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Announcements for Friday, August 26, 2011

Announcements

  • Graduate student technology seminar - Wednesday, August 31

    A seminar on the technology available to graduate students will be held next Wednesday, August 31st at 4:00 in Heady 68A.

    The seminar will cover: available resources, computer and print access options (including remote access), software availability, and technology checkout.

    What: Graduate Student Technology Seminar

    When: Wednesday, August 31th @ 4:00-6:00

    Where: Heady 68A

    Please consider attending if you think you will have any questions regarding available technology (especially remote access to your office computer from off-campus) as this will save both you and Brent time in the future. We look forward to seeing you all there!

News

  • Weekly media connections for the Department of Economics

    News Service arranged an interview with Voice of America reporter/producer Steve Barragona to speak with ISU’s Dermot Hayes on a taped interview. Hayes responded to questions about world food prices, international markets and other topics. VOA will put a story together using the video.

    Sergio Lence was interviewed by reporters at the Omaha World Herald, offering a response to the recent editorial by Warren Buffett, and the effect on farmers of the US downgrading.

    Dave Swenson was interviewed by Donnelle Eller, a business reporter with The Des Moines Register, about recent comments regarding the state’s new unemployment figures. He also spoke to Eller regarding Iowans'  willingness to eat out (dining and drinking) despite harder economic times. 

     

  • EGSA fall picnic promotes welcoming atmosphere

    Last Friday night's successful EGSA fall picnic, held at Brookside Park, generated between 70 to 100 graduate students and faculty (to view the photo gallery, click on the image left). Mark Senia, EGSA Vice President, says the event focused on supporting new graduate students. "Hopefully we're welcoming them to a great first year and a good start."

    EGSA's goal for the year is to promote a welcoming atmosphere in the department for graduate students. Jesse Strzok, EGSA President, says "it usually takes time for grad students to mesh." However this year, the incoming group seem to have quickly developed connections. "Feeling relaxed with each other helps because we're always working in groups together on projects," he says.

    EGSA will host one more social event this semester, in addition to a soccer group that meets on Saturdays. An intramural sports team may also be in the works. Those interested in playing soccer should contact Vipin Veetil at: vipin@iastate.edu

  • Recent notable data publications

    Notable Data Publications, courtesy of the Association of Public Data Users

    For more information contact Liesel Eathington at: leathing@iastate.edu

Funding Opportunities

  • Updated Information on VPR/ED Fall 2011 Grant Writing Workshops

    The Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development has provided updated information about the Fall 2011 Grant Writing Workshops to be held Sept. 19-23, 2011. Please note that sign-up for the NSF and NIH sessions is requested by Aug. 31 at 10 AM.

    General Session: “How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal.” Monday, Sept. 19, 9 AM – Noon, Sun Room, Memorial Union - All are welcome, no sign-up is needed.

    Workshop I: Writing a Compelling Grant Proposal to NSF, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Location to be announced - All are welcome to attend; those wishing to participate will be asked to sit in the front and those who wish to observe will be asked to sit at the back. Individuals who plan to attend and have not yet signed up are requested to sign up by Wed., Aug. 31, at 10 AM by contacting Roxy Clemens (rclemens@iastate.edu).

    Workshop II: Writing a Compelling Grant Proposal to NIH, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 9:00 AM – Noon, 1521 VCS Building, College of Vet Med - All are welcome to attend; those wishing to participate will be asked to sit in the front and those who wish to observe will be asked to sit at the back. Individuals who plan to attend and have not yet signed up are requested to so sign up by Wed., Aug. 31, at 10 AM by contacting Roxy Clemens (rclemens@iastate.edu).

  • Special upcoming webinar available: revising and resubmitting rejected NIH proposals

    For more information on the details of this webinar, click here

  • CALS Support for Proposal Development

    As the new academic year gets under way, we would like to ensure CALS faculty and staff are aware of resources the college can provide to assist PIs in forming research groups and preparing proposals for competitive grant funding. Although total funds are limited, CALS will provide assistance for as many different projects as possible, in addition to the other resources listed below. Faculty and staff should contact Joe Colletti (colletti@iastate.edu) or Roxy Clemens (rclemens@iastate.edu) to discuss their needs for these resources.

    • Funds are available to assist in hiring one of the three grant consultants under contract with ISU. Information about each consultant is attached, and an email outlining the process for hiring a grant consultant is shown below.
    • Funds are available to assist with the costs of meetings and other activities needed to develop research teams and plan and write proposals.
    • Funds are available to help cover travel costs to attend selected workshops and conferences related to enhancing grantsmanship skills and gaining knowledge about federal grant agencies. Preference is generally given to newer faculty, although more experienced faculty are also eligible.
    • Technical support is available to assist in assembling a research team for multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary proposals; to support research teams during proposal planning and preparation; and to review and edit proposals and supporting documents prior to submission.
    • Requests for other types of technical or financial assistance are welcome and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • RFP for New Sustainability Reearch Networks Competition

    Sustainability Research Networks will engage and explore fundamental theoretical issues and empirical questions in sustainability science, engineering, and education that will increase our understanding of the ultimate sustainability challenge - maintaining and improving the quality of life for the nation within a healthy Earth system.

