GSC GradConnections Weekly Newsletter 7/2/08

      

"Piled Higher and Deeper" by Jorge Cham, www.phdcomics.com

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

1. GSC attends Concert on the Square: Thursday, July 3 POSTPONED FROM JULY 2
2. GSC heads to the Mallard's ball game: Friday, July 11
3. GSC takes in a roller derby: Saturday, July 19
4. Grad Student Summer Pick-up Volleyball
5. Are you on Facebook? Join "Grads on the Face Book!"
   

LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

6. The Graduate Junction: Online Community for Graduate Students
7. Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE)
8. Free Do-IT Software Training for Students
9. Library Workshops

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

10. Project Assistant: Visual Culture Center--July 3rd deadline
11. Project Assistant Position: McNair Scholars Program
12. Project Assistant Position in Speech Language Pathology
13. Project Assistant Position: Ed Sciences
14. Website Developer & Designer - Project Assistant
15. Teaching Assistant Positions: Department of Zoology
16. Project Assistant Position Opening: The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
17. LabVIEW Developer Project Assistant Position Opening: Engine Research Center
18. Junior Fellowships, Harvard University's Society of Fellows
19. NSF/SBE Dissertation Improvement Grants
20. Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program
    

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

21. Arboretum Volunteer Workday
22. Become An Academic Tutor or Conversational English Partner with GUTS
23. Morgridge Center

COMMUNITY EVENTS

24. July 4th Celebrations: Shorewood Village & Elver Park
25. The Musical of Musicals
26. Art Fair on the Square

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SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

1. GSC attends Concert on the Square: Thursday, July 3
   
   Thursday, July 3
   7:00 p.m.
   Capitol Lawn
   
   Concerts on the Square is a free 6-week series of outdoor concerts celebrating its 25th year this summer. This week, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is performing their "Salute to America" concert featuring Hong-En Chen, piano Winner of the 2008 Young Artist Concerto Competition.
   
   RSVP and GSC will send an email the day of the concert with a precise location of where to find us on the Capitol. Otherwise, look for the red GSC sign or a red GSC t-shirt. Don't forget to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. This event is free.
   
   N.B. This concert is no longer scheduled for today, July 2 due to rainy weather.
   
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2. GSC heads to the Mallard's ball game: Friday, July 11
   
   Friday, July 11
   Meet at 6:00 p.m.; Game at 7:00 p.m.
   Duck Pond, Warner Park
   
   Let's play ball! Come along for a game at the Duck Pond to cheer on Madison's local baseball team. We will be meeting at State St. Brats at 6:00 p.m. to arrange carpooling or cabs to share. Tickets cost between $6-$7 and will be purchased upon arrival at the ball diamond. We look forward to seeing you at this fun event!
   
   Please RSVP if you plan to attend by sending an email to gsc@bascom.wisc.edu or by confirming your attendance through the event listing on the Grads on the Facebook page.
   
   If you would like to learn more about the Mallards or get directions to meet us there, check out
   http://www.mallardsbaseball.com/home/
   
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3. GSC takes in a Roller Derby: Saturday, July 19
   
   Saturday, July 19
   Meet at 5:45 p.m.; Derby at 7:00 p.m.
   Fast Forward Skate Center, 4649 Verona Rd.
   
   Come and take in the Midwestern sports tradition of roller derby at Fast Forward Skate Center. GSC will be meeting in Library Mall at 5:45 p.m. and busing it over to the rink. The event starts at 7:00 p.m.
   
   RSVP by July 11th is a MUST so that tickets can be purchased. Tickets cost $10-$12 and must be paid for in advance. RSVP by sending an email to gsc@bascom.wisc.edu or by confirming your attendance through the event listing on the Grads on the Facebook page.
   
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4. Grad Student Summer Pick-up Volleyball
   
   Come join your fellow grad students for weekly pick-up volleyball games/league at a local park. This will be a great way to play some volleyball and meet other grad students! Free and any skill level is welcome to attend. Weekly dates, time, and location are to be determined based on people's availability
   
   For more info or to join contact: Isadora at leidenfrost@wisc.edu 
   
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5. Are you on Facebook?  Join "Grads on the Face Book!"
    
   Looking for a new way to stay connected to other graduate students? Would you like to know what's going on around campus and the city? If so, login to Facebook and join the group "Grads on the Face Book!" The group is administered by the GSC and is a great way to organize outings or stay connected during the summer and throughout the school year. Keep an eye out, as we'll be publicizing some of our events on Facebook as well! Check out the "Grads on the Face Book" group. 
   
