Scholar Newsletter

We will be inviting PRISM scholars to share their experiences in a quick survey that will be sent out in April by Dr. Alex Ajayi from the University of Minnesota. This survey aims to gather insights on the outcomes of the PRISM program participation, and your contribution is invaluable! You will receive a $10 Amazon gift card for completing the survey. In addition, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 $50 Amazon gift cards. Keep an eye out!

As we approach the end of spring semester, what are your plans for summer 2024? If you are continuing or transferring you may be eligible for paid summer research opportunities in STEM at the University of Minnesota or at Augsburg University. Please complete the brief survey below if you are interested in learning more about specific opportunities.

Experience Augsburg is tailored for prospective students, including high school seniors and transfers, who are deeply interested in, have been admitted to, or have already committed to Augsburg. This event provides participants with a firsthand glimpse into the life of an Augsburg student, while also offering the opportunity to have any remaining questions about admissions, financial aid, program specifics, and more addressed. Ultimately, the goal is to help them make an informed decision and confidently choose Augsburg as their academic home.

Friday, April 19, 2024 at 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM

Augsburg University

2211 Riverside Ave

Minneapolis, MN 55454

Additionally, transfer students are invited to attend extra sessions on paid research opportunities, applying to graduate school, STEM academic and career exploration, and health professions advising.

The featured lecturer for the annual Convocation will be Dr. Bala Chaudhary from Dartmouth.

Biosketch of Dr. Bala Chaudhary:

Bala Chaudhary, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College. She is a National Science Foundation CAREER Awardee and a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Continent Scale Biology. Research in her lab focuses on three areas plant-fungal symbioses (mycorrhizas), continent-scale ecology (macroecology) and microbial dispersal (movement). Prior to academia, Chaudhary worked as an environmental consultant in Los Angeles designing and restoring drastically disturbed urban areas to create habitat for endangered species. She received the Early Career Motivator Award by the Association for Women in Science and the Woman of Spirit and Action Award for her work on promoting antiracism in STEM.

Schedule of Events:

MONDAY April 15, Hagfors 150 ABC, 5:00 PM

Title: Continent-scale aerial dispersal of fungi

Abstract: Dispersal is a key process driving local-scale community assembly and global-scale biogeography of ecological communities. Plants in most ecosystems on Earth form close associations with mycorrhizal fungi, obligate root symbionts that improve plant access to soil resources in exchange for photosynthetically derived carbon. Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms of dispersal for these cryptic, yet common plant symbionts. Combining macrosystems ecology, trait-based methods, eDNA metabarcoding, and data synthesis, we address fundamental questions in the emerging field of microbial movement ecology.

TUESDAY April 16, 11:00 - 12:00 PM (Chapel)

Title: Strategies for antiracist action in STEM

Abstract: Labs are our scientific homes, the front lines of where either inclusion and belonging are fostered, or where exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination occur. As scientists are increasingly acknowledging the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in science, there is a need for clear direction on how to take antiracist action. Guidelines for developing antiracists policies and action are presented as well as discussion in an effort to promote racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Session Date and Time:

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024

3:00 – 4:30 pm

Hagfors Center

Session Description:

Hosted by URGO, McNair, and STEM Programs, Augsburg celebrates the creativity and scholarship of undergraduate students with its annual Zyzzogeton Student Research Poster symposium. The event falls at the end of each academic year and is a culmination of achievement featuring work across departments. Over 50 students participate each year, showcasing their research in various science, social science, and humanity disciplines.

A “Zyzzogeton” is a green leaf-hopper as well as the last word in the Webster Collegiate Dictionary, which is a fitting symbol to mark the end of the academic year. Zyzzogeton is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Registration is now open!

PRISM scholars at Century, Normandale, and Minneapolis College, you are invited to attend no registration needed. Please email Dr. Jennifer Brookins-King, brookinj@augsburg.edu, if you plan to attend to receive parking information and to greet you for the event.

About the NSBE 50th Annual Convention on March 20-24th, 2024

The 50th Annual Convention was held in the Georgia World Congress Center. The four-day convention in Atlanta hosted over 15,000 attendees for celebration, networking, and personal and professional development. The convention featured a career fair with 400+ companies.

During the Annual Convention, the Society conducts organizational business, elects national and regional leaders, holds competitions and provides professional and personal development, networking and celebratory activities.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE, founded in 1975, supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology. NSBE pursues its mission, “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

LS-NSSA Scholars: Augsburg University

Five ("The Fab Five" see photo above) Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance (LS-NSSA) Scholars attended the convention. Overall their experience was remarkable, relatable, and rewarding! Each scholar shared what they learned and also provided advice for other students about attending a conference.

Adnan Adan, Computer Science

What I learned:

• On this trip I got the opportunity to see first hand how competitive the professional world can be, which really motivated me to perfect my self and continue to learn new skills. It also gave me the opportunity to learn how to make connections with fellow peers and recruiters naturally. Which really helped build confidence and our professional network.

