FameLab Astrobiology is a science communication extravaganza! Via four preliminaries and one final competition, spanning January thru April 2012, early career astrobiologists will compete to convey their own research or related science concepts. Each contestant has the spotlight for only three minutes....no slides, no charts - just the power of words and anything you can hold in your hands. A panel of experts in both science and science communication will do the judging.

 

One of the four preliminaries will be held 100% online via YouTube!

 

Beyond the competition, at each preliminary event there will be science communication training and enrichment activities, providing exposure to alternative careers. There will also be a two-day master class for finalists just prior to AbSciCon 2012 in April. Other science communication opportunities will be available, including joining a network of other FameLab participants from around the globe. The winner goes on to compete in the International FameLab Final in the UK in June, 2012!

 

Are YOU Eligible?

Graduate students (both MS and PhD)
Postdoctoral fellows and early career researchers within 5 years of receiving PhD or MS
Upper division, advanced undergraduate students and mid-career and senior scientists will not be turned away, but the focus is on early career.
International (non-US citizen) participants are welcome (but are not eligible for travel stipends, see below).
Science communication students and professionals are NOT eligible.

Registration, eligibility requirements, and more info can be found at: http://astrobiologyfamelab.arc.nasa.gov/

 

Please contact Daniella Scalice at the NASA Astrobiology Institute with any questions: daniella.m.scalice@nasa.gov

 

Truckee Meadows Community College will host a Spring 2012 Lighter Than Air (LTA) vehicle competition on April 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the James Eardley Student Center at the Dandini Campus. In this event, each team will design, build and fly radio-controlled lighter than air (LTA) vehicles and compete in "fastest-time" trials.

 

Eligibility:

• All TMCC students are eligible.
• Teams must have 3 to 6 members.
• All team members must be current TMCC students (6 credits or more).

Contact Dan Loranz at 775-673-8252 for more information.

 

Click on the link below to view the video of the 2011 Lighter Than Air competition held at TMCC's Dandini campus April 7, 2011.

 

mms://media.tmcc.edu/PIO/LighterThanAir/2011LTA.wmv

This class is an introduction to exploration of Mars and the Moon, with some discussion and comparisons to Earth, Venus, Mercury, and the icy satellites. In addition to the science of planetary exploration, we will discuss the history of robotic space exploration, manned missions to the moon, and the potential for missions to other bodies in the solar system.

 

This class will cover topics that include the current events in space exploration, and we will follow the activities of currently active missions as well as the ongoing preparations for future missions to the Moon and Mars. An overarching theme will be to assess the societal advantages and disadvantages of supporting an active space program, and determine what we are learning about our own planet in the process.

 

For more information visit the website: http://faculty.unlv.edu/nowicki/Nowicki_Website_files/moonandmars.html

 

Pathways to Science supports pathways to the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We place particular emphasis on connecting underrepresented groups with STEM programs, funding, mentoring and resources.

 

Use this website to find programs such as undergraduate summer research opportunities, graduate fellowships, postdoctoral positions, as well as resources and materials pertaining to recruitment, retention, and mentoring.

 

Deadline: Ongoing

 

Website: http://www.pathwaystoscience.org/index.asp