November 30, 2009

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and had a great Thanksgiving. I will be out of the office starting at noon on Dec. 4 - Dec. 13. Please email or stop by this week if you have questions that can't wait until finals week. Paula Szkody will be available while I am out of town.

UW Career Center: There is a great career center on campus that can review a resume, setup mock interviews and help you search for jobs. Check out their website: http://careers.washington.edu/

REU: Research Experiences for Undergraduates are great research opportunities at other institutions. Check out the different REU's here: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm Deadlines to apply generally run from January-February.

Astrobiology Seminar: Tuesday at 2:30pm in Phys/Astr A118, Nancy Kiang (NASA Goddard) will be giving a talk on "Efficiency of Photon Energy Use for Life Processes: Implications for spectral biosignatures".

Colloquium: Please join us on Thursday at 4pm in Phys/Astr A102 for a talk by Kelly Holley-Bockelmann (Vanderbilt Univ) on "How Black Holes Get Their Kicks". Coffee, tea and cookies are served at 3:45pm.

Page O'Announcements: Updated with lots of campus events: http://pageoannouncements.blogspot.com/

Peace Corps Info Session: The Department of Astronomy currently has 4 members that volunteered in the Peace Corps. Peace Corps service is the opportunity of a lifetime. Volunteers have the opportunity to serve in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, and business. Please join us at the following events where returned volunteers will share their personal experience and tips to guide you through the application process.

Info Session

Thursday, December 3 • 4 to 5 p.m.
Career Services Center • 134 Mary Gates Hall

Questions?

Contact the UW On-Campus Peace Corps Rep: Erin Larsen-Cooper

Office 134 Mary Gates Hall
Hours Mondays 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. • Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
E-mail pcorps@u.washington.edu
Phone 206.543.0535

November 23, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that you all get to take some time this week to think of things that you are thankful for, even if it includes being thankful for the quite time to think about it!

Winter Quarter Registration: Many of you have emailed me that you cannot get into classes for winter quarter. In general, my recommendation is to keep trying! Especially once grades come out from autumn quarter, students might be dropped from the next quarter class due to not meeting the prerequisites. Find out more tips and see what Departments recommend you do if you can't get into a class here: http://www.washington.edu/uaa/gateway/advising/registration/tgicrc.php

Activities to do on-Campus: Looking for something fun to do while you're taking a break from studying? Check out the following on-campus activities: Bowling at the HUB, Rocking Climbing at the IMA, Swimming at the Hutchinson Pool, Roller Skating at the IMA.

Page O'Announcements: Check out events happening all over campus: http://pageoannouncements.blogspot.com/

Have a great week!

Best,
Sarah

November 16, 2009

Read below for information on a winter quarter class, how to borrow laptops from UW and much more!! Also, check your email this week for more information about additional astronomy classes (radio astronomy and history of astronomy) being offered winter quarter.

Numerical Methods in Astrophysics- winter course: This winter, Prof. Tom Quinn will be teaching numerical methods in astrophysics. The class, ASTR 497A (sln 10557) meets MW 1:30-2:50 and is three credits. As described by Prof. Quinn: "This is a hands-on course to learn methods for numerically solving problems that arise in astrophysics. Teaching programming is not the primary goal, nevertheless it is hoped that techniques for writing and debugging programs will be a useful side effect. Topics will include: interpolation and extrapolation, integration, ordinary differential equations, root finding, optimization, linear algebra, Monte-Carlo, an introduction to partial differential equations, and an introduction to parallel techniques." It is expected that you have some programming experience for this course.

Borrow Laptops and more!: UW Students can borrow laptops and other media equipment through the Student Technology Fee equipment loan program. Best of all there is no cost to borrow the equipment! Place a request online then pick it up in the basement of Kane Hall or at Health Sciences. Check out the details here: http://www.css.washington.edu/STFEquipment

Reserve study rooms at the Library: The study rooms in the libraries are awesome places to study! You can use the room for studying in groups or alone, the rooms can be reserved for up to 2 hours, and you get a key to go in and out of the room so you don't have to pack up all of your stuff to take a break. http://www.lib.washington.edu/services/facilities/studyRooms/

Thinking of becoming a teacher?: This Wednesday, Nov. 18 the UW College of Education is having an Open House. You can find out information about the Teacher Education Program and the Masters in Teaching degree. The Open House is 4:30-6pm in Miller 301. RSVP here http://education.washington.edu. You may also be interested in attending one of the information sessions specifically for potential teachers; Elementary Education 10/23/09 11am and Secondary Education 12/4/09 4pm. More info here: http://education.washington.edu/areas/tep/infosessions.html

Astro Lunch: Tuesday at 11:30 in Phys/Astr B356A, Rory Barnes (UW) will give a talk on "In with the Tide: the Coming Wave of Super-Earths, Super-Ios and Super- Venuses". Please feel free to bring your lunch!

