Undergraduate: Announcements

  • An Introduction to Climate Change and Water Issues (April 4, 2013)

    April 3 - Student Lecture Flyer

    International Astronomical Youth Camp 2013 (July 21st – August 10th) - Call for applications

    Imagine spending 3 weeks of your summer in beautiful countryside scenery working with other students from all over the world on an astronomical project of your choice. The International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC) is a three-week long summer camp aiming to promote knowledge on astronomy and related sciences in a unique international atmosphere. Each year it takes place in a different European location, this year near the small town of Klingenthal in the region of Vogtland, situated in the East of Germany.

    The IAYC is different from most astronomical camps for two reasons: the international character and the fact that you carry out your own small research project. You will not just accept facts, but you will discover them yourself or working together with other people. The IAYC is therefore not like staying in a hotel and following a summer school or an astronomy course. We are proud that award winning projects were carried out during the camp and many of the IAYC alumni chose science as their profession and work in leading astronomical centers.

    As a participant you will explore astronomy related projects in one of the 7 working groups - together with other young people. These projects are done in a working group of your choice and depend on your own interest. The working groups themselves will be led by young scientists and focus on a specific field in astronomy. The IAYC2013 will offer a wide range of working groups and topics: practical astronomy and photography, psychology, poetry and arts, theoretical astronomy and physics, astrobiochemistry, computation and programming, X-Ray astronomy, electronics, history of astronomy... There will be something for everyone, from the complete beginner to the ambitious student. This year the working groups are:

    • ATAC - Astrophotography: Technique? Art? Create!
    • CAT - Culture and Astronomy in Tradition
    • POND - Pondering On iNnovation & Discovery
    • PSST - Photometry, Sky Surveys and Theory
    • STARS - Satellite Technology And Remote Sensing
    • TARDIS - Troublesome Aliens and Rational Data In Space
    • xXx - Extreme X-ray Extravaganza


    Besides the above mentioned working groups, a darkroom will also be available for the participants interested in analog photography. As well as the astronomical programme, there are many non-astronomical activities such as group games, sporting events, singing evenings, hiking tours and an excursion. Since it is an international camp, the camp language is English.

    Anyone from 16 to 24 years old and able to communicate in English may participate in the IAYC 2013. The fee for accommodation, full board and the whole programme, including the excursion, will be 700 EUR. However, early applications arriving before April 5th 2013 (post stamp) receive a 50 EUR reduction, making the camp fee 650 EUR. For people interested in participating in the camp that are not able to pay the camp fee themselves, a limited number of grants is available.

    For more details, application form, outlines of projects and pictures from previous camps please check out www.iayc.org or write to our info service: info@iayc.org.

    PHYS 177/277. Physics of the Cell

    Learn about Careers in Finance with the Berkeley MFE

    The Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering Program, which begins in March of each year, is currently accepting applications for admission to the program beginning in March 2013. We would like to invitethose who might be thinking about future education, to join us to learn more careers in quantitative finance. Students can learn more about our program by going to our website, http://mfecontact.c.topica.com/maapWvxacauERbvEF0Le/ or by joining one of our information sessions (see below).

    Please note that our program is relevant for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs with strong quantitative backgrounds (engineering, sciences, economics, operations research, statistics, and finance) and for anyone interested in a career in finance.

    Please kindly forward this message to any students/lists of students who might be interested. All are welcome.

    UPCOMING BERKELEY MFE INFORMATION SESSIONS

    Online: October 17, 2012, 2:00 PM Pacific Time and October 29, 2012 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, berkeleymfe.webex.com

    New York City: October 24, 2012, 5:30 PM local time, The Michelangelo Hotel.

    On Campus at UC Berkeley: November 5, 2012, 12:00 noon

    During our information sessions, you will have the chance to speak with current students/alumni, admissions staff, and the executive director of the Berkeley MFE, Linda Kreitzman. Linda will also conduct on-the-spot resume reviews and discuss how to prepare for the Berkeley MFE.

    For other upcoming sessions, please see our website, mfe.berkeley.edu.

    Berkeley MFE Quick Facts:

    • Unparalleled Career Services: The Berkeley MFE Program, which was launched in 2000, has helped hundreds of students begin rewarding careers on Wall Street, London, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, and many other financial centers around the world.
    • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: In one year, students gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying frameworks of financial markets and are prepared to work as financial engineers after graduation, starting on day one.
    • A Diverse, Thriving Community: Our 68 students typically come from over a dozen countries and have attended as many as 50 different undergraduate institutions. Not only do students benefit from the strong connections made during the program, but they also benefit from the wealth of experience and training that each student brings to the classroom environment.
    • Top Minds in Finance: Our faculty make up the leading edge in financial research, practice, and policy. Students benefit from being taught by academics as well as practitioners.

    Please register HERE for our information Sessions http://mfe.berkeley.edu/

    Questions should be directed to: "The UC Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering Program" mfe@haas.berkeley.edu

    Exploring Careers in Science and Engineering: A Day for Undergraduate Women

    Registration includes:

    • A panel discussion with 10-12 scientists & engineers
    • A sit-down meal where you can ask all your questions aboutvarious careers in science or engineering
    • Informal interaction with real professionals
    • Chance to win door prizes!

