Colleagues and Chemistry Students,

 

We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024-2025 Awards for Excellence in Graduate Research in Chemistry and related fields. These awards were previously called the Continuing Graduate Student Awards.

 

These prestigious awards are for third-year students and older who plan to continue their PhD studies beyond December 2024. Note that our 1st and 2nd Year Graduate Awards in the Spring are available to recognize excellence in students earlier in their graduate careers.

 

Eligible students should apply using the attached application cover page. Complete applications will consist of the cover page, a 2-page statement of research accomplishments with figures and literature references included in the 2-page limit, and an updated CV. For students who received a Continuing Graduate Student Award in a previous year, their statement and list of papers should reflect the work they have done since receiving the prior award.

 

Students applying for an Award for Excellence in Graduate Research should also identify two faculty members other than their preceptor(s) who could be asked to give a verbal recommendation on their behalf.

 

Completed packets should be e-mailed to Ana Wakeman (Cc'd) in the Chemistry Graduate Office.

The application deadline is Friday, November 1st, 2024.

 

Best wishes to you all.

John

 

Shannon Chappell

Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Chemistry

The Pennsylvania State University

The UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry seeks outstanding candidates for the Paul D. Boyer / Donald J. Cram / Willard F. Libby Teacher-Scholar program (Assistant Adjunct Professor position).  This program provides both teaching and research opportunities for recent Ph.D. graduates (Ph.D. earned 2022-2025).

 

We will begin reviewing applications on November 1, 2024.  We would greatly appreciate it if you could share the flyer below with your department/division and research group alumni members.

 

Application link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09810

 

Hello and Happy Thursday!!  My name is Kristen Carr and I am the Associate Director for student organizations in the office of Student Leadership & Involvement.  I wanted to reach out today to let you know about an incredible opportunity to earn a scholarship! 

 

Student Leader Scholarships provide financial assistance to students who have contributed to the activity and impact their student organization has made on the Penn State University Park campus through their leadership. Any member of a recognized or affiliate student organization who contributes to the organization through either a leadership role or by active membership is eligible to apply for a student leader scholarship. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that first-year students are not eligible to apply for this scholarship and decisions are based on students’ contributions and financial need 

 

The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each shall be determined by the Student Leader Scholarship Selection Committee in coordination with the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement based on available funds. Decisions will be made by the end of the fall semester. 

 

Deadline for the Application and Letter of Recommendation is November 3^rd, at 11:59pm 

 

Applications consist of your information, your leadership experiences and impact within your organization, financial need, a letter of support from your org advisor or another faculty/staff member familiar with your organization work. 

The Letter of Recommendation can either be submitted directly through the application or separately through the OrgCentral Forms linked below.

• Application Link 

• Letter of Recommendation Link  

We look forward to reading your materials! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!  This scholarship is for any member that holds a role (not just the executive board!) 

 

Kristen Carr
Associate Director of Student Organizations

Student Leadership & Involvement

The Pennsylvania State University | Penn State

 Register Now for the 2025 Winter School on High Resolution Electron Microscopy 

 

Arizona State University 
Monday, January 6 - Friday, January 10, 2025

 

 
 
The purpose of Winter School is to introduce the theory and practice of high resolution electron microscopy to scientists currently using transmission electron microscopes for materials science studies. People taking the course should have some familiarity with basic crystallography, diffraction contrast and routine microscope operation.

The Winter School course features extended practical sessions using a variety of FEI, JEOL and Nion transmission electron microscopes, where specific operating techniques will be taught. 

There will be sessions on image processing and simulations using advanced digital image processing programs. Lectures and laboratory demonstrations will be given by ASU faculty and EMC/CHREM staff, as well as invited experts.
 
 
 
 
 RSVP at the registration site.

 

 Visit the Winter School webpage for more information

Dear Colleagues,

 

The UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Teaching. The Professor of Teaching series emphasizes excellence and innovation in teaching and other instruction-related activities. We seek candidates who can teach effectively using evidence-based approaches, engage in service activities benefiting the teaching mission of the department and university, and pursue research in the scholarship of teaching and learning in chemistry and/or biochemistry.  The successful candidate will be expected to seek external funding for research and other activities that enhance instruction, thereby helping to produce the leaders needed both statewide and nationally to work in the rapidly evolving STEM fields. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed sources.

