PC Transfer Fair

Come visit with in-sate and out of state colleges/university representatives.

March 7, 2011

9:00 am - 12:00pm

Sophomore Square.

Excellent Opportunity to ask your questions!

Upcoming University Representative Visits

Here is a list of the upcoming University Representative Visits to PC:

Grand Canyon University, Monday, Feb. 7th 9am-1pm


Univ. of Arizona, Tuesday, Feb. 8th 9am-12noon

NAU-  Daily, Monday-Thursday   8am-6pm

All reps will be in the Hannelly Center.

About TGen and Their Summer Internship Program

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) invited the Title V staff and STEM scholars on a tour of their research laboratories, which took place on Thursday February 2, 2011. The day started with a presentation of the type of research TGen is conducting and the various partners TGen is collaborating with to come up with personalized medicine for various diseases. Brandy Wells commented that in today’s society there is no connection between doctors and scientists and TGen is being active to bridge these two important entities. In theory, when doctors detect a disease they could have scientists research the patient’s tissue and come up with personalized treatments. This personalized medication will work for that disease and for the individual’s specific gene. Every individual is different and generic medication does not work for everyone. Insurance companies are acknowledging this issue and therefore are supporting the research that TGen is conducting on genes. The research is not only being conducted on human genes, but also on man’s best friend (canine). Through this research (Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium) TGen is helping to find cures for many cancers affecting our pets and relate this research to the various diseases attacking the human population.


TGen has a location in Flagstaff which focuses on microbial research, such as solutions to combat Anthrax. At that location they also work on drug development. The tour initiated with a look at their super computer room and then we headed to check out the gene sequencer equipment. We also viewed new equipment that they were using to cut out tumor cells from healthy cells in order for scientist to conduct the research on the tumor cells and then compare it to the healthy cells. In all, TGen is a great place to obtain experience in biomedical research. The staff supports the interns and guides them throughout the process. I encourage you to apply to their summer paid internship program as it is a great opportunity.

TGen’s summer internship is called the Helios Scholars Program and it is a paid internship. It is an eight week program and the 45 students selected will work with a mentor-scientist for 40 hours a week and get paid $12.50/hour. Students gain knowledge in all aspects of translational research through laboratory / clinical research or in computational sciences such as bioinformatics, depending on the interest of the student. The TGen staff pairs you up with a mentor in an area that you are interested. Throughout the summer, Helios Scholars learn about the human genome, present their research to peers, attend seminars, social networking events and present their design a scientific poster for their program capstone at the Symposium. The application is online at: www.tgen.org/intern and it is open until March 4, 2011. Do not hesitate to apply, the sooner the better. Since it is an online application give yourself and whoever is doing your 2 letters of recommendation to have enough time to complete the form. If you are interested, stop by my office and I can help you through the process.

Upcoming Events; TGen Internship Opportunity/Tour

Upcoming Events

TGen – The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has informed us that they are accepting applications until March 4, 2011 for their summer internship program. This is a paid internship in biomedical research, where interns work with TGen scientists in various research projects on diseases and disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s and a variety of cancers. If you are interested in this type of work, you are welcome to join us in a tour of the TGen facilities this Thursday (February 3, 2011) at 9 am. Please contact Seth Goodman as soon possible, preferably by Wednesday (February 2, 2011), so that we can accommodate you.

Ursa Majors Field Trips – As Seth Goodman previously communicated to you in an earlier e-mail, we will continue to accompany Ursa Majors Science Club on their field trips. You are welcome to attend the following activities:

• 2/25 – Casa Grande bio-fuel algae farm (tentative date)
• 4/10 – Walnut Canyon Park
• 4/00 – Museum of Northern Arizona (exact date to be announced)
• 4/29 - Theater for screening of new Earth Day movie (“African Cats”)

STD/HIV & U Seminars – PC will once again offer the STDs/HIV & U Seminars. Some of your teachers may be offering extra credit if you attend this event, so don’t hesitate to ask. If you are shy, you can always e-mail them. Attendees will receive a certificate of participation, which you can show to your teacher. You are encouraged to attend any of the three scheduled dates:

• Tuesday, February 8, 2011 (ASL interpreted); 5: 15 – 6:30 pm ; Willo Room
• Thursday, February 10, 2011; 1:00 – 2:15 pm; Willo Room
• Friday, February 11, 2011; 12:00 – 1:15 pm; Willo Room