    The estimated number of cooperative agreement awards is three to four SRNs, pending quality of proposals submitted and availability of funds. The anticipated funding amount is $36,000,000 pending availability of funds. SRN awards are expected to be four to five years in duration and budgets must not exceed $12,000,000 total per award.

    A single organization may submit a maximum of three preliminary proposals as the lead institution. There is no limit to participation as a partner institution. It is not likely that the SRN program will provide support for more than one SRN from any one lead institution in this competition.

    Preliminary Proposal Deadline Date: December 1, 2011. More information is available at this web site: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503645

    Preproposals are due to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development Office (dpimlott@iastate.edu) by close of business on September 19. A review committee will choose the projects to be forwarded to NSF.

    The preproposals should include (a) a summary of the proposal (no more than 2 pages) describing the intellectual merits and broader impacts, and (b) an additional 1 page to explain why you think your proposal would be competitive in this program. Your pre-proposal to us should not exceed 3 pages. (c) In addition, please provide a tentative list of participants (internal and external collaborators).

  • U.S. Department of Education: International and Foreign Language Education Program FY 2012 Funding Opportunities

    The mission of the Department of Education’s International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) Program is to meet the national needs for expertise and competence in foreign languages and international studies. For FY 2012 the International Study and Foreign Language Education Program is seeking to increase participation of state universities and other higher education institutions that do not normally apply for International and Foreign Language Education Program grants.

    The IFLE program intends to issue solicitations on the below categories in mid to late October. In order to encourage more universities to apply the IFLE will host a webinar on September 21st that will provide an overview of the programs and will discuss:

    • Program purpose
    • Eligible applicants
    • Authorized activities
    • Expected funding levels (number of awards, funding range and average)
    • Competitive and invitational priorities
    • Application timeline

    The programs that will issue solicitations are:

    Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) - This program provides grants to institutions of higher education, consortia of such institutions, or partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher education. The grants may be used to plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages. 70 awards are expected and the typical award is about $100k per year for 2 years (amounts could be larger for consortium proposals).

    Business and International Education (BIE) - This program provides grants to institutions of higher education who enter into an agreement with a trade association, business or both to improve the academic teaching of the business curriculum and to conduct outreach activities that expand the capacity of the business community to engage in international economic activities. 27 awards are expected and the typical award is about $100k per year for 2 years.

    International Research and Studies (IRS) - This program provides grants to individuals, institutions of higher education, and public and private agencies and organizations. The grants may be used for materials development and to conduct research, surveys, studies, and evaluations in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other international fields. 30 awards are expected and the award range is $50k to $225k for one year.

    Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) - This program provides grants for overseas projects in training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies by teachers, students, and faculty engaged in a common endeavor. Projects may include short-term seminars, curriculum development, group research or study, or advanced intensive language programs. Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, state departments of education, private nonprofit educational organizations or combinations thereof. 20 awards are expected and typical award amounts are $375k per year for 2 years for long-term grants projects and $125k per year for 2 years for short-term projects.

    Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program (SAP) - This program provides opportunities for U.S. educators in the social sciences and humanities to participate in short-term study and travel seminars abroad for the purpose of improving their understanding and knowledge of other cultures. There are approximately seven to 10 seminars with 14 to 16 participants in each seminar annually. Seminars are four to six weeks in duration.

Job Opportunities

  • Entry level position with USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service for a M.S. graduate

    This is an ideal entry level position with USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service for a M.S. graduate (or B.S. plus experience). This CAN BE for a December 2011 graduate or immediate availability. The position is open to the public (U.S. citizens).

    The position is likely (but not necessarily) to undertake livestock/red meat analysis. While commodity knowledge is preferred – strong analysis and writing skills are key.

    Find more information at the following link: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=101820032&JobTitle=Agricultural+Economist&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&x=104&y=15&jbf574=AG10&AVSDM=2011-08-22+00%3a03%3a00. 

  • School of public policy at Oregon State University

    The Economics Program (http://oregonstate.edu/dept/econ/) in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University is recruiting for one or more full/part-time instructors to teach on a term by term basis for the 2011-2012 academic year. These appointments are fixed-term, non-tenure track, with renewal at the discretion of the Transitional Director. Courses to be taught include microeconomics, macroeconomics and other courses as identified. Salary is commensurate with experience. Required qualifications: Master’s in Economics; teaching experience at the college/university level. Preferred qualifications: Ph.D. in Economics; a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

    For consideration to teach Fall 2011, applications should be received by September 6, 2011. To apply, go to OSU’s job website at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/ and search using posting #0007178. You will be required to electronically submit a letter of application, a resume/CV, names and contact information for three professional references, an unofficial graduate transcript (for new PhDs), and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Questions may be directed to Laura.Relyea@oregonstate.edu

  • Positions open at Georgia Southern University