in Environmental Studies
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin
Chemistry Seminar meets Fridays, 1:00 p. m. in Chamberlin 409 - All students and faculty are encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served! This week, join Maya Das, Derek Divine, Taherreh Jalali, Sarah James, Charlotte Miller, George Rogge, and Suzanne Thorp for an internship and off-campus seminar exchange. Learn about research and overseas experiences that may be available for you!
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
The CRC Press is making its annual special offer of providing last year's
edition of the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics at the greatly reduced
student rate of $60, with a further reduction to $50 if we have 6 or more
orders. Sign up with Brock Spencer in 417 Chamberlin.
Summer Opportunities (posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
The College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison is offering an eight-week summer research program in all areas of engineering and materials science for current sophomore and junior majors in mathematics, chemistry, physical science, engineering, or computer science. The program runs from June 13 - August 7th and provides a $2500 stipend plus $400 room allowance. The deadline for applications is March 4th.
The University of Oregon Materials Science Institute has a National Science Foundation summer research program for current juniors and advanced sophmores with backgrounds and interests in combining chemistry and physics. The program provides a $3200 stipend for 10 weeks starting June 15th, room and board, and travel expenses. Information and applications are available at http://www.uoregon.edu/~lbiggs/reu.html. Deadline for applications is February 15, 1999.
The marine sciences program at the University of Delaware is offering 10 summer research internships with preference given to current juniors. The work is at their marine laboratory on Delaware Bay and the Atlantic. The 10-week program provides a $3300 stipend, dormitory fee, tuition for a one-credit course, and travel assistance. Information and application forms are available at http://www.ocean.udel.edu/interns. Deadline for applications is February 26th.
The Medical College of Wisconsin Summer Program for Undergraduate Research provides a wide range of opportunities throughout the biomedical sciences for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or above. The stipend is $2500 for 10 weeks, and housing is provided. Deadline: February 26th. We have had a number of students who have used this program to good advantage in the past.
The University of Pittsburgh chemistry department (where we have a Beloit alumnus in grad school) is offering 10 weeks of summer research in their program in computational chemistry and molecular modeling for current sophomores and juniors majoring in chemistry, biology, materials science, or physics. The fellowship provides a $2700 stipend plus housing, meals, and travel. For application information see http://www.chem.pitt.edu/reu.html and talk to Brock Spencer if you would like to contact our alumnus there. Deadline February 22nd.
The University of Pittsburgh departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Physics also have a 10 week summer research program in a wide range of biochemical, biophysical, chemistry, computational, and medical areas. 16 fellowships will be awarded with a $3000 stipend, housing, and meals. Deadline February 1st. Applications are available at http://www.pitt.edu/~hhmi/hughes/html.
The University of Rhode Island has an 11-week summer undergraduate research fellowship program in Oceanography and Ocean Engineering. Fellows will usually have completed their junior year before the summer and may have intersts in physical, biological or chemical oceanography, geology/geophysics, or ocean engineering. Stipend and travel assistance are provided. Deadline March 1st. Apply through http://bobbyorr.gso.uri.edu/~surfo/
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas will be supporting approximately 50 undegraduate fellowships this summer for research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics for the period June 7 through August 13. We have had students in this excellent program in the past. $3000 stipend. Open to current sophomore and juniors. Deadline February 12th.
The Chemistry Department at Colorado State University is offering 10-week summer research experience in chemical synthesis. $2700 stipend for 10 weeks plus room, board, and travel. Applicants should have completed organic chemistry by this summer. Deadline February 16th. Information and applications are available at http://www.chm.solostate.edu.
Undergraduate summer research positions for 9 weeks are available at the Materials Research Center of Northwestern University for undergraduates majoring in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering. $3500 stipend. Information and applicatons are available at http://mcremis.ms.nwu.edu. Deadline February 15th.
Current sophomores and juniors majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology are elgible to apply for a 10-week summer research program in Microbial Structural Biology in the Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. $3500 stipend. Deadline March 1st. See http://www.bmb.psu.edu/deptpage/nsfrtg/
The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Center for Great Lake Studies has summer internships in aquatic sciences (7 June - 13 August) available to current sophomore and juniors. $2500 stipend, housing, and travel provided. Deadline March 5th. See http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/GLWI.
The Johns Hopkins University's Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth is looking for laboratory assistants in their summer programs for academically talented youth (2nd through 10th grades). Laboratory Assistants should have completed advanced course work in science, have a strong acacdemic record (3.2 or above) and have tutoring or teaching experience. Programs are at a number of sites around the country (MD, PA, NY, CA, MA). Deadline January 29th. Salary $900 per 3-week session. Applications at http://www.jhu.edu/gifted/acadprog/jobs.html.
Miami University (Oxford, OH) has up to 50 summer research internships in botany, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and zoology. 10-week internships with $3000 stipend and 12 semester hours of academic credit. Deadline March 1st.
The Medical University of South Carolina has a summer research program for current sophomores and juniors interested in cellular signal transduction and ligand-receptor interaction, in cardiovascular sciences, or in environmental or other biomedical areas. $2400 stipend for 10 weeks. Deadline February 5th.
The Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia has a summer research fellowship program for current juniors. $1750 per month for 10-12 weeks of research. Deadline February 28th with earlier applications encouraged.
The State University of New York at Stony Brook has a summer research program for chemistry majors. One Beloit alumna went through this program and returned to complete her Ph.D. there recently. $2500 stipend, housing, meals, transportation provided. They will start making offers on February 15th. See http://notes.cc.sunysb.edu/Prov./undergradsuggest.nsf/chem-app.
Mississippi State University offers 10 weeks of summer research in chemistry with a $3300 stipend, housing, and travel for current sophomores and juniors. Deadline February 23rd. See http://www.msstate.edu/Dept/Chemistry.
The Chemistry Department at Clemson University has a 10 week summer research program for current sophomores and juniors. $3000 stipend, housing, travel. Deadline February 23rd.
