ORNL Pathways to Computing Internship Program – Accepting Applications

ORNL is accepting applications for summer 2020!

Pathways to Computing Internship Program at ORNL accepting applications for summer 2020!

The Pathways to Computing Internship Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a 10-week summer program that provides undergraduate students with research projects in computer science, computational science, and mathematics. Students will learn under the direction of ORNL research staff and will participate on projects in diverse domains including computer science, health data science, and climate science. Selected interns will have access to ORNL’s leadership-class facilities, including Summit, the world’s most powerful supercomputer.

Eligibility criteria

For acceptance into the program, applicants must:Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university at time of application (including accredited community colleges)
– Have completed at least one year as a matriculated undergraduate student at the time of applying
– Have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
– Be 18 years of age at time of application

Benefits

– $600 per week stipend
– $175 per week housing allowance (paid with stipend) and limited travel reimbursement (up to $500 total), if eligible

Application deadline

Applications are due January 15, 2020. Selections will be made on a rolling basis and continue until applicants have been chosen. To be considered for selection, applications must be fully completed and submitted and two recommendations must be received within the Zintellect system.

Click on the following link to apply:
https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ORNL-HERE-PCIP-Summer_2020

Auto-Owners Insurance Internship Opportunities

Winter Tech Updates from Auto-Owners

The Auto-Owners IT Division is looking forward to this upcoming winter recruiting season! We continue to seek your assistance in hiring the brightest and best technical talent for software development, security, infrastructure, UX, and data warehousing positions. We also have a few remaining summer internships for 2020!

Our updates for this season include:

·         Modernizing Development for Efficiency, Automation, and Security

·         Robotic Process Automation

·         Our First Ever A-O Hackathon

Modernizing the Way We Develop Software

We are putting significant investments into new procedures and tools that allow us to analyze, plan, and execute software development projects faster and more efficiently. For many years we have used a home-grown application to track work and are modernizing that by use of industry standard products that have a far richer feature set. In addition, we are investing in new technology which will allow us to release applications in a more automated fashion. Using concepts drawn from continuous delivery, we are automating even more components of our software development lifecycle – such as how the code is packaged for deployment, and automating scanning our code for security vulnerabilities. It’s an exciting time to be involved in software development at Auto-Owners!

Robotic Process Automation

This fall, Auto-Owners started creating our first software robot using Robotic Process Automation software. These software “bots” are being programmed to execute the steps of a business process that involve mundane and repetitive tasks. This allows our associates to focus on work that requires decision making and critical thinking skills. Bots can be configured to capture and interpret data and interact with applications. 

Here are some examples of tasks the bot has done:

·         Extract information from a website

·         Input information into a website

·         Spreadsheet processing to extract or populate data

·         Interact with client software

We are excited about what this technology will do in the way of automating tasks because it has the potential to save literal years of manual, tedious work!

1st Ever A-O Hackathon

Our very first associate-only hackathon was an opportunity for participants to work on a creative software project of their choosing. It could be something to help their team at work, a passion project, or anything in between. During twelve hours, teams designed, implemented, and demoed the software projects. At the very end, a team was voted the “Hackathon Champions” and bestowed with the Hackathon Trophy. We had an impressive number of different languages, platforms, and technologies used by the teams. Kotlin, Unity, Kubernetes, Virtual Reality, React/Redux, Python, R, Spark, and SQL Server were used to name a few, but there were many more. With these tools, the participants created things ranging from an IT DevOps-style system dashboard to an interactive virtual reality Lego building game. As software developers, the best way to learn is by doing, and that’s exactly what our hackathon enabled. The event was a big success, and we look forward to facilitating future hackathons similar to this for future employees of Auto-Owners.

Please share these updates and our company information with any of your students who may be seeking a paid internship or full-time tech position. We look forward to working with you this season and wish you a successful semester!

ERIN McLAUGHLINSr. Tech Recruiter | HRp: 800.346.0346, ext. 51855 ADRIENNE KIMBRELLManager | Traverse City Remote ITp: 800.346.0346, ext. 52433

National Science Foundation Data Analysis and Statistics Internships

National Science Foundation Data Analysis and Statistics Internships

Apply Today! https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NSF-NCSES-2019-0002

*Open until filled.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is currently accepting applications for full and part-time internships with the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES).

