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Biology Department Newsletter

Volume 4    Number 9 February 16 2001

Letter from the Editor:

It's hard to believe that we're at the end of our second week of the semester.  I'm really enjoying my classes this semester. I hope that you are too. This issue of the newsletter includes a number of summer opportunities.  If any sound interesting you should investigate it immediately because the deadlines for many is rapidly approaching.  Until next week....

Student News:

Sara Meyering Carlberg (CSB '99) is currently a Corn Syrup Chemist with Cargill in Dayton, Ohio.  She was a representative at the recent MN Private College Job Fair.

Faculty News:

Dr. Larry Davis is the co-author of a book published by W.H. Freeman.  The citation for Larry's book is  Peters, E.K. and Davis, L.E., 2001, Geology From Experience: Hands-On Labs and Problems in Physical Geology, W.H. Freeman, New York, 295 p. Congratulations Larry!

Congratulations to Dr. Phil Chu and his wife Jeanne on the birth of their daughter.  All are reported to be doing great!

We send our  sympathy to Dr. Manuel Campos on the death of his father and to Dr. Elizabeth Wurdak on the death of her mother.

Several members of the Biology Department recently served as judges for local science fairs.  Dr.'s Jeanne Lust, Carol Jansky, David Mitchell, Jim Poff, Manuel Campos, and Stephen Saupe judged a science fairs at one or more of the following schools - Richmond Elementary, Cold Spring Elementary and John Clark Elementary (Rockville).

Curriculum News: none reported

Calendar of Events:

Feb 19 Biology of the Pacific Northwest Informational Meeting;
Feb 20 Biology Major Field Test - required for graduation seniors
Feb 20 Wild Rockies Institute Recruiter on campus
Feb 20 Peace Corps Recruiter on campus
Feb 21 "Wildlife Rehabilitation" - Central Minnesota Audubon Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; Heritage Nature Center
Feb 22 Biology Dept Seminar:  "Nautilus: 500 Million Years of Evolution" - Dr. Larry Davis, CSB/SJU
Mar 2 Biology Career Fair - UM
Mar 21 Biology Dept Seminar:  "The nomadic life of the T lymphocyte" - Dr. Y Shimizu, UM
Mar 23   GRE Registration deadline (contact CSB/SJU Career Resource center
April 2 Biology Dept Seminar:  "Vistas of Tan Spot Research" - Dr. L. Francl, North Dakota State U.
April 22   MCAT Exam (registration materials should be available in January 2001)
May 3 Biology Dept. Seminar:  Dr. H Jakubowski, CSB/SJU
May 5 Celebrating Scholarship Day at CSB/SJU.  Contact Dr. M. Webster for details.
Aug 18   MCAT Exam (registration materials should be available in January 2001)

Biology Club News: none reported


Internships/Scholarships/Jobs:

Summer Research Positions in Biology at CSB/SJU.
This summer there will be several research openings in the Biology Department.  Research fellows are paid $2800 for the 10-week summer program and receive free room and board.  Contact Dr. Marcus Webster for more details.  Deadline end of February.  Check out the web site.

Biology Work Study Positions for 2001-2002
If you are interested in a position as a work-study student in the Biology Department during the next academic year, contact Carol Jansky (3178) or apply online.  Deadline March 30.

Wild Rockies Field Institute
A representative from the Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI), an independent, nonprofit organization that offers undergraduate, rigorously academic, field-based courses accredited through the University of will be on campus on February 20.  Keep posted for more details.  For more information about the WRFI visit their web site.

Biology Career and Internship Fair 2001
On Friday, March 2nd from 11AM-3PM the University of Minnesota Annual Biology Career and Internship Fair will be held.  The location is McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street S.E., Minneapolis.  There are over 50 organizations scheduled to be there recruiting for their organizations.  For more information contact Ed Stubblefield in Career Services, College of Saint Benedict at 363 5707 or estubblefiel@csbsju.edu

Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Environmental Chemistry-Summer 2001
An opportunity is available for a chemistry undergraduate to pursue an interdisciplinary research project in environmental science during the Summer of 2001.  If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please download project information and application materials from their website or contact Dr. Liz Butler at 405-325-3606 or ecbutler@ou.edu.

Peace Corps on Campus.  
    A Regional Recruiter (Simone Bramble; 612-348-1480 ext. 229 or 800-424-8580 opt. 1, ext. 229) from the Peace Corps will be at SJU on Tuesday 2/20 and at CSB on Wednesday 2/21. 

MCAT Registration – news from Dr. Manuel Campos 
    Registration for the April 01 and August 01 MCAT is now available.  You can register online.

I encourage to go to the newly revamped AAMC student page for more detailed information on MCAT deadlines, application process updates and suggestions.  Recall that starting this year the AMCAS application is only available online.