The Chemistry Department at Louisiana State University has a 9-week summer research program for current sophomores and juniors. $3000 stipend and housing. Latest date for review of applications is February 23rd (so earlier is better). See http://chem.lsu.edu
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate
studies:
Western Michigan University - Chemistry
Michigan State - Chemistry
St. George University School of Medicine Western Washington University -
M.S. in Chemistry
Baylor College of Medicine - Cell Biology
Georgetown University - Chemistry
University of Montana - Biochemistry/Microbiology
Vanderbilt University - Biochemistry
State University of New York at Stony Brook - Chemistry
Franklin Pierce Law Center - Community Law
University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign - Chemistry
Louisiana State University - School of Medicine in Shreveport
University of Massachussetts - Biomedical Sciences
University of Minnesota - Inorganic Chemistry
University of Missouri at Rolla - Chemistry
University of Chicago - Chemistry
University of Michigan - Chemistry
University of Rochester - Chemistry
University of South Carolina - Chemistry
Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School - Molecular and
Cellular Sciences
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
December 9, 1998
Summer Research Opportunities
The University of Texas Southwest Medical Center at Dallas has a summer research fellowship program in molecular and cellular biology, including biochemistry and biophysics, for approximately 50 current sophomores and juniors. The fellowship includes a $3000 stipend for 10 weeks of research starting June 7th. Deadline for applications is February 12th. We have sent students here in the past, who have had excellent experiences.
The Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison has a summer research program in microbiology, microbial genetics, cellular biology, and molecular biology. Several Beloit students have made good use of this program in the past. Undergraduate majors in the biological sciences, preferably current juniors, are eligible (US citizens and permanent residents only) for this 9-week progam with a stipend of $3000, housing, and a meal allowance. Deadline March 1st. See also http://www.bact.wisc.edu/REU/Application.html.
Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center in Oracle, Arizona, is offering a "semester abroad" program for the academic year and summers including research at the Biosphere and field trips in the Southwest. For more information see http://www.bio2.edu.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on Cape Cod (where Carrie Tuit, Beloit chem/geo major '96 is a grad student) offers summer research fellowships for current juniors and seniors majoring in science, math, or engineering. Stipend is $335/week for 10-12 weeks plus travel. Deadline for applications is February 16.
The Insitute for Paper Science Technology at Georgia Tech has a summer research program for current juniors majoring in science or engineering. The program provides a $2350 stipend plus $1200 housing allowance. Deadline March 1st. See http://www.ipst.edu.
The Materials Research Society has an undergraduate research grant program providing $750 for research expenses and a $250 award to the student upon completion of the project. For information see http://www.mrs.org. Proposal deadline is January 15th.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
University of Rochester - Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
University of Michigan - Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Minnesota - Inorganic Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
December 2, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409: Tom Duncanson Institute of Paper Science and Technology "The Research Agenda for an Industry: New Technology and the Paper Industry." Learn about graduate and internship opportunities! Refreshments - everyone welcome.
Opportunities
We now have more than a dozen summer and academic year research opportunities posted on the bulletin board outside of the Chemistry Seminar Room. Many have application deadlines in January or early February, so now is the time to get application materials so you can complete them between semesters. Many also start considering outstanding applicants before the official deadline.
We have also just received the American Chemical Society's "1999 Directory of Experience Opportunities," which gives information on internships, summer work, fellowships and co-op programs. In addition to the academic positions we often know of, this booklet includes a number of industry and governmental prorgams as well. Examples include Alza Pharmaceuticals (CA), Amgen (CA), Association for Women in Science (DC), Bayer (nationwide and international), Cargill (MN), Colgate-Palmolive (NJ), Eastman Chemical (TN) and Kodak (NY), FBI (DC), Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysics (MA), IBM (NY), Mayo Grad School (MN), Merck (PA), Motorola (IL), Air and Space Muesum (DC), Museum of Natural History (DC), Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals (MI), Proctor and Gamble (OH), Rohm and Haas (PA, TX, KY), Sigma Chemical (MO), Smithsonian Environmental Center (MD), USDA (LA), and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MA). You may look through the directory in 417 Chamberlin and/or discuss the opportunities with Brock Spencer.
Summer Research Opportunities
Kansas State University has a summer research program for citizens and permanent residents majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. Room, board, and a $3000 stipend will be provided. Application deadline is February 15th. For information go to http://ww.ksu.edu/chem/reu_nsf.
The Center for High Pressure Research at the State University of New York at Stony Brook offers a 10-week program for students majoring in any of the physical sciences. Housing, a travel allowance, and a $3200 stipend are provided. Deadline March 7th.
The University of Michigan chemistry department has a summer research program (June 2 - August 11) with housing, travel, and a $2700 stipend. Deadline February 19th. Apply online at http://www.umich.edu/~michchem/reu.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers summer research (June 7 - August 13) for current sophomore and junior chemistry majors with a $3600 stipend and travel allowance. Deadline for applications is February 15 with evaluation of the first round of applicants beginning two weeks before that date. See http://www.che.utk.edu/reu/reu.html.
The Center on Polymer Interfaces and Macromolecular Assemblies offers summer undergraduate research positions at Stanford University, IBM's Almaden Laboratory in San Jose, and the University of California at Davis for majors in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, and related fields. Must be citizen or permanent resident. The stipend is $4500 for 10 weeks and up to $750 for travel. The deadline for applications is February 17th. Note: The program administrator is Dr. Brenda Waller (Beloit '93, a post doctoral fellow at the center and daughter of the Science Division's own Dave Waller. We certainly ought to have some Beloit students applying in her first year on the job!). Inforamtion and application forms are also available at http://www-leland.stanford.edu/group/CPIMA/education/eduframe.html/.
The University of Kentucky Department of Biochemistry has a summer research program in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology open to both US and international students who will have completed one year of biology or organic chemistry. Preference will be given to current sophomore and juniors. Stiped of $2500 for 10 weeks. Deadline January 11th.