 

We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, and/or community service has prepared them to contribute to our highest
standards of scholarship and professional activities, and to the development of a campus climate that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application reviews will start on December 2, 2024.

 

Apply here: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09898

 

Please share this email and the attached flyer with members of your department, alumni, and others who may be interested.

 

Thank you,

 

Al Courey

Search Committee Chair

UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Hope you're doing well! I wanted to pass along a postdoc opportunity in catalysis at RenewCO2 that might interest your graduate students and postdocs (as well as others from PSU or your network in general).

Position Details

We're looking for a talented postdoc with a strong background in inorganic chemistry and catalyst synthesis to join RenewCO2. The ideal candidate will:

• Have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science (awarded within the last 7 years)
• Be an American citizen (required for NSF Fellowship eligibility)
• Be willing to relocate to Somerset, NJ
• Apply by November 10th, 2024 at https://www.renewco2.com/careers

About RenewCO2

RenewCO2 is developing innovative technologies to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. Our team is passionate about technical excellence and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on climate.

Appointment and Benefits

This one-year postdoc appointment offers a competitive salary, benefits, and the potential for conversion to full-time employment.

Would you mind sharing this opportunity with your network? We'd love to connect with talented researchers interested in catalysis. We also have open applications for summer internships for next year for undergraduate and graduate students, and an engineering position open for electrochemistry.

Thanks!

Best Regards,
Karin Calvinho

Karin Calvinho, PhD
RenewCO₂ CTO
www.renewco2.com

World Digital Preservation Day (WDPD), held annually on the first Thursday of November, celebrates best practices in archiving and storing digitized and born-digital content. Penn State University Libraries is hosting two virtual WDPD events on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The events are listed in Eastern Time. Participants are encouraged to register online.

Webinar: “File Fixity in the Cloud: Policy, Business and Technical Considerations”

10–11 a.m., Nov. 7; virtual (Zoom); register online

Kyle Rimkus, librarian for Digital Programs and Partnerships and associate professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will present “File Fixity in the Cloud: Policy, Business and Technical Considerations.” He will discuss the challenges of ensuring file integrity in cloud storage, including the costs of continuous fixity checking and the implications for digital preservation practices. The session also will highlight a practical solution implemented by one institution for managing file integrity after transitioning to cloud storage.

Open Session: Fail Tales

2–3 p.m., Nov. 7; virtual (Zoom); register online

This engagement session celebrates the theme of this year’s WDPD: “Our Digital Content: Celebrating Communities.” This is a unique opportunity for participants to share stories of missteps in their digital preservation journeys — both personal and professional — and explore valuable lessons from these experiences. With a sprinkle of trivia to keep the energy high, hosts will aim to foster a sense of community as attendees collectively reflect on how their challenges have shaped them. This session will not be recorded, ensuring a safe space for open and honest sharing. Attendees are encouraged to come ready to connect, share and celebrate the growth that comes from mistakes.

GEM Fellowship Program

GEM offers master's- and doctoral-level students an outstanding opportunity and access to dozens of the top engineering and science firms and universities in the nation. The GEM Fellowship was designed to focus on promoting opportunities for individuals to enter industry at the graduate level in areas such as research and development, product development, and other high-level technical careers. GEM also offers exposure to a number of opportunities in academia. Applications are due Friday, November 8, 2024.

Learn More About the GEM Fellowship Program

The Institute of Energy and the Environment at Penn State has announced a call for nominations for its research award program. There are three awards available: Translational Research Award, Advancement of Knowledge Award and Research Guidance Award. Each award-winning individual or team will receive $5,000 in discretionary funds for research. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 8. 

Nominations for the three awards may be self-made or made by others. Tenure-line and/or non-tenure-line faculty at any Penn State campus are eligible to be nominated. Eligible nominators are restricted to current Penn State researchers. Details on nomination packet requirements are available on the IEE website.  

“The Institute of Energy and the Environment’s mission is to encourage and support research that enhances our understanding of energy and environmental challenges and potential solutions,” said Bruce Logan, director of IEE. "These awards recognize outstanding research as they push the boundaries of their fields and address the pressing issues of our time."

In its second year, the IEE Research Awards are intended to recognize Penn State researchers who have made an impact in interdisciplinary science related to one or more of the IEE research themes: Climate and Natural Systems, Health and the Environment, Integrated Energy Systems, Equitable Communities and the Built Environment, and Water Sustainability.

