GeoSpectrum

The American Geological Institute’s Government Affairs Program seeks outstanding geoscience students (masters or undergraduate) with a strong interest in federal science policy for summer, fall, and spring internships. Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will also hone their writing and web publishing skills. Interns receive a stipend through the generous support of the American Institute of Professional Geologists Foundation, the American Geological Institute or the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

The deadline for summer 2010 is March 15th and the deadlines for fall and spring are April 15 and October 15, respectively. For more information, and how to apply, go to: http://www.agiweb.org/gap/interns/index.html

The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) National Scholarship Program application is due February 15th.

The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible US students to assist tuition and/or room and board.  Up to four scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate geological sciences majors sophomore year and above.  Applicants must also be a student member of AIPG or must have applied for membership by the time their application is submitted.

Applicants must submit: a letter of interest with name, mail and email addresses, and telephone number; proof of enrollment in an eligible geological sciences program, transcripts; an original one-page essay on why the applicant wants to become a geologist; and a letter of support from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work. By accepting a scholarship, students also agree to prepare a 600 to 800 word article for publication in The Professional Geologist on a subject related to a timely professional issue.  The application packet should be submitted to:

AIPG
Attn: Education Committee Chr.
1400 W. 122nd Avenue, Suite 250
Westminster, CO 80234

The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) invites applications for graduate student research grants, the Spackman Award. The purpose of the grants is to foster research in organic petrology (which includes coal petrology, kerogen petrology, organic geochemistry and related disciplines) by providing support to graduate students from around the world, who demonstrate the application of organic petrology concepts to research problems.

Monetary awards up to a maximum of $1,000.00 US will be granted. TSOP will also provide Merit Awards, in the form of certificates redeemable for TSOP publications, to top-ranking applicants not receiving grants.

TSOP Spackman Award application deadline is May 15, 2010. Grants will be awarded in September, 2010.

Detailed information and an application form are on the TSOP web site: www.tsop.org/grants.htm or applications may be obtained from:

Prof Colin Ward
Chair, TSOP Research Committee
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW, 2052
Australia

E-mail: c.ward@unsw.edu.au

Due to inclement weather, February 3rds Lecture has been canceled.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Title: Passing Strange
By Dr. Martha Sandweiss, Author

Noted author Martha Sandweiss will share the amazing story of the secret life of Clarence King, the first USGS director. While he was well-known as a brilliant scientist and architect of the great surveys that mapped the West after the Civil War, he held a deep secret that was not revealed until decades later. Come hear this fascinating account of a man who by day socialized with the upper reaches of society and by night lived secretly as a black man. Not even his family knew his secret.

Wednesday March 3, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Title: Extreme Science: Understanding our Earth
By Dr. Marcia McNutt

USGS Director Marcia McNutt will outline exciting new directions for cutting-edge science at the 130-year old agency. From astrogeology and Earth-observing satellites, to exploring gas hydrates and deep coral reefs, learn how USGS scientists employ highly innovative techniques and perspectives to develop a more complete understanding of how our Earth works.

The USGS Public Lecture Series: Science in Action is free and open to the public.  Lectures are held at the USGS Dallas L. Peck Memorial Auditorium, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192. For more information on the monthly lecture series, visit the USGS website at http://www.usgs.gov/public_lecture_series/

Media contact: Diane Noserale, (703) 648-4333 (dnoseral@usgs.gov)

General information: Judy Salvo (703) 648-5645 (jfsalvo@usgs.gov)

Alexandria, VA – Does someone you know teach earth science to students between kindergarten and eighth grade? Do they excel in their teaching through leadership and innovation, bringing new ideas and approaches to teaching about our planet? If so, they may be eligible for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

Given annually, this award recognizes one classroom teacher nationwide for his or her leadership and innovation in earth science education.  The winner will receive a prize of $2,500 and an additional grant of $1,000 to enable the recipient to attend the 2010 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Annual Conference. To be eligible for this year’s competition, applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2010. Please note that this deadline is earlier than in 2009, so start preparing your application packet today.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of earth science education. He served as President of AGI, chaired the AGI Education Advisory Committee, and received both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service award. In addition, he served as the Gertrude and Walter Pyron Distinguished Professor of Geology at Trinity University, as Dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Roy was also appointed Chair of the Texas Earth Science Task Force by the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.

To learn more about competition requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, visit
http://www.agiweb.org/education/awards/ed-roy/.

The American Geological Institute is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship. The successful candidate will spend 12 months (starting September 2010) in Washington working as a staff member in the office of a member of Congress or on a congressional committee. The fellowship represents a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the federal legislative process and make practical contributions to the effective and timely use of geoscientific knowledge on issues relating to the environment, resources, natural hazards, and federal science policy.  Applications are due February 1, 2010.