Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program

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Check out this video by PVAB student Sarah Bussard
New Zealand 2018 – Small-1elu7j2

Like many UD students, I opted to spend my Winter 2018 semester studying abroad on one of the numerous programs offered by the University. The New Zealand Study Abroad Program allowed students of all majors to study animal science, plant science, food science, sustainable agricultural practices, and current issues faced by rural farmers. While abroad, students resided in dormitories and took classes in the academic buildings at Lincoln University. Aside from classes, students embarked on 3-4 educational field trips a week to explore the South Island of New Zealand, one of the world’s most agriculturally varied and proficient countries. With agriculture being a main component of New Zealand’s exported goods and economy, it was the perfect setting for this educational excursion. These trips provided students with hands-on learning experiences that reinforce the course material studied in the classroom, helping to make more well-rounded students overall and furthering the ability to make connections both in and out of the classroom.

This journey offered courses and adventures that I believed significantly enriched my experiences as a student of Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences. The courses in Sustainable Farm Management and Topics in International Farm Management were specifically beneficial to my major because they give me a unique perspective on how animals are used, viewed, and cared for in different areas of the world. Farming and animal agriculture are businesses that rely heavily on utilizing animals in a way that is efficient and cost-effective. Veterinarians play a major role in animal agriculture by working with farmers to keep livestock healthy by monitoring structural soundness/lameness, reproduction, nutrition, vaccinations, biosecurity, and animal welfare. Being able to observe how these components of animal care are managed across the world provided me with experiences that are invaluable, should I one-day work as a large animal veterinarian.

Like most undergraduate students, the financial burden of higher education is always a concern of mine. Thankfully, I was able to participate on this incredible educational journey due to the immense generosity of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides students of limited financial means with the extraordinary opportunity to study abroad and expand their horizons as a student. Many students are denied the chance to study abroad due to financial constraints, and most are unaware of the resources and scholarship opportunities available to help finance these educational journeys. Given all of the incredible opportunities I was afforded through this scholarship, I aspire to share my experience to inform students at the University of Delaware of the Gilman Scholarship to help make their academic aspirations a reality.

I do not believe that a student should ever have to turn down an educational experience due to lack of funds, especially not experiences so enriching and life-changing as studying abroad. In my perspective, an education is the best investment one could ever make. Thankfully, organizations such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program recognize this as well, and are willing to aid students on their journey to achieve an education, no matter where it may lead them.

If any student interested in studying abroad, I would encourage them to start by researching study abroad programs available to them. It is incredibly important to participate in a program that best suits them if they are to make the most out of their journey. Some important criteria to consider when choosing a study abroad program includes:

  • Be aware of cultural differences and language barriers of your destination.
  • Carefully consider the living accommodations available in that country (drinkable water, toilets, WiFi, etc) as well as where you will be staying during the trip (dorm, host family, etc).
  • Is the duration of the trip compatible with your academic schedule?
  • Are the courses you will be taking abroad of interest to you or beneficial to your desired career path?
  • What activities are there available for you to participate in during your free time?
  • Are you comfortable with the climate in your area of study and are you educated on that area’s natural threats?
  • Be aware of the program cost and the conversion rates between US currency and the country of study.

In regards to the final consideration listed above, I highly recommend every student considering studying abroad to apply to the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program. The application consists of supplying personal information, as well as two essays. The first essay is a Statement of Purpose, highlighting information about your chosen study abroad program, explaining your personal desire for studying abroad, and how the trip will benefit you.  The second essay is a proposal for a Follow-On Service Project, which is expected of every student who receives the Gilman Scholarship. The Follow-On Service Project is an assignment to be completed upon return the the US that promotes the Gilman Scholarship and helps other students to learn more about this incredible opportunity. To be eligible to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, students must:

  • Be a United States citizen
  • Be an undergraduate student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the US who is in good academic standing
  • Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or proof that they will be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of the study abroad program
  • Be in the process of applying or accepted to a study abroad program that offers academic credit at the student’s home institution
  • Be participating in a program that does not take place in a country under official Travel Warning by the US Department of State

For more information about the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program and applying, please feel free to contact me at sbussard@udel.edu or seek additional information and apply at https://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program.

