JOB OPPORTUNITY - Water Resources Regional Specialized Agents

University of Florida/IFAS Extension seeks to fill two 12-month permanent status-accruing Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent (RSA) positions. These 2 RSAs will work as part of a team of 5 new Water Resource RSAs located across Florida to lead and support water-resource extension education programs. These position will be based at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, FL and the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center in Ft. Pierce, FL.

The full position descriptions are here:
http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/496730/regional-specialized-extension-agent-ii-iii-or-iv-water-resources-northwest-district
http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/496729/regional-specialized-extension-agent-ii-iii-or-iv-water-resources-south-district

SWS 4207/SWS 5208 - Sustainable Ag & Urban Land Management - Web-Based Course - Fall 2016

This course is 100% web-based and open to on-campus Gainesville students and off-campus/REC students.

2016 Grants & Fellowship Conference

The UF Graduate School Division of Graduate Student Affairs invites all graduate students and undergraduates entering graduate school to attend the "2016 Grants & Fellowship Conference" on April 6th in the Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy Building (HPNP), Room 1404.

8:30 a.m. - Sign-In and Coffee

9:00 a.m. - Welcome by Dr. R. Paul Duncan, Senior Associate Dean, the Graduate School

9:10 a.m. - Grants and an Academic Life by Dr. R. Paul Duncan, Senior Associate Dean, the Graduate School

9:45 a.m. - Keynote: Broader Impacts by Dr. David Reed, Curator & Chair, Department of Natural History, Florida Museum of Natural History

10:45 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
* National Science Foundation (NSF) Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant and Graduate Research Fellowships - Dr. Connie Mulligan, Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Anthropology (LOCATED IN HPNP 1404)
* NIH and HHMI - Dr. Tom Rowe, Associate Dean for Graduate Education, College of Medicine (LOCATED IN HPNP G-316)
* Humanities Grants and Fellowships - Dr. Sophia Krzys Acord, Acting Director, Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere (LOCATED IN HPNP G-301A)

11:45 a.m. - Funded Student Panel

If you're just starting out, grant writing and finding fellowships can be a confusing mess of opportunities. Even if you've been at it a while you might not know about all of the opportunities available to you. Don't miss out on this chance to learn about the basics of the process or specific grants for your field.

To register, log into GIMS and follow the steps below. Register early to guarantee yourself a spot!

Registration Instructions

1. Login to GIMS using your GatorLink ID and Password: http://gradschool.ufl.edu/gimsportal/gatorlink/portal.asp
2. Once you login, on the top of the page click on the "Workshops" tab
3. Under "Register" click the box and then "Submit"
4. After you complete this process, you will receive an email confirmation.

If your schedule changes and you are unable to attend the event, repeat the steps above to remove yourself from the list of workshop attendees.

Summer Course - SWS6932 A field guide to modeling soil processes

Course Description: Process-based models are increasingly used to put field and laboratory data into a larger context. The course aims to equip students whose primary research is in the field or laboratory with basic modeling skills. In other words the course provides a gentle introduction into the realm of modeling. We will address how to convert a conceptual model into a series of differential equation. We will then work to implement these equations into a numerical model. We will use a simple web-based tool to analyze the behavior of several interacting components. Next to this system analysis tool, we will utilize the statistics software R to code up, analyze and visualize dynamic soil processes. Students will learn to assess stability, uncertainty, and limitation of models they are designing and/or working with.

Example and exercises will be based on biogeochemical and physical processes in the soil, and focus on carbon and nutrient dynamics and reactive transport of tracers (e.g. gases, contaminants, nutrients) in soils. A major component of this course will be students evaluating their own data in the context of either an existing model they are adapting or a simple new model that they design and code up.

Course pre-requisite: Students are expected to bring a background in soil biological and physical processes, and are ready to familiarize themselves with calculus and linear algebra. Students are required to bring a laptop to class pre-installed with R studio or R, and a working web-browser. R-studio is downloadable from https://www.rstudio.com/.

Take Back the Night Event 4/6

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, UF’s STRIVE (Sexual Trauma and Interpersonal Violence) will present the annual Take Back the Night: A March and Rally to End Sexual Violence as part of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Plaza of Americas, with kickoff remarks and poster-making. Afterwards, participants will march a route on campus, meeting again at Plaza of the Americas for an open microphone rally. Participants are encouraged to bring their own seating.

For more than thirty years, universities have gathered across the globe for Take Back the Night events that support and empower survivors, raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence, and give voice to their desire to end sexual violence so that no one need live in fear, either by day or by night.

Research shows that one in five college females and one in twenty males will be the victim of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault during their college years. At least 80 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim. These statistics only serve to highlight the importance of campuses and communities continuing to come together to raise awareness about this serious issue.

