MS position: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in lake fishes (Penn State)

The Wagner Lab at Penn State seeks applicants for a MS in ecology to begin fall 2025. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a global concern due to their impacts on human and environmental health. The successful applicant will lead efforts understand landscape scale patterns and drivers of PFAS in lake fishes, and to predict PFAS concentrations across thousands of lakes to help inform monitoring and management of PFAS in aquatic environments. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team of federal, state, and university biologists. The position is in the USGS Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.

Qualifications:
Competitive candidates should be highly motivated and possess a BS in chemistry, ecology, fisheries, statistics, or a related discipline with a strong quantitative background. Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment are essential.

Applicants may apply to the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology by December 1st 2024 (https://www.huck.psu.edu/graduate-programs/ecology/applications/apply-now). Contact Dr. Tyler Wagner via email (txw19@psu.edu  ) for questions about the position.

Learn How to Effectively Communicate your Research to the Public and the Media by Attending AGNR's Next MomentUMD Live

 Dear students,

Please consider attending the next installment of MomentUMD Live: AGNR Conversations Around Grand Challenges, featuring Lisa Munoz, founder and president of SciComm Services, science content strategist and author of Women in Science Now. 

This installment will feature a dialogue on achieving equity in the sciences, the importance of effective and well-conceived scientific communication and how we might move past this era of disinformation.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn how to effectively communicate your research and work to the public and the media. 

Registration is now open for this event taking place on Tuesday, October 29 from 5 - 7pm in Stamp.

Following the Q&A period, we'll host a reception with snacks. Please enjoy a free meal on us!

We hope to see you there!

Intern for a day!

 

The FALL 2024 INTERN FOR A DAY mandatory orientation will be closing Monday!

Are you ready to explore your dream career? Imagine connecting with representatives from top organizations like DNR Forest Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), World Wildlife Fund, NOAA, Perdue Farms, Elanco Animal Health, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the National Wildlife Federation.

The University Career Center's Intern for a Day program connects UMD undergraduate students with professionals from all different industries—alumni, family members, and other industry experts—for an exciting, real-world experience! 

Choose between in-person job shadowing or virtual informational interviews to get an up-close look at career fields that spark your interest.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

After attending a mandatory orientation and completing an application, our team will match you with a professional for a half or full-day job shadowing experience or an insightful virtual interview. The mandatory orientation closes on Monday, October 7, 2024. 

For more IFAD details and orientation information, go to https://careers.umd.edu/explore-careers/career-exposure/intern-for-a-day 

Take the first step towards your career journey today—gain experience, make connections, and see your future in action!

New mentoring program for undergrad women in the earth and environmental sciences

Are you interested in the earth and environmental sciences? 

Are you an undergraduate student who identifies as a woman?

Are you interested in participating in a successful national scale mentorship program? 

The PROGRESS program offers students the opportunity to meet peers from regional universities with similar interests, learn more about careers in earth and environmental sciences and expand their professional networks. 

Complete this 5 minute online application to get involved!

Check the workshop website to find out more about the workshop, schedule of events, and panelist information for November 8th! We’ll have panelists from NASA, NOAA, EPA, AGU, WBAL, & CDM Smith! 

To find out more about the national PROGRESS mentorship program, click here.

What you will receive:

• A large network of peers and professionals in your local region
• A professional development workshop on Friday, November 8th from 10am-4:30pm, hosted in the Atrium in the Stamp Student Union on University of Maryland’s campus.
• Lunch will be provided; Transportation can be reimbursed.
• Free to participate

Your professors are not involved in the research and your participation will have no bearing on your course grade or credit. Your application will be confidential. There is no charge so that we can be sure that there are no barriers to participation. 

This project is funded by the National Science Foundation (award #’s: 2013318, 2013333, 2013323, 2013312, 2013326). 

Learn more at https://progress.colostate.edu/about-this-program/.

For questions, please contact us at progressgeoscience@gmail.com. 

Hollings Scholarship for Environmental Studies - Rising Sophomores!

Attention rising SOPHOMORES studying atmospheric and oceanic sciences, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or policy, or ANY major with a strong environmental focus!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hollings Scholarship provides two-year academic scholarships (up to a maximum of $9,500 per year) for full-time study, and a 10-week, full-time, paid internship position ($700/week) the summer after junior year at a NOAA facility. In the last eight years, 36 Maryland students have won Hollings Scholarships!

To learn more, please click here to complete a brief questionnaire , or write to us at noaahollings@umd.edu

Eligibility requirements: applicants for Hollings Scholarships must be US Citizens; and must have GPA's of 3.0 or higher each semester and in their major.

Free training: Bay Advocacy Institute at UMD

 

 Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Bay Advocacy Institute (BAI) at the University of Maryland! 

