UNCF/MERCK Science Inititative

THE UNCF● MERCK SCIENCE INITIATIVE

It's a Chance of a Lifetime Through an Extraordinary Partnership

UMSI brings together UNCF, The Merck Company Foundation and Merck Global Diversity Inclusion to offer 37 annual awards to outstanding African American students and postdoctoral researchers:

• 15 undergraduate scholarships
• 12 graduate dissertation fellowships
• 10 postdoctoral research fellowships

But besides funds for tuition, room and board and fees, there's also institutional support through grants to the science departments of award recipients and research grants. And along with knowledge, you'll develop a career, with hands-on research training, mentoring relationships and networking and career advancement through the Association of UNCF/Merck Fellows.
African Americans hold less than three percent of PhDs in biology, chemistry and engineering today. Opportunities created by UMSI aim to increase the numbers of minority students in sciences and engineering.
Thanks to UMSI, more than 500 students and scholars have found support, knowledge, careers and advancement

 Apply Below!!!

http://umsi.uncf.org/applyonline

NSF Fellowships Announcement-November Deadline!

REU Program in Aquatic Chemical Ecology

CDC Internship Program

Collegiate Leaders in Environmental Health (CLEH)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) are offering a paid 10-week summer internship program for students who are passionate about the environment, interested in human health, and curious about how they are linked. During the course of the internship, students are introduced to environmental health at the federal level through collaborative projects, experiential learning opportunities, environmental health presentations, journal clubs, field trips, brown bag lunches, and mentoring relationships at NCEH/ATSDR.  Interns will be based at NCEH/ATSDR’s Chamblee Campus and will be paid a stipend of approximately $600 a week during the course of the program.

Application due date: January 30, 2013

Program dates:  June 12 – August 16, 2013

“The experience has been profoundly enriching, and has greatly enhanced the depth of my understanding of the environment and public health. The people I have met during the course of my internship not only helped me to cultivate this understanding, but were also wonderful and interesting people to interact with. They made the internship more than a professional experience—it was an experience of comprehensive growth and development.”

– Kimber Ray, 2012 CLEH intern

Eligibility requirements:

1.       US citizenship or Permanent Resident with a green card

2.      Full time enrollment at a college or university as a rising junior or rising senior by fall 2013

3.      Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Please visit our website for more information and application instructions: www.cdc.gov/nceh/cleh

Note:Seniors graduating in Spring 2013 will not be accepted into this program

For more information, please email Jay Nielsen or Christa Essig at CLEH@cdc.gov.

NSF & NASA Funded Programs

Mickey Leland Fellowship Announcement

CDC Fellowship Position

CDC Foundation Fellowship Position

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Environmental Health

Division of Laboratory Sciences

The Clinical Chemistry Branch (CCB) at the National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, develops and improves methods for assessing disease status associated with and the risk for selected chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hormonal disorders. Part of the work involves hormone steroid measurement in the U.S. population using the state-of-the art instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS and automated liquid handling system.

The candidate should have a Bachelor degree in Chemistry or equivalent (Minimum GPA: 3.0) with extensive laboratory experience.  The following skills are desired:

·         Experience with HPLC and MS instrumentation.

·         Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.

This fellowship will provide the opportunity to obtain hands-on experiences in measuring steroid hormones, in working in a CLIA regulated work environment, in research using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and to learn more about public health activities.

This fellowship will be administered through the CDC Foundation (visit www.cdcfoundation.org for further information), and no visa sponsorship is provided for this position. The duration of this fellowship appointment is 1 year. The stipend depends on grade and qualification and follows those stated in federal salary tables (GS tables). The workplace is located in Atlanta, GA.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Yuesong Wang (YWang6@cdc.gov) by Dec 15, 2012. The application should include a curriculum vitae or resume, official transcripts, current pay stub or salary on letterhead (if applicable) and two recommendation letters (letters sent by email are sufficient).

Yuesong Wang, Ph. D.

