BioNews

BioNews is the Department of Biology's bi-annual newsletter featuring profiles and articles on Biology's people and programs.  View past and current issues below.

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Fall 2008 BioNews       Spring 2008 BioNews        

Fall 2007 BioNews        Spring 2007 BioNews     Fall 2006 BioNews 

 

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 Bio Bulletin

January 27, 2015

To subscribe to the Bio Bulletin (sent Tuesdays) or send announcements (submission deadline:  Monday, 5:00 p.m.):  email silver@sfsu.edu

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome to and best wishes for the Spring 2015 semester! -- Biology Department Chair, Dr. Michael Goldman

Undergraduate microbiology major Bridget Hansen received a 2015 Howard Hughes Medical Insitute Exceptional Research Opportunities Program award.   Congratulations Bridget!

Dr. John Hafernik was interviewed for a KPOO "Connecting the Dots" program about his ground-breaking research on honey bees and Colony Collapse Disorder.  Listen to the program at:  https://archive.org/details/KPOO.comConnectingTheDots  Congratulations Dr. Hafernik!

Applying for Graduation this Spring?  Check these websites (Posted until 2/24):

• For information:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/undergraduate-advising-biology-students 
• For information on summer Biology major advising:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/meeting-your-biology-advisor
• For filling out the graduation checklist:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/biology-undergraduate-graduation-checklists
• For approval of your graduation application:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/obtaining-approval-your-graduation-application

A note from Dr. Michael Goldman:  Strict enforcement of prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or better is Department of Biology policy.  Prerequiste courses cannot be taken concurrently.  (Posted 1/27)

Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Colloquium presents "Faculty on Parade" by Drs. Megumi Fuse, Scott Roy, Andrea Swei and Kevin Simonin, 2:30 p.m., January 27, HH 543.

Rosenberg Institute for Marine Biology and Environmental Science Seminar Series presents "The Biomechanics and Physiological Ecology of Ram-Feeding Marine Vertebrates" by Dr. Jeremy Goldbogen (Hopkins Marine Station), 3:30 p.m., January 28, Bay Conference Center.  To learn more about upcoming seminar presentations, visit:  http://rtc.sfsu.edu/seminar/index.htm 

Department of Biology Master's Program partially funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine offers "Bridges to Stem Cell Research Master of Science Program."  Application deadline:  February 1.  Learn more at:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/faculty-pages/cirm-bridges-stem-cell-research-awards or email:  score@sfsu.edu 

Deadline to submit Spring graduation applications to Biology Department Office, HH 534:  February 13, 4:00 p.m.

The Department of Biology in collaboration with the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies offers NSF Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates "Biological Research in Ecological and Evolutionary Developmental Biology."  $5K stipend provided.  Application deadline:  February 13.  Learn more at:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/faculty-pages/reu or email:  cdomingo@sfsu.edu or sarahcoh@sfsu.edu 

Deadline to submit Spring graduation applications to One Stop Center:  February 20, 5:00 p.m.

Romberg Tiburon Center presents "The Slimy and the Spineless:  Portraits of Unsung Ocean Heroes" by authors/photographers Susan Middleton and Josie Iselin, 6:30 p.m., February 26.  For more information, visit:  http://rtc.sfsu.edu/events

Space available in BIOL 502 (Sched #64094) and 702 (Sched #64095) Biology of Algae, 3 units, Monday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  Includes labs and field trips.  (Posted 1/13)

Romberg Tiburon Center offers Motorboat Operator Training Course and CPR/First Aid/O2 Provider training.  Free to SF State students, staff and faculty.  Learn more at:  http://marineops.sfsu.edu/news-announce/2015-training-schedule  (Posted 1/13)

Grader needed for BIOL 355, Genetics.  For more information, email:  lct@sfsu.edu (Posted 1/13)

ALUMNI NEWS

Kenichi Iwasaki (BS Cell & Molecular Biology 2009) was awarded a Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING (COSE)/SF STATE/CSU NEWS & EVENTS

Space available in OCN 720 Physical Oceanography, 4 units, Sched #74821 and 74822.  Meets Fridays, 9:00-Noon (lecture) and 1:00-4:00 p.m. (lab), Romberg Tiburon Center.  For more information, email:  stine@sfsu.edu 