Baylor College of Medicine Texas Medical Center in Houston has a Summer Medical And Research Training Program (SMART) that a number of Beloit students have found to be excellent over the years. Research placements are available in a wide range of basic biomedical science as well as clinical areas, a seminar series, and career development counseling. Stipend is $3000. This is a large program, taking 50-60 students each summer. Applications are due by February 1st. Information is also available at http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/smart/
Academic Year Research Opportunity
The Department of Energy offers and Undergraduate Research Semester program in the sciences, mathematics, engineering, and comptuer science during the academic year at several of its national Laboratories: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, CA) Los Alamos National Laboratory (Los Alamos, NM) Sandia National Laboratories (Livermore, CA and Albuquerque, NM) "We guarantee exciting research using state-of-the-art equipment, competitive pay, subsidized housing and travel, and an unforgettable experience." This program is modeled on the ACM Oak Ridge Science Semester, providing a full semester of academic credit for full-time research for students who chose to elect it as a Beloit College Field Term. A number of Beloit students have taken excellent advantage of an earlier version of this program. Information is also available at http://education.lanl.gov/resources/urs/. Talk to Brock Spencer, who has worked with a number of students who have elected this program for academic credit.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Miami University, Ohio - Paper Science and Engineering
University of Kentucky - Microbiology & Immunology
University of Iowa - Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Michigan - Molecular Biophysics
Texas A & M - Chemistry
University of South Carolina - Chemistry, Biochemistry
University of California, Irvine - Analytical Chemistry
State University of New York at Buffalo - Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
November 25, 1998
David A. Norris Student Research Fellowships
The purpose of these Fellowships is to encourage and support chemistry-related undergraduate research by providing funds for research expenses and/or travel to present research results. Research that draws connections between chemistry and other fields in the sciences and beyond is encouraged, and student interest in and capability for benefitting from the research experience will be of primary consideration in making the awards.
Proposals for research support or for support to present research results at a regional or national meeting (e.g. the National Council for Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Rochester this spring) may be submitted at any time. If you are planning a research project or a research presentation next semester and would like be considered now for support, please submit a proposal (a brief description of the project or presentation along with a budget) to Brock Spencer by Friday, December 11th.
Summer Research Opportunities
Hope College (Michigan) has a National Science Foundation summer research program in chemistry with nine faculty offering a variety of research opportunities for citizens and permanent residents who are current freshmen-juniors. The 10-11 week research program carries a stipend of $2700 and provides free housing. Deadline for applications if February 5, 1999. We have had Beloit students at Hope in the past, and it's an excellent opportunity.
Texas A&M University has a summer research program in chemistry for current juniors who are US citizens or permanent residents. The 10-week program carries a stipend of $3075 and a $300 travel allowance. Some academic credit is also available. The deadline for applications is March 1. We have an alumna who is a grad student there if you would like some inside information.
The Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory outside of Chicago has a summer undergraduate research program in the physical and life sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering, as well as a range of applied research programs in areas such as environmental impact, coal, conservation, and nuclear technology. Current sophmore, junior, and senior citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the 11-week program. Details about the positions available, stipend, housing, etc. are available at http://www.dep.anl.gov. To apply, you must submit an application at http://www.orau.gov/doe_erulf AND to http://www.dep.anl.gov.
Michigan State University has a 10-week summer research program in chemistry for current sophomores and juniors providing a stipend of $2500 plus room and board (up to $1500) and $250 for travel. The deadline is February 1st. You can apply at http://pittising.cem.msu.edu/ungrad/reu/index.html.
The Society for Toxicology helps place undergraduates in summer research positions in toxicology in industrial, academic, and government labs with financial support and travel reimbursement. Request an application packet now from Student Research Internships, Society of Toxicology, 1767 Business Center Drive, Suite 302, Reston, VA 20190.
The UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Awards provide up to $25,000 in scholarship support and up to $5,000 per summer for two summers of research at a Merck research facility. African American juniors (citizens or permanent residents) in the life or physical sciences with a GPA of 3.3 or above are elgible. Applications are due by January 15th.
Project SEED
Beloit mathematics alumnus Dan Mulligan was on campus for the Alumni Career Fare and dropped off information about Project SEED. It is a non-profit organization that provides a highly successful mathametics enrichment program for urban/minority elementary and middle school students. One of the sites is in Milwaukee. If you have strong math interests that you would like to combine with social service that has a real impact (not an unusual combination at Beloit given the number of graduates who go on to the Peace Corps and other similar activities), you may be interested in finding our more about this program. Contact Brock Spencer for more information, or contact Dan directly at seedmath@aol.com.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE on UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
The National Conference on Undergraduate Research will be held April 8-10, 1999, at the University of Rochester in New York. This annual meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students to present their research in talks or posters. Beloit students have regularly attended and found the experience to be excellent. Work from all areas, not just the sciences, is included, and the conference includes a number of excellent lectures and performances in addition to the student presentations. Beloit students who have presentations accepted have usually been able to arrange support from the College to attend.
The NCUR99 web site (http://www.NCUR99.rochester.edu) has been updated to include on-line registration for the April 8-10, 1999 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. The December 1st deadline for abstract submission is fast approaching, and if you are planning to attend NCUR99 you may wish to take advantage of on-line registration. Although all NCUR99 information is available on our web site, if you prefer to receive a Program Announcement and Call for Papers for NCUR99, please reply to NCUR99@cc.rochester.edu and we will send you one immediately.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Nuclear Engineering Department
Pennsylvania State University - Life Sciences Consortium
Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology -Environmental science
and Engineering
Northern Illinois University - Chemistry, Biochemistry
Florida Institute of Technology - Chemistry
Rice University - Chemistry
Temple University - Biomedical Sciences
Oregon State University - Chemistry
University of California, Irvine - Chemical and Material Physics
University of Wyoming - Chemistry
University of Texas Medical Branch - Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics
University of Minnesota - Environmental and Occupational Health
Baylor College of Medicine - Biomedical Sciences
Auburn University - Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
November 18, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409: This week features Luke Schwantes - The Art of Beer Making, and Chris Kindschi - Forensic Science- Crimefighting With A Chemistry Set. Come early to get a good seat! It's getting crowded with lots of exciting chemistry! Freshmen, sophomores, juniors - please attend! Refreshments, including Double stuff Oreos!!
VISITING SPEAKER
On Sunday November 22, at 6 pm in the Richardson Room of MI, Tracy Burrows, a visiting nurse with the Albany (NY) Visiting Nurses Association will present a talk entitled "Living and Dying with AIDS; Experiences of a visiting nurse." Ms. Burrows graduated from Skidmore College with a BA in Biology and the attended Russel Sage College to obtain her BS and RN degrees. She will also speak about her choice of the career of nursing.
This talk is sponsored by the Health Professions Advisory Committee, Field and Career Services and the Partners in Health and Higher Education grant from the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
INTERNSHIP
The New England Wild Flower Society, the oldest plant conservation organization in the Northeast, is accepting applications for its special extended Nursery/Propagation Internship at Garden in the Woods.
