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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 Bio Bulletin

February 24, 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

The Riggs Lab published a Plos One article "Spatial Reorganization of the Endoplasmic Reticulum during Mitosis Relies on Mitotic Kinase Cyclin in the Early Drosophila Embryo."  Learn more at:  http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0117859  Congratulations co-authors Zane Bergman, Justin Mclaurin, Anthony Eritano, Brittany Johnson, Amanda Sims and Dr. Blake Riggs!

Dr. Michael Goldman was quoted in a BioQuick News article about President Obama's Precision Medicine Initiative.  Learn more at:  www.bioquicknews.com/node/2172  Congratulations Dr. Goldman!

Dr. Gretchen LeBuhn was quoted in a Phys.org article about a new SF State study that shows native bees provide adequate pollination service in San Francisco.  Congratulations Dr. LeBuhn!

Dr. Kimberly Tanner will be the keynote speaker at the annual UC Davis Graduate Student Symposium in Ecology.  Congratulations Dr. Tanner!

Plant Evolutionary Biologist Search Committee presents "Integrating Phylogenetic and Ecological Approaches to Understand Drivers of Plant Diversity" by Dr. Natalia Cacho (UC Davis), 2:15 p.m., February 25, HH 543. 

Animal Physiology Faculty Search Committee presents "Exploring Early Life History Stages in the Sea:  Ecophysiology, Parental Effects and Potential for Persistence in a Changing Ocean" by Dr. Jacqueline Padilla-Gamino, 5:30 p.m., February 26, SCI 201.

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

Notes from Dr. Michael Goldman:  

Using transfer course units for your Biology major degree?  Have those units approved for your major?  If not, please meet with your Biology major advisor and have your equivalency forms approved NOW.  Learn more at:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/obtaining-approval-transfer-courses-your-major-equivalency-form-1 

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)

Rosenberg Institute for Marine Biology and Environmental Science Seminar Series presents "Diverse Physiological Roels of Proton Pumps in Marine Organisms" by Dr. Martin Tresguerres (Scripps Institution of Oceanography), 3:30 p.m., February 25, Bay Conference Center.  To learn more about upcoming seminar presentations, visit:  http://rtc.sfsu.edu/seminar/index.htm 

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

Biology Lecturer Heather Murdock will lead a biodiversity tour to Australia and New Zealand in June 2015 and a trip to Switzerland, Italy and France in June 2016.  Enrollment deadline:  February 27.  For more information, email:  hgmurdock@yahoo.com, or visit:  www.efcollegestudytours.com/1449416NA (for Australia/New Zealand) or www.efcollegestudytours.com/1713377PN (Switzerland/Italy/France).

Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Colloquium presentation "An Integrative Approach to the Study of Plant Diversity and Diversification," Noon, March 3, HH 501.  Learn more about upcoming seminar presentations at:  http://biology.sfsu.edu/content/EEC

Lecturer Gloria Nusse's exhibit "From Death to Life in Ancient Bahrain" will open to the public March 3-May 8, CSU Sacramento's Anthropology Museum.  Opening Symposium "Face to Face with Early Dilmnu," 1:00-3:30 p.m., March 6.  Reception to follow.  For more information, visit:  www.csus.edu/anth/events.html  

Biology Lecturer Amber Johnson will lead a tour of France and Spain in June.  Enrollment deadline:  March 12.  For more information, email:  briesach@sfsu.edu or visit:  www.efcollegestudytours.com/1450526SN. 

SF BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity) is designed to enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce.  Program offers undergraduates opportunities to investigate biomedical research questions.  Application deadline:  March 20.  Learn more at:  http://sfbuild.sfsu.edu/content/student-development

Space is available in BIOL 356 Honors Genetics, 2 units, 10:10 a.m.-Noon, Tuesdays, HH 501.  Course prerequisite:  completion of BIOL 355 Genetics with a B or better.  For more information and/or to add the class, email:  pasion@sfsu.edu (Posted 2/3)

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

Undergraduate and graduate student volunteers needed for SF Stem Career Day (March 11) Ambassadors to accompany small groups of high school students on workplace tours at or near UCSF Mission Bay campus.  Application deadline:  March 2.  For more information, visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/STEM_Ambassadors or email:  dchau@mail.sfsu.edu 

ACADEMIC, RESEARCH & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Point Blue Conservation Science seeks intern to train with scientists in Petaluma and Chester, CA, March 16-August 7.  Must be 21 years old or more.  $800/month stipend and communal housing provided.  For more information, email:  melrod@pointblue.org or bcampos@pointblue.org (Posted 2/24)

UCLA offers Diversity Project for undergraduate research focused o the evolution and conservation of tropical marine biodiversity.  Must be a junior and have a GPA >3.0.  Travel, lodging and $3600 stipend provided.  For more information, email:  paulbarber@ucla.edu (Posted 2/10)

Institute for Sustainable International Studies offers Marine and Watershed summer course in Belize.  2-week course fee:  $4,450.  Learn more at:  www.isisbelize.com or email:  creece@isisbelize.com (Posted 2/10)

Friday Harbor Labs (Washington) offers graduate-level "Comparative Invertebrate Embryology" summer course.  Application deadline:  February 26.  Learn more at:  http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentSummer2015.html#SumA-4 

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 

Stanislaus National Forest Wilderness Ranger Summer Internship Program application deadline:  February 27.  $50/day worked, lodging and up to $400 for travel to and from Pinecrest.  For more inforamtion, email:  joelsilverman@fs.fed.us

