Dr. Michael Hudson honored with Mentor Award

Dr. Michael R. Hudson, Associate Professor of Geology, was recognized with an Ashland University Academic Mentor Award based on a nomination by senior Geology and Integrated Science Major Jennifer Miller (’11), who has been conducting research with Dr. Hudson on the petrogenesis (origin) and differentiation of Mesoproterozoic metaplutonic and metavolcanic rocks in the Adirondack Lowlands in New York State. Each year the University selects approximately six faculty or staff members based on student nominations. This is the third time Professor Hudson has been selected for this prestigious award.

The above photo was taken at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver in November 2010, where Jennifer (center), AU Alum Amanda Kozak ('08, left) and Dr. Hudson presented their research findings. Jennifer is President of the Geology Club and is applying to graduate schools to pursue continued study in the area of environmental geochemistry.

Dr. Andrew Greene awarded University student mentor award

We are happy to announce that one of our own, Dr. Andrew Greene, has been recognized with an Ashland University Academic Mentor Award.  Each year the University selects approximately six faculty or staff members based on nominations from students.  This year Dr. Greene, a microbiologist in the Department of Biology/Toxicology, was nominated by senior Biology major Wendy Dria ('11), who has been conducting research with Dr. Greene for the past two years.

Wendy and Dr. Greene have been using the fungus Aspergillus to uncover the molecular mechanism behind circadian rhythm, the biological mechanism that gives living things a sense of time of day.  Wendy will be presenting this research at a meeting of the American Chemical Society later this year and is currently applying to graduate programs.

Research Opportunity in Polymer Science

The University of Akron College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is offering a competitive summer research experience for undergraduate (REU) students. Students will participate in a 12-week summer internship to investigate a fundamental question within the broad disciplines of polymer science and polymer engineering including chemistry, physics, characterization, and biomaterials. Stipends for this 12-week summer program are $7,000. The application deadline is February 1st. See the program website for further information.

Summer internships - wetlands, University Hospital

Deadlines are fast approaching for summer internship applications.  We have been hearing that many AU science students are preparing personal statements and lining up recommendation letters for these summer opportunities.  Whether or not you have already identified some possible positions, the following two internships may be just right for you:

The Cleveland Foundation provides funding for internships at numerous non-profit organizations in the Cleveland area, including University Hospitals.  Applications are due February 4th.

The Lake County Stormwater Management organization in Libertyville, Ill. is looking for a wetlands intern this summer to collect field data for a wetlands regulatory project.  Applications are due February 11th and the position pays $12.50 per hour for 12 weeks.

Two marine biology summer research opportunities

Application deadlines for two undergraduate summer research programs in marine biology are coming up in early February.

Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, Florida is seeking applicants for their 10-week NSF supported undergraduate research program in estuarine science.  The program runs from May 30th to August 5th and offers a $4000 stipend, housing and travel expenses.  Applications are due February 15th

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama is offering a 12-week summer research program with a stipend of $5,400 with housing, food allowance and some travel assistance.  The program is open to juniors and seniors interested in pursuing graduate study in Marine Science related to Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Environmental Science.  Applications are due February 11th.

Ashland toxicology graduate pursuing graduate degree in Animal Science

Matt Dort ('09) reports to us that he has successfully completed the first semester of a masters program in the Department of Animal and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University.  Matt is studying Animal Science with a concentration in Genetics and doing research with Dr. H.C. Liu on the role that microRNAs play in the development of the immune system.

Matt credits his Ashland courses for preparing him well for his graduate work, and advises current students to pursue undergraduate research opportunities.

A number of Ashland science students have gravitated towards the North Carolina Research Triangle.  Toxicology majors Daphne Guinn and Phillip Wages took part in a summer research program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where 2001 Biology/Chemistry double major Josh Grieger earned his PhD and is now a research associate at the Gene Therapy Center.

You can keep in touch with many of these alumni and current students by joining our Ashland University Science Network on Linkedin. 

Summer Research in Chemistry

The chemistry REU site at the University at Buffalo is a ten-week program running from May 30 to August 4, 2011. REU participants will have a choice of projects including research in chemical biology/medicinal chemistry, analytical, environmental, catalysis and inorganic/organic materials chemistry. Collaborative projects with faculty in engineering, physics, biology and medicine are available. The positions include a stipend of $4300 and free housing. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1st. Visit the program website for more information.

More REU Opportunities

The University of Kansas Chemistry Department is offering a summer research experience for undergraduates doing cutting edge research in chemistry. The research period is 10 weeks and carries a stipend of $3600 plus room and board and a travel allowance. The application deadline is February 14, 2011. Check it out online at http://www.chem.ku.edu/reu/howtoapply.shtml

NASA's Planetary Geology and Geophysics undergraduate research program is accepting applications for summer research positions at a number of their laboratories. Applications are due by January 28, 2011. For more information, visit the website at http://www.buffalo.edu/~tgregg/pggurp.html.

Passing of Michael Grilley Mourned

AU Science faculty and students mourned the recent passing of Michael Grilley, 47, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Mike was studying to be a chemistry and physics teacher, and was well known for sharing his love of chemistry through chemical demonstrations. A dedicated student with a passion for learning, he tutored AU physics students until shortly before his death.

Summer Internship for Minority Students

The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at Marshall University’s School of Medicine offers a Summer Research Internship for Minority Students (SRIMS) that gives students the opportunity to conduct graduate-level research and to build their competitive edge for graduate school in hopes of pursuing a career in research.

Student interns have the opportunity to work on projects in biomedical sciences, including cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, toxicology, and reproductive biology. Applications are due Feb. 14th and are available at http://bms.marshall.edu/srims/

Summer School in Nuclear Chemistry

Here is an opportunity to get paid ($4000) and earn college credit as you learn nuclear chemistry at an American Chemical Society summer school in nuclear and radiochemistry funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

This program is for sophomores and juniors who have completed two years of chemistry, one year of physics and one year of math. Details about the program are available at http://www.nscl.msu.edu/~mantica/2011_SummerSchoolFlyer.pdf . Applications are due by February 1st.

Amgen summer scholars program

Ten Universities in the United States participate in a summer research program supported by the biotech company Amgen that allows undergraduate students to work with faculty in a number of possible research areas in biology and chemistry.  At the end of the summer scholars at all ten Universities meet in California at a symposium to share their results.

The program is open to sophomores, juniors and non-graduating seniors with an interest in pursuing a PhD or combined MD/PhD.  Applications are due in early February, and you can start the process here.