“Join STRIVE as we Take Back the Night to demonstrate our support for sexual violence survivors, share our stories, and create a culture of care. The event will take place on April 6, 2016 at 6pm in the Plaza of Americas. It involves a 1-mile march around campus that ends with an open mic. We will have a keynote speaker, resources for survivors, free t-shirts, food, and amazing performers! Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/966985553378128/”

Summer 2016 Graduate School Doctoral Research Travel Award-Deadline 4/15

Summer 2016 Graduate School Doctoral Research Travel Award are now available. You can find more information at the following website:

http://www.graduateschool.ufl.edu/prospective-students/funding/travel/graduate-school-doctoral-research-travel-award-/

The application deadline is Friday, April 15, 2016. If you have questions concerning these funding opportunities contact the Graduate School at gradawards@aa.ufl.edu<mailto:gradawards@aa.ufl.edu>.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week - March 28 – April 1

Seminar with NIFA Director Dr. Ramaswamy March 30

ALS 5932 Introduction to Applied Statistics for Agric. and Life Sciences-Fall 2016

Summer A 2016 On-Campus Graduate Course: FOR 6934/SWS 6932 - Scientific Writing & Communication In Agriculture & Natural Resources

Fresh off the Farm Event 4/8

You are invited to join Student Government, the Gator Gardening Club, the Culinary Arts Student Union at the Field and Fork Program Student Gardens (by the bat houses on Museum Drive) on April 8th from 4-7pm for the "Fresh off the Farm Local Food Festival!" 

There will be chef cooking demos to highlight local produce, delicious food samples, and local farmers will be there selling produce and promoting their CSA programs. We will also have fun activities and a chance to tour the UF Field and Fork Student Gardens.

Summer 2016 Graduate Dissertation Completion Funding Opportunities

Supplemental Retention Scholarship – is designed for all UF doctoral students who are three or fewer semesters away from graduation, but are no longer eligible to receive a fellowship, assistantship, or other funding from their department or college. The scholarship provides up to 2 credit hours of tuition assistance. Recipients must be US citizens or permanent residents.  Information and applications are available on our website at http://graduateschool.ufl.edu/finances-and-funding/supplemental-retention-scholarships

Application deadline is April 8^th, 2016

Dolores Auzenne Dissertation Award - this award is designed to assist underrepresented minority students in completing their dissertation work. The program provides competitively awarded stipends to Ph.D. candidates in selected majors in the humanities, arts and social sciences who are in the advanced writing stages of their dissertations at UF. Students who are appointed on a state-funded fellowship or assistantship are not eligible. The award provides up to $12,000 and up to 2 credit hours of tuition assistance for the Summer and 3 for the Fall.  Information and applications are available on our website at http://www.graduateschool.ufl.edu/finances-and-funding/delores-auzenne-dissertation-award

Application deadline is April 8^th, 2016

Graduate School Dissertation - a competitively awarded program to provide final stage funding over an approximate 4-6 month period of time for UF Ph.D. candidates in selected majors in the humanities, arts and social sciences. This support will allow recipients the time and resources to focus exclusively on their dissertation through defense, final clearance by the Editorial Office, and graduation. The program is for candidates who have exhausted all other avenues of support.  Information and applications are available on our website at: http://www.graduateschool.ufl.edu/finances-and-funding/dissertation-award

Application deadline is April 8^th, 2015

If you have questions concerning these funding opportunities contact the Graduate School at ogmp@ufl.edu. 

UFIIT Workshops for Grad Students

The UF International Initiative Team (UFIIT) advocates the well-being of international students and helps to maximize their resource access on campus. They have monthly workshop series for both domestic and international students.

March workshop: Don’t be scammed: Protect Yourself from ID Theft and Internet Fraud
Monday, March 14 at 4 pm (UFIC conference room)
http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/uploads/ufiit-2016-scammed-workshop.pdf

April workshop: Home Sweet Home: Things to Expect When You Go Home

Wednesday, April 6 at 4 pm (UFIT conference room)
http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/uploads/ufiit-2016-both-workshops.pdf

Exhibit your creative work at the Harn Museum on April 2nd in MASH

The Harn Museum is hosting the second MASH: Mathematics→Art←Science at the Harn event from noon-3 PM on Saturday, April 2. This year we are scheduling it for mid-day on a Saturday to encourage even greater attendance from the broader community, including families with children.

All are welcome: faculty, staff, students, family, friends, and members of the local community

Food and drink served

The Harn Museum of Art and the UF Science for Life Program are hosting the second MASH: Mathematics→Art←Science at the Harn event. Faculty, staff and students in the sciences and mathematics are invited to participate by exhibiting your art or other creative work, such as photography, drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, or performances of dance, music or even theatre. This creative work or performance can be completely unrelated to your professional work!