CSRAI is excited to announce a new contest this fall: Diagnose-a-thon! 

 

Scheduled for Nov 11-17, it is open to all Penn Staters. You can participate in it by prompting Generative AI tools like ChatGPT to provide medical advice. If you are able to demonstrate that AI can produce either extraordinarily accurate diagnosis or extremely misleading or harmful medical opinion, you can win prize money of up to $1000.

 

Starting Nov. 11 until Nov. 17, you can submit any number of entries across multiple categories of submission. We have three different submission tracks (patient, doctor, out of the box) and 9 prizes in all to award. More details can be on this site: https://csrai.psu.edu/initiatives/diagnose-a-thon

Humanities Research Centers on Artificial Intelligence
This program aims to support a more holistic understanding of artificial intelligence in the modern world through the creation of new humanities research centers. Centers must focus their scholarly activities on exploring the ethical, legal, or societal implications of AI.  
Limited Submission. Deadline: December 11.
Learn more and apply

I am reaching out to request your assistance in sharing this advertisement for potential doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty at your institution who may be interested in joining my laboratory.

My lab offers an exceptional mentoring environment, with a strong track record of supporting members as they advance into academic and industry careers. We are well-funded, consistently publish in high-impact journals spanning clinical, translational, and basic sciences, and employ a multidisciplinary approach in our research.

Please find attached a flyer with details on how to apply for available positions.

Thank you for your help in forwarding or posting this information to individuals who may be interested.

Best,

 

Stanley Hazen, MD., PhD

Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D 

                                                        Chair, Department of Cardiovascular

                                                        & Metabolic Sciences; coSection Head, Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation;

                                                        Director, Center for Microbiome & Human Health

                                                        Cleveland Clinic  |  9500 Euclid Ave.  NC10  |  Cleveland, OH 44195 

                                                        Tele: (216) 445-9763   |   Email: hazens@ccf.org

Dear colleagues,

 

Please join us for a seminar on Monday Nov 11th from 12-1pm on Monday, Nov 11^th by Dr. Johan Ankarklev from Stockholm University who has been pioneering a bunch of single-cell sequencing methods and will discuss his group's work using single-cell sequencing to better understand Plasmodium's sexual development. See below for a summary of the talk, and click this link to read more about his research: BioTech | Ankarklev Lab | Stockholm

 

As a special perk, we'll serve a pizza lunch for this one, so come hungry for both the science and the pizza. I hope that many of you will be able to make this special talk! 

See attached for the flyer for this event, which you can gladly distribute further by email, printing/posting, etc.

 

Ps. If you would like to meet with Johan one-on-one, please let me know.

 

Best,

 

Manuel Llinás

Single-cell and Spatial Omics to Uncover the Mechanisms Underlying Malaria Transmission

Johan Ankarklev

 

Abstract: My team at Stockholm University implements novel single-cell and spatial omics tools in

combination with computational applications developed “in house”, in order to improve our

understanding of the biology linked to malaria transmission. In particular, we aim to better

understand the transcriptional programs and gene regulatory mechanisms involved in sexual cell

fate during gametocyte development, the Plasmodium lifecycle stage responsible for transmission

from the human to the Anopheles mosquito host. A major current paradigm for malaria

intervention calls for strategies to hamper mosquito-borne transmission. Additionally, we study

host-pathogen interactions during malaria liver-stage infection, which is an obligatory

developmental phase in the Plasmodium lifecycle prior to the symptom-causing blood stage.

In this talk, I will focus both on technological innovations surrounding single-cell approaches as

well as their implementation in our malaria-focused research.

Good morning MRSEC members and friends!

On behalf of the MRSEC staff and leadership, I would like to invite you to the next MRSEC Seminar of the fall semester, 11/11 at 12:20 PM in the MSC room N-201.  We sincerely hope that you will all join us! Attendance is strongly encouraged and necessary to reinforce and enhance the community we have built.
 
Dr. Drew Antony, Corning
Exploring new methods for simulating surface chemistry at the glass/water interface

Lunch will be provided. Please us this form to RSVP by Tomorrow (11/8) at 11 AM so that we can order an appropriate amount of food. Please note, RSVPs are appreciated but not required for seminar attendance.

