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SGS to present the Distinguished Creative Exhibition today

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It’s Reading and Review Day at the University of North Dakota, which means it is also the day that the School of Graduate Studies recognizes the outstanding research and scholarship of graduates in the categories of Dissertation, Thesis and Creative Exhibition.

Our 2013 Distinguished Creative Exhibition Award will be presented to Patrick Awotwe, MFA today at 10am in the East Asia Room of the Chester Fritz Library. A Ghanaian native, Patrick’s exhibition, Adinkra the Messenger, reflected aspects of his own cultural heritage through the use of metals and fibers in Jewelry design. He used Ghanaian traditional symbols to convey social, political, religious and historical issues that have impacted his country.

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Read our Grad Story with Patrick here, and read more about the awards here.

Others recognized today, though unable to be present, are Eric Netterlund (Master of Arts in Communication) and John Degenstein (MS Chemical Engineering). Both are now pursuing PhD programs at University of Colorado and Purdue University respectively. Advisors Dr Timothy Pasch and Dr Yun Ji will accept the awards on their behalf.

All are welcome and a reception will follow.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

May 3, 2013 at 7:37 am

First Grand Forks Science Café to be held Thursday, May 2 at 8 p.m.

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The inaugural Grand Forks Science Café will be held at the Wild Hog Smokehouse Bar and Grill at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2.  This inaugural science café, titled “How will sequestration affect the sciences?”, will give local scientists an opportunity to gather and discuss the ramifications of sequestration’s impacts on the scientific agencies within our government.

Science Cafés are evening gatherings of local scientists.  Invited moderators present a 15 minute talk on a current issue and then the floor is open for all to discuss the issue.  All science fields are welcome to attend and students at all stages of their education should attend as well.  The Grand Forks Science Café was founded by UND graduate students Nick Cilz and Annie Wargetz.

For more information on the Grand Forks Science Cafés, please visit our blog or email us at GFSciCafe(at)gmail.com.  Follow us on Twitter by following @GFSciCafe and ‘Like’ us on Facebook by searching for “Grand Forks Science Café”.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

April 29, 2013 at 7:23 am

UND Sustainable Community Research Event in Warren, MN

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University of North Dakota faculty and students are invited to exhibit their sustainability research and projects at the annual Community Connect Forum. The forum is coordinated by the University of North Dakota Center for Community Engagement and hosted this year by Warren, Minn. on Saturday, April 27. Community members, faculty, and students from around the region will gather for this year’s theme of “Sustainable Communities”.

Registration for the forum is free, and can be found at http://communityengagement.und.edu. The website also includes a schedule for the day of the forum and a link for exhibiting your research or organization.

The forum will focus on civic, economic, and environmental sustainability, addressing topics such as smart government, new business ownership models, and changes in agriculture and energy. As hosts of the forum, Warren will have the opportunity to showcase its own town story and their efforts toward creating more sustainable practices in their community such as becoming a GreenStep City. Warren will also highlight their unique assets with their downtown businesses and nearby Audubon wildlife preserve. Participants will have the opportunity to network and view exhibits of different regional projects, agencies, and resources.

The forum will be held in the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School. There will be free transportation available for UND participants on the day of the forum to travel to Warren; the bus will leave Memorial Union at 8 AM. Warren is about 30 miles northeast of Grand Forks.

Some links below  provide more information and a chance to register for the event. Also, if any students want to exhibit and research or projects at the forum, there is also opportunity to do so.

Video  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnMa1zMS__E

Newsletter  - http://und.edu/centers/community-engagement/newsroom/2013-newsletter.pdf

Registration - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1K3F0FMq_SJyf6zzjFDoiw2AkR8zRCADrEXQ9vR-Wu0U/viewform

Written by School of Graduate Studies

April 26, 2013 at 8:57 am

Posted in Events

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Grad Student Association April Bowling Social – Saturday, April 27

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Are You a Grad Student? Are You Interested in Meeting New People?

You are invited by Graduate Student Association (GSA) to our April Social Event!

  • When: Saturday, April 27
  • Where: Liberty Lanes Lounge (1500 5th Ave NE, East Grand Forks)
  • Time: 6pm

Join us and bring a Friend (or several!)

Written by School of Graduate Studies

April 25, 2013 at 7:50 am

Posted in Events, social

Dr Debra R. Rolison to give 2013 Abbott Chemistry Lecture

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The University of North Dakota’s Department of Chemistry is hosting its annual Abbott Chemistry Lecture this week. Dr. Debra Rolison of the US Naval Research Laboratory is giving a public presentation on Thursday evening, followed by a lunch time presentation on Friday in the department. Details follow for the Thursday lecture and you can find more details on the department’s website.