What will I be doing?  You will be involved in a variety of interesting and original activities. You will learn and collaborate on projects that make use of expertise from a variety of fields, including survey methodology, survey statistics, economics and other social science disciplines to design, study, implement and conduct national surveys to measure the science and engineering enterprise.  You will be a part of and learn about research projects, evaluation initiatives, surveys, data collection and specialized analyses.

Why should I apply?  Both independently, and as part of a team effort, you may have the opportunity to conduct analysis of key trends and patterns, and to visualize and present the findings in novel and informative ways. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with some of the world’s leading experts on the science and engineering enterprise and in fields such as statistics, survey methodology, and economics. NCSES is the world’s premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise.

What are the benefits?  You will receive a competitive stipend for living and other expenses as determined by NSF. Stipends are typically based on academic standing, discipline, and experience. You may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Am I eligible?You must be currently pursuing, or have received within 4 months of application, a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Communications & Graphic Design, Computer Sciences, Data Science, Demography, Economics, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics & Statistics, Sociology, Survey Methodology or similar field. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

For a full description of this opportunity and to submit your application, visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NSF-NCSES-2019-0002. For questions, send an email to SciEdPrograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code for the opportunity [NSF-NCSES-2019-0002] in your email subject line.

L’Oreal USA For Women in Science Fellowship

For Women in Science: You could be awarded $60,000 for research in a STEM Field.

Applications for the 2020 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science program are now open and will close on Friday, January 31, 2020. 
 
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science fellowship program honors female scientists at a critical stage in their careers with grants of $60,000 each. Since 2003, we’ve awarded 80 postdoctoral women scientists over $4 million in grants. We’re seeking five exceptional female scientists looking to advance their research and serve as role models for the next generation of girls in STEM.
 
Candidates are selected from a variety of fields including the life and physical/material sciences, technology (including computer science), engineering, and mathematics. Candidates must have completed their PhD and have started in their postdoctoral position by the application deadline.APPLY NOWSpread the Word We invite you to share the below materials with your community and hope that with your help we can encourage some of your network’s outstanding women postdocs to apply.2020 Application Flyer (optimized for email forwarding or printing as an 8.5″ x 11″ poster)Social Media Graphics (for a Facebook or Twitter Post)Application FAQ FWIS Program Fact SheetInterested in learning more? 
The application and more information about the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science program can be found here.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at  lorealusafellowships@aaas.org.Interested in being a Reviewer?  Serving as a reviewer is a great way to support post-doctoral women and advance their careers in STEM. 

If interested, please contact Jennifer Carinci at jcarinci@aaas.org and/or Allison Gonzalez at agonzalez@aaas.org.Thank you for considering this fellowship opportunity and for your help in advancing the role of women in science. 
The AAAS L’Oréal USA For Women in Science TeamCopyright © 2020 American Association for the Advancement of Science, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you opted in to receive ARISE communications or hear more from the AAAS organizers through your participation in events such as ERN, IUSE/IWBW, Mentor Meeting, or Noyce.

Our mailing address is:
American Association for the Advancement of Science1200 New York Ave NWWashington, DC 20005-3928
Add us to your address book 

Spring Break Silicon Valley Experience 2020: Registration Open

Husky Innovate Logo

by Husky Innovate

Aspiring student entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to apply for the Michigan Tech Silicon Valley Experience, a Spring Break immersive tour of California Bay Area companies that includes meetings with entrepreneurs and Michigan Tech alumni who are leaders in their field.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 10. Register online. Up to 16 students will be guaranteed a slot on the trip. Priority will be given to students who have been previously engaged with innovation and entrepreneurship and articulate continued engagement on their application.

Major funding for this trip is provided by the 14 Floors alumni group. Husky Innovate—a collaboration between the Pavlis Honors College, the College of Business, and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization is co-hosting this with 14 Floors.

Silicon Valley is known for its technology breakthroughs, high-tech startups, innovative companies and Fortune 1000 companies. Its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem including culture, policies, talent, resources, and networks serve as inspiration for students.

