3 APHIS Positions in MD

 USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will be hiring 3 Biological Science Technicians (Wildlife) in Maryland. The positions will be posted in USAJobs.gov starting next Monday, June 16 and will be open for one week. See the full descriptions below. 

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:18a5f812-bf46-4a70-80b2-f0666027ec81

Multi-Cultural Earth Day Panel

 

Landscape Architecture Foundation Ignite - Scholarship and Cohort program

LAF Ignite is a comprehensive Scholarship + Internships + Mentorship program for BIPOC* college students, providing participants with an annual $10,000 scholarship, annual paid summer internship, and access to mentors throughout their educational path.

Each year, 3 students are accepted into Ignite and participate until they have completed their landscape architecture degree. Every new cohort joins the group from past years for facilitated virtual meetings and peer-to-peer mentorship. Participants are matched with a one-on-one mentor and use paid summer internships to explore different career paths within landscape architecture.

*For the 2022 and 2023 application years, eligible candidates must identify as Black/African American. This will be broadened in future years.

LAF is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of LAF Ignite, which begins in early 2023. Ignite is a multi-year program with three core components: an annual scholarship, summer internships, and ongoing mentorship. The mentorship component begins in Feb 2023, and the first summer internship takes place Jun-Aug 2023.

Applications are due Oct 15.

Ignite 2022 Application Cycle Timeline
Sept - Call for applications announced
Oct 15 - Application deadline
Oct-Nov - Jury process
Nov - Shortlisted candidate interviews
Dec - Winners announced

For more information, please visit: https://www.lafoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/laf-ignite

USDA/FAS Diversity Fellowship Program for undergraduate students

The Foreign Agricultural Service is recruiting for candidates for the Diversity Fellowship Program. This is a call for applications to begin master's level studies in Fall 2023. The deadline for applications is October 6. This may be a great opportunity if you have a chapter of MANNRS within your college.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Diversity Fellowship Program (FDFP) creates a path for outstanding bachelor’s degree students of any major to pursue careers in the FAS Foreign Service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in U.S. engagement with the world, the program values candidates representing a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity. 

Selected students will receive a fully funded master’s degree in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics from the accredited U.S. university of their choice and are matriculated into the FAS Foreign Service upon completion of all requirements. Applications are currently being accepted from candidates looking to begin graduate studies in the fall of 2023. The deadline to apply is October 6, 2022. Learn more and Apply now: https://fasdiversityfellowship.org/

LCSL & MICA Open House

On behalf of the Leadership & Community Service-Learning (LCSL) and Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) offices, we invite you to our Open House on Thursday, September 29th. 

We hope to use this time to showcase how students can get involved with our programs and for faculty and staff to learn about resources, partnerships, and opportunities that may connect to their work. We will also have light refreshments for you to enjoy!

 

We welcome you to drop by anytime between 2 PM to 4 PM. We are in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union—Center for Campus Life in Suites 1110 and 1120. Our suites are connected, so feel free to enter through either entrance!

 

Although not required, we encourage you to RSVP via TerpLink by Thursday, September 22nd. We would also appreciate you sharing this invitation with any students, colleagues, or community members you think may be interested in attending.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kam Risku at kjrisku@umd.edu or 301-314-1347. 

Fall semester course -- Sustainable Ag in Nicaragua and January travel

Welcome Back, all you may be interested in these two courses about Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in Nicaragua.  ANSC371 meets Tuesdays during the Fall semester, and the second course, ANSC 372 is the travel course in January.

 To Enroll, email rkohn@umd.edu

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in Nicaragua
Seminar (ANSC 371, 1 credit) Wed. 4:00 to 5:15 ANSC 0402
Travel Abroad (ANSC 372, 2 credits) Jan. 3-17, 2023

 This two-part course will discuss the effects of colonialism and systemic racism on the people and environment of Nicaragua. It will include a broad range of topics relating to the history and current situation in Nicaragua, land reform, agricultural practices, food security, food sovereignty (domestic food production), and environmental protection.