For Students and Postdocs: We will have a session immediately following seminar until 2 PM for students and postdocs to meet with the speaker. This will be a group session and an opportunity to ask questions and discuss research in greater detail. We strongly encourage students and postdocs to participate.

MRSEC Seminar Fall Schedule

Date	Speaker	Talk Title
Nov 11	Drew Antony, Corning	Exploring new methods for simulating surface chemistry at the glass/water interface
Nov 21 (Thursday)	Andrew Greenberg, UW Madison	Improving Research Mentorship:  Strengthening Student and Faculty Mentoring Relationships Through Mentor Training
Nov 25	Thanksgiving
Dec 2	TBD
Dec 9	Sarah Boehm	AI analysis of CVs in Automated Tracking Systems
Dec 16	Finals

Best,

Sarah

AI and ML Applied to Nuclear Science and Technology
The DOE SC program in Nuclear Physics is accepting applications for research and development efforts directed at artificial intelligence and machine learning of relevance to nuclear physics. Awards range from $200,000 to $3.5M.
Internal deadline: November 14. Learn more and apply

AAUW Career Development Grant With the Career Development Grants, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) aims to support the career progression of women. Primarily, women that pursue their first advanced degree or credentials in education, health and medicine, STEM and social sciences. Applicants can request support for both full-time or part-time coursework such as a second bachelor’s or first master’s degree.The maximum amount that can be awarded to an applicant in a degree program is $20,000, and for non-degree programs it is $8,000. The application is open from September 16 to November 15 2024. For more information, visit the AAUW website.

Link to Scholarship

Please see attachment

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are having a great NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK!  

We reschedule our ACS Local Section Centennial Celebration for another date.  The new date is Saturday, November 16! We will be in the Business Building at Penn State beginning at 4 pm.

We will continue to accept abstract submissions until November 1 from students at all levels and registration is OPEN!  Please visit our website for all of the information: www.acs.org/centralpa

More than 40 students will be presenting their research during the poster session & reception (beer & wine!).  A catered dinner will follow with a keynote lecture by Dr. Ayusman Sen on his work over the last 20 years on nanomotors.  Read more about his research in a recent news release.

Centennial Celebration of Central Pennsylvania Chemistry_11-16.png

Thank you, and have a great day!
Joe Houck
On behalf of the Executive Committee

My name is Anton Jensen, and I am the chair of The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University.

 

I am writing to let you know that we are searching for a new tenure-track biochemist/chemical biologist. The successful candidate must have a PhD and preferably postdoctoral experience. They would have laboratory research space in our state-of-the-art biosciences building along with other biochemists, molecular biologists, and faculty from our medical school. They would be expected to teach and establish an externally funded research program. 

Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, which is about one hour north of Lansing and thirty minutes east of Midland (world headquarters of Dow). Mount Pleasant is a great traditional college town that is very convenient to popular northern Michigan destinations, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, and Mackinac Island.

 

Please pass this email along to any current or former biochemistry Ph.D. students. We would be happy to consider their applications. Here is a direct link to the advertisement...

 

https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/41646

 

Thank you!

 

Sincerely,

 

Anton Jensen, Ph.D. Professor and Chair  |  Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Dow Building 268A  |  Central Michigan University  Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 P: 989-774-3125 |  E: jense1aw@cmich.edu

The ASBMB Grad Student and Post-Doc chapter is happy to announce that we will be hosting Mark Witmer, Senior Director at the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, and members of his team on Wednesday, December 11! Dr. Witmer and his colleagues will have lunch and meet with students and post-docs. They will also give a seminar on their careers, life in industry, and the research done at BMS. Please RSVP using the following form by Monday, December 2nd: https://forms.gle/DvEHJagXX5CBvRW56. The form allows to share what you want to get out of this seminar and to ask questions to the presenters, these will be shared with them, anonymously. 

 

Exact locations and details will be announced later, if you are interested in potentially meeting BMS scientists 1 on 1, please indicate it on the form, a separate sign-up form will be sent out after December 2nd to those who indicated they want to attend 1 on 1 meetings.

 

Please respond to this email if you have any questions of comments!

 

Best,

Florian and the ASBMB Grad Student and Post-Doc Chapter

Penn State University Libraries will observe GIS Day — an annual event celebrating the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) — with sessions on Nov. 18 and a trivia event on Nov. 19. This year’s activities focus on geospatial presentation, networking opportunities and student engagement. With a theme relating to 2024 Geography Awareness Week: Geographers Take Action, the sessions explore the contributions of geographers.