Go here to submit an online application to exhibit or perform your art or creative work: http://sfl.aa.ufl.edu/index.php?link=mash. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 25.

The Clean Tech Competition needs volunteer judges like you!

The 2016 Clean Tech Competition is looking for volunteers to grade first round submissions from student teams. The Clean Tech Competition is a worldwide, research and design challenge for students ages 15-18. The competition is annual, always focusing on clean technology, and the challenge theme changes each year. The 2016 theme is “Making an Impact”.

In order to facilitate the competition, we are in need of scientists and engineers willing to dedicate their time to reading and scoring students papers. In their (5-15 page) papers, students will identify a problem with plastics, or the need for cheap, clean energy related problem anywhere in the world, explain the impacts, analyze the causes, and design a clean technology solution to “Make an Impact”. Student participants will use their knowledge of science, technology and engineering to develop their solutions.

We are also looking for judges (PhD or higher) who would want to come onboard the Adonia as we cruise from Miami, Florida to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; onboard will be the Final for the Clean Tech Competition as well as other exciting opportunities. More information about the first ever STEM Cruise can be found here.

More information about the competition can be found at www.CleanTechCompetition.org. Information on judging is as follows:

· Online Process – This judging occurs entirely online. Submissions will be emailed to the judges, and scores will be submitted through an online rubric.
· Timeline – Judges will receive their assigned papers by March 25, 2016, and scoring forms will be due by April 1, 2016.
· Responsibility – Each judge should expect to receive 5 - 10 papers, though this will depend on the number of participating teams/judges.
· Qualifications – Judges must have a BS or BA in a field of science, technology, engineering, math, or agriculture or have at least two years of industry/research experience in the field. Judges cannot have any children or relatives competing in the competition.

We would greatly appreciate your support of this unique program for students. Anyone interested in volunteering as a first round judge for the Clean Tech Competition should fill out our online Judge Registration Form by March 18, 2016.

Please feel free to pass this information on to those you think may be interested. You may contact competition administrator Frank DiGiovanni at cleantech@cstl.org with any questions.

Grant Opportunity from the UF Bob Graham Center

The Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida and the UF Division of Student Affairs invite UF students to propose projects that will enrich our campus and Florida’s communities. Healthy civic campuses and communities are characterized by involved citizens, responsible leadership, and actions and initiatives that assist fellow citizens and students. They promote high levels of trust, connection, confidence, and engagement, and their members volunteer, stay informed, and express themselves in a civil manner.

Selected proposals will be creative and innovative and will aim to strengthen the University of Florida campus, our Florida communities, or both. Projects can take many different forms, with a focus on social, economic, educational, health, and political issues, or on some combination thereof. They can also examine a community in Florida or some aspect of student life on the UF campus, or both, but they must be collaborative, groundbreaking, and promote achievable objectives. 

Applications are open to all interested undergraduate and graduate students on campus. Grants of up to $5000 will be awarded to selected proposals. The deadline for entries is March 18. 

For more information, please visit http://www.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/students/healthy-civic-campus-community or email Kevin Baron at kbaron76@ufl.edu.

UF AWRA Chapter Meeting 3/15; Upcoming Events

UF AWRA Meeting: 3/15 (Tuesday)
Our speaker will be Thomas Hawkins, JD, the Executive Director of the Florida Defenders of the Environment. His presentation is entitled "Florida Defenders of the Environment's work to protect Florida's water resources". The name says it all. Check out their website (linked below) for additional details.

In addition, we will be having our officer elections for next year. Contact Natalie if you are interested in padding your CV! Available positions include Treasurer, Secretary (BIG shoes to fill there), and BEC Representative.

P.S. Note that we are back to our usual room, Rogers Hall 122.
http://fladefenders.org/

State AWRA Meeting: 3/18 (Friday)
Florida AWRA's March technical meeting is taking place in Steinhatchee this year. I expect that we will have a sizable UF contingent there, so...join us! The State Chapter will help with travel costs (as always) so you have no excuse. Contact Natalie or me if you have questions. Event and registration info can be found here: http://www.awraflorida.org/event-2102593

Clean Creek Revival: 3/19 (Saturday)
Current Problems is once again having their CCR in conjunction with First Magnitude. We will clean up a local waterway in the morning and then head to FM for free stuff, food, music, etc. It's always a good time. Please let me know if you are interested in helping out or if you have questions.

Give Springs A Break: 4/1-3 (Friday-Sunday)
This is a great opportunity to get to know Florida's springs and your fellow spring lovers! The HTO Florida Springs Institute offers flexible registration options (e.g. weekend only, Saturday only) and they "have two scholarships currently available and Saturday afternoon there will be a free guided canoe trip down the Santa Fe with Lars Anderson for all participants.