 

Creating Change in Scientific Institutions through Subversion, Revolution (Title IX!), and Climate Change

The slow crawl at which research-intensive universities diversify their faculty is a national disgrace in that they actively recruit for students that reflect the face of America. Similar difficulties are apparent among the scientific staff of national/federal laboratories. But how can one person change the world of science? Subvert the standard operating procedure. Create a microclimate that shows―over time―how new patterns of operation and inclusiveness yield productive, innovative science. Use the scientific capital and street credentials accrued over time, thanks to the humane microclimate and research productivity of one’s team, to challenge the status quo with reasoned and bold arguments for change. Remember the importance of uppity behavior and applying “tipping point” mechanisms to move beyond initial reactions of dismissal to―over time―accepted inevitability (such as greeted my audacious suggestion in March 2000 to withhold federal funds from non-diversified chemistry departments through application of Title IX). Ask the leaders of our S&T institutions the following: how good can American science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (STEM) be when we are missing more than two-thirds of the talent? Learn to demand that our world of science be one that truly relishes the talent innate to all of humanity for science and discovery.

Dr. Rolison heads the Advanced Electrochemical Materials section at the NRL, where her research focuses on multifunctional nanoarchitectures for such rate‑critical applications as catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and sensors. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at the University of Utah (2000–present). She was a Faculty Scholar at Florida Atlantic University (1972–1975) and received a Ph.D. in Chemistry (UNC–CH, 1980).

Dr. Rolison is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Women in Science, the Materials Research Society (Inaugural Class), and the American Chemical Society and received the 2011 ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials, the 2011 Hillebrand Prize of the Chemical Society of Washington, and the 2012 C.N. Reilley Award of the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry. Her editorial advisory board service includes Analytical Chemistry, Langmuir, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Advanced Energy Materials, Nano Letters, the Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Annual Review in Analytical Chemistry.

When not otherwise bringing the importance of nothing and disorder to materials chemistry, Rolison writes and lectures widely on issues affecting women (and men!) in science, including proposing Title IX assessments of science and engineering departments. She is the author of over 200 articles and holds 24 patents.

Dr Rolison’s talk is Thursday, April 25th at 7pm in Abbott Hall 101. All are welcome and a reception will follow. 

Written by School of Graduate Studies

April 24, 2013 at 8:29 am

Four University of North Dakota graduate students recognized for distinguished contributions.

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UND’s School of Graduate Studies will recognize four graduates for their research and scholarship at the annual Distinguished Dissertation, Thesis and Creative Exhibition Awards on Friday, May 3 at the Chester Fritz Library.

The culmination of a graduate degree results in a dissertation, thesis or creative project and is the student’s opportunity to synthesize the body of knowledge with which they have worked closely for several years. It may also, in the case of a dissertation, demonstrate the contribution of new knowledge to the field of study.

The School of Graduate Studies recognizes the outstanding work for students who graduated the previous academic year. Academic departments nominate their best graduates, and a committee of emeritus faculty reviews the nominations for award selection.

Ghanaian native, Patrick Awotwe, receives this year’s Creative Exhibition Award. Awotwe’s Master of Fine Arts exhibition, Adinkra the Messenger, reflected aspects of his own cultural heritage through the use of metals and fibers in Jewelry design. He used Ghanaian traditional symbols to convey social, political, religious and historical issues that have impacted his country.

The first of two Distinguished Thesis Awards is presented to John C. Degenstein who earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering for his thesis, Lewis Acid Co-Catalyzed Dilute Sulfuric Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass.

Also receiving a Distinguished Thesis Award is Eric Netterlund who explored the fast changing world of social networking platforms and how fan culture can drive fundraising for non-profit organizations and political campaigns. Eric graduated with a Master of Arts in Communication.

The Distinguished Dissertation Award will be presented to Dr Blake McCann in a separate award ceremony when he visits UND in the Fall. Dr McCann received his PhD in Biology for his work on the genetic relationships of wild pigs in the United States.

The 2013 Distinguished Dissertation, Thesis and Creative Awards will be held in the East Asia Room of the Chester Fritz Library at 10am on 3 May. All are welcome to attend.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

April 23, 2013 at 10:57 am

Showcasing our Graduate Research and Scholarship March 5 & 6

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Please join us on Tuesday March 5 and Wednesday March 6 for the 12th annual Scholarly Forum. Graduate Students and Faculty will showcase their research and creative scholarship at UND’s only campus-wide conference.

Please come and support your peers and colleagues, and learn about the outstanding research on our campus!

You can view all of the abstracts for each session here.

Here are some of the highlights for this year’s event:

Tuesday, March 5

Dr Mark AskelsonDean’s Lecture presentation
Dr Mark Askelson, Atmospheric Sciences at noon in the Lecture Bowl. Click here to read his abstract for Unmanned Aircraft: From Potential to Reality and here to read our interview.