Advice about attending a conference:

• If you plan on attending a conference I would recommend doing some research on who’ll be attending and the potential job or career opportunities that will be available. I would also say to stay calm and don’t stress too much, even though it can be a little intimidating especially if it’s a large conference. Finally I’d say to enjoy the experience because it will be a memorable one regardless of the outcome.

Guleid Eleie, Computer Science

What I learned:

• I gained invaluable skills in networking and discovered the significance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Engaging with professionals to explore career opportunities and cultivate my personal brand required courage and determination. Additionally, I acquired strategies for interview preparation and learned the importance of building relationships within the STEM community. Overall, the conference was filled with enriching events that helped foster a great networking environment which has enhanced my knowledge and motivated me to shape my future career path.

  
  

Advice about attending a conference:

• My advice to other students about attending conferences is to make the best out of your time and take advantage of all the opportunities around you. Ask questions during the conference and come prepared. The more prepared you are, the better it is for you and the more you will benefit from conferences like NSBE. Also, try your best to network and speak with people you know nothing about because you never know what opportunities you will come across and how impactful these opportunities can be for your future.
  

Kayser Hassan, Computer Science

What I learned:

• Reflecting on my experience at NSBE, I am filled with a sense of profound enlightenment. The exposure to top recruiters provided invaluable insights into their expectations and equipped me with essential skills for navigating challenging situations with confidence. What truly stood out was the genuine mentorship and support offered by industry leaders who were invested in nurturing the next generation of talent. Attending this inclusive conference was a pivotal moment, not just in terms of professional development but also personal growth. The connections forged during those days are not just fleeting acquaintances but potential lifelong collaborators and mentors who will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping my career trajectory for years to come.
  

Advice about attending a conference:

• In offering advice to fellow students contemplating attending conferences, I emphasize the importance of embracing the opportunity with an open mind and thorough preparation. While it may be tempting to stick to a predetermined agenda, being receptive to unexpected interactions and exploring booths you did not intend too can lead to great discoveries and enriching experiences. Every interaction, whether with recruiters, industry professionals, or fellow attendees, presents a chance to learn and grow. Moreover, the significance of building meaningful connections cannot be overstated. These connections serve as more than just professional contacts; they are potential allies and supporters who may prove instrumental in navigating future career endeavors. Thus, my advice is to approach conferences not just as events to attend but as platforms for growth, learning, and relationship-building that can lay the groundwork for future success.
  

Rudwan Hussein, Computer Science

What I learned:

• At the NSBE conference, I gained valuable insights into the entire internship recruitment processes and honed my skills in networking effectively with professionals.

  
  

Advice about attending a conference:

• For students attending conferences, my advice is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it's engaging with professionals in your desired field or attending informational sessions about prospective companies, make the most of each chance. Additionally, thorough preparation is key. Research previous conference activities and arm yourself with knowledge to maximize your experience.

Abdirahman Nor, Computer Science

What I learned:

• I think that this was a beginning to open my network and seeing how the people from different companies does networking and give you the tips and tricks of getting into the corporate world. When you look at it this is like a big place where everyone wants to stand out but in order to stand out they have to be unique and by doing that you have to get comfortable to being uncomfortable and that’s what l learned especially with talking to so much recruiters.
  

Advice about attending a conference:

The biggest thing I would if I was to go back to the convention both regional or national I would start off by making my:

• NSBE account
• Upload my resume
• Book hotels and badges(APEX) two months ahead
• Start preparing and looking for companies that are gonna be there well over two months since interviews are sent out a month ahead of time when the convention is close.

Student Workers

Student workers have a strong presence at MnDOT. This is due to our commitment, as a workplace of choice, to build and maintain a diverse workforce of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences and qualifications. Our student workers bring fresh perspectives, openness to growth and an eagerness to learn. Student worker jobs are designed to provide students in secondary, post-secondary and graduate study with employment that assists them in reaching identifiable educational goals.

Hours

Students typically work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer and on breaks. Specific hours are determined based on student availability and office/supervisor need.

Pay

Rates are between $16.82 and $22.26 per hour depending on qualifications and positions available.

Benefits

Depending on length of employment and hours worked, students may be eligible for:

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays

Students are not eligible for health or dental insurance, pension or other benefits.

Qualifications

You must be a student enrolled in high school or in a post-secondary or graduate program.

• If enrolled in a credit-granting institution you must be taking at least six semester credits or nine quarter credits
• If enrolled in non-credit granting institution or earning only one-credit per class you must be taking at least two or more classes per semester/quarter
• If in graduate studies you must be enrolled in at least two courses or working on a dissertation

The application for summer 2024 is now open! Program Dates: June 3 - August 9, 2024.

The University of Minnesota offers a 10-week summer REU program for undergraduate students focusing on human-centered computing for social good. Participants will be immersed in a collaborative community of practice at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and mentored by faculty researchers in the areas of virtual reality, visualization, human-computer interaction, and human-robot interaction. To frame the societal relevance of their research, students will work on a project that addresses at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Lab activities will be supplemented with weekly research training seminars, invited talks, and professional development workshops.