    When: Saturday November 3, 2012, 10am-2pm

    Where: Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University

    Sponsored by:

    For more information, contact: Vicki Hurless and Nellie Shaul at outreach@awissd.org.

    Register at: http://www.acteva.com//booking.cfm?bevaid=233693

    D. E. Shaw Research: Recruiting Talk

    • Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Location: The Forum, Price Center East, 4th Floor

    Refreshments will be served!

    About The Talk

    D. E. Shaw Research is an independent research laboratory that conducts basic scientific research in the field of computational biochemistry under the direct scientific leadership of Dr. David E. Shaw. Our group is currently focusing on molecular simulations involving proteins and other biological macromolecules of potential interest from both a scientific and a pharmaceutical perspective. Members of the lab include computational chemists and biologists, computer scientists and applied mathematicians, and computer architects and engineers, all working collaboratively within a tightly coupled interdisciplinary research environment.

    Our lab has designed and constructed a massively parallel supercomputer called Anton specifically for the execution of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Each Anton computer can simulate a single MD trajectory as much as a millisecond or so in duration -- a timescale at which biologically significant phenomena occur. Anton has already generated the world’s longest MD trajectory.

    Join us for an overview of our work on parallel algorithms and machine architectures for high-speed MD simulations and a description of the simulations that have helped elucidate the dynamics and functional mechanisms of biologically important proteins.

    About The Speakers

    Justin Gullingsrud

    Justin Gullingsrud develops computational chemistry software tools. He graduated magna cum laude from Rice University with a B.A. in physics, and then received a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he studied membrane proteins and co-developed the widely used visualization software VMD. Prior to joining DESRES, Justin was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, San Diego. When he is not in the office, Justin can usually be found either exercising or sampling one of the many fine eating establishments in New York.

    Christopher Kennelly

    Christopher Kennelly develops algorithms and software for Desmond. He received a B.S. in computer science from Caltech. During his time as an Amgen Scholar at Caltech, Christopher developed algorithms for simulating DNA self-assembly. Christopher enjoys traveling.

    NASA DEVELOP Internship Program 2013

    Call for Spring 2013 Interns: All degree levels (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) are welcome to apply.

    DEVELOP is a NASA Science Mission Directorate Applied Sciences Training and Development Program. Students work on earth science research projects, mentored by science advisors from NASA and partner agencies to extend research results to local communities. The projects demonstrate to community leaders and organizations how NASA science measurements and predictions can be used to address local policy issues.

    Past DEVELOP Projects at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory include ecological forecasting and studies of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, natural hazard assessments of Los Angeles earthquakes and fires, air quality monitoring, and coastal wetland and sea level monitoring using remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). DEVELOP students have had the opportunity in the past to do oral presentations of their research and network at such conferences as the American Geophysical Union (AGU), The American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), The American Meteorological Society (AMS), The Council of State Governments (CSG), at NASA Langley Research Center, and at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

    I am also pleased to inform you that the NASA DEVELOP Program has been selected to receive the prestigious NASA Group Achievement Award for 2011. DEVELOP students are challenged to think outside the box, take initiative, and employ innovative ideas, gain valuable management and leadership experience, and gain experience in delivering results to officials in government, academia, and industry, thereby extending the benefits of NASA science and technology to the public. Ultimately, DEVELOP students are better prepared to handle environmental science challenges that face our society and future generations.

    Interns work in student teams to complete rapid research projects in 10 weeks using NASA remote sensing data and other data sources.

    DEVELOP has opportunities nationwide, but we are actively recruiting for Spring 2013 interns at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA.

    Spring 2013 applications must be postmarked by November 15, 2013. It is not too late to apply! Applications are available through our website at: http://develop.larc.nasa.gov/.

    Internships are paid. Rate varies by educational attainment level. Spring 2013 students are expected to work a maximum of 20hours per week, and will begin on January 28, 2013 and end on
    April 5, 2013.

    The DEVELOP Program was featured in the June 2009 Journal of Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. The highlight article can be accessed at:
    http://www.asprs.org/publications/pers/2009journal/june/highlight.pdf

    DEVELOP participants also recently presented their research in a virtual poster session, hosted by Earthzine:
    http://www.earthzine.org/nasa-develop-summer-2012-virtual-poster-session/

    Contact with any questions: Austin Madson Austin.Madson@jpl.nasa.gov.

    Open House @ UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management - November 2nd, 2012

    The Bren School has become recognized as one of the top graduate programs of environmental study in the nation. The mission of the Bren School is to play a leading role in researching environmental issues, identifying and solving environmental problems, and training research scientists and environmental management professionals.

    The Bren School offers a two-year professional Master of Environmental Science & Management (MESM) program and the PhD in Environmental Science & Management. The master's program, a central focus of the school's educational mission, trains students to work in environmental careers in government agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms.