In the travel-abroad course you will practice hands-on techniques in agroecology, visit farms, and explore eco-tours. You will swim in a pristine volcanic lake, ride horseback in cloud forests, and observe turtle hatching. A major focus will be techniques to decrease impacts of climate change, and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while mitigating poverty and maintaining food sovereignty. Nicaragua produces 90% of the food it consumes and exports beef, coffee,
and fruit among other items. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions are one eighth as high as for the US. You will learn how they are able to achieve these stunning accomplishments.

The course is offered in conjunction with the Nicaraguan farm organization Friends of ATC (Association of Rural Workers). Speakers will include US and Nicaraguan experts representing different sectors of society and discussing the Nicaraguan revolution and how their economic model allows them to address climate change while decreasing poverty and improving food security and food sovereignty.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service FAS Diversity Fellowship Program

Mary Wilson Animal Care and Conservation Scholar Program

Mary Wilson was a senior zookeeper at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore where she worked for 38 years. She was the first African-American woman zookeeper at the zoo. In honor of her legacy, the Maryland Zoo has created the Mary Wilson Animal Care and Conservation Scholar Program for a local black, indigenous, or person of color (BIPOC) student with a passion for animals and an interest in a wildlife or conservation career. This intern will be paired with an experienced zookeeper to learn first-hand about working with animals and Zoo visitors. The Scholar Program will allow a student to experience the daily work of an Animal Keeper, with additional exposure to other departments, which might include the Animal, Hospital, Commissary, and Education, providing a unique insight into the Zoo world. A research project throughout the six weeks will round out the learning experience. Upon successful completion of the program, the Scholar will be knowledgeable about the benefits and demands of various wildlife careers, and will have valuable hands-on experience in animal care.

The Mary Wilson Scholar Program is designed to provide an understanding of the zoo field as well as basic skills for individuals interested in pursuing a career in animal science, biology, ecology, conservation, veterinary medicine, and/or zoology. Candidates with limited prior work experience in animal care but a demonstrated passion for the field, are highly encouraged to apply. The Scholar will receive weekly feedback from their mentor, and will get a written evaluation on general performance and the research project at the end of the Scholar Program.

For more information regarding eligibility, dates, responsibilities, and to apply, click here. Applications are due April 30th, 2022.

Smithsonian Women’s Committee Diversity Internship in Conservation Biology

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Species Survival is accepting applicants for conservation biology internships. Headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, SCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. Since 1983, Center for Species Survival scientists have pioneered innovative approaches to solve wildlife conservation problems around the world, with the goal of avoiding extinction and creating methods to sustain viable wildlife populations in zoos and the wild.

This is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate (first year) students to gain experience in conservation biology with a special emphasis in reproductive science and its role in conservation. Students will gain first-hand experience in tackling conservation issues and fundamental biological questions while working alongside highly experienced researchers from SCBI’s science directorate. They will be mentored in the scientific process, including defining their own research project, robust record keeping, data and statistical analyses, data presentation and a final scientific paper.

For more information about qualifications, benefits and how to apply, click here. Applications are due Monday, April 4th, 2022.

Naturally Latinos Conference for Environmental Job Seekers

The theme of the 4th Naturally Latinos conference is, “Otro mundo es possible/Another world is possible” and it will run from March 22 to March 26, 2022. They will elevate the voices of environmental professionals from the Latino community on environmental issues in the region including Human Health and Access to Nature, Biodiversity and Habitats, Climate Crisis and Sustainable Land Use. Speakers and panelists will present interactive content through virtual and in-person programming. The in-person conference day will be held at the Silver Spring, Maryland Civic Center on March 25th.

They are especially pleased to welcome their two keynote speakers, Ana Luz Porzecanski, Director, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, and Adam Ortiz, Region 3 Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, to this year’s conference. More information about the conference can be found here: https://anshome.org/naturally-latinos-2022

Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program

The Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program honors the legacy of Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings, who was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 40th district for more than two decades. The Rawlings Program provides students the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Delegate Rawlings and develop as a champion for those marginalized and underrepresented in public leadership & decision-making processes.