The event will conclude the following evening with an interactive trivia game featuring questions on maps and GIS.

All are welcome to attend, as both new and current users of geospatial information are encouraged to participate in activities. These events are free and open to the public.

Complete information on speakers is available at the Penn State GIS Day website. Session times are aimed toward alignment with class meeting times in order for instructors to incorporate into class sessions.

This event is co-sponsored by the Penn State Department of Geography and the University Libraries. For more information, contact Tara Anthony at tll38@psu.edu.

Schedule

Monday, Nov. 18

11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.,102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 11:20–11:30 a.m.: Robert Phillips, Ayo Oluwalana and Michael Spinelli, Penn State Office of Physical Plant.

• 11:30–11:35 a.m.: Arlo Nemerson, undergraduate student and GeoGraphics Lab cartographer, Department of Geography. “Client Collaboration and GIS in the GeoGraphics Lab: Mapping a Disc Golf Course”

• 11:35–11:40 a.m.: Yue Hao, doctoral student in informatics, College of Information Sciences and Technology. “Supporting Spatial Analysis with Machine Guidance”

• 11:40–11:45 a.m.: Temitope Ezekiel Akinboyewa, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “GIS Copilot: Towards an Autonomous GIS Agent for Spatial Analysis”

• 11:45–11:50 a.m.: Huan Ning, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Estimating Hourly Neighborhood Population Using Mobile Phone Data”

• 11:50–11:55 a.m.: Mohammad Naser Lessani, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Enhancing the Computational Efficiency of Similarity and Geographically Weighted Regression Model Using Message Passing Interface”

• 11:55 a.m.–Noon: Arturo Moreno, master of professional studies (M.P.S.) student in geodesign. “The Tren Maya: A Least-Cost Path Analysis”

1:30–2 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Keynote Presentation — Brendan Wesdock, “There’s a Map for That!”

Brendan Wesdock is a strategic adviser and innovation leader working with various geospatial companies and government agencies. Wesdock holds a bachelor of science degree in geography from Penn State and is a certified geographic information systems professional (GISP). A frequent speaker at industry events, Wesdock is highly regarded for his insights into geospatial innovation and has been a significant contributor to industry publications and initiatives.

About the talk: The geospatial industry is being revolutionized by cutting-edge technologies that are enhancing how spatial data is captured, analyzed and applied. This presentation explores key advancements, including the collection and application of high-resolution satellite imagery, drones and LiDAR for detailed 3D and HD mapping. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are automating data processing and enabling real-time insights across industries like infrastructure, urban planning and disaster management. Additionally, cloud computing, big data analytics and the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are driving collaboration and innovation, allowing for large-scale data sharing and real-time monitoring. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these technologies are shaping the future of geospatial science and its practical applications.

2–3 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 2–2:05 p.m.: Steve Chichester, senior strategy and innovation officer, Penn State Outreach. “The Community Impact Map: A Showcase of Penn State’s Collective Outreach and Community Engagement Efforts” 

• 2:05–2:10 p.m.: Dave McLaughlin, geospatial data visualization software engineer, Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences. “Are You Mappier than a 5th Grader?” 

• 2:10–2:15 p.m.: Tristian C. Schmidt, undergraduate student, political science, and maps and geospatial assistant, Penn State Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “The Geography of Governance: PolicyMap in Political Analysis” 

• 2:15–2:20 p.m.: Zhenlong Li, associate professor, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Harnessing Geospatial Big Data and AI for GIScience Innovations”

• 2:20–2:30 p.m.: Patric Harrington, master of geographic information systems (M.G.I.S.) student, Online Geospatial Program. “Identifying Critical Nodes within a Critical Infrastructure Network” 

• 2:30–2:35 p.m.: Chelsea Nestel, postdoctoral research associate, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and Penn State alumna. “Mapping Racism and Resistance in Milwaukee: Data Challenges and Opportunities”

• 2:35–2:40 p.m.: Doug Miller, research professor emeritus, landscape science and informatics, Departments of Geography and Ecosystem Science and Management. “Early Remote Sensing Research at Penn State”  

• 2:40–2:45 p.m.: Adrienne Goldsberry, Beth King and Michelle Zeiders, Online Geospatial Education Program, Department of Geography. “25 Years of Online Geospatial Education at Penn State”