Space available in Computer Science 890 Health Informatics.  Sched #75584 (Monday, 3:10-5:55 p.m.) and #77359 (Thursday, 12:35-3:30 p.m.).  Learn more at:  http://cs.sfsu.edu/CourseSyllabi/890HIDesc.pdf

Center for Science and Mathematics Education offers program for prospective math and science teachers.  Up to $15K stipend/semester, advising, opportunities to meet other prospective teachers, access to special teaching opportunities and help with credential applications provided.  For more information, stop by Science Building room 211, or visit:  www.csmesf.org or email:  jmchan@sfsu.edu (Posted until 2/1)

The Search Committee for Dean of the College of Science & Engineering invites all students to attend the following presentations, 2:10-3:00 p.m., and receptions, 3:00-4:00 p.m. for the following candidates:

• Dr. Vivian Incera, Chair/Professor, Department of Physics, Director of Graduate Program, University of Texas, El Paso, February 2, LIB 121.
• Dr. David Bowman, Interim Dean/Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, CSU Fullerton, CA, February 4, LIB 121.
• Dr. Scott Gronert, Chair/Profesor, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, February 9, LIB 121.
• Dr. Keith Bowman, Chair/Professor, Department of Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Engineering, Purdue Univesity, February 12, LIB 286.

And, to the following 30-minute interviews, 2:00-3:00 p.m., LIB 244:

• February 3:  Dr. Vivian Incera
• February 5:  Dr. David Bowman
• February 10:  Dr. Scott Gronert
• February 13:  Dr. Keith Bowman (meets in LIB 242)

29th Annual CSU Student Research Competition application deadline:  February 9.  For more information, visit:  http://grad.sfsu.edu/content/csu-research-competition

Fall 2015 Presidents' Commission Scholars Program proposal deadline:  February 11 (before 5:00 p.m. PST).  Up to $8K grants available to CSU undergraduates conducting biotechnology-related laboratory-, field-, clinic- or community-based research.  Learn more at:  http://www.calstate.edu/csuperb/grants/presidents-commission, email:  csuperb@mail.sdsu.edu, tel:  619-594-2822.

CSU's Faculty-Led-I-Corps Teams are funded by the National Science Foundation to help scientists and engineers learn how to identify useful or valuable produce concepts based on ideas derived from academic research.  Teams must be formed by February 16.  For more information, visit:  http://www.csuperb.org/csuicorps/spring-2015/ or call:  619-594-2822.

ACADEMIC, RESEARCH & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offers courses and workshops.  Learn more at:  http://www.stri.si.edu/sites/taxonomy_training/future_courses/index.html (Posted 1/13)

SF State offers Spring class:  EED 655 (Sched #77398) Hands On Undergraduate Science Education Experience, 9:00-Noon, Tuesdays, 3 units.  For more information, visit:  www.csmesf.org/Teachers/HOUSE or email:  jmchan@sfsu.edu (Posted until 2/1)

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy offers Marin Headlands Native Plant Nursery Internship beginning February 3.  40 hours/week; $150-$275/week stipend provided; dormitory-style housing may be provided.  Application deadline:  January 30.  For more information, email:  arussell@parksconservancy.org

American Museum of Natural History offers summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates in evolution biology.  Stipend, housing, meals and some travel provided.  Application deadline:  January 30.  Learn more at:  http://www.amnh.org/our-research/richard-gilder-graduate-school/academics-and-research/fellowship-and-grant-opportunities/undergraduate-fellowships 

Amgen-UROP Scholars Program offers summer Undergraduate Research Program in Science and Biotechnology in MIT laboratories.  $4,320 stipend, travel, on-campus housing and meal allowance provided.  Application deadline:  February 2.  For more information, visit:  http://mit.edu/urop/amgenscholars, email:  mit-amgenscholars@mit.edu, tel:  617-253-7306.