Working with faculty, alumni and local leaders, Rawlings Fellows will develop skills and resources needed to take on leadership roles during the program and into their careers. Fellows will also grow to understand the importance of cultural pluralism and advocacy for unheard voices while developing leadership skills needed to adequately address these disparities.

The program offers opportunities for mentorship, professional development events, potential engagements with local & state leaders, the opportunity to secure an internship with a government agency, political organization or nonprofit and gain hands-on experience to actively serve in the local community. These program components help Rawlings Fellows realize their commitment to public service and further develop critical leadership skills necessary for a career in government, nonprofits or private sector jobs related to leadership and advocacy for the underrepresented.

Students must have 2 remaining semesters left at the start of the program in the fall to be eligible. The application deadline is April 2, 2022. To apply, prospective students can click this link.

Internship with the UMD Disability Summit

The UMD Disability Summit is excited to recruit outstanding and passionate undergraduate and graduate students and UMD College Park to support an innovative, impactful biennial conference. Reporting to the Co-Chairs for the Disability Summit Planning Committee, and working closely with other faculty, staff and students from the University of Maryland, College Park and international partners and the Summit leadership team, interns will help manage social media, web design, and fundraising operations for this international online event . Successful candidates will develop critical professional, technical, and communication skills while supporting a wide range of programs, initiatives, and event accessibility. These internship opportunities are open to all University of Maryland College Park undergraduate and graduate students.

Time commitment: During the Summer 2022 semester, the position requires an average of 10 hours per week. Although most of those hours will be during regular business hours arranged to accommodate your other commitments. All duties will be performed remotely.

Course credit: They are happy to support you pursuing course credit for the internship. Interns will be eligible to enroll in a section of INST309 or INST709 for 1 credit in the Summer 2022 semester.

Focus Areas: They are currently looking for interns to assist with the following areas:

• Social Media and Communications
• Fundraising
• Web Design

SOCIAL MEDIA and COMMUNICATIONS
Duties:

• Assist in managing Disability Summit Twitter and other social media platforms
• Assist in drafting a long term comprehensive communications plan for the Disability Summit
• Assist in developing a style guide for the Disability Summit to be used across all web and print communications
• Review and compile data regarding past registrants, attendees, and donors to develop comprehensive targeted mailing lists
• Assist in setting up mass email system and process to maintain contacts and communications for The Summit

They need someone who:

• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Can demonstrate strong organizational skills with multiple projects and deadlines
• Is capable of working independently and maintaining confidentiality

It would be ideal if you also:

• Have advanced knowledge of social media or communications software (Mailchimp, Twitter)
• Have experience supporting programming, events, and large-scale meetings
• Have basic familiarity with and/or have used Accessible Social Media Practices

FUNDRAISING
Duties:

• Become familiar with and distinguish among the most prevalent revenue streams for nonprofit organizations
• Integrate knowledge about trends in fundraising in the nonprofit sector into a campaign plan
• Review and compile data regarding past donors
• Assist in creating an actionable fundraising plan for the Disability Summit
• Create materials to support longer development goals

They need someone who:

• Can apply marketing theory in a nonprofit environment
• Can describe the importance of identifying the various target audiences related to nonprofit organizations

It would be ideal if you also:

• Have knowledge of fundraising opportunities
• Have experience supporting grant writing, or a history of successful fundraising practices

WEB DESIGN
Duties:

• Assist with content generation and management of Disability Summit website
• Assist with generating registration and call for submission forms
• Assist with creating an accessible archive of past Disability Summit materials
• Assist in the developing accessible and navigable website infrastructure

They need someone who:

• Has basic web design experience
• Is familiar with creating accessible databases

It would be ideal if you also:

• Have knowledge of the Bloomreach and Drupal Content Management System used at UMD

To apply: Please complete THIS APPLICATION by Friday, March 11th at 5pm. You will need to upload a current resume and cover letter. You can use one application to apply for multiple internship openings.

Questions? Email Ron Padrón at rapadron@umd.edu

COG’s Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC) Paper Competition

The COG’s Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC) Paper Competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students! The CBPC is a committee of elected officials and water utilities and their members are seeking to engage with researchers on the intersection of science and policy. A prize of $500 will be awarded to the top paper.