 

Registration is still open! Feel free to share the registration link with your peers and professors. All majors and class standings welcome!: https://events.cbf.org/bai-umd-fall24

 

Session 1: Oct 8, 6-7:30 PM: Bay and Advocacy 101

Session 2: Oct 15, 6-7:30 PM: Maryland State Environmental Policy

Session 3: Oct 22, 6-7:30 PM: Regenerative Agriculture

 

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Logistics

• We will meet in the Edward St. John Building, room 1202. The training will begin at 6:00 PM, so be sure to grab a seat and get comfortable before then. We will wrap up at 7:30.
• Please dress comfortably, bring a pen and paper or your laptop/tablet, and be ready to actively participate in fun advocacy activities!
• CBF stickers, resources, and packaged snacks provided!

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Important Resources

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation website: In case you have never heard of us!
• Bay Advocacy Institute webpage: Get an overview of BAI and hear what BAI alumni have gained from the program
• Join us on LinkedIn: We are posting BAI information, internship and job announcements, and more. Connect with CBF Staff and BAI students from your university, as well as others across the watershed. I will also be sending a monthly newsletter to all BAI students via email, with a roundup of upcoming events, resources, and internship opportunities.

Now accepting applications for our winter-break field course in the Caribbean!!!🌍🌴🐠

Thanks for help in distributing this announcement to your undergrads

 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Ecosystem Field Studies (EcoFS) is now accepting applications  for our 3-credit Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies course!  Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies December 28, 2024 - January 17, 2025 Download EcoFS courses are a valuable complement to students' classroom knowledge and an excellent opportunity to practice scientific field research skills. The courses are accredited for 3 undergraduate semester credits by the University of Montana at Missoula, Environmental Studies Program (ENST 391).  EcoFS is an official academic partner to the University of Montana. Undergrads of any year in an ecosystem related department/major such as yours are welcome to apply. There is no set deadline to apply. Feel free to review all course info at the EcoFS website: EcoFS Website I am respectfully asking for your help! Can you please help by distributing the message to your undergrads by one or more of the following ways: 1. Forward this email directly to your undergrads 2. Copy/paste below text message into an email   3. Print & post the below flyer links or email the flyer Your assistance is essential in getting the word out to potential students. Thank you for your support in making this safe & rewarding field opportunity available to your undergrads. This is EcoFS' 17th year of programming to over 900 satisfied students and we hope to serve some of yours. You can view & download the course syllabus at the link below: Caribbean EcoFS Syllabus Please email me or call 303 859-0173 with any questions. Respectfully, Steve Johnson Professor & EcoFS Director  COPY/PASTE TEXT MESSAGE BELOW: WINTER-BREAK, 3-CREDIT, FIELD COURSE ALONG THE CARIBBEAN COAST OF MEXICO! with Ecosystem Field Studies   www.ecofs.org Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies   December 28, 2024 - January 17, 2025 Earn 3 undergraduate college transfer credits in this exciting 3-week, hands-on, marine field study course. Learn practical scientific skills & field research methods through snorkeling, SCUBA diving & investigating the coral reef, beaches & spectacular coastal ecosystems of the Caribbean. Engage & connect with a dynamic & diverse group of student peers from throughout the US and beyond. Get out in nature by the ocean, breath fresh air, earn credit, and enjoy a safe and inspiring field science course in the Caribbean Coral Reef Open to students from all universities & majors | Accredited by the University of Montana at Missoula, Environmental Studies Program: ENST 391- for 3 undergraduate semester transfer credits Direct questions to Professor Steve Johnson, EcoFS Director at steve@ecofs.org Visit www.ecofs.org for all info! Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies Flyer

Please share: Perfecting your Pitch with USDA

Join us Monday, September 30, as MANRRS and UCC@AGNR host representatives from USDA, APHIS for a session on how to best craft your elevator pitch. You'll have the opportunity to practice your pitch and receive feedback from members of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Event Details:
Perfecting your Pitch with USDA
Monday, September 30
5:00- 6:30 PM
University Career Center, Hornbake Library South, 3100
RSVP Here!

Alternative Breaks program

Hi Everyone,

The Alternative Breaks program is currently accepting student sign-ups for their winter and spring break programs. I'm the advisor for the spring break experience with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Here is the link to participate - would love to see some ENST students sign up (for any of the experiences!) and thought it might be worth posting on blog.

https://stamp.umd.edu/lcsl/alternative_breaks/how_participate/volunteer_participant

Thanks!

Seeing undergraduate research assistant in ENST

Literature review of agrivoltaic policies and cost-benefits. 

The undergraduate assistant will work with a post-doc and the PI in reviewing available literature on agrivoltaic systems to develop a background understanding of the political, economic, agronomic and environmental barriers and opportunities to adopting agrivoltaics in Maryland. This work will be coupled with focus groups conducted with local farmers and energy producers. The position would primarily be based in literature review and analysis, with the potential opportunity to help facilitate and analyze focus groups online survey responses. Previous experience in literature review, strong writing skills, and interest in environmental policy and economics is desired. The student must show a demonstrated work ethic, ability to work independently, attention to detail, strong note-taking skills, and a willingness to learn. The project will support development of policy and practice of Agrivoltaics and renewable energy in the state of Maryland. 

The student will work ~10hours/week (students can schedule their own hours) - rate of pay is $15.00/hour - the project is supported with funding from the Hughes Center and Montgomery County.

Please send a short letter of interest and resume/CV to mpzucker@umd.edu