Training: The intern will gain practical experience in standard horticultural practices, nursery production and sales, and seed processing and distribution involving a wide variety of native species. During the winter months, the intern will assist with research for a book on native plants (to be published in spring 2000), seed cleaning/packaging, fern production, database management, and general horticultural activities. Spring and summer work is mostly propagation, production, and plant sales in our retail nursery - recognized as the region's most complete source of native species. Regular on-site activities are supplemented by field trips to nearby gardens, nurseries and natural areas, and completion of a special project based on the intern's interests.
Site: Interns live and work at Garden in the Woods, the 45-acre botanical garden of the New England Wild Flower Society which has displays of woodland gardens, rock gardens, wetland and pond plantings, special habitats, and an endangered species garden. The native plant nursery currently produces over 30,000 container plants annually for use in the garden and sale to the public and other institutions, and collects seed of 300 species for use in propagation and distribution to the public.
Dates of internship: Jan. 12, 1999-Oct. 10, 1999
Stipend: $200/week plus housing
Application deadline: postmarked by December 15, 1998
An Application Form, 2 references and a processing fee of $7.50 are required. For more information or to request an application packet, contact Bill Cullina, Nursery Manager/Propagator, NEWFS Nursery Internship, Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham, MA 01701-2699. Tel. (508) 877-7630 ext. 3402; fax (508) 877-3658; E-mail cullina@newfs.org (Please include full mailing address with E-mail inquiries). Or visit our website for more information and application forms http://www.newfs.org/~newfs/.
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The National Science Foundation is offering a summer research program in solid state chemistry at the University of Southern California. This program will last from June 13 to August 16. There is a stipend of $2,800 plus transportation. To request an application, phone, write or email: Mark Thompson/Rosemary Rapp, Chemistry Department, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. 90089-0744; phone/fax (213) 740-8594; email - nsfsolst@chem1.usc.edu. For additional information visit the website at http://www.usc.edu/dept/chemistry/nfsumprgm or see George Lisensky.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program is available at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The program will accept approximately 20 participants to focus on research in the areas of polymer science and engineering. This program runs from May 26 - Aug 13, 1999 and will pay $5000 as a stipend. The application deadline is February 5, 1999. For more information visit the web site at http://www.chem.vt.edu/chem-dept/NSF/STCweb1/SURPhomepage.html.
The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky is sponsoring a research program during the summer of 1999. The program will offer research in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Preference will be given to students entering their junior or senior year, but the progrm is open to all undergraduate students. There is a stipend of $2,500 for a 10 week summer program. Application deadline is February 1, 1999. For more information contact Brock Spencer.
GRADUATE STUDIES
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Darthmouth Medical School - Program in Immunology Auburn University -
Chemistry
Iowa State University - Life Sciences
University of California, Riverside - Environmental Toxicology Oregon Health
Sciences University - Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
The Resource Guide to Careers in Toxicology is also located in room 409. This book is written by the Society of Toxicology and includes information about career opportunities in Toxicology and graduate program descriptions.
November 11, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, November 13th, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409: featuring Kevin Braun - Ultra-fast spectroscopy - Through ultra-fast spectrometry researchers can view reactions up to the femto-second level. And Mary Salsbury - The Chemistry of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
UNCF * Merck Science Research Scholarship and Fellowship Awards
The 1999 UNCF * Merck Science Research Scholarship and Fellowship Awards has just been announced. This award is given to outstanding African Americans who are interested in the biomedical sciences. Fifteen awards are given annually with a tuition scholarship of up to $25,000 and two summer internship stipends totaling a minimum of $10,000. Deadline for applications is January 15, 1999. Information and applications are available in room 417.
American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program
Scholarships are available from the American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program. They are designed to encourage African-American, Hispanic, and Native American students to pursue undergraduate college degrees in the chemical sciences. Seventy-five awards are available for undergraduate students which are valued at up to $2,500 for each academic year. The application deadline is February 15, 1999.
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program is offering a summer internship opportunity at the University of North Dakota. The program runs from early June through the first week of August. Participants will receive a stipend of $3,400 plus $180 for round trip travel. Although no deadline is indicated, successful candidates will be contacted in early March.
GRADUATE STUDIES
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Department of Defense Graduate Fellowship Programs Kansas State University
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences
North Dakota State University - Chemistry, Polymers, and Coatings Iowa State
University - Chemistry
University of Georgia - Chemistry
South Dakota State University
Michigan Technological University - Cellular and Molecular Biology Washington
State University - Chemistry
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Cellular and Molecular Biology University
of New Mexico - Chemistry
John Hopkins University - Chemistry
University of Pittsburgh - Chemistry
Loyola University - Chemistry
University of Rochester - Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
November 4, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR (FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1 P.M. IN CHAMBERLIN 409) Kevin Braun - Site Selective Cancer Drugs Mary Salsbury - The Reactions of the Bisphosphonates Angela Moten - The Day in the Life of an Asthmatic Freshmen, sophomores, juniors - please attend! Refreshments!
Summer Research Opportunities
Information posted outside 409 Chamberlin.
The Biomedical Sciences graduate program at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine has a summer research program for current sophmores and juniors. The progam runs from June 7 through Aguust 6 and provides a $3500 stipend. The deadline for applications is February 15th.
The NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program sponsors an intensive 6-week summer program of research, workshops, lectures, and tours. The program carries 5 semester hours of credit, and all expenses (travel, room, meals) are provided. Deadline for applications is January 31st.
Question of the Week
(Brought to you by 4th floor's own Charlie Abrams)
1. If a mole can dig a mole of holes, How many holes can a mole of moles dig?
Answer: 3.47 e47
2. If a mole of moles runs toward a mole of holes, what will the slowest mole see?
Answer: molasses
GRADUATE STUDIES
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill - Pharmacology Kansas State
University -Biochemistry
University of Illinois, Chicago - Chemistry New Mexico Tech - Chemistry
University of Florida - Material Science and Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
University of Cincinnati - Biomedical Sciences Cornell University - Joan
and Sanford I. Weill Graduate school of Medical Sciences
(Biochemistry and Structural Biology)
Bowling Green State University - Center for Photochemical Sciences Loyola
University, Chicago - Microbiology and Immunology Michigan State - Chemistry
Colgate - Master of Arts in Teaching
University of Notre Dame - Biochemistry, Chemistry Chicago Meidcal School/Finch
University of Health Sciences - Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
University of Kansas - Pharmaceutical Chemistry New York University - Neural
Science
Rochester Medical Center - Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemistry
New York State University, Stony Brook - Chemistry, Biochemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
October 28, 1998
THE WEEKLY GAFFAW (Provided by 4th floor's own Charlie Abrams) I. Atomic Theory
A neutron walks into a bar and orders a beer. He reaches into his pocket for his wallet as he inquires: "how much do I owe you?" The bartender responds: "For you there is no charge."
