I hope everyone had a great holiday. My family and I enjoyed a relative peaceful Christmas and New Year. Fortunately, the New Year passed with few Y2K problems. However, had they occurred, we would have been ready. At the end of December the Biology Department spent much time powering down instruments, storing our chemicals in a safe manner in the event of a power outage, etc. In fact, St. John’s was designated as a regional emergency center and would have housed emergency personnel and their families. The power plant at St. John’s was ready to generate nearly 85% of our normal power capacity. The Biology Department was third in line to get power (after such places as the Health Center) so our frozen cells, etc., would have survived. Nevertheless, we were glad that none of the extensive preparations were necessary (and hope that they still won’t be necessary). I was very impressed with the amount of effort expended by the institution in preparing us to deal with the potential crisis.

I want to end today’s note by apologizing to anyone I offended with the joke about Thanksgiving that appeared in a previous issue of the newsletter. I will be more careful in the future.

Jeff Muntifering (SJU ’99) stopped by to chat and report that he has just finished working on project studying wolves in northern Minnesota and that he was on his way to Namibia to work with cheetahs. In fact, his boss and project was featured in the recent issue of National Geographic.

Suzanne Mulcahy (CSB ’99), who graduated in December, will also work with big "cats". She has accepted an internship at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge for the spring.

Jan 11 Internship Workshop – 3:30 HAB 102B
Jan 13 Internship Workshop – 4:30 Q247
Feb 10 Internship Workshop – 4:30 Q247
Feb 14 Pfizer Summer Workshop Applications Due
Feb 15 Deadline for Claire Booth Luce Scholarship Applications
Feb 29 Plant Puzzler Entries due
Mar 10 Lil’ Sibs Weekend
Mar 31 CSB Senior Parent Weekend
Mar 7 Internship Workshop – 7:30 pm. HAB 009
April 1 SJU Mother-Son Dance
April 8 Biology Subject Test – GRE
April 29 Pinestock

St. Cloud hosts University of Minnesota Mini-Medical School

When: Monday, Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: St. Cloud Hospital, new conference center, entrance D or E
Contact: Teri Charest, Academic Health Center, (612) 624-4604

Medical science from University of Minnesota will make its way to St. Cloud on Monday, Jan. 24 for a traveling version of the university's Mini Medical School. Charles Louis, head of biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics at the university, will teach participants the basic science that is essential to understand human diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's. He will also describe how medicine is changing, thanks to advances in molecular and cellular biology. Changing your genetic sequence or growing new tissue may some day cure diseases that are traditionally treated with surgery or other therapy.

The university launched Mini Medical School in October, which was met with overwhelming popularity. More than 3,000 participants inquired just three days after the six-week course was announced.

The program is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership (MHHP), this Mini Medical School tour will spread the excitement throughout the state with stops in Mankato, Brainerd, Thief River Falls, Duluth, Willmar,

Marshall and Fergus Falls. MHHP is a trade organization representing Minnesota's 142 hospitals and 22 health systems. MHHP develops policy, conducts advocacy efforts and

provides services designed to assist members in caring for the health of their communities. The university's Academic Health Center comprises the schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Space is limited so registration is required; call Jeny Stumpf at the

University, (612) 624-1923 or Maureen Bruce at MHHP, 1-800-462-5393.
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Summer Research Fellowship Opportunity! – by Dr. Michael Reagan

This year, for the first time, CSB/SJU have been invited to nominate students for the Pfizer Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for Molecular Biology. This fellowship allows a student to do research in the general area of molecular biology in a lab here at CSB/SJU for the summer. The fellowship will pay $3,500 to the student for the summer, and the student and faculty mentor will visit Pfizer Central Research in the fall for an award ceremony and to present the results of their research project in a poster session. Pfizer will give preference to juniors. The Biology department will nominate up to two students to Pfizer for this fellowship. Awards will be announced March 29. Interested students should pick up information from Dr. Reagan (NSC 216) and should contact and discuss potential projects with a faculty mentor. The student will have to submit to Dr. Reagan by Monday, Feb 14: 1) a short (one-page) statement describing the importance of this opportunity to your personal and career plans and a brief explanation of the project, 2) a letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor, and 3) a copy of your transcript. A Biology Department committee will decide the nominees from the department, and the student will then complete the application process.