Participants will receive a stipend of $7,000 paid in installments throughout the summer, housing in university dorms, meal plan, and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Students that identify as members of underrepresented groups in computer science, first-generation college students, and those at institutions with limited research access (e.g., liberal arts or community colleges) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Specific eligibility requirements include:

• Citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Note that this is a hard requirement and no exceptions can be made.
• Enrolled full time at an academic institution as part of an undergraduate program.
• Will not have already earned a B.S. or B.A. degree before the summer program.
• Available full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) during the ten week program.*
• Basic programming skills evidenced by the computer science courses listed on your transcript(s).

*The REU program is designed as a cohort experience. Requests to shift the start and end dates will only be considered in rare circumstances with sufficient justification.

For more information, please feel free to email us at cs-reu@umn.edu.

Under the Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) initiative sponsored by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), this 4-week on-site experience will include an introduction to the national lab ecosystem, curriculum in a variety of basic science topics, professional development sessions, lab tours, and networking with Argonne researchers. Students will be introduced to chemistry, physics, and materials science through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises taught by researchers in our Physical Sciences & Engineering directorate. The theme of Molecules, Materials, Discovery! will focus on materials design to enhance students’ knowledge of the physical sciences. This will include experience with experimental techniques, coding in scientific applications, autonomous labs and hands-on discovery!

Students will receive holistic support during and after summer school, bolstering their professional networks and confidence in STEM and help with moving to the next academic or professional step.

Hear thoughts from last year’s participants here.

Program Details

DATES

July 8–August 2, 2024

LOCATION

The entirety of summer school will take place on site at Argonne National Lab. Curriculum will run Monday–Friday, with optional social events on evenings or weekends.

COMPENSATION

Participants will receive a $500/week stipend in addition to a meal per diem.

HOUSING & TRAVEL

Housing is available at the Argonne Guest House at no direct cost to the participant. Round trip travel may be reimbursed to relocate to the laboratory. See job posting for details.

TARGET AUDIENCE AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Summer School is aimed to support current freshmen and sophomores attending community colleges or 4-year colleges/universities, particularly those attending a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). We especially look to support students who identify as a member of an underrepresented group in STEM.

At the time of application, participants must:

• Be currently enrolled at an accredited institution.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Have an interest in research, basic science, physical science, or other STEM career paths.
• Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
• Preferably attend a Minority Serving Institution. Check your institution’s status here.

This is a learning experience! No prior academic or laboratory research experience is required to participate.

If you have questions, reach out to students@anl.gov

PRISM Scholars are also eligible to apply!

Full Job Description: 2024_Dr. Tammy Butterick Undergraduate Research Assistant Position .docx

SciTech connects college STEM majors to paid internships at small Minnesota companies -- it's a one-stop shop for finding STEM internships statewide! Gain hands-on experience, network with pros, build your resume, and "earn while you learn."

In order to be eligible for SciTech internships, students must meet the following criteria:

• Minnesota resident OR living in and attending college in Minnesota
• At least 18 years of age
• In good academic standing (2.5+ GPA)
• College junior or senior (at least 60 credits completed) OR
• Technical or community college student (at least 24 credits completed) OR
• Enrolled in a STEM degree at an accredited U.S. college
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. (international students may participate if they have CPT/OPT work authorization)

Deadline to apply: Varies

For more information on how to apply and to view a list of current internship opportunities, visit https://scitechmn.org/.

Wallin's UpTurnships program provides highly motivated, underrepresented college students with paid internships and projects. Our career experiences are for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college or university.

To help students succeed in their careers, we offer two incredible UpTurnships pathways: Flagship and Projects.

UpTurnships
​​Flagship

Our UpTurnships Flagship provides interns with paid full-time work experience across 12 weeks in summer, professional development training, and 1:1 support from a program coach.

UpTurnships
​Projects

Our UpTurnships Projects is a 10-week pathway that provides interns with a 40 hour paid work experience, weekly 2-hour professional development trainings, and 1:1 support from a program coach.

Information Sessions: Register

Information sessions are an essential part of the UpTurnships application process. Here you will learn more about the UpTurnships program model, the application process, and be able to ask any questions you have. 30-minute information sessions are hosted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tuesdays at 10:00 AM CST
Thursdays at 4:00 PM CST

Visit our website for more information: https://www.wallinpartners.org/upturnships.html

Interested in learning more about advocacy, research and how it relates to the human experience? NSF Gallery Images? Click below:

• Diversity in Action March/April Issue

  AI affects many aspects of our lives, and data scientist Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, who graces our cover for Women's History Month, remains an optimist about its potential for good. We also highlight new medical innovations, creators who mix science with art and a pre-teen opera star: Diversity in Action March/April 2024 Issue

• NSF-supported research impacts nearly every field of science and engineering. NSF's influence reaches from the ends of the Earth to the depths of the oceans and to space and beyond. Our Multimedia Gallery has some of the most stunning images from NSF’s research legacy. We have pulled some of the most beautiful gallery images for you to use as a virtual background.

Do you have suggestions for opportunities to include in the upcoming newsletter? Feel free to forward them to stem@augsburg.edu.

Email: stem@augsburg.edu
Website: https://www.augsburg.edu/stem/
Location: 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Phone: (612) 330-1042