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LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

6. The Graduate Junction: Online Community for Graduate Students
   
   The Graduate Junction is a new website that has been designed to connect graduate students with one another. The website, designed by graduate students who felt isolated in their research, is intended to help graduate students build networks, join research groups, and search conferences. Visit the Graduate Junction website, fill out a research profile, and begin connecting with other graduate students who share similar research interests!
   
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7. Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE)
   
   The Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE) program is now accepting applications for FALL 2008.

    

   The program is an NIH/NIGMS funded, 3 year postdoctoral fellowship which combines 2 years of research and 1 year of teaching along with professional development opportunities to prepare scholars for careers in academia.
   Scholars engage in independent research at UNC Chapel Hill and teach at one of their partner minority serving institutions in North Carolina with the goal of increasing diversity in science professions. More information can be
   found at: http://spire.unc.edu

    

   All application materials are due no later than June 30, 2008. It is anticipated that fellowship offers will commence early August. Fellows can begin the program as soon as Sept 1 but no later than Oct 1, 2008.
   Fellowships are offered subject to availability.

   The next application deadline will be February 1, 2009 for a September 1, 2009 start.

    

   Consult http://spire.unc.edu/apply/ for full application details.
   
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8. Free Do-IT Software Training for Students
   
   The University's Division of Information Technology (Do-IT) is offering various free computer software training courses throughout the summer. These short training courses include programs such as Excel, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Access, PowerPoint, InDesign, and more.
   
   Take advantage of this incredible opportunity by visiting http://www.doit.wisc.edu/training/student/index.aspx for more information or to enroll online.  
   
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9. Library Workshops

   Campus libraries workshops and tours help you learn how to find what you need quickly and efficiently. They will help you save time when deadlines for papers and projects approach. Most of these are hands-on. And best of all, they're free. This month, topics will include: Grants Information, Citations Managers, Internet Searching, and Libraries in a Nutshell.

   Visit the library Web site to find out more about the upcoming workshops.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

10. Project Assistant: Visual Culture Center--July 3rd deadline
    33% for 9 months
    
    The Visual Culture Center is seeking an organized, efficient, and personable graduate student with strong writing, communication, and organizational skills to work as a project assistant for the 2008-2009 academic year.
    
    Job duties will vary throughout the year, but will include: design and technical support for the Visual Culture Center’s website, data entry and maintenance for the Visual Culture Center’s mailing lists, correspondence, production and distribution of posters and press releases, assistance with lectures and colloquia (anything from audio-visual implementation to making airport pickups and scheduling rooms), and other duties that will facilitate the Center’s programs and initiatives, including grant writing and curricular development. As part of the working hours, the project assistant will have the responsibility to participate in the programs scheduled by the Visual Culture Center.
    
    A well-evidenced research interest in the field of Visual Culture is essential. Applicants should be flexible and able to work well independently and with others.  It is vital that the project assistant have demonstrable skills in writing and editing. In addition, applicants should be familiar with word processing, data management, and web design using Windows applications. For example, the PA may be asked to use such programs as Word, Access, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, or other comparable programs. An ability to drive and access to a car would be helpful, but these are not required. Please note that, while the workload will average 13-20 hours per week, the working hours will be unequally distributed.
    
    Applications should include a cover letter that outlines the applicant’s interest in the field of Visual Culture, the activities of the Visual Culture Center, and the position and that details the applicant’s qualifications as well as a CV and a writing sample of no more than 20 pages that evidences the applicant’s participation in the field.
    
    Applications must be received by 4 PM on July 3, 2008.
    
    Application materials should be sent as electronic files via email to:
    Jill H. Casid, Associate Professor of Visual Culture Studies and Director of the Visual Culture Center at jhcasid@wisc.edu. Questions may be directed to Professor Casid at <jhcasid@wisc.edu>.
    
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11. Project Assistant Position: McNair Scholars Program
    
    33.33% time starting October 1, 2008 till June 30, 2009.
    Mostly days 8:30-4:30 with flexibility, some evenings and travel.
     
    UW-Madison Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is a federally funded program to prepare students from groups who are traditionally under-represented in graduate education and/or first generation college students from low income backgrounds for doctoral studies. The program serves 25 students at the junior and senior level each year. 
     