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

University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs offer summer course "Comparative Invertebrate Embryology."  Application deadline:  March 1.  Learn more at:  http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentApplicationInfo.html 

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 stipend, housing and travel subsidy provided.  Application dealdine:  March 6.  Learn more at:  https://faculty.unlv.edu/microreu/ 

Evo-Devo-Eco Network offers Undergraduate Summer Internship.  Application deadline:  March 11.  For more information, visit:  http://edenrcn.com/funding/ugrad_internships.html 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Gulf Coast Seafood Laboratory (Alabama) offers summer internship to research development and application of microbiological and molecular assays to address the occurrence of hazards in seafood.  $450/week stipend provided.  BA/BS or greater degree required.  Application deadline:  March 13. For more information, email:  William.Burkhardt@fda.hhs.gov 

Drexel University and Central African Biodiversity Alliance offers summer undergraduate field research course in Cameroon.  Research projects focus on diverse taxa to inform conservation practice under climate change in central Africa.  Application deadline:  March 15.  For more information, email:  gonder@drexel.edu or mwmitchell@drexel.edu 

University of Ohio, Toledo Lake Erie Center offers undergraduate research internship.  $5K stipend, dormitory style housing, travel & research expenses provided.  Application deadline:  March 27.  Learn more at:  http://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/lec/reu.html 

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

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

microMORPH RCN offers funding for graduate students to visit labs and botanical gardens.  Must be a U.S. citizen.  Application deadline:  March 1.  Learn more at:  http://projects.iq.harvard.edu/micromorph 

National Evolutionary Synthesis Center and Society for the Study of Evolution offers funding for airfare and conference registration for minority graduate students attending Evolution 2015 conference in Brazil, June 26-30.  Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.  Application deadline:  March 15.  Learn more at:  http://bit.ly/16hefaq or email:  jory@nescent.org

EVENTS:  STUDENT CLUBS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES, COMPETITIONS

SF State Chicanos/Latinos in Health Education general meeting, 6:00 p.m., February 26, TH 425.  Meet representatives from UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program.  Refreshments will be served.

SF State Graduate Student Council in Biology invites all Biology faculty, staff and students to a get together, 4:00 p.m., February 27, HH 8th floor Student Lounge.  Minimum $5 donation or contribution of food/drinks required.

Join SF State's Pre-Physician Assistant Society.  Meetings once a month.  To learn more, email:  sfsuppas@gmail.com (Posted 2/17)

California Academy of Sciences' Explore, Explain and Sustain! Spring lecture series presents "Roadside Whales in the Atacama:  The Discovery Digitization, and Salvage of Cerro Ballena, the World's Richest Graveyard of Fossil Marine Mammals" by Dr. Nicholas Pyenson (Smithsonian Institution), 3:00-4:00 p.m., March 5, Boardroom.  Reception to follow.

UC Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group Research Conference, March 7.  Free event; breakfast and lunch provided.  RSVP required at:  https://sites.google.com/site/abggconference/home  

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 Higher Education Sustainability Conference, July 20-24, speaker and poster proprosal deadline:  March 1.  For more information, visit:  http://chesc.org/callforproposals/default.php 

Geography of Hope conference "Women and the Land," Point Reyes Station, March 13-15.  Learn more at:  http://ptreyesbooks.com/goh 

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 

UCSF School of Medicine Admission Workshop, March 21.  Price:  $20/person.  Registration deadline:  March 13.  For more information and/or to register, visit:  http://meded.ucsf.edu/outreach/medical-school-admissions-workshop or call LaTasha Mitchell, 415-514-2277.

DOE Joint Genome Institute's 10th Annual Genomics of Energy & Environment Meeting, March 23-26.  Learn more at:  http://bit.ly/JGI-UM-Promo or http://usermeeting.jgi.doe.gov/2015-agenda/

American Museum of Natural History's 6th Annual Student Conference on Conservation Science, October 7-9, New York.  Speaker and poster proposal application deadline:  April 4.  Learn more at:  www.amnh.org/our-research/center-for-biodiversity-conservation/events-exhibitions/conferences-and-symposia/2015-sccs-ny 

NESCent 2015 Evolution Film Festibal and 5th Annual Video Competition.  Deadline to submit 3-minute (or less) video that explains key concept, fun fact, compelling questions or area of evolution research:  May 31 (11:00 p.m. EST).  First place winner receives up to $1K; secong place receives $500.  For more information, email:  jory@nescent.org or visit: http://filmfestival.nescent.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Management Division seeks Aquatic Invasive Species Environmental Scientist III (Job #616479).  BS/BA in biology or related fields required.  Application deadline:  March 1.  For more information, email:  ann.bove@state.vt.us 

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission seeks Fisheries Technician 1--California Ocean Salmon Port Sampler for northern California coast.  Temporary position.  Salary:  $12-14/hour.  Application deadline:  March 6.  Learn more at:  www.psmfc.org/careers

Kelly Scientific Resources seeks Environmental Laboratory Technician (Los Angeles County).  BS/BA or MA/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)

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

SF State Peer Educators Advocating Campus Health (PEACH) seeks volunteer sexual health peer health educators for Student Health Center.  Learn more at:  http://health.sfsu.edu/content/become-peach#Sexual or email:  shspeachrecruitment@gmail.com (Posted until 4/10)

UCSF Bush Lab seeks undergraduate Biology major to support general lab activities for study on structural birth defects using mouse developmental genetics and hiPSC models.  For more information, email:  Jeffrey.bush@ucsf.edu (Posted 2/3)