We encourage students to embrace this competition and submit a 5-page paper on a range of topics, including climate resiliency, sustainability, or diversity, equity and inclusion. An illustrative list of topics and details are in the link below. The idea is for students to be concisely present policy recommendations to address a water quality issue, and to have a chance to engage with elected officials. Students are asked to submit their topic of interest by 2/28 and papers are due in late April, so the submissions is fast approaching.

https://www.mwcog.org/environment/planning-areas/water-resources/potomac-and-local-water-resources/cbpc-academic-paper-competition/

AGNR's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect Council

As part of the AGNR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) plan we have created a DEIR Diversity Council. If you are interested in serving on the council, send an email with a brief bio and statement (no more than one paragraph) of what you offer the council to ecooper@umd.edu.

The Council will reflect the broad diversity of the College’s faculty, staff and students. Individuals will be elected so that our unique differences within the college bring about a Council that supports individual and collective achievements to create an environment that is both respectful of these differences and inclusive of all.

Specifically, the Council works to:

1. Fully effectuate and support the College’s four DEIR goals and four College level initiatives and modify the DEIR plan as needed;
2. Review AGNR’s unit DEIR plans and provide input.
3. Comment on policy related issues including ways in which current policy strengthens or detracts from the diversity of the composition of the faculty, staff, student body and eligible clientele; and
4. Present recommendations to the Dean that include strategies, individuals responsible for specific actions, timelines for implementation, and measurable outcomes that reflect continuous improvement of College climate and identify methods that “move the needle” on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and foster respect for AGNR clientele, faculty staff and students.

The council will be comprised of 2 ex officio members and 23 voting members elected by their respective unit or representative group and appointed by the Dean of AGNR for a three-year term.

The nomination process for the council representation is as follows:

1. One Faculty member (TTK) representing each of the six academic units, two representing the University of Maryland Extension, and one Professional Track Faculty (PTK) from the Institute of Applied Agriculture are to be elected by the respective units as determined by the unit’s governance structure. **Note: We ask that units have their TTK faculty representative appointed by March 14, 2022.**
2. Student representation consisting of two Graduate students and two Undergraduate students, will be managed by the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs. The IAA student representative will be managed by the Director of IAA. Students are appointed for a two-year term, eligible for up to two consecutive terms. **Note: We ask that units have their TTK faculty representative appointed by March 14, 2022.**
3. An open nomination and subsequent voting process coordinated by the Dean’s office will be held to elect

• Three (3) Professional Track Faculty (PTK) from on-campus units
• Two (2) Professional Track Faculty (PTK) from UME Extension.
• Two (2) Exempt staff
• Two (2) Non-exempt staff

Members of the College community may nominate individuals or self-nominate by completing the nomination form at this link https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_5duPdmHyilPAE2a. The nomination will include a short bio of the nominee and a statement of what they bring to the council.

All nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, March 1, 2022 with the support of the nominee’s supervisor. Voting will commence Monday, March 7, and close on Friday March 11, 2022. The council will be announced on Friday, March 18, 2022.

We encourage you to read full description of the DEIR Council linked here. We look forward to receiving your nominations and launching the council in the coming weeks. Please contact Amanda Shaffer (shaffer9@umd.edu) if you have any questions.

The Ohio State University Ecology and Environmental Fields Student Advisory Board

The Ohio State University is currently looking for 15 motivated, creative, and energetic students of color to help them refine their understanding of diverse student experiences in ecology and environmental biology by participating in a Student Advisory Board (SAB). The term for this participation is at least one year for which includes a stipend of $1000 for your collaboration with the UNIDE team.