The application to Pfizer, due March 1, will have to include, in addition to the material described above, a description of the proposed research project written in collaboration with your faculty mentor.
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Summer Employment and Internship Opportunities

The DNR’s Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) is seeking qualified individuals to staff its summer Conservation Corps work program at St. Croix State Park, near Hinckley. Applicants should have experience working with hand and power tools, camping, youth work experience and have the desire to work and live in an outdoor, rustic setting. For more contact Peter Hark at peter.hark@dnr.state.mn.us; (651) 296 – 2144 or visit the their web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/mcc/staff.html.
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Internship Opportunities - The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center – Fergus Fall, MN Spring: March 20 - June 2, 2000; Summer: June 12 - August 18, 2000; Fall: September 5 - November 10, 2000. Successful applicants must have completed their sophomore year in college, and be in a field of study related to environmental education, natural resource management, outdoor education or biology. High motivation, interest in working with people of all ages, flexibility and a good sense of humor are desirable attributes. Internships last 10-12 weeks depending on the season, and require living on site and irregular hours of work. Compensation of $150/week and on site private dorm room is provided. For information contact: Teresa Jaskiewicz, Environmental Education Specialist; Prairie Wetlands Learning Center; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Route 1, Box 76; Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Tel: 218-736-0938; Fax: 218-736-0941; Email: teresa_jaskiewicz@fws.gov
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Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

Research Associate - Trait Development and Integration - Johnston, Iowa. Education: B.S. or M.S. degree in Plant Sciences and at least 2 years of greenhouse or field experience.

Experience desired: Knowledge of plant molecular biology, plant breeding, plant physiology and the applications of biotechnology to crop improvement. Experience in experimental design and analysis, computer skills and database management are strong assets. Contact: Human Resources-Research (Ad Code #99303C), Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc., PO Box 1004, Johnston, IA 50131-1004 Email: jobsresearch@phibred.com
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Association for Women in Science Education Foundation

Each year the AWIS Educational Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships in the amount of $1,000 as well as smaller awards ranging from $250 - $500. The Dr. Vicki L. Schechtman Scholarship awards $1000 to an undergraduate woman interested in pursuing a career in scientific studies. Preference is given to applicants who wish to pursue research.

To be eligible you must:

1) be a high school senior or college freshman
2) be a US citizen
3) have at least a 3.00 GPA
4) be studying, or planning to study, one of the following - Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer & Information Systems, Engineering, Geoscience, Life Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 19 January 2000. Applications are available on line at www.awis.org or at the External Scholarship Programs office - HAB 103, CSB.
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Are You looking for a Great Summer Job?

The Department of Natural Resources' Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) is recruiting staff for its summer residential conservation work program. They are looking for experienced and responsible adults who are able to supervise and work with high-school-aged youth on conservation work projects. Applicants should have experience working with hand and power tools, camping, youth work experience, and have the desire to work and live in an outdoor, rustic setting. For more information contact: peter.hark@dnr.state.mn.us
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NASA’s Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) offers an intensive hands-on, six week summer research and engineering course at the Kennedy Space Center to undergraduate students. You can find more details about the SLSTP from their website, http://slstp.nasa.gov.
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Looking for a Natural Adventure? Join Michigan State Parks’ Adventure Program as a "Summer Naturalist". For further information contact: Michigan Sate Parks Adventure Program, Kalamazoo Nature Center, P.O Box 127, Kalamazoo, MI 49004-0127
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Hughes Undergraduate Summer Research Program: The Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, announces a summer research program for undergraduates. This eight-week program provides students the opportunity to explore a research topic of their own interest under the guidance of a faculty mentor. For more information visit the website at: http://www.biology.uiowa.edu/.
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Summer Research In Plant Biochemistry At Washington State University.

The Plant Biochemistry Research and Training Center at Washington State University has a number of positions available this summer for junior/senior students wanting to carry out research in the general area of Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in laboratories of the training faculty. The benefits package includes some terrific labs to work in, $2500 for the 9 weeks of the program, housing and some travel money.

Deadline for applications is February 16, 2000. The positions are sponsored by a training grant from DOE/USDA/NSF so only US citizens/residents are eligible. Women and minority students are especially encouraged to apply.

Braun Intertec Possibilities. We received the following note from Ms. Kristin Terrell inviting students to a possible internship:

"I am a recent St. Ben's graduate (December 1998-my maiden name was Kristin Koch) and am employed by Braun Intertec, an Environmental Consulting and Testing agency… Braun Intertec [may] offer…internship positions to interested students for a J-Term or summer term…I was a chemistry major, and having done research in chemistry at St. Ben's my last summer at school really helped solidify my whole educational experience. I think that an internship would be a great opportunity for students to get a feel for what you are able to do with a degree in chemistry/biology after college!"

For more information, contact Ms. Kristin Terrell; Braun Intertec; 651-778-6702; e-mail: klterrell@mmm.com
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Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Internships

Internship options:

1. Resources studies. Wetlands, water quality, plant diversity, prairie restoration, etc.
2. Student naturalist interpreter.
3. Ropes course and experiential education student facilitator.

The organization:   PWELC is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing environmental education and outdoor hands-on experiences.

The site:  The ELC is located on 424 acres about 10 miles north of Willmar, Minnesota. The land is comprised of rolling glacial hills, native prairie, hardwood forest, a variety of wetlands and old farm fields planted to grasses. We have about 10,000 square feet of indoor programming space completed in fall 1999. We also have a farm site including a restored farm house potentially available for housing.