Astrobiology Seminar: Tuesday at 2:30pm in Phys/Astr A118, Kevin Zahnle (NASA Ames) will give a talk on "Earth after the Moon-forming Impact".

Colloquium: This Thursday at 4pm in Phys/Astr A102, Misty Bentz (UC Irvine-- formerly a UW undergrad!) will give a talk on "New Reverberation Mapping Results from the Link AGN Monitoring Project". Join us at 3:45pm in the foyer for coffee, tea and cookies.

Page O'Announcements: Always updated with campus information: http://pageoannouncements.blogspot.com/

Science Workshop Facilitator Job: Science Workshop Facilitator
$13.25/hr, part-time, 9-19 hours per week

At Girl Scouts we know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader with the courage to act on her values, develop the ability to make clear decisions, and acquire the self confidence to make a difference in the world around her. Girl Scouts helps girls grow courageous and strong through girl-driven programs, reflecting the ever-changing needs and interests of girls.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington (http://www.girlscoutsww.org is currently seeking an enthusiastic individual (“Science is fun!”) looking to make an impact on the lives of girls to join our Science Program team as a Science Workshop Facilitator. This is a part-time, non-exempt position. Most working hours are late afternoons and evenings making it ideal for individuals seeking a second job or currently attending school.

Essential Functions:

• Facilitate fun, hands-on science workshops for girls in grades 2-5.
• Travel in Western Washington to facilitate, set-up and clean-up workshops.
• Assist with large-scale science events such as museum days, engineering events and science overnights.
• Prepare workshop materials and provide some assistance with curriculum development.
• Flexible schedule; primarily evenings and weekends, varies between 9-19 hours a week through June. Mileage is reimbursed.
• An ideal job for those interested in informal science education, youth work/teaching, science, or just helping girls grow strong.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Three years college study or equivalent life/work experience working with youth with a background in science or education desired.
• Demonstrated passion for science and working with girls.
• Specific science topic knowledge not required, but a willingness to learn is.
• Skill and experience in working with children.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills (in English) and strong interpersonal skills.
• Availability to work varied hours (primarily evenings/weekends).
• Able to lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
• Possess valid Washington Driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle in working condition capable of carrying workshop materials.
• Maintain membership in Girl Scouts.
  

To apply, please submit resume to hr@girlscoutsww.org. For more information visit www.girlscoutsww.org

Have a great week!

Best,
Sarah

November 10, 2009

I am happy to announce that space has been dedicated for undergraduate studying in the computer lab! When we added five computers to the lab in September we removed the study space in the center of the room, but still wanted to provide a study space away from the computers. We have been able to move equipment out of the library section (towards the kitchen) and have put tables in. This space is now yours to use for studying!!

Don't forget, tomorrow is Veteran's Day so the University will be closed. Here are some events happening at UW to honor our Veterans: http://depts.washington.edu/memorial/veterans-day-open-houses/

Winter Registration: Many of you are registering for classes this week or next. Please stop in to see me if you have questions about what you should be registering for. If you need help finding a VLPA, I&S or Writing class, try using the General Education Requirement Search: http://www.washington.edu/students/timeschd/genedinq.html

Campus Writing Center: Did you know we have several writing centers on campus? There is one at Odegaard (http://depts.washington.edu/owrc/), one at CLUE (http://depts.washington.edu/clue/dropintutor_writing.php) and another at the Instruction Center (http://depts.washington.edu/ic/graphics/writing.php?style=graphics). Some tips about the writing center: make an appointment ahead of time (Odegaard in particular), bring anything you have that will help the tutor understand what you're trying to write, and you can go before you've even started writing to help brainstorm ideas. I went to check out Odegaard Writing Center last night and thought the tutor (Craig) was helpful, listened to my concerns about writing and had very insightful comments. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Study Smarter Workshops: The counseling center offers some great seminars on time management/procrastination and test anxiety/stress reduction. I sat in on the test anxiety/stress reduction workshop and was one of two people there! The student in the workshop essentially had a personal session with a counselor to address specific concerns about test taking. Check out the workshops offered here: http://depts.washington.edu/counsels/services/workshops/workshopstudy.html Don't have time to go to a workshop? Here are some tips for academic success: http://depts.washington.edu/counsels/services/workshops/workshoptips.html

Planetarium Notice: The planetarium will be undergoing projector renovation next week and will be unavailable for shows. Please remember that to use the planetarium you must be approved by the planetarium coordinator as well as sign up on the planetarium calendar. Email uwplanetarium@gmail.com to get approved and to sign up.

