The WAVE Fellows program provides support for talented undergraduates intent on pursuing a Ph.D. to conduct a 10-week summer research project at Caltech.  The WAVE Fellows program aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented students in science and engineering Ph.D. programs and to make Caltech's programs more visible and accessible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech. The program is extended, but not limited, to underrepresented minorities, women, first-generation college students, geographically underrepresented students, educationally and financially disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. Eligibility: Students must be current sophomores through non-graduating seniors and must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or students with DACA status. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required. Competitive applicants will have completed sophomore-level courses in desired research field, have demonstrated through academic and/or co-curricular activities a passion for research, and can articulate how their research interests align with Caltech's research areas. The most competitive applicants will have prior research experience. Support: WAVE Fellows will receive a $6350 award for the ten-week program. An additional housing/travel supplement will be provided. Application: Online applications are due January 12, 2019. For more information, visit http://www.sfp.caltech.edu/programs/wavefellows

Presentation on Research and Artistic Ethics, IRB, and 
Human and Animal treatment

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Noon-12:50 p.m. 
Sondheim 101

Do you want to do research that involves human or animal subjects, or DNA? The purpose of the Institutional review Board (IRB) is to assure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans and animals participating as subjects in a research study. Learn about research and artistic ethics, obtaining IRB approval, and the treatment of human and animal subjects with Mr. Tim Sparklin, Research Services Administrator Office of Research Protections and Compliance.

Required workshop for all current URA Scholars, but open for anyone to attend.

Questions? aprilh@umbc.edu

Last year, Naomi Mburu became the first Rhodes Scholar in UMBC’s history.  A few weeks ago, she traveled to England to begin her graduate studies at Oxford University as part of the 115th Rhodes cohort. Here, she reflects on the transition to Oxford.

My time in Oxford has been very busy, but quite exciting and full of new adventures! I started my journey to Oxford in New York City, where I met all of the other American Rhodes scholars, along with two Caribbean Rhodes scholars and one Chinese Rhodes Scholar who are living in the US. During the weekend, we attended Hamilton on Broadway and met some of the cast, and had many networking opportunities with Rhodes Alumni including a meet up with female Rhodes alumni living New York City.

When we arrived at Oxford, we met up with all of the other Rhodes Scholars from around the world. There are over 90 Rhodes Scholars from all over the world this year! We mixed and mingled with each other, and the older Rhodes Scholars who are still at Oxford. It has been really nice to have this community of Rhodes Scholars during this big transition to England. We even had a dinner for all of the Rhodes Scholars on campus studying engineering! Having a built-in support group full of friendly faces makes being in a foreign place much less intimidating!

The next week was Oxford's official Fresher's Week, where we had many opportunities to meet the other students in our college, departments, and across Oxford. The city of Oxford is an incredibly beautiful city with a rich history. Oxford is split into 38 colleges, and I chose to live in the oldest one! It was founded in 1249, and it is called University College. The college system provides another sense of community within Oxford, in addition to your department and any other organizations you are part of (such as Rhodes). The Kofo Collective is a cultural organization that I recently joined, and we had a nice brunch together to kick off the term. The week ended with matriculation, where we dressed in graduation clothes and were formally deemed students of the University of Oxford. 

I work in the Osney Thermofluids Laboratory, which is a subset of the engineering science department here. The lab is very interdisciplinary, and most of the research projects are sponsored by industry partners. My research is focusing on developing in thin film, liquid metal cooling system for a nuclear fusion reactor, and I am working with an industry sponsor in the area that is focusing on making nuclear fusion reactors! I really enjoy the practicality of the work that I am doing. Some of the students in my research lab put together a Black Panther themed science event for kids that I was able to help out with, which was a really fun way to get to know the greater Oxford community and teach a diverse group of kids about science.

-NM

For more information about Prestigious Scholarships, or if you'd like to be the next UMBC Rhodes Scholar, email Dr. April Householder at aprilh@umbc.edu or visit:

https://ur.umbc.edu/prestigious-scholarships/

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is offering current UMBC undergraduates with an opportunity to apply for a deep immersive experience in research activities in economics.  The program is designed for top undergraduate students with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds of all majors.  These positions offer a $10,000 Stipend plus Housing.  The program has a rolling admission with an absolute deadline of Friday, December 7th.  

UMBC and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business have created a special partnership to provide up to four UMBC undergraduates with this paid summer research experience.