PC STEM Scholars Blog: Week of 10/25/10-10/29/10

Can you believe that October is almost over?  For the last week of the month:

• The university transfer fair takes place this Thursday, October 28 in the Sophomore Square from 9:30am-12:30pm.  Take advantage of this opportunity to explore different options--all in one place.
• On that note: if you are planning to transfer to university in Spring 2011 or Fall 2011, notify Valerie ASAP.  You will have to complete a short form.   The Department of Education requires that we obtain these data.  
• Reminder for those enrolled in the Foundations of Student Success I course (a.k.a. the "Peer Mentor Modules):
• Modules 1-4 are due by November 12.
• I will be contacting everyone soon to finalize the monthly meeting schedule. 
• Many thanks to the STEM Scholars who submitted their grade progress reports!  If you have not submitted your report, please note that the STEM Scholars Program has contacted your instructors directly to obtain your grade(s).  This is a requirement of the STEM Scholars Program for students who are enrolled in or will in enroll the gateway courses (e.g., BIO 181).  Contact Valerie if you have any questions about this. 

Fall 2010 University Tours: Revised

The ASU Tempe campus tour on October 15 will be postponed until Spring 2011.  The entire PC STEM Scholars staff must attend mandatory meetings.  Thus, no one is available to drive.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  A list of remaining tours can be found here.

PC STEM: Week of 9/13/2010-9/17/2010

• NEXT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS TOUR:  University of Arizona on October 8.  Please RSVP by next Wednesday, September 22. 
• GET MORE MONEY FOR SCHOOL!:  PC Scholarship workshops will take place next week.  Door prizes will be offered!  Workshops are sponsored by the PC Honors Program and the Office of Alumni and Development.  Here are the dates and locations:
• Tuesday, September 21 from 1pm-3pm in B208
• Wednesday, September 22 from 1pm-3pm in B208
• Thursday, September 23 from 4pm-6pm in B 208

• 24/7 HELP FROM LIBRARIANS:  Librarians can help you with research strategies, exploring databases, find articles and videos and much more--online!  Go to "Ask A Librarian" for more details.  
• CONSTITUTION DAY AT PC:  Every year, colleges and universities nationwide commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.  PC's Constitution Day will feature State Representative David Lujan, PC Faculty Dr. Albert Celoza and a discussion on children's rights.  The event takes place on Friday, September 17 from 12-1:30pm in the PC Bears Den (Hannelly Center, Lower Level).  Light refreshments will be served!
• PC HONORS PROGRAM:  The Honors Program is hosting two events this week: 
  
• Open House on Thursday, September 16-learn more about the PC Honors Program, check out the new space, enjoy some punch and cake--and that's just for starters!  The Open House takes place from 12noon-1:30pm in B263.   
  
• Brown Bag Session on Friday, September 17-Dr. Amy Marin, PC Psychology faculty will present her talk "Optical Illusions: Your Brain as the Great Interpreter".  The Brown Bag Session takes place in the North Staff Lounge (in the PC cafeteria) from 12noon-12:45pm. 

PC STEM: Week of 9/07/10-9/10/10

Hey STEM Scholars:

This week, it's all about the transfer to university:

• RSVP FOR NAU CAMPUS TOUR THIS WEDNESDAY:  Tour will take place on Friday, September 24.  
• NEXT CAMPUS TOUR:  U of A on Friday, October 8.  
• SAVE THE DATE:  The Phoenix College Transfer Fair will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm in the Sophomore Square. Participating universities to be announced later.
• DON'T WANT TO WAIT?: Representatives from the several universities will be at PC during Fall 2010.   Click here for details. 
• BEYOND THAN THE "BIG 3":  PC several university partners in addition to ASU, NAU and UofA.  Check out the list here. 

PC STEM: Week of 8/30/2010-9/03/10

Hello, STEM Scholars:

Welcome to Week 2 at PC!

• The Northern Arizona University campus tour will take place on Friday, September 24.  The deadline to RSVP for this trip is next Wednesday, September 8.  Please e-mail or call Valerie Hernandez if you're interested in attending.  
• The REACH/TRiO program is looking for student note takers for the science fields.  If you're interested, please contact Tutor Coordinator Ahmed Al Brich at (602) 285-7181.  
• It's not too late to apply for the S-STEM Scholarship!  See 8/19/10 post for details.
• Finally, please read this blog post about making the most of your college experience.  And yes, communication is KEY!