Research Chemist

Clinical Chemistry Branch

Division of Laboratory Sciences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F25, Atlanta, GA 30341

For further information about the Division of Laboratory Sciences visit

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/

Recruiting the 2013-2014 Class of White House Fellows.

Dear Friends of the White House Fellows Program,

We are currently in the process of recruiting the 2013-2014 Class of White House Fellows. The Fellowship is America's most prestigious nonpartisan program for leadership and public service. The Fellowship is designed to provide young leaders an opportunity to experience how government works by learning from public service leaders at the highest levels. We need your help to identify strong, qualified candidates and encourage them to apply to the White House Fellows Program.

Attached are two letters for you to utilize in outreach efforts within your network. The first is a letter from President Obama and Mrs. Obama encouraging young leaders to consider the White House Fellows Program. The second letter is a template that provides an overview of the Program and highlights important dates. Please feel free to personalize the letter and send it to appropriate contacts.

The White House Fellows Program is now accepting applications (http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/2012-2013-applications) online until Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 5:59pm (EST).
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this effort and if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to call the White House Fellows Office at 202-395-4522.

Sincerely,
Cindy Moelis
America's Commission on White House Fellowships

Fellowships and Research Opportunities 2013 Department of Defense (DoD)

Fellowships and Research Opportunities 2013 Department of Defense (DoD) 

1) Fellowships are awarded to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in, or closely related to, an area of DoD interest. National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Program: http://ndseg.asee.org/

2) SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS & RESEARCH FOR TRANSFORMATION
OPEN TO: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students pursuing degrees in
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) fields.  Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation Defense Scholarship for Service (SMART) Program: http://smart.asee.org/

UNCF/Merck Science Initiative Scholarships

We are pleased to announce the 2013 competition for the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative
Research Scholarships and Fellowships. Each scholarship/fellowship can be from $30,000 to
$92,000. This continues the initiative which began in 1996 in support of science education and is
sponsored by The Merck Company Foundation and Merck and administered by UNCF. This
commitment has been renewed through 2015.

The UNCF/Merck Science Initiative is dedicated to supporting the training of world-class African
American biological and chemical scientists and engineers toward achieving the complementary
goals of national economic competitiveness and social diversity. This initiative provides scholarships
and fellowships to at least 37 outstanding African American students per year- 15 at the
undergraduate level, 12 at the graduate level and 10 at the postdoctoral level. In addition, the
UNCF/Merck Science Initiative may provide grants to the science departments of the recipients'
home institution.

Applications should be submitted on-line at UNCF.org/umsi. Applications must be submitted on-line no later than December 3, 2012. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in distributing the
enclosed materials to those whom you believe are eligible to apply.

If there are questions regarding the information enclosed, please do not hesitate to call UNCF at
(202) 810-0331 .

REU Program: Northwestern University

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Northwestern University offers a 9-week paid summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Research areas include ceramics, polymers, nanoparticles, photonics, molecular electronics and biomaterials.  

While there are many REU programs, the NU-MRSEC stands out in offering students an interdisciplinary research experience.  This opportunity is open to all physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program dates this year are June 24 to August 23, 2013; 

Applications are due Feb. 15, 2013. Participants are paid a $4500 stipend, a travel allowance, and on-campus housing is provided. For more information, please visit our website:

http://www.mrsec.northwestern.edu/content/educational_programs/reu.htm

SCI Scholars--Summer 2013 Internships

The SCI Scholars program is a joint effort of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) America International Group, the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and was developed to introduce chemistry and chemical engineering students to careers in the chemical industry.Exceptional sophomores and juniors with a GPA of at least 3.5 and who are majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply.Program details: 

• Thirty-five scholars will be chosen for internship positions in the summer of 2013.

• SCI Scholars receive $6,000-$10,000+ for a ten-week internship.

• Students will be awarded a certificate and an additional $1,000, which can be used for any purpose, such as participation at an ACS or AIChE meeting.