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
The Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides 10-week summer research positions with preference for students who are completing their junior year. The program provides a $2500 stipend, housing, meals, and travel. Deadline for applications is February 15th. Information is posted outside 409 Chamberlin and is available at http://www.med.unc.edu/pmbb/sure.htm.
MATERIALS SCIENCE OPEN HOUSE
We are hosting a Materials Science Open House at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998, and I would like to invite you, other faculty in your department, and your junior and Senior undergraduate students to attend this event. This is a chance to learn what Materials Science is, to see first hand the exciting work that is being done in Materials Science, and hear what opportunities there are in Materials Science in this part of the Midwest. UW-Madison is hosting the Open House, while Iowa State University, Michigan Tech, UW-Milwaukee, and Marquette are co-hosts and will tell about the materials work at their schools. All the schools will describe summer research positions they have available.
We are experimenting with this unique joint co-hosting approach because we are looking for excellent students to come into our programs, and Chemistry and Physics students do excellently in Materials Science. We think it will benefit you and your students, who will be exposed to a several Midwest Materials programs at one meeting. Our plan is to rotate the host school each year so you can see first-hand the facilities at each school.
I would appreciate it if you would help promote this Open House within your department by talking to your faculty colleagues and announcing it in your classes. The Open House will include a couple of short high-energy talks on research at UW-Madison, lab tours, talks by the co-host schools, and a panel discussion with Materials Science graduate students who started with Chemistry and Physics degrees.
The Open House will last no longer than 5 hours, so it should be possible for many schools to make this a one-day trip. We do have limited funds to help with travel expenses.
Please RSVP to rhoads@engr.wisc.edu before Nov. 8, 1998 if you plan to attend. For more information please contact Ms. Diana Rhoads (608) 263-1795.
We look forward to seeing you and your students at the Open House.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Matyi
Chair, Graduate Affairs Committee
Materials Science
1509 Univ. Ave. #242
Madison, WI 53706
October 21, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409: This
week featuring useful organic chemical reactions, in conjunction with ALCOHOL
AWARENESS WEEK:
Angela Moten - How does a plant turn solar energy into chemical energy?
Luke Schwantes - Organic Reactions in Beer Making
Chris Kindschi - Alcohol and Your Body: What's Really Going On???
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors - please attend! Refreshments, including Double stuff Oreos!!
CHEMISTRY HUMOR
SJD (Single Jewish Dienophile), electron-poor, seeks electron rich diene for good times, cycloaddition reactions, and possible bond formation. Must be s-cis and conjugated. Take a chance! Send molecular weight, CAS Registry number, and infrared spectrum. BOX 6.022E23
Provided by 4th floor's own Charlie Abrams, from "Organic Chemistry Laboratory: The Most Fun You'll Ever Have With Your Goggles On" by C. Abrams (Columbia University, 1992
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITES
Case Western Reserve University offers summer research opportunities for students in the life sciences (including biology, biochemistry, anthropology, biomedical enginnering, chemistry, environmental health, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, neurosicences, nutrition, pharmacology, psychology, sociology among others) in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. Ten weeks of research with a stipend. Deadline is February 1st. Information is available at http://129.22.156.15/biology/biol.htm and is posted outside 409 Chamberlin.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES INFORMATION
Three new or first-time-permanent courses will be offered next term that
will satisfy Division III or IDST requirements for the minor. Gary Cook
will teach Environmental Ethics (probably at TTh 1-3); this philosophy course
(Philosophy 224) will satisfy a Division III requirement. Cam Davidson will
teach IDST 276 (Environmental and Science Policy) at TTh 1-3, and Rama Viswanathan
will teach another IDST course dealing with solar energy and technology
(at 11 MWThF).
Regarding a domestic environment-focused semester for the science oriented
types. The Semester of Environmental Science (SES) at the Marine Biology
Lab in Woods Hole, MA is a relatively new program. It is offered every fall.
Accepted students take 2 core courses (Aquatic Ecosystems and Terrestrial
Ecosystems), one elective (Aquatic Chemistry or Mathematical Modeling of
Ecosystems or Microbial Methods in Ecology), and complete a research project.
Prerequisites are 1 year of chemistry, 1 year of biology, and 1 year of
calculus; these requirements, however, may be waived depending on your background.
The program is designed for the first-term junior, but may be appropriate
for sophomores and seniors. See http://www.mbl.edu/SES/
for more information--or talk to Brock Spencer. To apply for this program,
apply first through the World Affairs Office in WAC to take advantage of
our new consortial agreement with SES. (If you go through WAC, you only
need to pay Beloit's tuition, which is less!)
Another new program. Beloit College's "Maritime-Canada Program,"
a six-week summer course (July 3 - Aug 13), is held in halifax, Nova Scotia.
Students earn 2 units of credit, one of which could be applied to the ES
minor. Students will enroll in Environmental Issues in Maritime Canada (as
well as in Social and Cultural History of Atlantic Canada). Application
forms are available through the World Affairs Center Office in WAC.
Regarding a prestigious fellowship. Udall Scholarships: awards up to
$5000 for college expenses(tuition, fees, etc.) to sophomores and juniors
who intend to study environmental public policy, or Native American or Alaska
Native students who intend to pursue careers related to health care or tribal
public policy. Completed applications are due March 15. Julia Sneeringer
has applications for this (her office is in MI 105).