PC STEM: 3/29/10-4/02/10

Happy Almost-April, STEM Scholars!:

• The deadline to RSVP for the April 9 tour of ASU Tempe's Department of Engineering is this Friday, April 2 at 12 noon.
• Don't forget about the ASU Tempe general campus tour on Friday, April 30.   
• Queta Chavez, PC Counseling Faculty will give a workshop today on "Writing Resumes and Interview Skills" TODAY from 1:15pm-2:15pm in A-110.  
• PC Resume Day will take place on Saturday, April 10.  This short workshop is informational and hands-on: bring in your resume and have it evaluated by a professional.  The workshop is FREE--but you'll need to register by calling 602-285-7562 or e-mail alexis.walker@pcmail.maricopa.edu.  More details on PC Resume Day:  
• Date: Saturday, April 10
• Time: 9am-12noon
• Location: Phoenix College Dome Conference Room (NE Corner of 10th Ave. and Flower St.) map
  

PC STEM: Week of 3/08/10-3/12/10

Spring is almost here, STEM Scholars!

• PC's Math Department is offering scholarships to all PC math students--you do not have to be a math major to be eligible.  The deadline is March 26, 2010.  For an application and more information, click here.  
• Several universities will be visiting PC during Spring 2010.  It's not too late--and it's never too early--to plan your post-PC education.  To request a schedule, please send me an e-mail.  Here is a list.  Some universities will make multiple visits:
• Arizona State University College of Teacher Education
• Phoenix Professional Development School
• ASU Transfer Advisor (multiple majors)
• Northern Arizona University
• ASU New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Grand Canyon University
• University of Arizona
• University of Phoenix
• Western International University
• Applications for the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarship are currently being accepted.  The scholarship pays for full tuition, books and fees and a living allowance.  The deadline is April 1, 2010.  Prospective applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
• College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities
• Adults 25 years or older who have dependents
• Incoming freshmen 18-25 years old who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no visible means of support.

For more information, visit the web site.


There will be no posts next week, due to spring break.  Enjoy your vacation!

PC STEM: Week of 3/01/10-3/05/10

Happy March, STEM Scholars:

This week's post is short and sweet.  Hope your week is going well!

• A representative from Universidad de Guadalajara School of Medicine will be at PC this Friday, March 5 from 10am-3pm in the Hannelly Center hallway.  NOTE:  Date was previously posted as March 4--PC Advising changed the date on March 3.  I apologize for the inconvenience. 
• Would you like to change your PC gmail address to something more user-friendly?  Give it a nickname!  Instructions can be found here.  
• PC Spring Music Concerts start this week.  Earn 1 Personal Unit--or simply enrich your life and take a well-deserved break.  Schedule can be found here.  

PC STEM: Week of 2/16/2010-2/19/2010

Hello, STEM Scholars:

I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend.

Here are this week's announcements:

• Our van for the March 5 T-Gen trip is currently full--but there may be room in the other vans driven by PC math faculty.  Contact me if you haven't RSVP'ed and would like to attend.
• ASU's Engineering Department has offered to host a tour for us.  Contact me if you're interested. 
• More scholarship opportunities.:
• AZ Business and Professional Women's Foundation.  For women 20 years and older.  Deadline is March 1, 2010
• Casey Family Foundation Scholarship: Deadline is April 15, 2010. 
• Many of last week's posts are still timely.  Please take the time to look them over.   

Have a great week!

STEM Educational and Career Development Fellowship (STEM ECDF)

We are pleased to announce the debut of the STEM Educational and Career Development Fellowship!  This fellowship can be used to defray the costs of endeavors related to pursuing STEM degrees.  Examples include the following:

• Summer or fall tuition for a gateway STEM course
• Book(s) for a gateway STEM course
• Registration fees/travel costs for a STEM conference
• Travel costs for a summer undergraduate research internship
• Other STEM-related endeavors as approved by Project Director Seth Goodman and Math and Science Specialist Valerie Hernandez.  

Only current STEM Scholars are eligible for the STEM ECDF.  Other basic criteria include enrollment in at least 6 credits at PC for Spring 2010 and a minimum 2.5 GPA.  If you meet the basic eligibility requirements and are interested in the STEM ECDF, please contact Valerie Hernandez at 602-295-7938 or valerie.hernandez@pcmail.maricopa.edu to make an appointment ASAP.  You must see Valerie in person in order to obtain an application and discuss further criteria. 

We hope to see you soon!