    Primary Duties:
    
    * Advising and Mentoring undergraduate students on their academic plans
    * Ability to advise/tutor undergraduates in general course work
    * Organizing colloquia, seminars and workshops for students
    * Assisting with the recruitment of new scholars to the program.
    * Maintaining up to date records on students
    * Working with the other program staff  to implement all the program objectives.
    * Occasional (approximately 10 %, generally over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in state travel to accompany the scholars to retreats and national conferences.
    
    For more details on this position, please visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=39705.
     
    Note: All Application materials must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., on July 14, 2008.
                    
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12. Project Assistant Position in Speech Language Pathology
    
    This is a 50%, 12 month PA position.  Hours are flexible, but are primarily daytime on weekdays.  Student must have a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology, CCC, and Wisconsin licensure.  Student must have experience working with children who have significant disabilities.  Strong background and interest in augmentative communication and early childhood preferred.  Duties include data collection from young children with disabilities, data analysis, and data reduction.
    
    Visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=39798 for more details.
    
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13. Project Assistant Position: Ed Sciences
    
    40% Project Assistant, flexible hours Duties: Assist in the design, implementation, and data collection for studies of young children’s cognitive development. Collaborate on written reports of research. Primary responsibilities will involve making arrangements with local daycares to interview children and conducting child interviews. Qualifications: Background in Cognitive Science/Psychology and Child Development. Familiarity with statistics and experimental design. Experience working with young children is required. Ability to work independently. Applications due by July 11, 2008.
    
    Visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=39778 for more details.
    
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14. Website Developer & Designer - Project Assistant
    
    The assistant website developer will be supervised by the Space Science and Engineering Center Webmaster and assist him with developing and maintaining the Space Science and Engineering Center website (http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/) and related web sites.  Job duties include Web site development and maintenance in a UNIX / Dreamweaver environment Work with scientists and the materials they provide to develop websites and related content Respond to user requests.
    
    Visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=38702 for more details about the extensive job requirements.
    
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15. Teaching Assistant Positions: Department of Zoology
    
    The Zoology department currently has a number of open TA positions, including both intro and upper level courses, for the fall semester.
    
    Intro courses
    Zoo 102 - 50% - 4 labs (co-taught); Zoo 102 - 37.5% - 3 labs (co-taught); Zoo 151 lab - 50% - 3 labs
    Zoo 151 disc - 50% - 6 discussions; Zoo 151 disc - 40% - 5 discussions; Zoo 152 lab - 50% - 2 labs + ~25 IP**; Zoo 152 disc - 50% - 5 discussions + ~12 IP**; Zoo 152 disc - 40% - 4 discussions + ~10 IP**
    
    ** IP = Independent Project - this is either a mentored research project or a group library project that results in a paper at the end of Zoo 152.
    
    Upper-level courses
    Zoo 315/316 (Limnology) – 50% (Vander Zanden) – still need one more TA
    Zoo 360 (Extinction of Species) – 50% (Vaughan) – still need at least two more TAs
    
    Zoology TA application materials are available on the Zoology TA Resource page at
    http://www.zoology.wisc.edu/grad/TAresources.html
    
    The department will be reviewing applications, scheduling interviews and hiring on a rolling basis through the summer to fill open spots.
    
    If you have questions or if you have any trouble with the application form, please don't hesitate to contact Sharon M. Kahn by phone (262-2741) or by email (smkahn@zoology.wisc.edu).
    
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16. Project Assistant Position Opening: The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program  
    
    The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program seeks a masters student pursuing a degree in public or population health, medicine, or a health-related field. The candidate must have very strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and to problem-solve. Public-health outreach experience as well as familiarity with basic data analysis is necessary. Proficiency in computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2008.
    
    For more information about this position, visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=39413.  
    
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17. LabVIEW Developer Project Assistant Position Opening: Engine Research Center  
    
    Professor Sanders from the Engine Research Center is seeking a candidate skilled in LabVIEW who has significant computer programming experience; experience with National Instruments hardware including analog input devices or framegrabbers; understanding of common data processing techniques such as filtering / smoothing; and, excellent communication skills. Anticipated tasks include: setting up data acquisition systems, typically involving multi-channel analog input or camera framegrabber cards from National Instruments; writing codes for analyzing or reducing data; writing codes to simulate gas behavior. This position could be setup as an hourly appointment or as a project assistantship (PA).  The latter is likely to include tuition waiver, health benefits, etc.
    
