Monthly Newsletter


A newsletter published by the
Macalester Environmental Studies Department

November 27, 2023


Any upcoming events, job opportunities, conferences, or other environmental news received by the ES Department are included in this newsletter. More information on the items listed in This Just In! can be received by contacting the ES Department. Current and archived issues.

In This Issue….

1.  MAPSS Winter Technical Event – December 1
2.  Watershed Management Research and Outreach Internship
3.  NSF and USDA-Funded Summer Research Experience
4.  Voices in STEM Student Organization
5.  Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Science
6.  Miami University Research Experience for Undergrads
7.  Job Opening with AECOM
8.  Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship
9.  Job Opening at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center
10.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

1.  MAPSS Winter Technical Event – December 1

The 2023 Minnesota Association of Professional Soil Scientists (MAPSS) Winter Technical Event is this Friday, December 1.  Register today so they can order enough food for those of you attending in person (this year we will be ordering from D’Amico). A day or two before the event, they will send you the Zoom link if you plan to watch online.

Register here. Students should use coupon code STUDENT2023 (cost is only $10 for students).They will have a silent auction to fund the MAPSS Scholarship. Bid on something fun or yummy.

If you have a question before the event call or text 612-741-1365.

2.  Watershed Management Research and Outreach Internship

The North Central Region Water Network is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Summer 2024 Watershed Management Research and Outreach Undergraduate Internship Program.

The Watershed Management Research and Outreach Undergraduate Internship Program helps students from all backgrounds gain valuable experience that will help them pursue future careers in watershed management. Extension faculty at seven different institutions mentor interns over the summer.

Application deadline:  December 1, 2023.

3.  NSF and USDA-Funded Summer Research Experiences

Applications for paid 2024 NSF and USDA-funded summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs at the Boyce Thompson Institute are now open! Their summer 2024 programs are a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience working alongside experts in plant science research and technology development, bioinformatics, genetics, genomics, engineering, and digital agriculture. Students will receive interdisciplinary training in bioinformatics, science communication, exposure to new technology and research, as well as strong mentoring both in and outside the lab to support pathways to graduate school and careers. No previous research experience is required to participate, but applicants should have an excitement to engage in research!

Program dates: June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024
Application deadline: January 31, 2024
Application Details

4.  Voices in STEM Student Organization

Voices in STEM is a new student organization for underrepresented communities in STEM. Their student organization is also in the process of becoming a SACNAS chapter, a nationwide family of diverse scientists. Here is an expert from their charter:

Voices in STEM is dedicated to fostering community and support among STEM students of color at Macalester College by providing a safe and inclusive space for personal and academic growth. We aim to impact not only the Macalester community– but also the STEM field– by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM disciplines, offering workshops, study sessions, and mental health activities to enhance our members’ academic and personal well-being. The ultimate goal of becoming a SACNAS chapter is to participate in the annual National Diversity in STEM Conference in the Fall.

If you are interested in joining their mailing list, please respond to this form!

5.  Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Science

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA, is now accepting applications for September 2024 and they would love to have Macalester students be a part of the program!

Semester in Environmental Science

  • Program runs: Sept 1, 2024 – December 17, 2024
  • Application information can be found here
  • The deadline for student applications is March 22, 2024.
  • The ideal student for this program will have an interest in ecology, biological science, biogeochemistry and environmental sciences. The student should have taken first year introductory courses in biology and chemistry.
  • Ideally the student is in their third or fourth year and looking for a hands-on field and lab experience in environmental sciences. The program is academically rigorous, and students should be prepared for a full workload (8 am-5p m daily).

6.  Miami University Research Experience for Undergrads

The Miami University Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) Program in Ecology and Environment is a summer research program supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Their program is an exciting opportunity for 9-12 undergraduate students to actively engage in a 10 week collaborative research project.

  • Each student focuses on an independent research project.
  • Research opportunities are available in the lab or field (aquatic or terrestrial environments).
  • Small groups of students and mentors form clusters that meet regularly to discuss current literature related to their projects.
  • The summer includes field trips, short courses on ethics and professions in ecology and environmental science, and seminars by guest speakers.
  • Participants interact with students from diverse backgrounds and make connections with faculty and graduate students as they learn about Ecology and Environmental Science as a career.

7.  Job Opening with AECOM

AECOM is hiring 2 Entry Level Geologists in Hawaii.

These positions are expected to start in May 2024.

  • Utilizes basic scientific principles, theories, practices and existing technologies to develop solutions for technical problems with limited scope.
  • Collects and enters data, and applies technical principles and theories.
  • Interprets and records data, conducts analyses, compares findings to relevant studies and local, state and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Entry-level position; may not require previous experience.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree in related field
  • Must be able to pass a MVR check

8.  Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship

Phi Beta Kappa invites online applications for their Key into Public Service scholarship. In addition to awarding $5,000 undergraduate scholarships for 20 successful applicants, this program connects promising liberal arts and sciences majors with pathways into local, state, and federal government service. Membership is not required, but students must attend a Phi Beta Kappa chapter institution and participate in a June 2024 conference that will provide training, mentoring, and resources.

Characteristics of ideal recipients include intellectual curiosity, breadth and depth in arts and sciences coursework, leadership propensity, and service to others. Interested students can learn more and apply online until January 22, 2024.

9.  Job Opening at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center

Live and work in Alaska’s Arctic at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center! The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center (AIVC) is located in Coldfoot, Alaska, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The AIVC is a successful tri-agency partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service. Together, the agencies connect visitors to vast Arctic landscapes including the Arctic, Yukon Flats, and Kanuti National Wildlife Refuges, the Gates of the Arctic National Park, and the Dalton Highway Corridor.

Expected dates: May 13, 2024 – September 14, 2024

Major duties include: creating and presenting informal and formal interpretive programs, providing front desk customer service, writing interpretive messages for web and social, care and cleaning of a beautiful, award-winning visitor center, and creating or updating interpretive products such as brochures, posters, or temporary exhibits.

This paid internship is Public Lands Corps and AmeriCorps eligible. Housing and transportation costs are provided. To learn more about the position and to view compensation information, please visit the Student Conservation Association website. For questions, please contact Hanna McBrearty at 612-716-0409 or [email protected].

10.   Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

Handshake at Macalester is our career services platform.

Students:  Handshake is preloaded with your basic profile data. Simply log in with your Macalester user id and password.

Read Getting Started with Handshake Guide for Students

The more you use Handshake, the better it works for you. Personalize your experience by filling out career interests and profile. As you choose opportunities and events that interest you, Handshake will learn to present you with opportunities best suited to your needs.

Any questions regarding this newsletter or to be removed from the mailing list, contact Ann Esson at [email protected].