I also have the MCAT paper registration packages in my office, but the online registration is faster and more efficient.

Finally note that the AAMC has a fee assistance program for the MCAT and AMCAS application for individuals with “extreme financial limitations”.  To get more information on the criteria to meet this definition and for more information on this program go to the following web site.

Scholarships.  For more information contact Johanna Davis, External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB.

Blandin Foundation Educational Awards Program.  You are eligible to apply for a Blandin Foundation educational award if you are a graduate of one of the following high schools:  Grand Rapids, Greenway (Coleraine), Bigfork, Deer River, Nahswauk-Keewatin, Hill City, Northland (Remer), Blackduck or Northhome, and are under the age of 25 as of 1 September 2001.  You must also be registered as a full-time student to receive an award.  Financial need will be a factor in awarding these scholarships.  Award values will range from $500 to $3,500.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post 76 -  is pleased to announce they are offering, for the first time, a $500 scholarship to a college student.  Eligible students will have a 3.00, or better, GPA and must have a mother or grandmother who is/has been a member in good standing of any American Legion Auxiliary for at least three years.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological Services / Minnesota Conservation Corps Watercraft Inspection Pro gram.  Has a position a Temporary Full-Time available from 4/21/01 - 10/28/01. $6.25 per hour plus mileage reimbursement at .29¢ per mile.  Tuition stipend awarded up to $2000 with full term employment.  For more information or to Request an Application Packet: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological Services Attn: Tiffanie Knapp,  500 Lafayette Rd., Box 25,St. Paul, MN 55155-4025Fax:  (651) 296-1811 Tiffanie Knapp:  (651) 284-3586 or Heidi Wolf: (651)-297-4891 heidi.wolf@dnr.state.mn.us.  Or Visit the web page.  

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Internships - Fergus Falls
For more information about internship opportunities for spring, summer, and fall 2001, contact  PWLC at 218 736 0938 or visit their web site.

MN DNR Summer Jobs and Internship Opportunities
   For more information about summer positions with the MN DNRs contact Peter Hark at 651 296 2144 (peter.hark@drn.state.mn.us) or visit their web site.

Summer Undergraduate Research 

Summer Positions

DNR Burn Crew - contact Ellen Fuge at 651 296 6157.


Seminars/Lectures/Symposia:

Wildlife Rehabilitation in the Twenty-First Century
    Linda Peck will give a presentation on wildlife rehabilitation as a part of the monthly meeting of the Central Minnesota Audubon Society.  The meeting will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2001 at the Heritage Nature Center (across from Walmart) at 7:00 p.m.  Linda is one of the premier naturalists in the community and has operated a rehabilitation center on her farm near Rockville for many years.  Linda is extremely passionate and knowledgeable and this is an opportunity not be missed.  For more information, contact Dr. Saupe at x2782.

Biology Department Seminar Schedule
    Dr. Chuck Rodell, the CSB/SJU Biology department seminar organizer has recently released the seminar schedule for spring semester.  Check the halls for the bright orange fliers.  The seminars are all scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in NEWSC 140. Refreshments and meeting with the speaker begins at 3:30 p.m. in NEWSC 150 (Museum).

22 FebDr. Larry Davis (CSB/SJU Biology Department)"Nautilus:  500 Million Years of Evolution"
21 MarDr. Yogi Shimizu (UM Medical School)"The nomadic life of the T lymphocyte:  Cell adhesion and the immune response"
2 AprilDr. Leonard Francl (North Dakota State Univ)"Vistas of Tan Spot Research" (plant pathology)
3 MayDr. Henry Jakubowski (CSB/SJU Chemistry Dept.)TBA

Miscellaneous:

Senior Biology Majors Required to take “Major Field Test”
    Graduating Biology majors are required to take a test called the Biology Major Field Test.  The test is provided at no charge and will given on campus.  The reason for this test is to assess whether the Biology Department has been successful in providing a Biology major that is outstanding in both breadth and depth.  Since other colleges also give their Biology majors the same test we can compare the performance of our students to Biology majors in other programs across the nation.  The exam is scheduled for the evening of TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20.  There will be a pizza party followed by the test.  Every graduating senior biology major is required to take this test, so please block out this evening on your calendar now.  For more information contact Dr. Jeanne Lust, Biology Dept. Chair or Dr. Mike Reagan, Biology Assessment Committee.

Biology of the Pacific Northwest - 2001
    There will be an informational meeting for this 4 credit, upper division biology course that will be offered this summer.  This course satisfies the Group IV requirement for biology.  It is a month-long intensive experience in field biology and natural history.  The trip will run from 15 July - 13 August, 2001 and be lead by Dr. Gordon Brown and Dr. Larry Davis.  The cost of the trip is $1700-$2000 (depending upon enrollment).  For more information attend the meeting on Monday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m. in PENGL 325.  Or contact Dr. Brown (dgbrown@csbsju.edu, 3175) or Dr. Davis (ldavis@csbsju.edu, x 3328) for more information.