Amgen Scholars Program offers undergraduate opportunities to collaborate with faculty at top institutions on cutting-edge scientific research.  Application deadline:  February 2.  For more information, visit:  www.amgenscholars.com 

Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute offers Undergraduate Summer Research Internships.  Application deadline:  February 4 (4:00 p.m. PST).  For more information, visit:  www.chori.org/Education/Summer_Internship_Program/NIH.html

University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute offers summer Undergraduate Research in Subtropical Marine Ecosystems.  $5K stipend, housing, travel and food provided.  Application deadline:  February 9.  For more information, visit:  http://reu.utmsi.utexas.edu or email:  UTMSI.REU@gmail.com 

Sea Turtle & Shark Tagging, Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, February 11-21.  Cost:  $5,585.  For more information, email:  Erica@Seaturtles.org, Alex@SeaTurtles.org or visit:  http://SeaTurtles.org/expeditions

UCSF offers "Minority Training Program in Cancer Control Research" designed to encourage master's level students to consider a doctorate.  Application deadline:  February 13.  For more information, call:  415-514-9409, email:  Vanessa.Mercado@ucsf.edu or visit:  http://cancer.ucsf.edu/mtpccr 

Yosemite National Park offers summer Research Experience for Undergraduates.  Application deadline:  February 15.  For more information, email:  Yosemite.reu@gmail.com 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers summer marine science study in the Red Sea.  Funding for travel, lodging and stipend provided.  Application deadline:  February 15.  Learn more at:  http://reefecology.net

Vanderbilt University offers summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.  $5K stipend, lodging, meals and $500 travel allowance provided.  Application deadline:  February 15.  Learn more at:  www.vanderbilt.edu/vinse/reu

Merck (Palo Alto) offers two summer internships (Position #ADM006441) in their Biologics Discovery Operations Department.  Application deadline:  February 15.  BS/BA in Biology or related field and 3.0 or higher GPA required.  For more information, visit:  www.merck.com/careers

Kalu Yala, a new sustainable town being built in Panama, offers summer internships.  Application deadline:  February 15.  For more informatin, visit:  http:/kaluyalainternships.com/?utm_source=Professor%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Professor%20Email

University of Kentucky offers Research Experience for Undergraduates in Suburban Ecology and Invasive Species.  $5K stipend, housing and food allowance provided.  Application deadline:  February 15.  For more information, visit:  http://darwin.uky.edu/~erec/reu/ or email:  david.westneat@uky.edu

Occupational Health Internship Program offers paid summer internships.  $4K undergraduate stipend/$5,200 graduate stipend provided.  Application deadline:  February 20.  For more information, visit:  www.aoec.org/ohip, email:  idenis@aoec.org, tel:  1-888-347-2632.

SURF Program offers undergraduate student collaboration with potential mentors to define and develop projects that are carried out in a 10-week summer period. $6K awards provided.  Application deadline:  February 22.  For more information, visit:  www.sfp.caltech.edu/programs/surf

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory offers Latent Print Technican Program.  Requires one year commitment and 16 hours/week.  Application deadline:  February 26.  For more information, visit:  http://www.smcsheriff.com/divisions/multi-jurisdictional-services/forensic-laboratory 

UCSF offers Masters of Science in Biomedical Imaging.  Application deadline:  February 28.  For more information, visit:  http://www.radiology.ucsf.edu/education/graduate-programs/mbi-program or email:  robert.smith1@ucsf.edu

Michigan State University's W.K. Kellogg Biological Station offers summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ecology, Evolution and Sustainable Agriculture.  $5K stipend, lodging, meals, $500 for travel expenses and up to $500 for research support provided.  Application deadline:  March 1.  Learn more at:  http://www.kbs.msu.edu/index.php/education/ugrad/reu

CSU Monterey Bay offers summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean Science.  Stipend, travel and housing support provided.  Application deadline:  March 2.  Learn more at:  http://csumb.edu/reu

University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers summer Research Experience for Undergraduates "Mechanisms of Evolution."  $5K salary, housing and travel subsidy provided.  Application deadline:  March 6.  Learn more at:  https://faculty.unlv.edu/microreu/ 

Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Centre (Canada) offers fully funded Ph.D. program in lobster health related to contaminants exposure.  Application deadline:  April 4.  For more information, contact Dr. Spencer Greewood, sgreenwood@upei.ca or call:  902-566-6002. 