    For more information about this position, please visit http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/jobdetail.asp?JobID=39498.  
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18. Junior Fellowships, Harvard University's Society of Fellows
    September 5
    
    The Society of Fellows was established to give PhD students an opportunity to pursue their studies in any department of the University, without any formal requirements. Candidates must be exceptional students whose work and achievements are comparable to successful candidates for junior faculty positions at leading universities; candidates from all fields are eligible. The fellowships are three year fellowships.
    
    Candidates are generally nominated by those under whom they have studied; applications are not accepted from the candidates themselves. Details about the fellowships and the nomination process are available online at http://www.socfell.fas.harvard.edu/. The deadline for applications is September 5, 2008.
    
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19. NSF/SBE Dissertation Improvement Grants
    
    The National Science Foundation, through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE), offers Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants in a wide range of disciplines. 
    
    Deadlines vary by discipline; some occur as early as mid-summer. For the full list see
    http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13453
    
    To view or download the complete announcement, see
    http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06605
    
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20. Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program
    
    If you are interested in any area of sustainable agriculture, do consider this scholarship.  Awards typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are granted to students at all levels. 
    
    Eligibility Guidelines:
    
    Annie's Homegrown Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program is open to full time undergraduate and graduate students beginning or returning to an accredited 2 or 4 year technical or college program or graduate school in the U.S.  for the 2009/2010 school year.  Students must be studying sustainable/organic agriculture.
    
    Annie's accepts applications postmarked by October 30th, 2008. Final decisions will be made by March 3, 2009, and funds will be dispersed on or around June 15, 2009.
    
    To conserve resources, applications are available only online.  See the Web sites at
    http://www.annies.com/sustainable_agriculture_scholarship
    and
    http://www.annies.com/data/fe/File/Application%20(4-17-08).pdf
    
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SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

21. Arboretum Volunteer Workday
    
    Saturday, July 5
    9:00 a.m. - noon
    Wingra Oak Savanna
    
    Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. Visit http://www.uwarboretum.org for more information.
    
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22. Become An Academic Tutor or Conversational English Partner with GUTS  
    
    VOLUNTEER TO BE A SUMMER TUTOR WITH GUTS! The Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) is currently looking for summer Conversational English and Academic Drop-In tutors, especially in the areas of math and science. The Conversational English program gives you the chance to meet with an international student for a cultural exchange! While you help them with their conversational skills and teach them about American culture, you have the chance to learn about a different country's culture as well. 
    
    The Academic Drop-In program is very flexible and a great resume builder. Tutors have the chance to tutor in a number of academic subjects in an informal and fun setting. These volunteer positions only require 2 hours per week.
    
    If you are interested in volunteering, email guts@rso.wisc.edu or call them at 608-263-5666.  
    
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23. Morgridge Center
    
    

    If you are interested in civic engagement or public service, the Morgridge Center is a great resource. Visit them in the Red Gym building on Langdon St. or go to their Web site at http://www.morgridge.wisc.edu.

    
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COMMUNITY EVENTS

24. July 4th Celebrations
    
    Shorewood Hills Fireworks
    
    Friday, July 4
    Dusk (about 9:00 p.m. )
    Blackhawk Country Club
    
    The Shorewood Village is holding events all day long, include a bake sale, a parade, and a walking tour of the village. More information is available here. Fireworks will be at 9:00 p.m.
    
    Elver Park Fireworks
    
    Friday, July 4
    5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
    Elver Park, Madison
    
    Food and entertainment for the whole family! This fireworks show is hosted by Q106 FM. More information is available at http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=201451
    
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25. The Musical of Musicals
    
    Thursday, July 3 - Saturday, July 19
    Showtimes at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
    Helmsley Theatre, Vilas Hall
    
    University Theatre celebrates the American tradition of musical theater in all its delightful campy glory. Tickets are available online at University Theater Web site or by calling 262-2201. Tickets are $20 for general admission.
    
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26. Art Fair on the Square
    
    Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13
    9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Sat.); 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Sun)
    Capitol Square
    
    Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this juried art fair is considered one of the country's top rated fine art shows. Many performances are scheduled for both days and hundreds of juried artists will display their work around the capitol. This local cultural tradition is not to be missed. More information is available here.
    
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