CPUB News and Announcements

News and Announcements

Index

Student research grants, Fall 2003 (8/27/2003)
Student research grants, Fall 2002 (9/10/2002)
Faculty position available, East Stroudsburg University (4/2002)
Faculty positions available, Kutztown Univ. (12/7/01)
Student research grants, Fall 2001
Dolphin project, Marine Science Consortium (2/5/01)
Student travel grants, update (1/19/01)
Student travel grants, original notice (11/2000)
Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (1/19/01)
Teaching Evolution in Pennsylvania's Public Schools (1/5/01)
CPUB logo contest (3/2000)

Student Research Grants, Fall 2003

Undergraduate and graduate students at the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Universities are invited to apply for funds to be used to help defray the costs of supplies and equipment for scientific research. The maximum amount awarded will be $200 per research project. Grant-funded research must be completed no later than August 31, 2004. Application deadline is September 18, 2003.

The Word file with complete instructions for completing the application can be downloaded by clicking here.

Members of the CPUB Student Grant Fund Committee:
Dr. Carol Mapes, Chair, Kutztown University of PA
Dr. Stephen Marvel, Lock Haven University of PA
Dr. Brian Paulson, California University of PA
Dr. John Smith, East Stroudsburg University of PA
Dr. Tracy Whitford, East Stroudsburg University of PA

Student Research Grants, Fall 2002

The Word file with complete instructions for completing the application can be downloaded by clicking here.

Faculty Position at East Stroudsburg University
Marine Biologist

Deadline: April 15, 2002

East Stroudsburg University is seeking applications for a marine biologist to direct the Marine Science Program beginning as early as Fall 2002. The university anticipates filling a full-time, tenure-track, position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Requirements: Ph.D along with a commitment to teaching at the undergraduate level and a strong background in marine biology. Final determination will be based upon successful interview, which may include a teaching demonstration. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in academic advising, supervision of student interns, directing a marine science program, and teaching of marine biology and introductory courses. Applicants may also teach courses in an area of specialization; the area of specialization should be complementary to existing departmental expertise. Please visit www.esu.edu/biology/faculty.html for a review of existing faculty expertise. Send a brief letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts and three letters of recommendation to: David G. Trainer, Marine Science Search & Screen Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Applications must be received by April 15, 2002.

Faculty Positions at Kutztown University
Aquatic Biologist/Invertebrate Zoologist

Deadline: January 14, 2002

The Department of Biology at Kutztown University seeks a candidate with expertise in fresh water aquatic biology and invertebrate zoology to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level for Fall 2002. Requirements include a Ph.D. in Biology or related discipline, a minimum of two years of college-level teaching experience, and a commitment to undergraduate education. The successful candidate will be expected to teach introductory zoology, invertebrate zoology, limnology, non-majors courses, and will be expected to involve undergraduates in research. They will also be expected to participate in the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program. A successful on-campus interview including a lecture/presentation is required. Submit a letter of application, CV, a brief statement of teaching philosophy, a brief statement of research interests including ways you would involve undergraduates in your research, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary before hiring), and three letters of professional reference to: Chair, Aquatic Biologist/Invertebrate Zoologist Search, Department of Biology, Kutztown University of PA, Kutztown, PA 19530; FAX 610-683-4852; sacchi @kutztown.edu. Application materials must be received by 14 January 2001 (deadline extended from December 7, 2001). Kutztown University of PA is a member of the PA State System of Higher Education and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

Animal Cell Biologist/Cell Physiologist

Deadline: January 15, 2002

The Department of Biology at Kutztown University seeks an animal cell biologist/cell physiologist with research expertise in molecular biology to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning Fall 2002. The successful candidate will be expected to teach cell biology, other majors and non-majors courses, and will also be expected to involve undergraduates in research. This individual will also be expected to play a key role in developing a Biotechnology program, to develop and implement new courses that will support such a program, and to pursue extramural funding for teaching and/or research. Requirements include a Ph.D. in Biology or related field, a minimum of two years of college-level teaching experience, and a commitment to undergraduate education. Preference will be given to candidates with extensive tissue culture experience. A successful on-campus interview including a lecture/presentation is required. Submit a letter of application, CV, a brief statement of teaching philosophy, a brief statement of research interests including ways you would involve undergraduate students in your research, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary before hiring), and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Marilyn C. Baguinon, Chair, Cell Biologist Search Committee, Department of Biology, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, 19530; FAX 610-683-4854; baguinon@kutztown.edu. Application deadline is January 15, 2002. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a member of the PA State System of Higher Education and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Student Research Grants, Fall 2001

Deadline: November 30, 2001

Members of the CPUB Student Grant Funding Committee:
Dr. Tracy Whitford (chair), East Stroudsburg University
Dr. Brian Paulson, California University of PA
Dr. Carol Mapes, Kutztown University of PA
Dr. Stephen Marvel, Lock Haven University of PA

Undergraduate and graduate stduents at the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Universities are invited to apply for funds to be used to defray the costs of supplies and equipment for scientific research. The maximum amount awarded will be $200 per research project. Proposals will be assessed primarily on the basis of scientific merit. In the instance of proposals of equal merit, the committee will attempt to distribute funds to the greatest number of SSHE institutions.

The application must include a cover letter requesting funding, a detailed research proposal, a budget listing all anticipated expenses for the project, the student author's curriculum vitae or resume, and a supporting letter from the student's CPUB faculty mentor. The budget should include any additional sources of funds available to support the research. To be eligible for funding, the proposed research must be performed in collaboration with a faculty mentor who is a CPUB member.

Complete instructions for completing the application package can be found by clicking HERE. All applications materials should be sent to the address below and must be postmarked no later than NOVEMBER 30, 2001.

