2013 Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge

The National Science Foundation is calling for currently-enrolled graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to share their unique perspectives on graduate education. Entries are solicited for ideas with the potential to improve graduate education and professional development, and can be submitted at the 2013 Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge website by April 15, 2013. Winners will receive prizes from $1,000 to $3,000, as well as national recognition for their ideas.

There is growing interest in the future of STEM graduate education as evidenced by recent reports from the NIH Biomedical Research Workforce Working Group, the Council of Graduate Schools, the National Academies Board on Higher Education and Workforce, and scientific societies like the American Chemical Society. The NSF Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge ensures that graduate students' voices are part of the larger national dialogue about graduate education modernization.

Everyone can get involved in the challenge through the community choice voting that opens on May 15 and closes on May 29, 2013. All entries that are chosen for the final round of judging will be open to community choice voting.

All are encouraged to "Like" the challenge on Facebook and follow on Twitter @GradEdChallenge.

Send questions to GradChallenge@NSF.gov.

Applying for the TA Teaching Award

Applications for the TA Teaching Award are due Feb. 8. Learn how to use Google Sites to house your e-Portfolio, and gain insights into how to craft your application materials for maximum effect.

All workshops take place in BEH-235:

• December 14, 4-5
• December 17, 10-11
• January 10, 11-12
• January 16, 3-4
• January 30, 9:30-10:30
RSVPs are not required for the workshops, but the room only holds 12 people so arrive early.
Find Out More and RSVP

The National Research Council Graduate, Postdoctoral, and Senior Research Associateship Programs for 2013 are announced!

Detailed program information, instructions on how to submit online applications, a list of participating laboratories and their locations, and areas of research are found at www.nationalacademies.org/rap. Prospective applicants should contact the adviser(s) at the labs before their application deadline to discuss research interests. Full-time Associateships are awarded on a competitive basis in 2013 for research in chemistry; earth, atmospheric and space sciences; engineering, applied sciences and computer science; life and medical sciences; mathematics; and physics. Many of the laboratories are open to both US citizens and foreign nationals. If you have an interest in working in these labs (found on website), please contact them ASAP. Applicants can contact NRC directly at 202-334-2760 or rap.nas.edu. Annual applications deadlines are February 1, May, 1, August 1, and November 1.

Low-Cost or Free Child Health Care Coverage available for Graduate Assistants

Your child may qualify for comprehensive health coverage through Florida KidCare, even if one or both parents work. Getting health coverage for your children before they become sick is very important. Children need regular check-ups so they can grow strong and healthy. Healthy children do better at school and play.

GSA Honors Dr. Peter Harries As An Exceptional Reviewer for 2011

Where would GSA’s journals, most tops in the geoscience field*, be without reviewers? That’s a rhetorical question we hope never to have to answer. This year, GSA’s science editors have again compiled their list of exceptional reviewers - colleagues who have tirelessly provided prompt, insightful, meticulous, and tactful reviews of papers submitted to Geology, GSA Bulletin, Geosphere, Lithosphere, and GSA Today.

This is Anthropology - USF on the map

When Governor Rick Scott recently argued against funding for degrees like anthropology, the students and faculty in the Department of Anthropology at USF promptly responded to the challenge. The department Chair, Dr. Brent Weisman responded quickly and strongly to Gov. Scott’s statements through interviews and letters to the editor in various local newspapers, highlighting the contributions anthropology has made to the state.

A Research! America Research Partners Forum

Research!America, with the University of South Florida and Pfizer, presents a Research Partners Forum-Let Me Be Clear: Science Journalism in the Age of the Genome and Twitter.

Go Green. Change the World

The USF Office of Sustainability is seeking proposals for outcome-driven research or development projects to assist the University of South Florida in conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting renewable energy technologies on the Tampa campus.