The education committee conducted a number of sessions at the 2008 SIVB Meeting. One of these sessions was a workshop on Non-technical Skills for the Working Scientist, convened by Jerry Ranch and Nancy Engelman. This workshop was designed to educate students and their advisors about the non-technical skills they need to be marketable to industry, academia, and government. Another workshop workshop was convened by Nancy Engelman on CV/resume Writing and Interviewing skills in which SIVB members worked with students on a one-on-one basis to help hone those skills needed to successfully interview and to answer questions about the interview process. The education committee would like to acknowledge the hard work of Nancy Engelman in organizing the aforementioned workshops. A student luncheon was also held to allow discussion of the activities conducted at the 2008 World Congress and to plan for the 2009 World Congress.
The education committee will support efforts by the student officers to conduct two workshops at the 2009 World Congress. These will include sessions entitled “How to Get the Most Out of Scientific Conferences” and “Build Your Written/Oral Skills, Advertise Yourself and Find That Perfect Job”. The education committee would like to commend Philip Krauth on the work he has done as the President of the Student Association on envisioning and organizing these workshops. A student luncheon will also be supported at which David Ellis will speak on the career path of a government scientist.
Submitted by Todd Murphy, Education Committee Chairman
Future Scientists Being Groomed
Many of our members work with younger students to give them hands-on experiences and to help bring “new blood” into our industry. We would appreciate you sending us your news about these future scientists.
Rahul Joshee, a sophomore at Houston County High School in Warner Robbins, Georgia and son of Dr. Nirmal Joshee, has been gaining much hands-on laboratory experience and he has been recognized for his endeavors. Rahul came in First at regional and second at the Houston Regional Science and Engineering Fair competition for his project: What plant processing condition is a viable alternative to liquid Nitrogen. He also received a certificate of merit from the Fort Valley State University CEnter for Biotechnology – National Science Foundation Grant for his project.
In addition, Rahul was nominated for, and will be participating in the Governor’s Honors Program. This is a six-week summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year. Activities are designed to provide each participant with opportunities to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to become independent, life-long learners. The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is fully-funded by the Georgia General Assembly, and operates at no cost to the participant. See: http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/blogs/ghpblog.nsf/d6plinks/CBYE-6G6LJG
Submitted by Carol Stiff and Nirmal Joshee