The Silicon Valley Experience will showcase multiple perspectives of a day in the life of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and business leaders. This tour will provide an interactive opportunity for students to discover more about a variety of industry settings, to sample various innovative corporate cultures through tours and presentations, and to meet and talk with successful alumni entrepreneurs.

Students who apply and are accepted will have the opportunity to:

  • Tour companies like Google, Netflix, Hewlett Packard, Facebook, Ford, as well as the former Michigan Tech student startup company Handshake
  • Meet with entrepreneurs and innovators
  • Talk with Michigan Tech alumni who are leaders in their field
  • Get answers to your real-world business, innovation, and leadership questions
  • Gain firsthand knowledge of the enterprises that are revolutionizing global business

Lodging, ground transportation to and from toured companies and some food will be covered. Students will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own air travel.

As part of the student application, students will create a 2-minute video describing how they will share their experience with the Michigan Technological University community upon completion of their travel in order to positively contribute to our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students who have a demonstrated financial need can apply for a limited travel scholarship.

LEAR Student Innovation Challenge

This is your chance to work alongside industry leaders to define the future of mobility!
 
Lear Corporation is challenging university students from freshman through graduate level to participate in a tournament-style competition. In this two-week program, students will form interdisciplinary teams made up of engineers, business entrepreneurs, designers and more to compete for a three-month position on the Lear Innovation Ventures team.

Jumpstart your career by pitching real solutions to executives and gain hands-on experience to make a difference in the technology sector.

The Rundown
The 2020 Challenge kicks off with a two-day Innovation Jumpstart event on Feb. 8 in Southfield and Feb. 9 in Detroit. This is followed by a two-week incubation period where students will work remotely (or virtually) with their teams to develop a solution proposal. The challenge then concludes with a team pitch on Feb. 22 at the Lear Innovation Center in Detroit.

As a member of the winning team, you have the opportunity to work as a summer intern within Lear Innovation Ventures. This internship is not like most, you will be acting as an independent startup, working to incubate and define a real solution with the help of subject matter experts.

During the Jumpstart Workshop and two-week Sprint, you will:

  • Ideate advanced technology solutions for the future of mobility
  • Receive training from innovation leaders and technical experts
  • Be coached on how to develop business case and pitch a solution
  • Have the opportunity to implement your idea into a Fortune #147 company
  • Receive an exclusive tour of Lear’s Product and Technology Center
LIV - Student Innovation Challenge Flyer 2019.png

Michigan Tech Lab Seeking Volunteer Research Assistants

Are you looking for an exciting research experience in applied artificial intelligence and medical imaging/informatics? The MIIL Lab (Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Informatics) is seeking volunteer research assistants. We’re focused on developing new computer methods and techniques to solve significant healthcare problems and improve clinical practice.
 
Please see the attached flyer and read the blog post here: https://blogs.mtu.edu/computing/2019/12/03/medical-imaging-…earch-assistants/.
 
For more information, contact Weihua Zhou at whzhou@mtu.edu.

Yoda Was Wrong: It’s all About Try

Tomorrow’s Graduate Students and Postdocs

———- 946 words ———-

Yoda Was Wrong: It’s all About Try

Yoda, legendary teacher of Jedi knights, famously said, “Do or do not. There is no try.” This might be beneficial for training Jedi, but it is misleading for doctoral students and postdocs. For you, it is all about “Try.”

The binary “Do or Do not” frames the world in stark contrasts. Succeed or fail. Fly or crash. Blow up the Death Star or die. For us mere mortals, failure is not that consequential.“Do Not.” It’s the decision not to attempt. Choose against testing long odds. Play it safe.

The “Do / Do Not” choice operates for many grad students. When failure seems to be around every corner, when hard work is unlikely to be rewarded, the choice “Do Not” is much easier to make. The high risk of failure acts as a deterrent. Inaction seems prudent.

“Why apply for that Fellowship/job/postdoc? I won’t get it?” “Why offer to run the local Pint of Science festival? I have never done anything like that before. It is sure to be a flop, distract me needlessly from my research, and incur the wrath of my advisor.” “Why apply for a postdoc as a digital humanities specialist? I don’t have all of the skills that they are asking for.”[1]

Trying and failing is the other way to understand “Do Not.”