GRADUATE STUDIES
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies:
Emory University - Chemistry Department
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee - Chemistry Department
Iowa State University - Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology
University of Minnestoa - Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology
Univeristy of Albany - Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology
John Hopkins University - Intercampus Program in Molecular Biophysics
Wayne State University, Detroit - Chemistry Department
University of Arizona, Tucson - Pharmacology and Toxicology
Brown University - Chemistry Department
Purdue University - Biological Sciences
University of Houston - Chemistry Department
Georgia Institute of Technology - Chemistry Department
University of Virginia - Chemistry Department
University of Nebraska, Lincoln (Go Huskers!) - Chemistry Department
Western Illinois University - Chemistry Department
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
October 7, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409: The
big crowd at Seminar has been enjoying the refreshments and speakers. Congratulations
to Kevin Braun, Chris Kindschci, Angela Moten, Mary Salsbury, Luke Schwantes,
and Brian Stupi for great weekly presentations. Senior seminar attendance
has been steadily growing! This week there were 15 students in attendance,and
they appeared to have a great time hearing about arson investigations and
viagra. Keep up the good work - and students and faculty - please congratulate
them on their excellent jobs in developing exciting talks and giving excellent
presentations.
This week alumnus and Professor of Oncological Sciences David Virshup,
M.D., will be speaking about research, internships, and graduate school
opportunities at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, home to one of
the main centers of the Human Genome Project! Freshmen, sophomores, juniors
- please attend! A great summer job may await you!
David Virshup, M.D., will be taking a group of students for a free dinner
at Delminico's Thursday, October 8th. He has internships,graduate school
opportunities, and much more. Email Roc Ordman(ordman@beloit.edu) to make
a reservation. .
SYMPOSIUMS AND NATIONAL CONFERENCES
The Chemistry Department at the University of Minnesota is having an
open house and Minisymposium on Saturday, November 7th. Deadline for registration
is October 30th. Information available at http://www.chem.umn.edu.
INTERNSHIPS AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
ACM/GLCA Oak Ridge Science Semester
This well-established program provides a fall semester of research, an
advanced course, and an interdisciplinary seminar for a full semester of
academic credit. A number of Beloit students have taken advantage of this
opportunity. Suzanne Thorp ('99) is there now. Information is posted outside
409 Chamberlin.
The University of Florida is providing a variety of summer research opportunities
for undergraduates (typically current sophomores and juniors) through grants
from the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates
program. Positions are available in chemistry, physics, the Center for Research
and Education in Optics and Lasers (in Orlando), and the Engineering Research
Center for Particle Science and Technology. These groups also have an particularly
interesting US/France program for students who have had some research experience
(academic year or summer) to spend a summer doing research in France. In
addition to the NSF support (which is limited to US citizens), they have
industrial support for a series of special fellowships. Application forms
are available from Brock Spencer in 417 Chamberlin. Information on all of
these opportunities is posted outside 409 Chamberlin and is available at
http://www.chem.ufl.edu/REU/
and http://www.erc.ufl.edu/REUsummer.html/.
An advanced competition to fill some of the fellowships closes October 20th,
and a second competition will occur in early 1999.
GRADUATE STUDIES
Graduate School Open Houses (Information posted outside 409 Chamberlin)
Materials Science open house at the University of Minnesota, Saturday,
October 17th 9 AM - 2 PM. Register by October 12th.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate
studies:
University of Arizona - Chemistry
Baylor College of Medicine - Neuroscience Graduate Program
Purdue University - Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
University of California, Irvine - Chemistry
University of Vermont - Chemistry
Vanderbilt University - Department of Pharmacology
Michigan State University - Nuclear Physics and Chemistry
Florida State University - Chemistry
University of Nebraska Medical Center - Research Training
North Carolina State University - Chemistry
Columbia University - Chemistry
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 Chamberlin.
September 30, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409:
Chris Kindschi - Fire Debris Analysis- From Spark to Finish
Brian Stupi - Viagra: The Drug That Works Wonders
Roc Ordman - Nutrition: Homocysteine and B vitamins
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors - please attend! Refreshments, including
Double stuff Oreos!!
Internships and Research Opportunities
The Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago offers
a semester of full-time research (January 25 - May 7) analogous to the ACM
Oak Ridge Science Semester, but in the spring. Details about this program
and other similar programs at DOE labs (Brookhaven, Los Alamos, Lawrence
Berkeley, Pacific Northwest, Oak Ridge) are available at http://www.orau.gov/doe_erulf
or http://www.dep.anl.gov, or by contacting kmenozzi@dep.anl.gov
Summer Research Opportunity
The Department of Microbiology at the University of Iowa offers summer research
fellowships for eight weeks (June 7 - July 30). Current sophomores and juniors
who are citizens or permanent residents are eligible. The stipend is $3465,
from which students will have to pay for housing (approximately $820) and
food. Travel funds will be provided. Deadline for applications is March
1, 1999 (but experience suggests an earlier application may be to your advantage).
Information is posted outside 409 Chamberlin.
Demand For Teachers
The National Science Foundation's Robert F. Watson, writing in the October
2nd issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, points out that in the next
decade public schools will need to hire 2.2 million new teachers to keep
pace with rising enrollments and replace a generation of teachers about
to retire. He stresses the need for elementary school teachers with an interest
and background in science and mathematics since they deal with children
at a particularly formative stage. At the high school level, the need for
teachers in the physical sciences will be particularly great since many
now teaching physics and chemistry have their primary training in the biological
sciences.
CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIUMS
Introduction to Biomedical Research
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is holding its
annual Introduction to Biomedical Research Program the week of February
7-12, 1999, at of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
The program is targeted to informing academically talented juniors, seniors,
and first year graduate and medical students from underrepresented minority
groups about career opportunities in the broad field of biomedical research.
Minimum GPA for consideration is 3.0. Those who are selected are automatically
registered for the NIAID/NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research,
which provides paid summer research internship experience. Information is
posted outside 409 Chamberlin. Application deadline is November 8th.
Pew Undergraduate Research Symposia
Each year, the Pew Midstates Science and Mathematics Consortium holds two
symposia for member institutions, one in the Physical Sciences and Mathematics
and the other in the Biological Sciences. We have just received the announcement
for the Symposium in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, to be held November
13-15 at the Washington University in St. Louis. The program includes talks
and posters by undergraduates on their research, several presentations by
prominent faculty, tours of the science facilities, and a chance for "exploration
of some other local attractions." Travel, room, and meals are provided
for those selected to attend. (Typically, we have been able to support all
those who are interested and have research to present.) Abstracts are due
to Ken Yasukawa by October 16th. The announcement and abstract forms are
posted outside 409 Chamberlin or can be obtained from Ken.
