The BIO Guru

Please see the description below and if you qualify (Soph. or Jr.) and are interested, please try to attend (1) of the following:

1.  Nov. 19th, 10 am-11 am - Special Co-op Orientation Session for Biology majors (Soph. and Jr.only) OR

2.  Nov. 19th,  2 pm-3 pm - Co-op Orientation Session for all majors

These orientations will ALL be held in Clark Hall 301 (above the Clark Dining Hall) and you will receive more information about the Co-op program and the application so you can get your resume in our database to send to Duke Energy.

Duke Energy Biology Co-op Position Description:

Corporate EHS Services manages Duke Energy’s overall environmental, health and safety program including functions for Governance, Environmental, Health and Safety, Scientific Service including Analytical, Biological, and Physical/Chemical Services, Auditing, Data Management, and Field Support.  The Scientific Services section provides laboratory, field’s services, and subject matter experts in support of state and federal environmental regulations and permits, siting, licensing/relicensing for Duke Energy’s electric generation and power delivery systems throughout the enterprise.
 
Each co-op could be assigned to one or more, of the following areas:
 
Analytical Lab - The lab provides a full range of analytical services including chemical analyses of inorganic and organic parameters for wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soils, solid waste and process chemistry. Additionally, the Fuels Lab performs coal, oil, lubrication and commercial grade analyses. These analyses, support requirements of environmental regulations, permits and station operations. The Analytical Lab performs 474 independent tests.
 
Biological - This group provides a wide range of laboratory and field services to describe, assess and monitor the natural resources associated with the siting, licensing/relicensing, permitting and operation of Duke Energy’s generating facilities. The group collects aquatic, biological data from streams/rivers and reservoirs. The wildlife function of Biological manages Migratory Bird Treaty Act compliance, nuisance wildlife issues, Rare, Threatened or Endangered species assessments and wetlands delineations/mapping.
 
Physical/Chemical - This group provides field monitoring and sampling services for ambient air quality, meteorology, and water quality. Additionally this group manages hazardous waste issues, to include shipping and disposal. These services support compliance, siting, and operation of Duke Energy’s generation and transmission assets. The Ambient group of Physical/Chemical manages meteorological data, continuous SO² downwash air quality, and continuous monitoring of thermal discharges from generation units. The Water group monitors various water quality parameters in ground water, reservoirs, rivers, ash basins, waste treatment systems, outfalls, and storm runoff
associated with generation assets. The group provides subject matter expertise on water quality, reservoir limnology, thermal, and contaminant issues in support of a wide range of operations and compliance needs.
 
Final assignment will depend on the student’s skills and background, the number of available work sessions, and the section’s available projects for completion.  This position will be based at the Environmental Center located in Huntersville, NC, on the McGuire Nuclear Station Site. Some travel will be necessary and on occasion overnight stays will be required. Field activities may expose workers to extremes in temperature and other weather-related challenges. Occasionally, the student may be asked to work odd hours or overtime as business needs dictate.
 
Basic Qualifications:       
-   Successful candidate should be entering their Sophomore or Junior college year pursuing a degree in Biology.  Willingness to work outdoors (as part of a crew of two or more) in remote locations and at times from boats is essential.  A working knowledge of personal computers is a must.  Some aspects of field work involve hard physical labor.  Candidate must be able to lift full coolers or cases of  sample bottles, various bulky or heavy pieces of equipment, and support the launching and take-out of boats, etc.

Desired Qualifications:       
-   The ability to quickly learn and apply specific computer applications is a plus.  Likewise, an understanding of “good laboratory practice” and proper quality assurance and control procedures will shorten the time necessary for the successful candidate to begin making essential contributions.  Specific experience or skills (biological sampling techniques, instrumentation familiarity, an understanding of electronics/circuitry, etc.) may allow the candidate to participate in activities for which they might not otherwise be eligible.  Current certifications in CPR and First Aid would be valuable but are not a requirement.

This position is rotational (Spring-Full-time work, Summer-Full-time class, and Fall-Full-time work).

To compete in today’s job market you need something that helps you  “Stand Out!"  BTEC courses do that!  BTEC “hands-on training” in classes gives you experience and sets you apart from others
 
Consider the following BTEC courses to add to your schedule for Spring 2010:
 
BEC 220:  Introduction to Drug Development and Careers in Biomanufacturing.  1 credit; Wed 11:45 - 12:30.  Learn about career opportunities!

BEC 463:  Fermentation of Recombinant Microorganisms;  Lecture - Wed 12:50-2:40 pm,  Lab - Mon 12:50-5:50 pm.  Learn how to grow/use cells in a bioreactor!  
 