• 2:45–2:50 p.m.: Tara Anthony, GIS specialist, Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “Snapshots of Maps and Geospatial Web Presence at the University Libraries”

4–5:30 p.m., 229 Walker Building (Knight Laboratory)

Geography Reception and GeoGraphics Lab Open House

Light appetizers will be served. Guests will be introduced to the lab space, where there will be several activities and maps to explore.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

6:30–8:30 p.m., 124 Walker Building or Zoom (Zoom Link)

Maps and Geospatial Trivia

Test your maps and geospatial knowledge with an interactive trivia game featuring geography, maps and GIS trivia questions!

The Eberly Family Special Collections Library at Penn State University Libraries has announced that the application period for 2025-26 research grants is now open. Applications from nontraditional researchers, students and others for whom the financial costs of research-based travel pose a significant obstacle are encouraged to apply. Awards are available to support travel and research expenses while utilizing the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at Penn State’s University Park campus.

Funds will be paid out in two installments: recipients receive $3,000 to support their research with a second installment of $1,000 provided after the presentation of their research talks. The application deadline is Dec. 10 and all applicants will be notified of their status on or before Jan 10, 2025.

Awards are offered for a variety of research interests, from specific collections to broader subject areas.

Dorothy Foehr Huck Research Award

Support for researchers using any of the Eberly Family Special Collection Library’s collections — it offers the broadest support for research based in the collections. To learn more about our collection strengths and priorities, review the Collection Development Plan.

Helen F. Faust Women Writers Research Award

Support for researchers whose work focuses on women writers, and who would benefit from the use of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library’s collections, such as the Robin Becker literary papers.

V.P. Franklin African American History Research Award

Thanks to a generous gift from V.P. Franklin, Penn State alumnus (class of 1969) and esteemed scholar of African American history, a new award will be offered this year to support research in the growing Black History and Visual Culture collections. Applicants interested in exploring research topics drawing on materials from two recent notable archival acquisitions: the V.P. Franklin papers and the Guion S. Bluford papers are especially encouraged.

Mary Ann O'Brian Malkin Research Award

Support for researchers whose work focuses on the history of dance and dance notation, and who would benefit from using the Malkin collection of early dance, 1531-1804.

Albert M. Petska Eighth Air Force Archives Research Award

Support for researchers utilizing the Eighth Air Force archive, which documents both the fighter and bomber groups that served in Europe and Africa during World War II and the Eighth Air Force veterans organizations nationwide. It contains books, photographs, audio-visual materials, oversize graphic materials, artifacts, memorabilia, microfilm, and organizational records donated by veterans and their families.

William W. Scranton Research Award

Support for research in the personal papers of the late Gov. William W. Scranton covering his legacy as a Pennsylvania congressional representative (1961-1963), governor of Pennsylvania (1963-1967), chair of the Presidential Commission on Campus Unrest, presidential candidate (1964); and U.S. representative to the United Nations (1976-1977).

Information regarding eligibility, application requirements, grant timelines, and to apply for the grant opportunities can be found on the Research Grants webpage. Contact Special Collections Instruction, Outreach and Engagement Librarian Racine Amos at rla5306@psu.edu with questions or concerns.

Penn State University Libraries will observe GIS Day — an annual event celebrating the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) — with sessions on Nov. 18 and a trivia event on Nov. 19. This year’s activities focus on geospatial presentation, networking opportunities and student engagement. With a theme relating to 2024 Geography Awareness Week: Geographers Take Action, the sessions explore the contributions of geographers.

The event will conclude the following evening with an interactive trivia game featuring questions on maps and GIS.

All are welcome to attend, as both new and current users of geospatial information are encouraged to participate in activities. These events are free and open to the public.

Complete information on speakers is available at the Penn State GIS Day website. Session times are aimed toward alignment with class meeting times in order for instructors to incorporate into class sessions.

This event is co-sponsored by the Penn State Department of Geography and the University Libraries. For more information, contact Tara Anthony at tll38@psu.edu.

Schedule

Monday, Nov. 18

11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.,102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 11:20–11:30 a.m.: Robert Phillips, Ayo Oluwalana and Michael Spinelli, Penn State Office of Physical Plant.