Try. Despite what Yoda said, that is the other path.

Setbacks are inevitable. Failure instructs. It guides us as we try again.

Full-Hearted Trying

Yoda’s counsel was actually somewhat more nuanced than the iconic quotation suggests. Luke was explaining why he could not do the task Yoda had set before him. “It is different,” he argued. It was not the task he had mastered before, so he couldn’t accomplish it. Yoda shakes his head (as you can see in the video clip). He urges to Luke to commit fully. “Do” is “try” with full commitment.

Graduate students should embrace opportunities with a spirit of full-throttle Try. In this stage, you are shaping yourself. You are learning new skills. You are discovering your proclivities and talents. You are testing your limits. You have permission to take risks and push boundaries. Indeed, you are expected to.

Most of the opportunities that enter your sights within your grasp. (Like Yoda, your mentors offer the achievable.) Success might seem inaccessible, but with confidence and a big jump, you just might reach them. And if you don’t, you made your best effort.

“If I honestly try, push myself and really try hard—whether I succeed or not—I am happy and proud of myself. Far more than I’d be if I never even tried.” Dr. Egle Cekanaviciute shared her philosophy with me. This risk-taking attitude has opened up many new worlds. The words of Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman have become her guide: “You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.”[2]

Embrace Failure

Failure is inherent in Try. When you make a big stretch, and take a big risk, then failure is more likely. It is more common than success.

This requires a shift in attitude. Welcome risk, rather than avoiding it. Recognize that everyone fails. A lot. It is normal. It won’t destroy you or your life. It should not change how you view yourself or your future.

Chutes and Ladders via Flickr Ben Husman under Creative Commons license

Life is not an epic battle, ala the Star Wars saga, it is more like the board game Chutes and Ladders. Sometimes we plod along, sometimes a ladder shoots us forward, and often a chute slides us back. We revisit the same terrain more than once. (Although, unlike the original ancient Indian version of the game, moving forward and backward is not a moral consequence. It is simply part of the journey.)

The recent attention of “CVs of Failure” underscored that we all have more failures than successes. Unfortunately, our efforts and missteps are usually hidden. (I wrote about why grad students should start their own CV of Failure, and provided an outline to get you started.)

Handling failure with grace gets easier with experience. Professional failures are surmountable. Life is a story with many chapters and many possible paths. Failed experiments, failing quals, not getting any of the fellowships or jobs you applied for, or not getting tenure. You can recover from all of them. As my mother is wont to say, “It’s not the end of the world.” Give yourself the minimal time you need to get over a setback. Then get on with it.

It’s Not Only About You

You can’t control everything. There are dozens of exogenous variables that affect the outcome of every situation.

Applying for a job? You can’t determine who the other candidates are. You don’t influence the desires or prejudices of the search committee members. You don’t even know about the competing demands that the Dean is juggling. All of these are out of your hands. (David Perlmutter’s blog post outlines the many reasons why you might not get a job you apply for.)

Your task is to keep trying. Sometimes there are things that you can improve when you try, try, again. Your cover letter is more to the point. Your research has evolved further. Your interview answers are crisper. Control what you can control. Do the best you can. Trust your efforts. And remember that it is not all in your hands.

Another science fiction icon, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, said, “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.”[3]

[1] These latter two examples were the actual experiences of Dr. Egle Cekanaviciute, who ran the 2016 San Francisco Pint of Science, and Dr. Bridget Whearty, who was a CLIR Fellow, 2013-15. Both provided input and inspiration for this blog post.

[2] Richard Feynman, Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!: Adventures of a Curious Character

[3] Star Trek: The New Generation “Peak Performance” written by David Kemper, 1989.

2020 Los Alamos Dynamics Summer School

Next summer, Los Alamos National Laboratory will be hosting the 21st edition of the Los Alamos Dynamics Summer School (LADSS). I have attached a PDF flyer that provides information about the summer school, links to more information on the web, and provides instructions for applying to the summer school. Please note that the program has been expanded to ten weeks.

Please see attached flyer for more information.

 

2020_LADSS_Flyer (2)