BEC 480:  cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) Fermentation Operations; Lecture - On-line, Distance Ed   Lab  -  Thurs 12:50-5:50 pm.  Learn cGMP Large Scale Production!  
 
BEC 420:  Fundamentals of Microbial Cell Biotransformation;  Lecture - Tues  12:50-2:40pm   Labs available  -  Wed 5:20pm-10:15pm;  Thurs 12:50-5:50pm.  Learn how to use cells to express recombinant proteins!
 
BEC 495-003:  Analytical Testing in Biomanufacturing; Mon and Wed  12:50-4:50 pm.  Learn about analytical tests performed in biomanufacturing!
 
BTEC experience goes on your resume ..  and  IS  Relevant experience, recognized by industry.
BTEC students with the Minor Degree have been hired at higher levels and more pay than those without it.
Often,  pre-requisites for BTEC courses can be waived, on an individual basis. 
Contact Winnell Newman or Marcelo Anderson at BTEC for assistance in registering for BTEC classes.
Winnell_newman@ncsu.edu        515-0213
Marcelo_anderson@ncsu.edu     513-8237
 
www.btec.ncsu.edu

Biology Club meeting on 11/18 at 6:00PM in Bostian-2722. Our guest speaker is going to be Dr. Nicolle Block from Blue Ridge Family
Physician.  Remember: 5 cans can earn you 1 point!  And as always, snacks will be provided :)

WHAT: Information session for 2010 GEP summer study abroad at NCSU's Prague Institute.
WHO: Dana Bartelt, Prague Institute director, will lead the session.
WHEN: Thursday, Nov 19 at 5:30pm
WHERE: 206 Cox Hall

The latest CALS Career Services newsletter is now on line.  Check it out!!

The department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and Adult and Higher Education is offering the following *online* undergraduate leadership courses:

EAC301-section 601:  Introduction to Leadership Fundamentals. Contact Lynne Hunt at lchunt@ncsu.edu for more information.
EAC496 - section 601:  Special Topics in Adult Learning and Leadership.  Contact the instructor, Rob Gierka at gierka@ncsu.edu for more information.

This from the Parents and Families Guide from Parents and Families Services:

"Some of the best lessons taught in college happen out of the classroom.  Being active in a student organization helps develop leadership, time management, teamwork, and other skills for which future employers [and graduate and professional schools] are looking."  (p. 15)

Looking for ways to get involved?

NCSU Student Organizations

CALS Clubs and Organizations

The SURF program at UT Southwestern is an intensive summer research training experience designed for college students who are preparing for careers in biological research. In addition to laboratory research, fellows attend weekly seminars given by UT Southwestern faculty members. Informal discussions about careers in science and graduate training are also scheduled. Fellows are selected by the faculty mentors and assigned to a research project according to each fellow's previous training and research interests.

We have fellowships in the areas of

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a natural science degree program at the undergraduate level and have completed the sophomore year.  Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or possess an F1 Visa.  Criteria used in selection will include college grades, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation from faculty who can assess the applicant's potential for advanced training and success in biological research.

Stipend: The stipend for the ten-week program is $4,000.  Complete details about the SURF program can be found at www.utsouthwestern.edu/SURF.

How to apply:  The SURF application is available on-line at SURF10. Completed applications should be submitted by February 9, 2010.  In addition to submitting the on-line application, official transcripts and reference letters must be received through the mail by February 9, 2010.

For additional information:  Contact Dr. Nancy Street, SURF Director, Southwestern Graduate School, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9004, (214) 648-2352, SURF@utsouthwestern.edu.

Housing: Housing needs for SURF students are coordinated through the SURF office.  SURF participants with family or friends in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area are free to arrange their own accommodations.  SURF students requiring housing will stay in a local hotel and be transported to and from the UT Southwestern campus daily. 

Note: Undergraduates who intend to attend medical school with plans to pursue careers in medicine and research but who may not choose to pursue formal graduate (i.e. Ph.D.) training should apply to the UT Southwestern Undergraduate Medical Research Fellows Program, not the SURF program. All questions regarding UT-SUMR should be addressed to the UT-SUMR program, as this program is separate from the SURF program.  You can reach the UT- SUMR office by calling (214) 648-3465 or by mail at UT-SUMR, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Attention:  Dr. Michael McPhaul, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX  75390-8857.

Considering a career in public health?  To learn more about the MHA degree program, please visit their website.  If you plan to be in the Chicago area next week, plan to attend the Fall UIC Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Open House on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 3:30 - 5:30 PM at the UIC School of Public Health, 7th floor East Lounge, 1603 W. Taylor Street, Chicago IL 60612.  You can meet MHA faculty, students, alumni, and staff and learn more about the program and jobs that are available to graduates.  Send an email to schris22@uic.edu to register for the event.