• 11:30–11:35 a.m.: Arlo Nemerson, undergraduate student and GeoGraphics Lab cartographer, Department of Geography. “Client Collaboration and GIS in the GeoGraphics Lab: Mapping a Disc Golf Course”

• 11:35–11:40 a.m.: Yue Hao, doctoral student in informatics, College of Information Sciences and Technology. “Supporting Spatial Analysis with Machine Guidance”

• 11:40–11:45 a.m.: Temitope Ezekiel Akinboyewa, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “GIS Copilot: Towards an Autonomous GIS Agent for Spatial Analysis”

• 11:45–11:50 a.m.: Huan Ning, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Estimating Hourly Neighborhood Population Using Mobile Phone Data”

• 11:50–11:55 a.m.: Mohammad Naser Lessani, doctoral student, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Enhancing the Computational Efficiency of Similarity and Geographically Weighted Regression Model Using Message Passing Interface”

• 11:55 a.m.–Noon: Arturo Moreno, master of professional studies (M.P.S.) student in geodesign. “The Tren Maya: A Least-Cost Path Analysis”

1:30–2 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Keynote Presentation — Brendan Wesdock, “There’s a Map for That!”

Brendan Wesdock is a strategic adviser and innovation leader working with various geospatial companies and government agencies. Wesdock holds a bachelor of science degree in geography from Penn State and is a certified geographic information systems professional (GISP). A frequent speaker at industry events, Wesdock is highly regarded for his insights into geospatial innovation and has been a significant contributor to industry publications and initiatives.

About the talk: The geospatial industry is being revolutionized by cutting-edge technologies that are enhancing how spatial data is captured, analyzed and applied. This presentation explores key advancements, including the collection and application of high-resolution satellite imagery, drones and LiDAR for detailed 3D and HD mapping. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are automating data processing and enabling real-time insights across industries like infrastructure, urban planning and disaster management. Additionally, cloud computing, big data analytics and the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are driving collaboration and innovation, allowing for large-scale data sharing and real-time monitoring. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these technologies are shaping the future of geospatial science and its practical applications.

2–3 p.m., 102 Foster Auditorium Paterno Library or Zoom (Zoom registration)

Lightning Talks

Presenters:

• 2–2:05 p.m.: Steve Chichester, senior strategy and innovation officer, Penn State Outreach. “The Community Impact Map: A Showcase of Penn State’s Collective Outreach and Community Engagement Efforts” 

• 2:05–2:10 p.m.: Dave McLaughlin, geospatial data visualization software engineer, Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences. “Are You Mappier than a 5th Grader?” 

• 2:10–2:15 p.m.: Tristian C. Schmidt, undergraduate student, political science, and maps and geospatial assistant, Penn State Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “The Geography of Governance: PolicyMap in Political Analysis” 

• 2:15–2:20 p.m.: Zhenlong Li, associate professor, Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab (GIBD), Department of Geography. “Harnessing Geospatial Big Data and AI for GIScience Innovations”

• 2:20–2:30 p.m.: Patric Harrington, master of geographic information systems (M.G.I.S.) student, Online Geospatial Program. “Identifying Critical Nodes within a Critical Infrastructure Network” 

• 2:30–2:35 p.m.: Chelsea Nestel, postdoctoral research associate, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and Penn State alumna. “Mapping Racism and Resistance in Milwaukee: Data Challenges and Opportunities”

• 2:35–2:40 p.m.: Doug Miller, research professor emeritus, landscape science and informatics, Departments of Geography and Ecosystem Science and Management. “Early Remote Sensing Research at Penn State”  

• 2:40–2:45 p.m.: Adrienne Goldsberry, Beth King and Michelle Zeiders, Online Geospatial Education Program, Department of Geography. “25 Years of Online Geospatial Education at Penn State”

• 2:45–2:50 p.m.: Tara Anthony, GIS specialist, Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. “Snapshots of Maps and Geospatial Web Presence at the University Libraries”

4–5:30 p.m., 229 Walker Building (Knight Laboratory)

Geography Reception and GeoGraphics Lab Open House

Light appetizers will be served. Guests will be introduced to the lab space, where there will be several activities and maps to explore.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

6:30–8:30 p.m., 124 Walker Building or Zoom (Zoom Link)

Maps and Geospatial Trivia

Test your maps and geospatial knowledge with an interactive trivia game featuring geography, maps and GIS trivia questions!