Astrobiology Seminar: Today at 2:30pm in Phys/Astr A118, Kevin Hand (JPL/CalTech) will give a talk on "Joule Heating of the South Polar Terrain on Enceladus".

Colloquium: Thursday at 4pm in Phys/Astr A102, Roy Williams (CalTech) will give a talk on "Multiwavelength, Multitemporal and Transspectral Astronomy". Please join us at 3:45pm in the foyer for coffee, tea and cookies!

Page O'Announcements: Updated almost daily with information that may be useful! http://pageoannouncements.blogspot.com/ I've added some links like "Looking for a Job" and the General Campus Advising Center which has a cool GPA calculator and more!!

Have an excellent week!

Best,
Sarah

November 2, 2009

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! This week there are several events going on as well as some tips about figuring out classes you need to take so please read. Good luck to everyone taking the GRE Physics exam this Saturday!

Undergrad Bulletin Board: Don't forget to check out the undergrad board near the computer lab on the 3rd floor of Phys/Astr. There are research opportunities and graduate school postings to read through!

Undergrad Photos: Thanks to those that have sent me their photos for the undergrad board. Keep 'em coming! Please send me a photo of your self that we can use to add to the undergraduate photo directory. A few guidelines: send only photos of yourself, the photo should have you as the focus and please keep the photos appropriate for display in the Department.

DARS: DARS is a degree audit tool to help you see which classes you've already taken towards a degree and which classes you still need to complete. You can find DARS on MyUW, in the Student Personal Services box, look for "Degree Progress". You should run a DARS at least once a quarter to see where you're at. I've attached a planning sheet that you can use to help develop an academic plan. You may also find this website helpful to know when classes are typically offered in Astronomy and Physics: http://staff.washington.edu/sterrs/YearTS.htm. Make an appointment to see me if you have questions or want to review a plan you come up with.

Astrobiology Seminar: Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 2:30pm in PAA A118, Chris McKay (NASA Ames) will give a talk on "Results from the Mars Phoenix Mission for Mars Habitability and comparisons to Mars-like places on Earth".

Astrobiology Public Lecture: Chris McKay is also the public lecture speaker. On Tuesday at 7:30pm in Kane 120, Dr. McKay will give a talk on "Searching for Life". Free tickets can be obtained here: http://depts.washington.edu/astrobio/PubLec_tickets.html

Astro Lunch: On Wednesday this week at noon in the reading room, Phys/Astr B356A. Daniela Carollo (RSSA, Mt. Stromlo Obs.) will give a talk on "The Outer/Inner Halo Dichotomy as seen by SDSS". Please feel free to bring your lunch!

Colloquium: This Thursday at 4pm in Phys/Astr A102, Frank Bigiel (UC Berkeley) will give a talk on "The Relation between Gas and Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies on sub-kpc scales: What we learn about the Drivers of Cloud and Star Formation". Join us at 3:45pm in the foyer for coffee, tea and cookies.

Page O'Announcements: Random announcements, job postings, etc. http://pageoannouncements.blogspot.com/

NASA Paid Internship Opportunities: On Friday Nov. 13, 2009, the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium will hold an information session on summer internships at NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and our local industry partners. Student interns are being recruited for these internships from all fields of science,technology, engineering or math.

WHEN: 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.
WHERE: Johnson Hall (JHN) 102
*Free Food*

Former interns will chat about their experiences and offer insights into the application and interview process. This year we will have a Staff Scientist from the NASA Ames Research Center and a Program Coordinator from the NASA Johnson Space Center Skype in to speak about their opportunities to you and answer any questions you may have.

We will also give an overview of local research internship opportunities that will open soon, see below:

- Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP): http://www.waspacegrant.org/u-gradsum.html

- Private Industry in Washington State: http://www.waspacegrant.org/pvtindinterns.html
Aerojet
Tethers Unlimited
Woodruff Scientific Inc.

--Additionally, we will cover upcoming graduate student fellowships available: http://www.waspacegrant.org/grduate.html

Internship opportunities are located throughout the United States and applicants must be US citizens.
Food will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to network, inform yourself about paid summer research work, and leverage yourself.

Have a great week!
Sarah