    We cordially invite prospective students to join us for our annual Open House, to be held at the UCSB campus in Bren Hall on Friday, November 2nd, 2012 from 9:30am-6:00pm.

    Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience the Bren community, UCSB, and the beautiful Santa Barbara area.

    Bren faculty, staff, and students will be available to answer your questions regarding admissions, academics, student life, financial support, housing, etc.

    Prospective students should RSVP via e-mail to: admissions@bren.ucsb.edu no later than October 26th.

    We encourage all students to visit our website at www.bren.ucsb.edu for detailed and up-to-date information on our program.

    We look forward to meeting you!

    -Bren School Admissions Staff

    Research Opportunity! –From Dr. Robina Shaheen (UCSD Chem. Dept.)

    We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious students (preferably 3rd or 4th year) with interest in physical chemistry/chemical physics.

    1. Study the uptake of trace gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone on various atmospheric aerosol surfaces. The findings from this project are of significance in understanding the role of aerosols in the transport of pollutants on short time scale and climate change in general over a longer time period. According to IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) 4th assessment report [2007] aerosol‚s role is highly uncertain in predicting climate change over the next century as aerosols affect climate in a complex way by absorbing and scattering, solar radiation, changes hydrological cycle by acting as cloud condensation nuclei.

      This NSF funded research work will involve developing a reaction flow tube experiment to study the oxidation of sulfur dioxide on aerosol surfaces in the presence of ozone using stable isotope of oxygen. This study will provide a fundamental understanding of chemical transformation taking place on aerosols in a polluted environment. Stable isotopes are used to characterize the reaction path ways and help identify the reaction mechanism at molecular level.
    2. Determine C and O isotopic composition of the carbonate samples representing snow ball earth. The rationale behind this project is to understand how early life developed on earth and how it is linked to the carbon cycle.

      Students will be introduced to numerous analytical (mass spectrometry, chromatography, electron microscopy) techniques during this period and are encouraged to develop critical skills such as data analysis and interpretation of lab results and their implications.

      Please read the ad carefully and contact if you have further questions: Dr. Robina Shaheen: Robina@ucsd.edu

    Research Opportunity! –From Dr. Suckjoon Jun

    We have multiple projects and depending on the student's interest and background we can work out the details. At this stage, we will give highest priority to 2nd year and 3rd year students with good programming skills in any programming language. If interested, please look at our web site first to get an idea of our work, then contact Dr. Jun.

    Research Opportunity! –From Dr. Hans Paar and Dr. Brian Keating

    If you are interested in working with Prof. Paar & Prof. Keating on the POLARBEAR project please send your CV or resume and informal transcript directly to the addresses below and come to an informational meeting on Wednesday October 3, 2012 at 1pm in the SERF Building, next to the Price Center, in room 329. Profs. Paar and Keating are quite busy so they may not be able to respond to your email but they look forward to meeting you on 10/3.

    Contact: Dr. Brian Keating and Dr. Hans Paar.

    Job Opportunity! –From Dr. Frank Wuerthwein

    The Open Science Grid (OSG) group at UCSD is looking for students interested in supporting operations of the worldwide glidein infrastructure, a O(100k) core endeavor, and is offering for pay positions for UCSD undergrad students.

    The successful candidate will assist the staff in monitoring and troubleshooting of Grid and Cloud problems that happen on a daily basis, both due to hardware problems and misconfiguration at remote sites.

    Knowledge of the Linux system is required. Knowledge of shell scripting and Python is also highly desirable. Experience with distributed, Grid and Cloud computing a plus. Previous experience with IT support functions a plus. Above average writing and speaking skills highly desirable, too.

    Dependable, regular presence during business hours at the department required. Minimum 15h/week.

    Contact: Dr. Frank Wuerthwein

    Conference Opportunity! –From Dr. Alison Coil

    I wanted to let you know about an upcoming conference for undergraduate women majoring in physics, to be held at Caltech January 18-20th, 2013. Information about the conference can be found at the CUWP website.

    While there is the opportunity of presenting any research that you may have done, you are highly encouraged to attend whether you present or not. There is no registration fee, the conference is covering lodging expenses, and our department is providing funding for travel (in addition to what the conference offers). So there should be no expense to you to attend.

    These conferences are very fun and a great way to get to know other undergraduate women in physics, as well as learn about graduate school and hear career advice.

    Please email me if you are interested in attending! You will need to register at the website above, and I will let the department know who will need travel funding. The deadline for registration is November 15, and the department funds will be first come, first serve. Let me know if you have any questions.

    Contact: Dr. Alison Coil

    Undergraduate Volunteer Opportunity!

    Professor Hu Cang at the Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center of Salk Institute is currently seeking an undergraduate student for an optical simulation project. The students will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data. Experience with Matlab and knowledge of electromagnetism is required. The students will learn modern electromagnetic simulation tools, including CST Microwave Studio, COMSOL, and FEKO, have opportunities to publish scientific papers, and participate in an undergraduate research competition. A minimum time commitment of 10hr per week for 3 months is required.

    Interested applicants should send a resume to: hucang@salk.edu