• Scholars nominate a high school chemistry teacher for recognition. Teachers will be awarded a certificate from SCI and $1,000, which can be used for professional development or classroom materials.

• Applications are due December 14, 2012 (December 15, 3 a.m EST).

Interested students should visit www.acs.org/sci to fill out an application and get more information

2013 KSTF Teaching Fellowships - seeking applicants

We are pleased to inform you that the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2013 cohort of Science and Mathematics Teaching Fellows. The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) was created by Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles in 1999 to cultivate and support exemplary science and mathematics high school teachers and develop the next generation of leaders in education. If you know a student interested in pursuing a career in teaching mathematics or science at the high school level, please let them know about the KSTF Teaching Fellowship.

KSTF’s programs are designed to help reverse the current national trend that sees approximately half of all secondary teachers leave the field within five years. The total award for each Fellow is valued at nearly $175,000 over the course of the five-year Fellowship. Fellows receive tuition assistance while participating in a teacher credential program, monthly stipends, and grants for professional development and teaching materials. By empowering science and mathematics teachers to be effective in the classroom, KSTF helps deliver enriched educational experiences to students and, in the long run, ensures a stronger, healthier and more competitive nation.

Please forward the flyer below to any interested parties you may know to help spread the word about our Fellowship Program. Applications will close on January 9th, 2013 at 12 Noon EST. If you have any questions about our Teaching Fellowship Program, please feel free to email us at teachers@kstf.org, or contact us at 856.608.0001.

Thank you for your time.

Alicia Marchena
Program Manager for the Teaching Fellowship Program
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation 

NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) 2012

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released a solicitation, entitled NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) - Fall 2013, on October 10, 2012. The solicitation is available by opening the NASA Research Opportunities home page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/, selecting "Solicitations," then selecting "Open Solicitations," and, finally, selecting the solicitation number "NSTRF13."

NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) seeks to sponsor U.S. citizen and permanent resident graduate student researchers who show significant potential to contribute to NASA's goal of creating innovative new space technologies for our Nation’s science, exploration and economic future.

This call for graduate student fellowship applications, entitled NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) – Fall 2013 (NSTRF13), solicits applications from individuals pursuing or planning to pursue master's (e.g., M.S.) or doctoral (e.g., Ph.D.) degrees in relevant space technology disciplines at accredited U.S. universities. This call is open to students pursuing advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The goal of NSTRF is to provide the Nation with a pipeline of highly skilled researchers and technologists to improve America's technological competitiveness. NASA Space Technology Fellows will perform innovative space technology research while building the skills necessary to become future technological leaders.

Selected candidates will perform graduate student research at their respective campuses and at NASA Centers and/or at nonprofit U.S. Research and Development (R&D) laboratories. In addition to his or her faculty advisor, each student will be matched with a technically relevant and community engaged researcher who will serve as the student's professional mentor. Through this experience, students will advance their STEM education, gain relevant research experience, and enhance their understanding of the research process.

Awards resulting from this competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to accredited U.S. universities. This solicitation has two phases. Phase A is the application submission by the student. For the student applicant who is selected (Phase A selection), the accredited U.S. university, where the student will be enrolled for the fall 2013 term as a full-time graduate student, must submit a package (as specified in the NSTRF13 solicitation). The university submission constitutes Phase B of the solicitation; complete Phase B package submissions will result in training grant awards.

The financial and programmatic support for NSTRF comes from the Space Technology Program within NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist. The fellowships are a component of the Space Technology Research Grants Program. Awards are planned to coincide with the start of the 2013 academic year and are subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

This solicitation covers only new fellowship applications; renewal applications are handled separately.

All Phase A applications must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES and are due on or before December 4, 2012. Detailed submission instructions for the student applicant are provided under "Other Documents" on the NSPIRES webpage associated with the NSTRF13 solicitation. Potential student applicants are urged to access the NSPIRES electronic proposal system well in advance of the proposal due date to register with NSPIRES, familiarize themselves with its structure, and to enter the requested information.

Comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive, Claudia Meyer, at hq-nstrf-call@mail.nasa.gov. Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of individuals/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.

CDC ORISE FELLOWSHIP-IMMEDIATE NEED

Research Fellowship Positions – Immediate Need

The Nutritional Biomarkers Branch, which is part of the Division of Laboratory Sciences at the National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is currently seeking recent BS level graduates for laboratory research fellowships in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Nutritional Biomarkers Branch quantifies various nutrients and bioactive dietary components in blood products and urine using advanced analytical chemistry methods in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities (http://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/). 

Candidates should hold a chemistry or biochemistry degree and preferably have experience in liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and handling/processing of human biological samples.

Fellowships are offered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participation Program. The ORISE Research Participation Programs at the CDC are designed to provide a flow of scientists and engineers into the CDC to participate in current research and development activities, studies and technical projects. To be eligible the applicant must have received his/her bachelor’s degree in chemistry (or an appropriate science or engineering discipline) within the last five years, or must expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to starting the fellowship. The fellowship will be for one (1) year with the possibility of extension for up to three (3) years. The fellowship is a paid, full-time position. Additional details regarding the ORISE Research Participation Program and eligibility requirements can be found at:

http://orise.orau.gov/cdc/

If interested, please submit your resume and a letter of intent to Ms. Linda Leake (lleake@cdc.gov; Subject: CDC/ORISE opportunity - Nutritional Biomarkers Branch). 

CDC (ORISE Fellowship) Job Posting

Entry-level laboratory technician position in the Division of Laboratory Sciences at the National Center for Environmental Health, CDC

CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) strives to promote health and quality of life by preventing or controlling those diseases or deaths that result from interactions between people and their environment. The Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) at NCEH is seeking an entry-level laboratory technician in the Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch. The research group utilizes state of the art techniques for developing analytical methods for monitoring human exposure to environmental contaminants, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The developed methodology will continuously be applied in studies aimed at identify and quantify exposures to environmental contaminants in the general population as well as certain populations at special risk. Job responsibilities will include sample handling and preparation utilizing various extraction techniques and instruments.

Candidate should be a recent graduate (BS chemistry or biochemistry major) with excellent laboratory skills, preferably with experience in extracting, handling and processing of biological samples. This opportunity is offered under the ORISE fellowship program. For specific details please visit http://orise.orau.gov/.

For questions or to apply please email Erin Pittman at ELR2@cdc.gov ASAP.

Starting Date: ASAP

ORISE Fellowship

Chemist

CT Method Development

Division of Laboratory Sciences

National Center for Environmental Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Atlanta, Georgia

CDC-NCEH-2012-0034

Project Description:

A project is available in the Division of Laboratory Sciences, within the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia.  The fellow will assist in the determination of human exposure to environmental chemicals, chemical threat agents and toxins using analytical techniques, such as solid phase extraction, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Activities may include:

·         Sample preparation, sample analysis, data processing, instrument operation, method development and troubleshooting. 

·         Documentation and communication of experimental results, issues, and development progress.

·         Participation in emergency response exercises, proficiency testing and method validation.

This fellowship is part of the Research Participation Program for CDC, which is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.  The participant will receive a monthly stipend depending on education level and experience. The initial appointment will be for up to one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and subject to availability of funds. Participants do not become employees of CDC or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.  The appointment is at the CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Additional details regarding the ORISE Research Participation Program can be found at http://www.orau.gov/cdc.

Qualifications:

·         The applicant should have earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in chemistry or a related science within the past 5 years.

·         Must be a US citizen.

·         Experience in analytical chemistry is beneficial.

·         Experience with mass spectrometry and/or liquid chromatography is highly desired.