The program:  We feature a high ropes adventure course which was used by over 2,700 people in 1999. We are developing our environmental education program as well and had over 1,000 participants in 1999. We also have a developing agriculture program.

For more information, contact Mr. John Hanson at pwelc@wecnet.com.
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The Arboretum at Flagstaff - Paid Research Internship - May 15-August 15, 2000

Candidates for this position should have a background in geology and field data collection. Some travel, camping, and hiking is required. Housing is up to the individual, although they will give assistance to non-local interns.

Send resume, two letters of recommendation, and cover letter indicating desired position by February 11 to Steve Yoder, Director of Education, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-8776. Tel.: 520-774-1442

For more information visit www.thearb.org.
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The Nature Conservancy - 5 Seasonal Positions

Send all application material for all positions to Sandi Edmunds, TNC

Midwest Resource Office 1313 5th St., Suite 314, Minneapolis, MN 55414. The due dates are rapidly approaching for these so don’t delay if you are interested.

• Seasonal Prescribed Burn Worker - April 10 - May 26, 2000
• Seasonal Stewardship Ecologist (2 positions) - Missouri Coteau-Cross Ranch Nature Preserve Hensler, ND - May 1 - August 18, 2000
• Seasonal Preserve Management Assistant (2 positions) – Missouri Coteau-Cross Ranch Nature Preserve Hensler, ND - April 10 - October 13, 2000
• Seasonal Prescribe Burn Worker - Cross Ranch, Hensler, ND - April 10 - May 26, 2000
• Seasonal Preserve Management Assistant (2 positions) - Samuel Ordway Nature Preserve, Leola, SD - April 10 -  October 13, 2000

"Disseminating Natural Resource Information to the Public" – Continuing Education Workshop sponsored by the MN Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. January 19, 2000, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.; Best Western Kelly Inn, St. Cloud, MN. For more information contact Lauire Sovell, MN Pollution Control Agency at 507 389 1925.
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Costs for the symposium, including a box lunch, are approximately $20. For more information on the symposium call (651) 772-7574 after January 28.
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Science in the News: Human Corneas Grown in the Lab - by Dr. Michael Reagan.

For the first time ever, scientists have grown human corneas (the exterior part of the eye that covers the lens) in tissue culture. The cornea consists of three layers of cells, the epithelial cells that form the outer layer, the karatinocytes in the middle, and the endothelial cells in the inner layer. Scientists at the University of Ottawa, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Tennessee collaborated to cover endothelial cells in a petri plate with keratinocytes and then epithelial cells, and exposed the epithelial cells to an air-culture media interface. After about two weeks, a tissue behaving much like a human cornea was formed. These artificial corneas could be used for such things as toxicological testing for cosmetics and other chemicals and also as a source for human tissue transplants. Reported in Science, 10 December, 1999.
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Plant Puzzler: The Case of the Rapidly Appearing Weeds.

The Puzzler: Consider a garden. Have you ever noticed that once the soil is turned over a new crop of weeds develops quickly? Why?

Extending the Classroom Walls: A Unique Biology Course/Research/Field Experience. During the Spring Term 2001, the Biology Department will be offering students a unique opportunity to mix course work with a field research opportunity. This program will be offered as part of the Learning Communities project sponsored by CSB/SJU and the Bush Foundation. Students who enroll in the program will spend the first half of the term on campus studying evolutionary ecology, field research methods, writing, and a related Upper Division Humanities or Senior Seminar. During the second half of the term we will travel to the southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina where we will spend five weeks at the Highlands Biological Station doing field research in this ecologically fascinating area. We will also spend a week on the coastal islands of the Carolina’s or Georgia, examining a very different ecological setting. If you are interested, contact Dr. Poff (Phone 3179; email jpoff).
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Looking for a good place to study?

Check out the Herbarium or Natural Science Museum. You are welcome to sit and relax or study in a wonderful biological atmosphere.
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Lake Monitoring - Article Update

Name Changes in the Biology Department:

The Biology Department will start the new millenium with several name changes. The spaces that are being named are: the herbarium will be named the Bailey Herbarium; the Invertebrate Specimen Room is being named the Hansen Invertebrate Collection & Research Lab; the two introductory labs are being named the Mendel (after Gregor) Biology Lab and the Watson and Crick (after DNA) Biology Lab, and the Natural History Museum is being named the Herbert and Birdella Hall Natural History Museum. Dr. Saupe is waiting for approval of his request to rename his office "The Grand Poohbah’s Imperial Headquarters".
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ScienceWeek

Can you imagine working at the following Company?

Although it has fewer than 550 employees,
29 have been accused of spousal abuse
7 have been arrested for fraud
19 have been accused of writing bad checks
117 have bankrupted at least two businesses
3 have been arrested for assault
71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
8 have been arrested for shoplifting
21 are current defendants in lawsuits
In 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving

Can you guess which organization this is?

For more information, contact: