Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Entreamigos Summer Internships

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Yes!  Entreamigos will be receiving interns this year and we would love to have students join us from NIU.  We have changed a few of our internship policies, but we do not yet have those in a format that I would feel comfortable sending out formally. 

In short though.. 

  • The internship is six weeks, requiring 480 hours of service alongside other interns from the United States and Mexico. We generally host approximately 20 interns in the summer session. 
  • Students are responsible for all of their expenses, but we will help to organize reasonably priced housing etc. 
  • The internship is project based, students must arrive with a pre-approved project to work on or towards, but there will be several options to choose from.  Students may also design their own project that fits our guidelines and the needs of the center. 
  • Students who do NOT speak fluent spanish are strongly encouraged to take spanish classes daily.  
  • There may be an additional requirement of a Leadership Week workshop as part of the internship or in addition to the internship.  This is one of the few factors that we are still defining. 
And despite all of the formalities... San Pancho is a pretty fun place and the center is packed full of energy and action, it is a great place to jump into a new culture in a safe, educational and important way. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Dekalb Environmental Intern Positions

 Dekalb Environmental Intern Positions 

Do you have a strong interest in protecting and improving the environment? Would you like to
implement practical strategies for making the City of DeKalb more environmentally sustainable? If
so, the Citizens' Environmental Commission (CEC), an advisory group to the DeKalb Mayor and
City Council, would like to talk to you about some exciting internship opportunities. We are looking
for several undergraduate or graduate students with a strong interest and commitment to
environmental improvement to work with the CEC and other City staff on one or more of several
projects designed to increase environmental sustainability in DeKalb.

What We Offer

  • Meaningful, career-enhancing experiences in specific areas of environmental protection and sustainability
  • Opportunities to work alongside a variety of dedicated and experienced individuals committed to environmental improvement
  • Hands-on experiences and insights into the workings of local government
  • Networking opportunities with professionals working in public and private organizations inside and outside of DeKalb
  • Practical opportunities for creative thinking and problem solving on a number of multifaceted environmental issues
  • A unique chance to make a difference in the quality of life for residents of DeKalb
What We Require
  •  A major or concentration in environmental science, engineering, biology, social science, education, public health, or a closely related area at an accredited college or university
  •  A strong interest, commitment, or familiarity with environmental protection and improvement
  •  Strong written and oral communication skills
  •  Knowledge and experience with social media
  •  Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  •  Good organizational skills and an ability to prioritize work assignments
  •  Ability to work alone and with others of different backgrounds and educational levels
  •  Creativity and flexibility

What the Internship Entails
Successful candidates for an internship will work under the supervision of one or more CEC
members on specific projects related to the implementation of the City of DeKalb Sustainability
Plan. These projects will include one or more of the proposed actions described in the Sustainability
Plan (see City's Website for more information). These are summarized below.
Internship work schedules can be flexible and therefore should be able to accommodate your
school and other work responsibilities. In most cases, specific assignments will be based on your
background and interests. At the present time, the internships are not paid, although the Commission
will be seeking financial resources to provide interns with modest honorariums for their work. Our
success in obtaining these resources, however, cannot be guaranteed.

Specific Action Plans

  • Implementing a practical means for communicating environmental policies and expectations to City employees
  • Developing a mechanism to reduce and monitor the use of paper at all levels of City operations, including the establishment of a green purchasing network
  • Establishing a "no-idling" policy for City-owned non-public vehicles
  • Implementing a program to monitor energy use by City departments, including a protocol for baseline and subsequent measurements
  • Encouraging residential use of high efficiency stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces through the development and use of promotional materials and other means
  • Promoting community efforts to create a "DeKalb Businesses Going Green Award" and implementing a "Green Leaf" program where residents select and rank local businesses for their green practices
  • Improving support and better communications between local farmers and businesses within the City so as to provide adequate food security for all DeKalb residents
  • Ensuring continued support for existing community gardens and establishing new community gardens in cooperation with DeKalb County Community Gardens
  • Educating the public with regard to seed gathering and seed exchange networks, while encouraging seed preservation and diversity in local and residential gardens and markets
  • Exploring the development of a regional food hub, commercial kitchen, and processing facility in DeKalb in cooperation and partnership with existing resources
  • Developing content for a web page in conjunction with the City's website to provide environmental and "green" information and resources for local DeKalb residents
  • Promoting community-based education on nutrition and healthy food preparation in partnership with Live Healthy DeKalb County
  • Promoting habitat preservation and restoration by private property owners through incentives and educational programs in conjunction with the City planning department
  • Coordinating programs informing residents of the benefits of native plants with local academic institutions and the University of Illinois Extension Office
  • Providing property owners with information on sustainable property maintenance practices
  • Educating the community on the impacts of run-off from washing cars at home
  • Investigating the establishment of codes for new developments in DeKalb that exceed the requirements of the current State of Illinois Energy Code
  • Encouraging planting of a greater variety and number of native trees and plants than current City codes require
  • Encouraging developers to use "linked development" that connects new residential or commercial development projects to either a housing or commercial redevelopment project in an older neighborhood
  • Promoting the use of recycling containers at public events
  • Encouraging greater opportunities for commercial and residential composting in DeKalb
  • Promoting better transportation efficiency and alternate forms of transportation in DeKalb
  • Encouraging better water conservation in DeKalb through educational means

How to Apply:
To apply for an internship with the Citizens' Environmental Commission (CEC), please contact:
Tim Holdeman, City Staff Liaison, CEC: tim.holdeman@cityofdekalb.com or 815-748-2332vironmental sustainability in DeKalb. 

2017 Ocean Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program


 2017 Ocean Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
Students in our REU program can choose to conduct research in Monterey Bay in the following areas (the list of research topics within each area is not exhaustive):


Marine Biology and Ecology (includes population ecology, kelp forest ecology, marine landscape ecology, marine microbiology, population genetics, ecophysiology and biomechanics)


Ocean Engineering (includes ocean robotics, autonomous underwater vehicle design, computer programming, scientific instrumentation development)


Oceanography (includes mathematical modeling of ocean currents, ocean-atmosphere interactions, ocean acidification and plankton ecology)

Marine Geology (includes deep sea canyon formation, coastal hydrology, seafloor mapping, coastal erosion, plate tectonics and marine biogeochemistry)

This year through, supplemental funding provided by NSF's Polar Division, we will also be able to support two additional students with remote access to current NSF research in the Arctic and Antarctic as part of their REU experience.

In addition to electing to work with mentors at CSU Monterey Bay, students can also elect to work with mentors at our Monterey Bay area REU partner institutions. These include:

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 
Moss Landing Marine Labs
Naval Postgraduate School

Students will be provided with a $5,000 stipend in addition to support for travel, room and board. REU students will also receive post REU support to attend conferences and in applying to graduate programs. The application portal will close on February 13th, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST. Our 10 week summer program will run from June 4th to August 12th, 2017. Additional program details can be found on our homepage: https://csumb.edu/reu

We especially encourage applications from student groups historically underrepresented in the Ocean Sciences and students with limited to no research experience. Preference is given to student applicants who are sophomores or juniors. 
 
Please feel free to contact our REU email: reu@csumb.edu.

Franklin Energy Services, LLC Scholarship Program

Program Information


Energy Efficiency Experts of Tomorrow
**This site will close after the first 125 applications have been submitted.**
Franklin Energy Services, LLC has established a scholarship program to assist Engineering and Environmental Science majors entering their junior or senior year of college. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited four-year college or university of the student's choice.
This program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education assistance programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Energy Efficiency Experts of Tomorrow scholarship program must:
  • Be current postsecondary undergraduates entering their junior or senior year who are enrolled in full-time study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2017-18 academic year.
  • Have declared a major of Engineering or Environmental Science. 
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

Awards

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $5,000 award. Up to four (4) awards will be granted each year. Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Application Process

  • Start by clicking Register to Apply at the bottom of this page. You must read and agree to a consent statement, supply a unique and valid email address, and create a username and password.
  • Correspondence throughout the application process will be by email. Email messages will be sent to the username and email address registered when you created your account. Be sure to add franklinenergy@scholarshipamerica.org to your contacts or address book and check your email regularly!
  • Complete the application by entering data in the format described. Proper punctuation and standard capitalization (Jill Smith, 10 Main Street, New York, NY) must be used.
  • During the application process, you may leave the site prior to submission by clicking Save and Log out
  • Once all application requirements are satisfied, Lock and Submit  will be available near the bottom of the Review Application page.
  • Carefully review your application before clicking Lock and Submit.  Once submitted, you will no longer have access to your application.
  • It is recommended that you keep a copy of your application for your records.
  • You will receive an email acknowledgment of your submitted application.

Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded as part of your application.
  1. A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Unofficial or online transcripts must display student name, school name, grades and credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
  2. A completed Applicant Appraisal Form (click to view and print the form).

Program Deadline

The first 125 applications submitted will be accepted for evaluation. The program deadline is February 1, 2017, or when 125 applications are submitted, whichever comes first. 
Note: Customer Service is available Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m to 4:40 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Financial need is not considered.
Selection of recipients is made by Franklin Energy Services, LLC. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Notification

Applicants will be notified in April. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Franklin Energy Services, LLC. Payment is made in one installment on August 1.

Obligations

Recipients have no obligation to Franklin Energy Services, LLC. They are, however, required to notify Scholarship America of any changes in address, school enrollment, or other relevant information, and to send a complete official transcript when requested.

Revisions

Franklin Energy Services, LLC reserves the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time including termination of the program.

Contact us:

Call: 1-507-931-1682 and ask for the Energy Efficiency Experts of Tomorrow scholarship program

Omprakash Global Internship


NIU Global Internship Program

The NIU Global Internship is partnered with Omprakash, a nonprofit organization that works to connect educational institutions with social impact organizations. Omprakash offers opportunities across over 150 global organizations in more than 40 countries.
The program works hard to resist problematic trends in “voluntourism” by challenging students to immerse themselves in communities and address personal biases and misinformed assumptions. The goal of these internships is to urge students to do more than simply experience a new culture. You will learn to thoughtfully consider the needs and struggles of diverse global communities through new relationships and dialogue.
The program is broken into two parts:
  • A one-week training course at NIU (1 credit)
  • Internship chosen from Omprakash network of organizations (credit varies)
Omprakash also provides students with personalized mentoring throughout the internship experience.
Upon completion of the internship, students will complete a collaborative, creative, research-based capstone project to share with their host organization, Omprakash and NIU.

Graduate Scholarships in Solid Waste Research




Graduate Scholarships in Solid Waste Research
Online Application Opens Thursday, December 1, 2016
The Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is one of the largest sources of solid waste research funding in the U.S., allocating approximately $1 million annually in research grants and graduate level scholarships.

Thus far, over 50 students have been EREF scholars, many of whom are now in key academic and professional positions across the U.S.

Click here to access the application for the 2017-2018 academic year. The application deadline is May 3, 2017 at 5:00 pm (eastern). Click here to view a list of information/materials required for the application.

Applications will be considered from those who:
  • will be this year or are now a full-time master's or doctoral student, and
  • have a clearly demonstrated interest in solid waste management research. EREF defines solid waste management to pertain to municipal solid waste, construction & demolition waste, industrial waste (e.g. coal ash), WTE ash, etc. Note: this definition does not include agricultural wastes or wastewater treatment plant sludge.
Submissions must be made online.
All qualified candidates will be considered for scholarships without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or disability. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration. Award decisions by the Environmental Research and Education Foundation and its directors are final and not subject to appeal.
EREF Scholarships recognize graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education. Recipients are chosen based on credentials and potential contributions to the solid waste industry and its scientific community. Awards are based on:
  • Academic performance
  • Professional experience
  • Relevance of one's work to the advancement of solid waste management science
  • Potential for success
Award amounts consider the cost of tuition at the recipient's institution and any other funds received. Full scholarships may not be awarded to students who will be receiving full-tuition scholarships from other sources (excluding direct university assistance such as tuition remission or assistantship income) but may still be considered for partial awards.

Doctoral scholarships are awarded up to a minimum of $12,000 per year and paid monthly. Doctoral/post-doctoral scholarships are renewable each year to a maximum of three years from the initial award date. Master's scholarships are awarded up to a minimum of $5,000 per year and renewable each year to a maximum of two years from the initial award date. Scholarship renewal is dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by the student's academic advisor.

EREF logo transparent background

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that funds and directs scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve. www.erefdn.org
STAY CONNECTED

Friday, November 18, 2016

DITCH & DASH




This is the sign up sheet for Ditch and Dash! (formally known as Give and Go!). I really want to encourage you to sign up, this is a very simple way for Golden Key to get involved in both NIU and the DeKalb community. Completing the bin monitoring will only take an hour of your time. This project is responsible for keeping more than 20 tons of materials out of landfills from NIU in three years! In the last two years, we have also added a canned goods and toiletries drive that has supplied many students and people in need in the Dekalb community.  

All that is required is walking (or driving) to the listed dormitories, and recording the percent that each bin is full (the Goodwill bin, canned goods bin, and toiletries bin will be at each location). The attached image will help you determine how full each bin is! If driving, it is very easy to park with flashers during this time in front of each building. This should be done at approximately 6:00pm each night (plus or minus two hours or so) before lock-out times.

Steps for filling out the form (click here: DITCH AND DASH Fall 2016 SIGN UP SHEET)

1.) Please sign up next to the date that you would like to participate ASAP.
2.) On the date(s) that you (or you and a partner if you like) sign up for, complete the "percentage full" section. Bins are considered "full" when items reach the top of the bin (again, see the attachment). Please note overflow and tube televisions, we are trying very hard to avoid them! It is very important that these are completed ASAP (around 9:00pm) so that we know whether to schedule a pick up from Goodwill, who monitors these forms nightly. 

Directions can be found on the map attached below. Please note, Northern View is on the map but not part of your responsibility to monitor. 

It is VERY important that if you CANNOT make the date that you sign up for, you contact me immediately so that I can find someone else to monitor the bins. They must be monitored every night! Call/text me at 224-558-6500, and, for extra measure, send me an email too.  

Do you need any more reasons to volunteer, other than it is an easy way to get service hours and a refreshing break from exams?

1.) Donation bins save the school money that would be used otherwise on disposal fees and renting extra dumpsters during move-out.

2.) Donating instead of discarding materials takes up more space in landfills, which is disappointing because many of these items can be reused. 

3.) Goodwill provides needed jobs, training, and all sorts of good throughout the country. Employment in Goodwill gives job experience/training, addition education, and even language training to variety of individuals, including the disabled, veterans, and immigrants. 


Please contact me with any questions...  

Thanks! 

Ryan

224-558-6500




Summer Research 2017: Radionuclides & the Environment

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory REU in Radioecology - students working in wetland

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Participants will spend 10 weeks at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), a research unit of the University of Georgia located on the US Department of Energy Savannah River Site (SRS), where they have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in radioecology. General themes include: i) the fate of radionuclides in environmental systems; ii) the impact of radionuclides on the environment; and iii) biogeochemical and physiological processes via tracer studies. Students will conduct research in the field and laboratory in areas such as ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, environmental restoration, remediation, risk assessment, ecosystem ecology, and radioecology. Access to a variety of natural and impacted areas on the SRS, SREL's analytical capabilies, and SREL's history of radioecology research in national and international arenas (e.g., Chernobyl and Fukushima) combine to make this a unique learning environment. SREL's REU in Radioecology is the only program of its kind in the world for undergraduate students.

Details

The 2017 program will run 22 May to 28 July. Housing will be provided at the University of South Carolina - Aiken dormitories, approximately 30 minutes' drive from SREL. (No housing facilites exist on the SRS.) In addition to free housing, students will receive a stipend of $525/week, a small food allowance, and travel reimbursement. (More details will be provided to selected participants.) Participants should be prepared to work outdoors in hot, humid conditions, and to comply with SRS safety and security requirements. Questions regarding the program should be directed to undergrad@srel.uga.edu.

Application requirements

Only US citizens or permanent residents who will be enrolled as undergraduate students at the time of the REU are eligible to apply. Students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to participate in the REU. To complete the application form, you will need a CV, a copy of your academic transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable), and the names and email addresses of two faculty members who will provide letters of recommendation for you. Your references should submit their letters using the form located at http://srel-reu.uga.edu/reference_form.html Your application and their letters must all be received by January 31, 2017. Notifications are expected to take place in March.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Outdoor Education Intern Lorado Taft Field Campus


Outdoor Education Intern
Lorado Taft Field Campus
Northern Illinois University

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Outdoor Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois.  This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver outdoor education programs. This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.  Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, Taft Campus safety and risk management procedures, writing lesson plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.
             

WORK ACTIVITIES

1. Create and deliver lessons to elementary through high school students.
2. Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team building.
3. Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons).
4. Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.
5. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach.  Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.  Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential.  A high degree of initiative, mature judgment, and a strong work ethic required.  A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer camp, nature center) preferred.

WORK HOURS

15-20 hours/week.  Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site.  Willing to work around class schedules.  Some evenings required.

COMPENSATION

$8.50/hour.  A private, furnished room is provided.   Meals when the dining hall is in operation.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT

January 3 – May 31, 2017

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Melanie Costello, Director/Outdoor Education Coordinator, via email (melcostello@niu.edu) or via regular mail (Lorado Taft Field Campus, PO Box 299, Oregon, IL 61061.  

Sustainable RIVER project


Sustainable RIVER project 

The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, and a 160-km stretch of the river has been designated as a National Park, the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). The University of South Dakota (USD) is located less than 8 km from the MNRR, which provides an exceptional opportunity to study a big river system. Like nearly all large, North American temperate rivers, the Missouri River is a regulated, “working river” with multiple stakeholders, potentially conflicting management goals, and river management impacts on native ecosystems. Although the MNRR preserves a remnant of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that have historically occurred on the Missouri River, a range of invasive elements have affected and continue to affect the MNRR. In order to maintain the MNRR as a thriving and resilient system, we need to understand the factors affecting the river and develop methodologies to ameliorate their impacts.

In the Sustainable RIVER project, students will work with researchers spanning multiple, diverse disciplines in order to address the question: How do invasive elements in the Missouri River and its uplands affect the sustainability of the river and the humans who depend on it?

The Sustainability Program at USD is well positioned to answer cross-disciplinary questions concerning the Missouri River as USD is home to the Missouri River Institute (MRI). The MRI is a research center charged with developing and promoting research, education, and public awareness of the natural and cultural resources associated with the Missouri River Basin. The MRI has faculty affiliates in departments throughout the University including Biology, Earth Science, and Anthropology. REU students in the Sustainable RIVER project will gain disciplinary expertise by working with MRI faculty researchers from a range of disciplines investigating different invasive elements and other stressors affecting the MNRR.


Stipend:  $5,775
Housing:  provided
Food:  $900 stipend
Travel expenses:  $350 


Friday, November 4, 2016

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2017 HS-STEM Summer Internships

Now accepting applications for U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)2017 HS-STEM Summer Internships

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs sponsors a 10-week summer internship program for students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. The program provides students with quality research experiences at federal research facilities located across the country and allows students the opportunity to establish connections with DHS professionals. It is open to undergraduate and graduate students in a broad spectrum of HS-STEM disciplines and DHS mission-relevant Research Areas.



Undergraduate students receive a $6,000 stipend plus travel expenses.
Graduate students receive a $7,000 stipend plus travel expenses.



10-week research experiences are offered at:  Coast Guard Research and Development Center ● Customs and Borders Protection ● Engineer Research and Development Center ● Federal Emergency Management Agency ● Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Health Service Corps ●  National Security Technologies ● National Urban Security Technology Laboratory ● Naval Research Laboratory ● Office for Interoperabilty and Compatibility ● Transportation Security Laboratory ● DOE National Laboratories: Argonne, Berkeley, Idaho, Livermore, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest, and Sandia

Areas of research: Engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological / life sciences, environmental science, emergency and incident management, social sciences, and more.

U.S. citizenship required

Application deadline: December 7, 2016, 11:59PM EST

How to Apply: Applications and supporting materials must be submitted at

Program Information: Detailed information about the internships can be found at

For questions please email us at dhsed@orau.org.