Are you wondering about the benefits of doing undergraduate research?  Are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree?  Read on...

The Council on Undergraduate Research hosts a Registry of Undergraduate Researchers.  The purpose of this registry is to facilitate
matchmaking between undergraduates who have research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, with graduate schools seeking  high quality students who are well prepared for research.  The Registry is open to students and graduate schools in the fields of
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics/Computer Science, Economics, Geosciences, Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, Humanities and Anthropology/Archaeology.

Any undergraduate may go to www.cur.org/ugreg/ to fill out a simple curriculum vitae form.  There is no charge to the student and  records will be made available to bona fide Graduate Schools that contract with CUR for this service.  Organizations or companies seeking the students' information for other marketing purposes will not be granted access.  Graduate School representatives may contact students to invite applications or visits to the campus and laboratory, or to share information about their research programs and financial support opportunities.

Lots of resources exist to help you navigate financial aid for college, including the NCSU Financial Aid and Scholarships office.   Another resource is Access Group, a nonprofit company.  Access Group is advertising a webinar on November 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM called, "Getting the Financial Aid You Need."  If you are interested, register at:
http://whatcounts.com/t?ctl=2B96535:3E1B8A6F04ED38409057239E349166052E4BBFDDB2423F4B&

To make better use of their TAs and provide more seats with fewer resources, the History Department has scheduled 4 large sections for the spring (2 with 160 and 2 with 200 seats).  The course meets for 50 minutes of lecture twice a week with an additional once-a-week 50 minute discussion section.  (Many of the latter sections are scheduled on Friday afternoons.) 

Hi Everyone!

It is hard to believe that November is here and Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away!  Before you know, the semester will be over.  Classes end on Friday, December 4th, and finals begin on Wednesday, December 9th.  For those who are wondering what is happening on Monday, December 7th and Tuesday, December 8th, those are reading days, and they are intended to provide additional time to help you prepare for finals.  Not sure when you are taking your finals?  Check the syllabi for your courses.  Exam dates are also listed at http://www.ncsu.edu/registrar/calendars/examfall.html

If you are having trouble with your courses, be sure to speak with your professors.  They are an excellent resource.  Also, do not forget about all the great (and free) tutorial services and study skill resources provided for you on campus.  Along with the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Mathematics provide tutorial services for their courses.  To learn more, click on one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, and Math.  The Undergraduate Tutorial Center also provides free tutorial services, and although it is too late to request an assigned tutor, you may still use some of the Center's other services.  The Counseling Center is another an excellent resource if you are looking to improve your study skills.  Not only does the Counseling Center provide individual academic counseling sessions, but the Center also hosts related workshops and has some great study tips on its website.  Finally, be sure to touch base with your academic advisor.  If an advisor does not know something is wrong, s/he cannot help you.  Emailed your advisor and not yet received a response?  Try calling, stopping by during drop-in office hours, or scheduling an appointment.

By this time, everyone should have met with their advisor and enrolled in spring courses.  If not, you need to see your advisor asap to discuss your spring plans, academic progress, and career goals.  If you met with your advisor but are still having trouble enrolling in all the courses for which you planned, check out some of the new course offerings referenced in the blog under "Opportunities for Undergraduates."  New freshmen: do not forget about the first year inquiry courses.  These courses are restricted to freshmen, are smaller, and help freshmen transition from high school to college thinking.  Look for the "Q" after the section number. 

Having trouble getting into a course that appears to have available seats?  First, check the restrictions.  If you meet them, be sure you have had the pre-requisites.  If you meet the restrictions and the pre-requisities but still cannot get into the course, contact the department offering the class for assistance.  If you do not meet the pre-reqs, you need professor permission to take the class.  If you do not meet the restrictions or if a class you want is full/closed, have a back-up plan.  Using your enrollment advising form (that you completed with your advisor) and your degree audit, select another course that interests you which would satisfy another degree requirement.  If you really want the closed class, waitlist the course if possible.  (If you are 1, 2, or 3 on the waitlist for a large--over 50 seats--course your chances of getting in are good.)  If not, be persistent in checking the system for available seats.  Some seats may open up between now and the beginning of the spring semester.  If you have not gotten in by the first day of spring classes, go to class and speak with the professor.  Some seats become available during the first week of classes as well. 

Be sure to subscribe to the blog and to check your email regularly.  You do not want to miss out on any opportunities!