To check out all of the study abroad programs offered by the University of Delaware and find applications, please visit http://www1.udel.edu/global/studyabroad/information/programs.html

Iron Hill Museum & Science Center Museum Educator Position Opening

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Teacher Naturalist assist in delivery of environmental education lessons for school students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the general public. Lessons may include field studies, outreach, seasonal programs, summer camps, or other activities and may be held inside or outdoors in all weather conditions. Scheduling is highly flexible and can include weekdays and weekends throughout the year. There is no minimum hourly requirement and hours will vary seasonally. Training is provided. This is a part time hourly position.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Teach environmental education lessons.
  • Assist with program preparation and delivery of educational curriculum and activities, including summer camp.
  • Provide a valuable educational experience for museum visitors.
  • Maintain clean and orderly classrooms and museum exhibit areas.
  • Attend appropriate instructor-training workshops.
  • Promote Delaware Academy of Science mission, goals, activities, events, and membership.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Teaching experience or experience working with children.
  • Natural Sciences Knowledge.
  • Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team, as well as individually.
  • Certification in First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain said certification.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site.
  • Satisfactory completion of a background investigation; this position may require annual background investigations.

Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to:
Iron Hill Museum & Science Center
1115 Robert L. Melson Lane
Newark, Delaware 19702

Or email director@ironhill-museum.org

Maryland Sea Grant Science Management and Policy Internship

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Are you graduating or a recent graduate looking for an opportunity in science policy or management? Apply to join the Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) team as a Science Management and Policy Intern. This one to two year internship will offer experience working with an environmental focused university organization dedicated to research, education, and outreach. This position will provide fundamental training for interns to transition to graduate school or the private, non-profit, or governmental sectors. As part of the internship, you will be expected to complete 2-3 special projects, participate in several professional development trainings, and contribute to the administration of our main office.

This internship will be for one year with the option to renew for a second year. The internship is a full-time, 40 hours per week, Contractual Contingent 2 position at Maryland Sea Grant’s office in College Park, Maryland. The intern will be paid an annual salary of $33,000 as well as limited benefits including health insurance, tuition remission, and generous leave.

To apply, please send your application as one PDF document to employment@mdsg.umd.edu by Friday, May 11, 2018. The application should include:

•A 750-word personal and career goal statement which describes what you will bring to the internship and how this internship will help you achieve your long-term career goals,
•Please answer the following, keeping your answer to 200 words or less per response: 1) In your opinion, what are the top three major environmental threats facing the Chesapeake Bay? 2) Maryland Sea Grant funds a variety of research throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Peruse our website and let us know which research project in the last ten years interests you the most and why.
•A resume
•An undergraduate transcript

More information can be found on our website: http://mdsg.umd.edu/employment

Data Analysis – Water Resource Management Branch

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The Water Resource Management Branch is seeking an intern to help improve the Commission’s data analysis capabilities.

Job duties include the following:

  • Populating the Commission’s integrated database with data from withdrawal and discharge projects;
  • Researching reservoir planning and construction history;
  • Reviewing previous approvals to determine their current status;
  • Researching water conservation requirements in the Water Code;
  • Developing a network of groundwater elevations in the GWPA; and
  • Compiling locational data for permits.

The paid internship is available for approximately 37.5 hours/week, May – September 2018.
Interested applicants should send a resume to Doug Rowland at Doug.Rowland@drbc.nj.gov.
The deadline to apply is 4 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2018.
http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/about/staff/internships.html

Ornamental Production and Management Summer Internship

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Internship opening for a student interested in working on various projects associated with ornamental production and management throughout the mid-Atlantic.  Projects may include work with beetles in nursery production, greenhouse management of mealybugs and potential work with landscape pests.  Intern will gain experience working with trees as part of demonstration plots regarding borers of ash trees and other outreach events.  Intern will present a brief presentation about one of the insect pests encountered during the summer to the green industry.  Preferably, applicants should have experience with entomology and Integrated Pest management but is not necessary.  Necessary requirement is eagerness/enthusiasm to learn about entomology and IPM, willingness to work with and handle insects, and a desire to improve their skills or experience to better prepare them for their future career.

Internship is from 1 June through 15 August.  The pay is $12/hr.

Interested applicants should send a resume to Brian A. Kunkel, Ph.D. via email:  bakunkel@udel.edu

 

Sussex Conservation District in search of an Agricultural Conservation Planner

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Agricultural Conservation Planner with nutrient management experience needed.  Must be proficient with computers, including MS Word, Excel, databases, and ArcGIS a plus.  Good communication skills a must.  Works well with others and independently.  Field work required.  BS in agriculture, environmental science, or natural resources preferred.  A DE Nutrient Management Certification must be obtained as a condition of employment within one year.

Send resume to Ag Conservation Manager, 21315 Berlin Road, Unit 4, Georgetown, DE 19947 or via email at bryan.jones@de.nacdnet.net no later than May 16, 2018. SCD is an EEOC Employer.

The full job description can be found at https://www.sussexconservation.org/contact-us/employment.html.