GRADUATE STUDIES
MCW Graduate School Information Day
The Medical College of Wisconsin is holding an information day for students
considering gradaduate work in biomedical sciences. It will be Friday, October
23rd, in Milwaukee. We typically have several alumni in graduate school
there. Information is posted outside 409 Chamberlin
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate
studies:
University of Florida - Chemistry Department University of Oklahoma - Chemistry
and Biochemistry Department University of Utah - Biological Chemistry Indiana
University - Chemistry
Carnegie Mellon University - Chemistry
Brown University - Chemical Sciences
University of Alabama - Chemistry
University of Texas, Houston - Biomedical Sciences University of Chicago
- Master of Science Program in Physical Sciences Vanderbilt University -
Toxicology
John Hopkins University - Biochemistry
University of Michigan Medical School - Pharmacology Baylor College of Medicine
- Department of Molecular Physiology and BioPhysics University of New Mexico
School of Medicine - Biomedical Sciences University of California, Riverside
- Chemistry Miami University - Oxford, Ohio - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Montana State University at Bozeman - Chemistsry and Biochemistry Purdue
University - Material Science and Engineering University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Chemistry University of Virginia - Chemistry
University of Nevada, Reno - Chemistry
Northern Illinois University - Chemistry and Biochemistry University of
Michigan - Chemistry
University of Massachusetts - Medical and Biomedical Sciences
Information regarding graduate school is on file in room 409 at Chamberlin.
September 23, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409
Luke Schwantes - The Chemistry of Beer Making
Mary Salsbury - Alendronate, a Treatment for Osteoporosis
Kevin Braun - Electron transfer in Self-assembled ion-pair complexes of
Phorphryins.
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors - please attend! Refreshments, including Double
stuff Oreos!!
Graduate School Open House
The University of Iowa Chemistry Department is holding an open house
on Saturday, October 31st,for junior and senior chemistry majors. The open
house includes a survey of career options and employment in the chemical
sciences, lab tours, research posters, and an overview of graduate education
in chemistry. A schedule and registration form are posted outside 409 Chamberlin
or can be obtained at http://www.uiowa.edu/~chemdept/open_house. Is it time
for the Chemistry Club to take a road trip?
Support for Study Abroad
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) offers scholarships for
study abroad to U.S. undergraduate students at two and four year institutions.
Applications are now available for study abroad from summer 1999 through
spring 2000. Deadline for the 1999-2000 academic year is February 8, 1999.
The NSEP encourages students to internationalize their education by studying
in countries critical to U.S. national interests. The goal of NSEP is to
build a base of future leaders who have the language and cultural understanding
skills needed to succeed in the global arena. NSEP scholarships are awarded
for study in geographic regions currently under represented in study abroad
(NOT including Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand). In the
first five competitions more than 1,000 students have been selected for
NSEP scholarships for study in more than 65 countries, for example: China,
Russia, Japan, Brazil, South Africa and Egypt. Students in fields of study
critical to U.S. national security, such as engineering and applied sciences,
business and economics, international affairs, political, policy and social
sciences, and health and law, are particularly encouraged to apply. [Note:
Beloit has had several students win these awards in recent years, including
at least one science major.]
If you have questions, or would like additional information, please contact
the NSEP Campus Representative, Terry Bigalke, in WAC 101 (x2269), or call
the NSEP office at 1-800-618-NSEP.
September 16, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409:
Alumnus Robert Simmons will be speaking on "Life After Beloit: A Little
Trick In Finding Industrial Employment." Find out how to get a career
in industry after Beloit, or an industrial internship this summer! Refreshments.
All students are welcome and encouraged to attend!
NATIONAL CONFERENCES
NINTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE at UW-Madison College of Engineering on November
11-13, 1998. These annual conferences for current juniors and seniors majoring
in science or mathematics are designed to give those attending a chance
to consider graduate work in all areas of engineering, including environmental
engineering and materials science (areas that undergraduate science majors
often consider). The conference includes presentations on campus research,
employment opportunities, summer and internship opportunities, tours of
campus facilities, and opportunities to talk with current graduate students.
Beloit students who have attended this in the past have found it highly
informative and useful. All travel, food, and lodging expenses will be provided.
Applications are due by October 12, 1998. Information and application forms
are posted outside 409 Chamberlin.
SOCIETY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHICANOS AND NATIVE AMERICANS IN SCIENCE
1998 National Conference, October 8-11, in Washington, DC. Financial aid
is available for qualified students to attend. Posted outside 400 Chamberlin,
and information is available at http://www.sacnas.org.
Internship Opportunities (posted outside 419 Chamberlin or see Brock
Spencer)
IAESTE - The International Association for the Exchange of Students for
Technical Experience - helps place current juniors and seniors in technical
internships in many countries around the world for summer or academic year
experiences. Trainees are responsible for paying their own travel costs
and are paid a cost of living stipend to cover food and lodging. The deadline
for applications is December 16th. Shane Porzio ('92) had an excellent experience
in Italy through an IAESTE placement.
The Environmental Careers Organization places approximately 650 interns
a year in paid environmental internships with govenment agencies, companies,
and non-profit organizations around the country. ECO also has a diversity
initiative for members of underrepresented groups. Information is also available
at http://www.eco.org.
National Institutes of Health Student Research Opportunity
I am writing to inform you of a wonderful opportunity for your advanced,
research-minded undergraduate students. Since 1992, Colgate University has
been sending about 15 students, along with one science faculty member, to
the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, for a semester
of off-campus study in biomedical research. Students on the NIH Study Group
are placed in research laboratories, where they are mentored in research
by NIH personnel. We have found that a four-month semester is sufficient
time to complete a meaningful project. Many of our students have authored
papers in peer-reviewed publications and given presentations at national
conferences as a result of their NIH experience.
The NIH Study Group has been so successful that we have received support
from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to expand the group to include
students from other colleges and universities. During the fall semester
of 1999, we will be taking 15 Colgate students and at least five students
from colleges and universities other than Colgate on the NIH Study Group.
Professor Dietz Kessler of the Biology Department at Colgate will be leading
the group.
The research component of the NIH semester counts as the equivalent of
two undergraduate courses. In addition, the Colgate faculty member either
teaches or arranges to have taught two additional courses designed to meet
the requirements of a liberal arts curriculum. For the fall of 1999, all
students will take Biology 492 Topics in the Primary Literature of the Molecular
Biosciences. This discussion course requires students to use important journal
papers from their reseasrch projects as the focus for class reading and
critical analysis. Students may choose either Chem 353 Proteins and Nucleic
Acids, or Biology 451 Topics in Advanced Cell Physiology for their second
course.