FUNDING:  FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS

BayBio Fellows Program's Spring 2015 FAST Program offers business and development plan from experienced team of advisors to qualifying biotech startups.  Application deadline:  January 30.  Learn more at:  http://baybio.org/entrepreneurship/baybio-fellows/ 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Education Partnership Program offers Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship and Educational Partnership Program Scholarships for undergraduates majoring in oceanic and atmospheric science and related fields.  Must be US citizen with 3.0 or better GPA.  Application deadline:  January 30.  For more information, visit:  http://www.epp.noaa.gov/ssp_undergrad_page.html, http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/scholarships/hollings.html, email:  StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov, tel:  301-628-2913 

CSU President's Commission Scholars Program's Request for Proposals deadline:  February 11 (before 5:00 p.m. PST).  $8K grants available for CSU student/faculty teams for summer biotechnology-related research experiences.  For more information, visit:  http://www.calstate.edu/csuperb/grant/presidents-commission, email:  csuperb@mail.sdsu.edu, tel:  619-594-2822

NOAA Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship application deadline:  February 13 (5:00 p.m. PST).  Designed for graduate students who have an interest in ocean and coastal resources and national policy decisions affecting those resources.  For more information, visit:  http://csgc.ucsd.edu/EDUCATION/KNAUSS_current.html 

PLANTS program offers undergraduate travel awards to attend the Botanical Society of America meeting, July 25-29, Canada.  Awards cover travel, registration, meals and lodging.  Application deadline:  March 1.  For more information, visit:  http://www.botany.org/Awards/F_PLANTS.php

EVENTS:  STUDENT CLUBS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES

SF State Pre-Med/Pre-Dental/Pre-Vet student club, VIDA, offers 2-week summer travel opportunity to Guatemala to help underprivileged communities meet healthcare needs.  For more information, email:  John Yassa, vida.sfsu@gmail.com or call 415-662-8432.  (Posted until March 31)

California Botanical Society presents "25th Graduate Student Symposium," April 11, Pomona College.  Abstract submission deadline:  January 31.  Student travel grants available.  Learn more at:  http://calbotsoc.org/grad-students/ or email:  Jessica.orozco@cgu.edu or acschneider@berkeley.edu

Berkeley Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology presents the 16th Bay Area Conservation Biology Symposium "Bridging Boundaries for Effective Conservation," May 2.  Abstract submission deadline: March 14.  Early registration deadline:  April 18.  For more information, visit:  http://bacbs2015.com 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Kelly Scientific Resources seeks Environmental Laboratory Technician (Los Angeles County).  BS/MS degree in biological sciences or related fields.  Pay rate:  $19/hour.  For more information, email:  ksr1489@kellyservices.com, tel:  818-377-5501 or visit:  www.kellyscientific.com (Posted 1/27)

Comparative Biosciences, Inc. (Sunnyvale) seeks Histology Technician/Technologist skilled in microtome sectioning, embedding and H&E staining.  For more information, email:  saeed_sanjose@yahoo.com (Posted 1/27)

The Exploratorium (San Francisco) seeks Assistant Manager, Extended Learning.  BA/BS plus two years administrative experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience required.  For more information, visit:  www.idealist.org/view/job/xgJ2CdxMK6w4/ (Posted 1/20)

EPA Coastal Management Branch offers paid research opportunities.  MA/MS required.  For more information, visit:  http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/current-research-opportunities.aspx (Posted 1/13)

SF State's Student Involvement & Career Center offers "Quick Questions," 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Monday-Tuesday) and 2:00-3:00 p.m. (Wednesday-Thursday), Student Service Bldg, Room 206.  Career counselor available for help with cover letters and resumes.  For more information, visit:  www.sfsu.edu/~sicc/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

African Conservation Experience offers 2-12 week wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa.  For more information, email:  lauren@conservationafrica.net or visit:  www.conservationafrica.net (Posted 1/13)

Wageningen University seeks field assistant to study the maintenance of phenotypic variation in great tits in the Netherlands, April-June.  BS/BA degree or higher required.  Travel and lodging may be provided.  Application deadline:  January 30.  For more information, email:  lies.zandberg@wur.nl or Camilla.hinde@wur.nl or visit:  www.bhe.wur.nl