If you are unable to join us in the Lecture Bowl, you can view Dr Askelson’s presentation live here.

Tuesday Sessions include Small Spacecraft interdisciplinary project OpenOrbiter, Criminal Justice, Earth, Space and Flight, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and panel sessions for Teaching and Learning, English and Communication and Public Discourse among others. See the full session list for Tuesday.

 

 Wednesday March 6

Dr Timothy PaschDean’s Lecture presentation
Dr Timothy Pasch, Communication Program at noon in the Lecture Bowl. Click here to read his abstract for The Evolution of the Scholarly Journal: Digital Convergence and Broader Impacts or click here to read our interview.

If you are unable to join us in the Lecture Bowl, you can view Dr Pasch’s presentation live here.

Wednesday Sessions include Biology, Phi Alpha Theta/History, Social Work, Mechanical and Civil Engineering as well as a panel session hosted by the Graduate Student Association. See the full session list for Wednesday.

Wednesday 2pm – 4pmPoster Session in the Ballroom will showcase more than 100 research posters

Click here to see photos from past events.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

March 4, 2013 at 1:09 pm

Student-run Space program featured at #ScholarlyForum13

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One of the wonderful outcomes of campus-wide conferences is discovering some of the great research projects being conducted by our students and faculty. It’s even more impressive when you discover that some projects are happening between departments, and even between colleges, involving graduate and undergraduate students and faculty.

Next Tuesday, we have the opportunity to learn about one such project. OpenOrbiter is a student-conceived and student-run research project looking to launch North Dakota’s first spacecraft in low-earth-orbit and involves participants from Computer Science, Space Studies, Electrical Engineering and the College of Business & Public Administration. Below are just a few of the presentations you can expect to hear:

  • OpenOrbiter: A Student-Run Space Program, Anders Nervold, Jeremy Straub, Josh Berk, (Faculty Sponsors, Multiple) Department of Business Administration, Department of Computer Science, Department of Space Studies
  • The Development of Payload Software for a Small Spacecraft, Kyle Goehner, Christoffer Korvald, Jeremy Straub (Faculty Sponsor, Dr Ronald Marsh) Department of Computer Science
  • A Power Generation System for the OpenOrbiter CubeSat-Class Spacecraft, Zachary Bryant, Matt Olson, Corey Bergrsud, Joshua Berk, Jeremy Straub (Faculty Sponsors, Multiple) Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Space Studies, Department of Computer Science
  • Managing Communications, Outreach and Policy for OpenOrbiter, Anders Kose Nervold, Josh Berk, Jeremy Straub, Marian Courtney (Faculty Sponsor, Sheryl Broedel) Department of Business Administration, Department of Space Studies, Department of Computer Science, Department of Aerospace Sciences

The session involves 20 papers, and begins bright and early on Tuesday in the River Valley Room and continues through the day. You can view the booklet and read the abstracts for all sessions here. 

See the complete schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday on the School of Graduate Studies website. The 12th annual Scholarly Forum is March 5 & 6 in the Memorial Union on the University of North Dakota campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

February 28, 2013 at 8:34 am

#ScholarlyForum13, March 5 & 6 on the UND campus

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The 2013 Scholarly Forum will be held in the Memorial Union next week, and is set to be one of the busiest yet. I thought I would share some facts and figures about this year’s event.

  • 12th annual conference showcasing graduate student and faculty research at UND
  • 2 Dean’s Lecture Series presentations, Dr Mark Askelson and Dr Timothy Pasch
  • 27 sessions
  • 106 oral presentations and panels
  • 105 posters
  • Participants and contributors from every college and school at the University of North Dakota

For details on sessions for each day, and to learn more about the 2013 Scholarly Forum visit http://graduateschool.und.edu/learn-more/scholarly-forum.cfm

For the first time, we will be live streaming the Dean’s Lectures. If you are not able to join us at the Lecture Bowl, you can log in here to view Dr Askelson’s talk, and log in here to view Dr Pasch’s talk.

 

Graduate School scholarly forum

Written by School of Graduate Studies

February 26, 2013 at 7:58 am

Grad Student Association to host panel at Scholarly Forum.

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Graduate Student Association will host a panel on “Success Tips in Graduate School.” The panelists will represent a diversity of departments as well as Masters and PhD programs at the University of North Dakota.

The following questions will be discussed:

  • How can you make the most of the graduate courses during your program?
  • What are the best practices in writing a thesis or dissertation?
  • What are the ways to balance personal and professional life?

Bring your questions and best practices to share with other graduate during the Q & A questions and learn more about our organization and what it can do for you as a graduate student.

The panel is scheduled for Wednesday March 6th at 10.10am in the River Valley Room. All are welcome.

Written by School of Graduate Studies

February 25, 2013 at 1:15 pm

Posted in around campus, Events

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