National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Application
Saturday, April 18, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Price: $50 USD (includes lunch)
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Maximum capacity: 30 people
Description: The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A goal of the program is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. To do so, the fellowship provides three years of financial support, inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000 to scholars pursuing graduate research at the MS or PhD level. Several graduate students from the lab of Dr. Mary Gardiner at The Ohio State University have been awarded this fellowship over the last 15 years. Our full-day workshop will provide a proven framework for applicants to write their research and personal statements that are tailored to this opportunity. A morning session will focus on the research statement. We will work to develop a strong justification for your research that is addressed by a compelling goal, clear objectives, and hypotheses. In the afternoon, we will outline the personal statement. We will explore your approach to science, what drives you to do this work, and how your background has prepared you to take on the challenge of graduate research. Lunch is included with the cost of the workshop. Participants will need a laptop.
Workshop participants can find out more about the GRFP program and ensure they are eligible to apply at https://www.nsfgrfp.org.
Facilitators: Mary Gardiner, Lucy Guarnieri, and Michelle Pham, The Ohio State University
Dr. Mary M. Gardiner received her Ph.D. in Entomology from Michigan State University in 2008. She is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University and Co-Director of the Environmental Science Graduate Program. Her research program focuses on the ecology and conservation value of urban greenspace. Mary is also a State Specialist in Extension who’s programming focuses on managing urban habitats to support insect conservation. Mary currently advises five Ph.D. students. She teaches graduate courses in presentation skills and grant writing.
Science Communication Workshop with The Bug Chicks
Monday, April 20, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Price: $10 USD
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Maximum capacity: 50 people
Description: Come learn and participate in a workshop with our keynote speakers, The Bug Chicks. Kristie and Jess will share tools for effective science communication. This workshop will focus on how to use certain techniques for success in outreach, no matter the age of the audience or the location of the event.
Faciliators:
Kristie Reddick, M.S. is an entomologist, award-winning university lecturer and educational media specialist. Her research focuses on the biology, biodiversity, and distribution of solifuge arachnids in Kenya. She described the first male of the genus Tarabulida. After she received her Masters degree from Texas A&M University she lectured a course called Insects and Human Society, that explored how insects have shaped human history and culture. She wants to train teachers in refugee camps to use insects as educational resources.
Jessica Honaker, M.S. is an entomologist and science illustrator whose research focuses on integrated pest management and the effect of honeydew production by blackmargined aphids in pecan agro-ecosystems. She received her Master’s degree from Texas A&M University and her research on pecan aphids is helping to establish new pest control parameters for farmers in eastern Texas. She plans to continue her work in an effort to reduce reliance on pesticides in developing countries.