Tracy Whitford, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Dolphin Project at the Marine Science Consortium

For motivated students interested in a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with wild dolphins, this is a great summer intern opportunity. The Marine Science Consortium (MSC) is looking for a few good students to intern with the Dolphin Project for Summer 2001. Applications will be accepted through the end of February. To obtain an application, contact Simon Beeching (SRU), Wendy Ryan (KU), Al Answini (KU) or David Schofield. For information about this and other programs offered by the MSC, visit their website at www.msconsortium.org.

February 5, 2001

Student Travel Grants

Deadline extended to February 15, 2001 for applications, with notification by March 15, 2001 for awards. For more information, see original announcement below.

Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR)

The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research promotes the responsible use of animals in biomedical research. The membership is a broad coalition of pharmaceutical and research firms, universities, medical schools and professional societies that recognize the life-saving importance of animals in research. Members speak to a wide variety of groups about the use of animals in research, and the organization is proactive in providing informational materials to science teachers in public and parochial schools as well as to the general public. PSBR is also active in developing new educational tools to improve scientific literacy across the nation.

Of particular interest to CPUB members is the potential for contacts with graduate and professional schools as well as major pharmaceutical companies to develop placement for our students in these programs.

For more information on PSBR, check their web page, or email Dr. John Ellis, Executive Director.

Teaching Evolution in Pennsylvania's Public Schools

The following letter was sent on behalf of CPUB to the State Board of Education regarding proposed standards for teaching science in Pennsylvania's public schools. The specific part of the standards that we take issue with are those dealing with the teaching of evolution. For the full text of the proposed standards, visit the following web site http://www.pde.psu.edu/standard/stan.html

January 4, 2001

Dr. James Gallagher
State Board of Education
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
333 Market Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17126-0333

Dear Dr. Gallagher,

I am writing on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB), an organization whose members are faculty from the Biology Departments of the 14 universities in the State System of Higher Education of Pennsylvania. As scientists and educators, the members of CPUB are disturbed by some parts of the Proposed Academic Standards for Science and Technology, specifically the parts dealing with the teaching of the Theory of Evolution. Most of the proposed standards are sound and based on a good understanding of science and the scientific method. However, the wording of section 3.3.10 D "Analyze … studies that support or do not support the theory of evolution" and of section 3.3.12 D "Analyze the impact of new scientific facts on the theory of evolution" is not. While it sounds like good science to analyze new facts and evidence that supports or does not support a theory, this is apparently code language for including creationism and other non-scientific ideas about the diversity of life in the science classroom. I do not know of any new scientific facts that would change the fundamental principles of the Theory of Evolution, nor of any credible scientific evidence that does not support the Theory of Evolution.

Almost twenty years ago, Dr. Tim Yoho of Lock Haven University wrote a position paper for CPUB on the teaching of "Scientific Creationism", which, with minor updating, is still pertinent today. A copy of that position paper is enclosed. Dr. Yoho explains quite clearly the position of CPUB and many other major scientific associations on the inclusion of non-scientific ideas in a science classroom. It is unfortunate that we are still having to make the same point nearly two decades later. While the wording of the proposed standards is subtle, the intent to include religious doctrine disguised as scientific theory is quite clear and also quite unacceptable to virtually all scientists. On behalf of the approximately 200 members of CPUB, I urge you to remove or change those parts of the proposed standards that are clearly not consistent with good practice in science teaching.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carolyn S. Steglich
President of CPUB

Reply from Dr. Gallagher: A letter from Dr. Gallagher dated January 8, 2001, indicated that the public comment period for the standards has not yet begun. He invites us to submit our comments again at that point.

Student Travel Grants for Scholarly Presentations

Undergraduate and graduate students at the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Universities are invited to apply for funds to be used to help defray expenses associated with travel to a scientific meeting where the student will present results of original biological research. The maximum amount awarded will be $200 per person. The award is intended to be used for conferences that take place between December 15, 2000 and September 15, 2001. Depending upon the number and quality of applications received, request for funds for presentations at meetings that were held during the Fall 2000 semester may also be considered. All application materials should be sent to the address below and must be postmarked no later than December 15, 2000. Successful applicants will be notified by January 15, 2001.

For details on application preparation or further information, contact Tracy Whitford, Dept. of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg PA 18301, phone (570) 595-6467.

CPUB logo contest winner

In the spring of 2000, CPUB sponsored a contest to design a new logo for the organization. Students from the 14 Universities in the State System of Higher Education submitted designs, and the winner was chosen by votes cast by attendees at the annual meeting in March. The winning design, featured at the top of this and all other pages of the CPUB web site, was designed by Autumn Taylor Le Sueur, a Fine Arts major from Slippery Rock University. Autumn's biographical statement and comments are below.

"My name is Autumn Taylor Le Sueur. I am originally from Leechburg, PA, where in 1996 I graduated from Leechburg Area High School. I am currently a senior Fine Arts major at Slippery Rock University. I am in Senior Studio Design this semester; it is my fourth design class here. I am concentrating on doing the majority of my fine art studies in design. After I graduate this December, 2000, I hope to obtain an enjoyable and long career in graphic design. I am currently employed by the SRU Office of Housing, where I design brochures, posters, logos, flyers, newspaper ads, etc. I have also designed announcements for a professor's art exhibition and a student art exhibition. I enjoyed working on the designs for the CPUB logo. I tried to do my very best at finding out how to best represent biology and its various subcategories. I am in a general biology class this semester. I tried to put what I have learned thus far into my designs. I hope that you enjoy!"

As the contest winner, Autumn received a check for $100, a certificate, and an enthusiastic round of applause and thanks from all the CPUB members.

July 5, 2000