They are a diverse team of ecologists, environmental scientists and social scientists working on the NSF-funded project UNIDE -Undergraduate Network for Increasing Diversity of Ecologists on the following goals:

• To identify the barriers and challenges that must be overcome in order to support participation of under-represented people (based on ethnicity or race) in the study and practice of Ecology and Environmental (EE) fields
• To characterize the ecological identity, or sense of social belonging in EE to include the values of under-represented people with the goal of developing effective interventions to identified barriers and challenges for recruitment and retention of diverse people and to revise current EE curriculum to include broader values
• To build a sustainable and interdisciplinary network of faculty, students, and practitioners in ecology/environmental Science (EE), educators, and social scientists committed to maintaining broad ethnic, racial and cultural inclusion in ecology and environmental sciences 

Expectations of Student Advisory Board members:
The SAB will organize meetings to identify and prioritize factors that affect diverse students’ recruitment and retention in EE fields. Work expectations (~2-4 hours per month) for SAB participants include attending and conducting monthly meetings to discuss and provide feedback to the UNIDE Steering Committee on topics that include:

1. potential effectiveness of ways to increase access to EE career information and EE internship opportunities,
2. effectiveness of interventions developed to increase cultural sensitivity of environmental teaching practices, and
3. implement and monitor social media outreach to EE students and practitioners to help build interest in ecology and environmental science

Please click here to fill out the attached application for participation in the UNIDE Student Advisory Board by February 28, 2022.

SACNAS Fall Social 11/10

Are you a UMD student, postdoc, faculty, or staff and you want to be a part of SACNAS?
Have you ever wanted to know what exactly SACNAS is?
Have you ever wanted to help Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans succeed in STEM?
Are you a Chicano/Hispanic and/or Native American and you would like to find others in STEM at UMD?
Would you like to help drive the UMD SACNAS group?

If you answered yes to at least one of those questions, SACNAS has got you covered and you should join them! The UMD SACNAS is hosting a Fall Social! Come share some food and (non-alcoholic) drinks with them, and let them help you learn more about SACNAS at UMD!

When: Wednesday Nov 10 at noon
Where: Chemistry Atrium
Who can join: everybody! [SACNAS is open to all and it's not just for students, and Hispanics and Native Americans!]

To register (so they know how much food to get) go here --> bit.ly/3pkdIku
They hope to see you on the 10th!

MANRRS & Boy Scouts Virtual/Social Event 10/21

Paid Mentorship with EcologyPlus

EcologyPlus is a year-long mentoring opportunity that connects your students with professionals in government, nonprofits and the private sector. Selected participants will receive a $1,000 stipend! EcologyPlus a pilot project funded by the National Science Foundation's INCLUDES program.

To address the urgent challenges from environmental and climate change impacts, on ecosystems and human health, EcologyPlus aims to increase the participation of diverse people in the environmental and ecological sciences. Undergraduate and Graduate students are encouraged to apply. Join their growing network of professionals and communities of color.

EcologyPlus Mentorship Benefits:

• Career planning tools
• Individualized mentoring year-round
• Networking events
• Internship placements and workshops
• Access to mentors in a variety of sectors
• Stipend of $1,000

Who should apply
Diverse Undergraduate and Graduate Students interested environmental and ecological careers in governmental agencies, policy, non-profit and private sectors.
*Must reside or attend an institution within the greater DC-Baltimore area

Visit https://esa.org/ecologyplus/apply/ for more information. Applications are due October 31st. 

U21 Global Student Program Information Sessions

Meet and partner with students at other U21 universities! UMD is a member of the U21 network. Attend an information session between Oct. 26 and Nov. 16 to hear more about U21 Global Student programs, U21 Sustainable micro-internships, seed funding for projects, and the RISE Showcase & Awards!

Register below for the opportunity to meet other U21 university students interested in entering these programs and take part in an international, cross-university team for RISE.

U21 Global Student Information Sessions (use the links to register):

• Session One on Oct. 26 at 5 a.m. ET
• Session Two on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. ET
• Session Three on Nov. 2 at 3 a.m. ET
• Session Four on Nov. 3 at noon ET
  

Diversity in STEM Career Panel 10/21

A collaboration between the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, and the University Career Center, this panel will bring together alumni/employers of diverse backgrounds and a variety of roles to share their experience with diversity in STEM. We will discuss what it's like to be historically excluded or minoritized in STEM, tips for applying and being hired in STEM, and how to transition to the world of work, just to name a few. 

Event Details: 

Thursday, October 21st, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Held Virtually. Click here for more information and to RSVP.