Honors Biology Theses.  The CSB/SJU Honors program is beginning a review.  As a part of the process they have prepared a list of biology (and other) students who have completed a thesis.  We thought you might find the listing (see below) of some interest.   

Voices For the Land Call for Essays
    Voices for the Land is a grassroots project of 1000 Friends of Minnesota. Last year, the first Voices project brought together Minnesotans from across the state to celebrate the land through community readings, discussions, and an essay contest with selected entries published in a chapbook and the Star Tribune. We now invite you to participate in our second annual essay contest. Like you, we're concerned by the rapid pace of development in Minnesota.

    We invite you to tell us, in an essay of 400 or fewer words, about landscapes that you cherish and think should be preserved and about people who taught you to value and save our land and water. Tell us about special people and special places. Tell us about the neighbor who preserved a patch of woods or stretch of water that means so much to you and your neighbors. Tell us about the teacher who inspired you and other kids to love nature and to take action to protect it, that grandmother down the road who keeps a forest patch drumming with grouse. Tell us about the kids planting seedlings on your reservation, the retired farmer in your township who set aside  wetlands for waterfowl. Let us know how the land has shaped you, what it has taught you, how it has nurtured you, given you joy or solitude.

    Voices for the Land is a project of 1000 Friends of Minnesota (www.1000fom.org). For more information contact project coordinators: Bill Droessler   651-312-1000 bdroessler@1000fom.org or Debbie Meister 651-647-6816  dlmeister@yahoo.com


Web Sites Worth A Visit: (have you visited any cool sites lately?  Send us your suggestions)))


Puzzler of the Week:  stay tuned for a puzzler next issue.
       

Joke of the Week.  Top 8 Idiots of 2000.  The following was making the email rounds.  I wonder how many of them are really true.  Nevertheless, they are rather amusing to think about. 

Idiot # 1.  I am a medical student currently doing a  rotation in toxicology at the poison control center. Today, this woman  called in very upset because she caught her little daughter eating ants. I  quickly reassured her that the ants are not harmful and there would be no  need to bring her daughter into the hospital. She calmed down, and at the end  of the conversation happened to mention that she gave her daughter some  ant poison to eat in order to kill the ants. I told her that she better bring her daughter into the Emergency room right away. 

Idiot # 2.  Seems that a year ago, some Boeing employees on the airfield decided  to steal a life raft from one of the 747s. They were successful in  getting it out of the plane and home. When they took it for a float on the  river, a Coast Guard helicopter coming towards them surprised them. It  turned out that the chopper was homing in on the emergency locator beacon  which activated when the raft was inflated.  They are no longer  employed at Boeing. 

Idiot # 3.  A true story out of San Francisco: A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the branch and wrote "this iz a stikkup. Put all your muny in this bag." While standing in line, waiting to give his note  to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller window.  So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo.  After waiting a  few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. He read it  and, surmising from his spelling errors that he wasn't the brightest light  in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stickup note because  it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either  have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of  America.  Looking somewhat defeated, the man said "OK" and left.  He was arrested a few minutes later, as he was waiting in  line back at Bank of America.

Idiot #4.  A motorist was unknowingly caught in an automated speed trap that measured his speed using radar and photographed his car. He later received in the mail a ticket for $40 and a photo of his car. Instead of payment, he  sent the police department a photograph of $40. Several days later, he  received a letter from the police that contained another picture, this  time of handcuffs. He immediately mailed in his $40.

Idiot #5.  A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded  all the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a  bag, the robber saw a bottle of scotch that he wanted behind the counter  on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but  he refused and said, "Because I don't believe you are over 21." The  robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him because he  didn't believe him. At this point the robber took his driver's license out  of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk looked it over,  and agreed that the man was in fact over 21 and he put the scotch in the  bag. The robber then ran from the store with his loot. The  cashier promptly called the police and gave the name and address of the  robber that he got off the license.  They arrested the robber two hours  later.

Idiot #6.  A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving  revolvers. The first one  shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner  moved, the startled first bandit  shot him.

Idiot #7.  Arkansas: Seems this guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided  that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab  some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his  head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the  would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. Seems the liquor  store window was made of Plexi-Glass. The whole event was caught on  videotape.

Idiot #8.  Ann Arbor: The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man  walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 12:50 am flashed a gun  and demanded cash.   The clerk turned him down because he said the  couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered  onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

Frequently Asked Questions:   


For more information, contact:
Dr. Stephen G. Saupe
Professor & Herbarium Curator
Biology Department
College of St. Benedict/St. John's University
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-2782; (320) 363-3202 (fax); ssaupe@csbsju.edu

 



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