Wednesday, February 20, 2013


Hello club members,
 
Our next meeting is on Monday, February 25.  Dr. Joshua Hall will be visiting the club to tell us about the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP) at UNC-Chapel Hill.  BBSP is a graduate program that unites 14 PhD programs, including biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, genetics and molecular biology, and bioinformatics and computational biology.  Its format enourages interdisciplinary approaches and allows students to investigate multiple research areas or, alternatively, quickly focus on one field.  Dr. Hall will also share advice on preparing for and choosing a graduate program.  If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the biological sciences, but aren't sure how to become a strong applicant or find a good program, this presentation will help point you in the right direction.  As usual, we will meet at 5:30 pm in 102 David Clark Labs. 
 
See you on Monday!
 
Best,
Gabrielle Schroeder
Vice President
NCSU Biology Club

Photo Available from:http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1109366

Sunday, February 10, 2013

The Science of Love, with Dr Lisa A. McGraw

Hello club members,

The Biology Club's next meeting is on Monday, February 11, at 5:30 pm in 102 David Clark Labs.  Dr. Lisa A. McGraw, a member of the NCSU Biology and Genetics departments, is giving a Valentine's Day themed presentation on the science of love.  In order to study social and reproductive behaviors in the lab, Dr. McGraw uses a unique rodent, the socially monogamous prairie vole.  Unlike their "promiscuous" cousin, the meadow vole, a prairie vole forms a long-lasting bond to its mate, and both the male and female help take care of their offspring.  Dr. McGraw draws on theories and techniques from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and genetics to explore the differences between these species and, in the process, answer questions about the basis of social behaviors and the consequences of sexual conflict.

Also happening next week:

The next day, Tuesday, February 12, the Biology Department is celebrating Darwin's birthday.  Make sure to stop by the lobby of David Clark Labs from 3-4 pm for some free tea, cake, evolution cookies, and other Darwin-themed celebrations!

The final application deadline for Teach for America is Friday, February 15.   Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates, graduate students, and professionals from all different majors and backgrounds who commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in expanding educational opportunity.  All academic majors and backgrounds accepted (background in education/teacher certification is not required), and teachers receive full salary and benefits, as well as deferment of federal student loans.  Graduate school and corporate partnerships are available.  For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org or contact Teach For America’s representative atFlorence.matthews@teachforamerica.org.

Saturday, February 16, is Darwin Day at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (http://naturalsciences.org/programs-events/darwin-day-2013), and Dr. Holly Menninger, who visited the club earlier this semester to talk about Your Wild Life, is looking for a few volunteers to talk to visitors in the Biodiversity Lab.  The lab will be open from 10-4 pm, and she needs volunteers for 3 hour shifts (10-1 pm and 1-4 pm).  Lunch is provided.  If you're interested, please contact Dr. Holly at holly.menninger@gmail.com ASAP.

Hope to see you on Monday!

Best,
Gabrielle Schroeder
Vice President
NCSU Biology Club




Dr. Lisa A. McGraw

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Darwin Day 2013

You're invited! Come celebrate Darwin's birthday Tuesday, February 12 from 3-4pm in the David Clark Labs lobby
.