I am very grateful for your help in identifying students who may be interested in participating in the NIH Study Group sponsored by Colgate University during the Fall Semester of 1999. We are looking for students with strong backgrounds and motivation in the biomedical sciences, and, particularly, qualified students from traditionally under-represented groups. More information is available on our NIH Study Group Web site at: http://classes.colgate.edu/NIHStudyGroup/NIH.html
Our deadline for applications is November 16, 1998. If you have questions,
please don't hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Nancy
L. Pruitt, Ph.D. <Npruitt@mail.colgate.edu>
Summer Research Opportunities
The University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry has a well established
program providing summer research positions for current juniors with members
of their faculty. Research areas include all areas of chemistry, biological
chemistry, and materials science. Summer research students receive a stipend
of $3500 for 10 weeks beginning on June 14th. A travel allowance is provided,
and funds are also available to travel to a national meeting the following
year to present your research results. Information is posted on the bulletin
board outside 409 Chamberlin. Application forms can be obtained from Brock
Spencer (417) or from http://www.chem.umn.edu/lando/. The application deadline
is February 1, 1999, but earlier applications are strongly encouraged since
some offers may be made before the deadline. We have had Beloit students
in this program in the past who have done well and gained a great deal from
the experience.
GRADUATE STUDIES INFORMATION
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships
NSF awards approximately 1000 new Graduate Research Fellowships each
year. These 3-year fellowhips provide $15,000 per year and a cost-of-education
allowance of $10,500 per year for full-time graduate study in science, mathematics,
and engineering. The most recent major from this department to receive an
NSF Fellowship was Kristie Mather ('97) who is now in graduate school at
the University of California - Berkeley. The deadline for applications is
November 5, 1998. Applications are available from Rama Viswanathan or can
be downloaded from http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/ehr/dge/grfp.htm.
A note of interest to students considering grad school (from the Chronicle
of Higher Education):
The number of Ph.D.'s in the life sciences exceeds the jobs available
to them, according to a new report prepared by the National Research Council.
As a result, universities should limit growth in the number of graduate
students and avoid developing new programs, the council said. From the mid-1980s
to 1996, the number of life-science Ph.D.'s awarded each year rose from
about 5,000 to more than 7,600. But the number of life scientists holding
faculty positions at universities has increased only 2.5 per cent a year
since 1973. Industry appointments have risen almost 7 per cent each year
during the same period, and jobs at government laboratories have shown only
modest growth, the report said.
Recent graduates increasingly find themselves in a "holding pattern,"
the report noted, unable to find permanent research appointments. In 1995,
five to six years after receiving their doctorates, 38 per cent of the life-science
Ph.D.'s still held postdoctoral positions or other non-faculty posts, were
employed part time, worked outside the sciences, or were unemployed. In
1973, the comparable figure was only 11 per cent.
Universities that receive federal funds should be required to provide
information to prospective graduate students about the job experiences of
all postdoctoral students enrolled in the program during the previous decade,
the report said. Universities should also identify programs in the biological
and biomedical sciences for which master's-level training is more appropriate.
That training might be more suited than doctoral education for alternative
careers in law, finance, and journalism.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate
studies on file in 409 Chamberlin):
Emory University - Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology University of Minnesota, Minneapolis - Chemistry Department Washington University in St. Louis - Chemistry Department University of California at Davis - Chemistry Department University of Wisconsin, Madison - Chemistry Department
September 9, 1998
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR, 1 PM, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, CHAMBERLIN ROOM 409:
"RESEARCH TOPICS WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT", featuring Brian Stupi,
Angela Moten, and Charlotte Miller. FOR Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors -
what topics might you someday pursue as a Chemistry or Biochemistry major?
Find out here! FEATURING HOMEMADE BROWNIES FROM PROF. BILL BROWN!
If you are planning to apply to graduate school, sign up for the "dreaded
grad school application essay" help session, Tuesday, September 8th,
6pm, in the ITS lab. Consultation, advice & encouragment will be available
from Jenn Tucker (FACS), Gail Pizarro (EDP), and Anita Guynn. Interested
students must sign up in advance in the FACS (Field & Career Services)
office; space is limited.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
Each year students in each department elect a student representative
to meet with the Division of Science and Mathematics (a 4:00 PM Tuesday
meeting once a month). The Chemistry and Biochemistry representatives also
meet with the Chemistry Department (a noon meeting once a week). Student
representation is important to help shape program and curricular decisions.
This year will be particularly important as we start planning intensively
for the renovation of Chamberlin Hall.
Nominations for this year's Chemistry and Biochemistry student representatives
should be sent to Brock Spencer (spencer@beloit.edu, Chamberlin 417, or
Box 104) by 1:00 PM this Friday, September 11th. If you are interested in
getting involved, don't hesitate to nominate yourself. The election ballot
will be sent to all majors next week.
The following schools have sent new information regarding graduate studies on file in 409 Chamberlin):
University of Michigan - Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Utah State University - Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Medical College of Wisconsin - Medical Scientist Training Program
University of Wisconsin, Madison - Chemistry Department
September 2, 1998
The following schools have sent new information (on file in 409 Chamberlin) regarding graduate studies. These schools want you!
University of Michigan - Chemistry Department; Chemical Biology
Washington University in St. Louis - Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Ohio State University - Chemistry Department
Illinois Institute of Technology
Purdue University - Biology and Molecular Biology; Department of Biochemistry
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan - Biology
University of Wisconsin, Madison - College of Engineering
Cleveland State University/The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Lehigh University, Mountaintop Campus - Center for Polymer Science and Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
University of Washington, Seattle
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee - Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Florida State University, Tallahassee - Molecular Biophysics
Texas A & M University - Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
University of Wisconsin, Madison - Department of Biomolecular Chemistry
University of Tennessee
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University - Atmospheric Science, Geophysics, Marine Resource Management and Oceanography
University of Iowa - Department of Biochemistry
University of Arizona, Tucson
Darthmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
University of Southern California
Indiana University - Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Physics
John Hopkins University School of Medicine - Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Toledo
University of Illinois at Chicago - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Penn State - Life Sciences Consortium