Recruitment for a Water Resources Modeler - Closes March 21, 2016

The Portland Water Bureau is looking for a talented and experienced Water Resources Modeler to join its Resource Protection and Planning Group. The successful candidate will become the group’s subject matter expert on a variety of complex environmental models used for water supply protection, water supply operation, and climate impact analysis. Candidates for this position need demonstrated ability to operate and calibrate complex computer models, excellent data analysis and interpretation skills, and a sophisticated understanding of surface water and groundwater hydrology in the Pacific Northwest. Candidates must also have very strong communication and project management skills, including an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The model tools used will change over time, so candidates will also need to be quick learners and adaptable to new challenges. 

The modeler will operate and maintain a variety of complex environmental computer models, including a watershed hydrology model, a groundwater flow model, and a water quality model. Work tasks will include model calibration, creation of task-specific data sets for model input, scripting and coding for model runs, data analysis and data display, and preparing technical memoranda and presentations to summarize and interpret model results.

Salary range for this classification: $67,309 - $85,946 (annual) and excellent benefits with the City of Portland

To apply for this position, please look on http://agency.governmentjobs.com/portlandor/default.cfm for the listing titled “Environmental Specialist.” To be considered, you must respond to all four (4) of the minimum qualifications for the Environmental Specialist classification, and to both (2) job-specific supplemental questions for the Water Resources Modeler position (see Supplemental Questions tab). Application deadline: Monday, March 21, 2016. 

Job Opportunity-USDA-ARS Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit

The USDA-ARS Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit in Stillwater, OK has a vacancy that we are trying to fill. The position is for a Research Civil Eng (Vacancy # ARS-D16W-0172). It has been posted on the USAJobs website and will close on 3/18. The link is: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/431779300/ . If you have any questions, please let me know.

Sherry L. Hunt, PhD., Research Leader
USDA-ARS, PA, Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit
Phone: 405-624-4135 ext. 222
Email: Sherry.Hunt@ars.usda.gov<mailto:Sherry.Hunt@ars.usda.gov>
www.ars.usda.gov/spa/stillwater/heru<http://www.ars.usda.gov/spa/stillwater/heru>

CRC Events for Graduate Students

The Career Resource Center has some new and exciting workshops for graduate students for the rest of the semester! Check out the workshops below, or schedule an individual appointment on Gator Career Link where we can create a customized action plan just for you.

International Student Series: Transitioning to an Employment Based Visa, Featuring Immigration Attorney, Aaron Blumberg: March 8, 4-6pm, CRC Library

Learn about different ways to obtain an employment based visa post-graduation in this informational workshop. Aaron Blumberg, an Immigration Attorney with Fragomen Associates, will be delivering a presentation and answering your questions related to H1B Visas and other ways to legally remain in the US.

Negotiating in Academia: March 9, 4:05-4:55, CRC Classroom

Negotiating is an expected part of the job search process in academia, and we’re here to help you know what can be negotiated, how to ask, and some best practices. This workshop will also feature Dr. David Mazyck from Environmental Engineering, as he shares some of his own tips for successful academic negotiations.

Finding Your Career Outside the Ivory Tower: March 15, 4:05-4:55pm, CRC Classroom

Not sure if academia is the right path for you? Attend this interactive workshop to learn about alternative academic pathways and explore how to apply your skills and strengths in a nonacademic arena.

Making Plans for Summer and Beyond: April 6, 4:05-4:55, CRC Classroom

If you’re not sure how to use your summer effectively, attend this workshop to learn about ways to gain experience in your industry, build upon a skills set, or further explore a career path.

Events will take place in the Career Resource Center, located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union. For full details of all events and to RSVP, explore the “Events” tab in Gator Career Link at crc.ufl.edu.

Questions? Contact Melissa Lyon at melissaly@crc.ufl.edu.

Grad Appreciation Week 3/28-4/1-Events

The University of Florida Graduate School will be hosting our first annual Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) from March 28 - April 1, 2016.

In 2011, former Governor Charlie Crist signed the proclamation observing March 30 - April 3 as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week in the State of Florida (proclamation).

GSAW is a time that the University of Florida acknowledges and celebrates the diversity and overall contributions of our graduate and professional students on campus and in the community. Furthermore, GSAW is a national initiative endorsed by the National Association of Graduate and Professional students, an organization which seeks to shed light on these contributions. The graduate students who participate in GSAW will have an opportunity to showcase their research, meet fellow students, and enjoy free food, music, prizes, and good company. We hope that this weeklong event will provide graduate students with the momentum they may need to complete the semester and move forward with pursing their degrees on a high, knowing that the University of Florida supports them every step of the way.

Look for “I Love Graduate Students” buttons across UF campus during GSAW 2016.

For more information, please contact the Division of Graduate Student Affairs at ogmp@ufl.edu or at 352-392-6444.