How to Apply:

Candidates should send their CVs in Word or PDF format to Ms. Elizabeth Hamelin at ehamelin@cdc.gov. Please reference in the subject line: CDC/ORISE opportunity – Analytical Response Lab. Only applicants given further consideration will be contacted. 

ORISE FELLOWSHIP POSITIONS

ORISE Fellowship Positions

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Environmental Health

Division of Laboratory Sciences

The Clinical Chemistry Branch at the National Center for Environmental Health, CDC is performing research in the area of environmental biomonitoring. Biomonitoring is the measurement of chemicals in human samples and provides information on the amount of chemical that actually gets into the body. The results of biomonitoring are used to help make decisions about how best to protect people from diseases, birth defects, disabilities, dysfunction, or death.

We are currently working on projects in the area of reactive chemicals such as acrylamide, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, in the area of trans-fatty acids and in the area of chronic diseases using mass spectrometry based methods.  The main goal of these projects is to develop rugged and automated analytical methods to measure human exposure to these chemicals in population studies.  Other objectives include the addition of other compounds of interest into current methods, and the testing and application of new tools to quantify compounds of public health interest. 

We are seeking a candidate with a BS degree in sciences (Minimum GPA: 3.0) with experience in analytical, organic and biochemistry, if possible. Experience in handling of biological samples, extraction, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry is a plus.  This fellowship will provide the opportunity to obtain hands-on experiences in measuring environmental chemicals and to learn more about environmental public health activities.  The incumbent will work in a CLIA regulated environment and will perform research using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.

Duties include but are not limited to working with biological samples, aliquoting of materials for future use, sample preparation using different extraction techniques, routine operation of liquid handling instruments, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometers, data review, statistical data analysis, preparation and purification of materials that are used as standards for the methods.  Good interpersonal and communications skills are required.  The applicant should be willing to perform tasks assigned in a timely manner, keep accurate records of experiments performed in compliance with CDC`s policies and procedures. Good organizational and computer skills are required.

This fellowship is administered through the Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE). The duration of this fellowship appointment is 1-3 years. The stipend depends on grades and qualifications and follows those stated in federal salary tables (GS tables). The workplace is located in Atlanta, GA. For more information on this fellowship and the division of laboratory sciences visit http://www.orau.gov/cdc/  and http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/

Applications should be e-mailed to Dr. Maria Ospina (mospina@cdc.gov) by May 30, 2012. The application should include a curriculum vitae or resume with relevant course work, copy of transcripts, and two letters of recommendation (letters sent by e-mail are sufficient).

NSF FELLOWSHIP INFO SESSION

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Info Session hosted by GT Fellowships Office

Would you like to receive $30,000 a year for three years of graduate study?

The Georgia Tech Fellowships Office is here to help you consider applying for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and to assist you with every step of creating a strong application

Please join us for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Info Session on Tuesday, April 10th, at 11:00 am in the Student Success Center, President’s Suite A . The Fellowships Office team will discuss specific award information, eligibility, and application processes. We hope to see you there!

ORISE Position at CDC, Chamblee Campus

ORISE position for Bachelor’s level Chemistry or Biology graduates at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Chamblee, Georgia.  The position is a fellowship through ORISE http://www.orau.gov/cdc/presearchFRAMESET.htm, renewable up to 4 years.

Specifically, the Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP) http://www.cdc.gov/labstandards/nsqap.html makes dried blood spot materials to help state and international newborn screening laboratories achieve a high level of testing accuracy.  States test newborn babies for up to 50 metabolic and genetic disorders that can be treated within the first few weeks of life.  If affected babies are not treated, the disorders can lead to death, mental retardation, and other serious health consequences.  NSQAP is looking for a candidate with a strong science background and laboratory or research experience.  This position uses biochemical and analytical methods to test dried blood spots that mimic normal and abnormal newborn specimens.  These specimens are then sent to over 500 laboratories worldwide to help them test actual newborn babies.

Start date is anticipated to be May 1, 2012.  Please send your CV to Dr. Joanne Mei at jmei@cdc.gov.