The American Geosciences Institute is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship. The successful candidate will spend 12 months (starting September 2012) in Washington, DC, working as a staff member in the office of a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The fellowship represents a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the federal legislative process and make practical contributions to the effective and timely use of geoscientific knowledge on issues relating to the environment, resources, natural hazards, and federal science policy.

 Prospective applicants should have a broad geoscience background and excellent written and oral communications skills. Minimum requirements are a Master’s degree with at least three years of post-degree work experience or a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. Although prior experience in public policy is not necessary, a demonstrable interest in applying science to the solution of public problems is desirable. Applicants must be a member of one of AGI’s member societies (see list).

The fellowship carries an annual stipend of up to $65,000 plus allowances for health insurance, relocation, and travel. Additionally, the fellowship includes a possible two to four month extension.

 Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, statement of purpose and a  curriculum vitae and request three letters of reference. Candidates should ask three people to submit letters of reference through the online submission site. Deadline for submission of applications is February 1, 2012.

Please visit the AGI Fisher Fellows Webpage for more information and for a list with links of other geosciences societies that offer similar fellowships.

2.  2012 Geosciences and Policy Internships with AGI Government Affairs

AGI’s Government Affairs Program offers summer and semester internship opportunities for geoscience students (undergraduates or Masters students) with an interest in public policy and in how Washington impacts the geoscience community. Interns gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They hone writing, research, and web publishing skills. Stipends for the interns are generously supported by AGI, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the American Institute of Professional Geologists Foundation.

The following links provide additional information on the internships and how to apply. Go to the links to submit an application online.

2012 AGI/AIPG Summer Internships
Apply by March 15 of internship year (Open for submission of applications on Nov 1 of previous year)

2012 AGI/AAPG Fall Semester Internships
Apply by April 15 of internship year (Open for submission of applications on Nov 1 of previous year)

2013 AGI/AAPG Spring Semester Internships
Apply by October 15 of previous year (Open for submission of applications on April 30 of previous year) 

Please send any comments or requests for information to AGI Government Affairs Program at govt@agiweb.org.

3. Another program we have received information for is the 34th International Congress (IGC) Students and Early Career Scientists Travel Grant and Mentoring Program.

 For more information please visit: http://www.geosociety.org/flyers/IGC_Grant2012.pdf

A record of relevant courses and grades (students only),

Two letters of recommendation, and a

Cover letter addressing your reasons for attending the meeting and a prioritized budget of expenses.

Many chapters still haven’t turned in their reports, so the answer could be NO.

L. Austin Weeks Grant 

The deadline for Student Chapters to apply for the L. Austin Weeks grant is quickly approaching: December 15, 2011. For more information and to apply please visit: http://students.aapg.org/chaptergrant.cfm

 Student Chapter Book Gift

 AAPG Student Chapters that have yet to apply for the Student Chapter Book Gift have until December 15, 2011 to have their forms turned in. Active Chapters are eligible every third year.  New chapters can receive the benefit right away.  For more information and to apply please visit: http://students.aapg.org/rebates.cfm#bookgift.cfm

 Grants-in-Aid 

It is also a good time to prepare a complete an application for AAPG Foundation Grants. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2012.

 Grants are for graduate students in amounts from $500-$3,000.

 For more information and to apply please visit: http://foundation.aapg.org/gia/

Reports

The bylaws require the student chapter to submit two reports, one mid-year and another at the end of the calendar year. These reports are vital to AAPG in that they provide AAPG with its only tangible data regarding the success of the program. The Chapter’s reports keep the Chapter eligible for many of the benefits to having an AAPG Student Chapter and are what the Student Chapter Committee references in order to decide the Outstanding Student Chapters each year. It is preferable that the Chapters report be emailed to students@aapg.org, as a Word or PDF attachment. However reports may also be mailed or faxed to AAPG HQ.

A report is defined as a document containing:

1. A listing of the officers of the chapter (AAPG member number, name and email addresses)
2. Faculty advisor and any co-advisors (AAPG member number, name and email addresses)
3. A member list for the Chapter (AAPG member number and name)
4. A report on activities the chapter has engaged in since their last report was filed.
5. A brief financial summary of the Chapter’s usage of funds.

All reports for the year, including the End of Year Reports(activities from July-December), are due by the deadline of Dec15th.

We have received the following university’s Mid-Year Reports for the activities from January-June (listed in alphabetical order). If your chapter is not listed here we have not recieved your report. 

Ahmadu Bello University

Ain Shams University

Alexandria University

American University of Beirut

Auburn University

Brigham Young University-Idaho

California State University, Fresno

Colorado School of Mines

Concord University

Delft University of Technology

Eotvos Lorand University

Ghent University

Idaho State University

Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine

Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad

Institut Francais du Petrole (IFP)

Institute of Technology – Bandung

Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember

Institute Polytechnic LaSalle Beauvais

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso

Makerere University

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Obafemi Awolowo University

Oklahoma State University

Rice University

Santa Barbara City College

Southern Methodist University

Stephen F. Austin State University

Trisakti University

University of Aberdeen

University of Akron

University of Alabama

University of Diponegoro

University of Gadjah Mada

University of Ibadan

University of Ilorin

University of Indonesia

University of Iowa

University of Jos

University of Kansas

University of Karachi

University of Lagos

University of Leeds

University of Leoben

University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

University of Manchester

University of Miskolc

University of Montpellier II

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

University of Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran”

University of Sindh

University of Stavanger

University of the State of Rio de Janeiro

University of Utah

University of Western Ontario

West Virginia University

Zagazig University

Students and Companies:

The deadlines for registration for many of the AAPG Student Expo events are fast approaching so register today.

 Students – now is your opportunity to meet/network/ and hopefully interview with a number of companies at one time.

 Companies – now is your opportunity to find top notch talent from around the country and in some cases from around the world at one, some, or all of our Expo events.

1. AAPG/SEG Student Expo

September 8-9, 2011
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas

The Student Expo is a unique tool for linking geoscience students with industry recruiters. Students benefit by presenting their work, networking, and interviewing with multiple employers while companies enjoy cost-efficient recruiting from a diverse and talented student population.

Activities at the two-day Student Expo include field trips, short courses, an open poster session and Icebreaker, followed by a full day of poster presentations and interview.  Students submit their resumes and poster abstracts in advance of the meeting, which allows companies to identify candidates with specific skills.  There will be an informal reception where poster awards will be presented. 

DEADLINE FOR STUDENT REGISTRATION to have your resume and/or abstract in the book for companies is August 29th, 2011. 

 Visit the Student Expo website: Click here.  

2. AAPG Eastern Section Student Summit and Student Job Quest

  September 24th, 2011, Arlington, Virginia 

 Held in conjunction with AAPG’s Eastern Section Meeting. 

 Added this year is the Eastern Section Student Summit  ES Student Summit
[scribd id=63256933 key=key-1hxg6dpszujhi4moxy98 mode=list]

 For more information click on graphic below.

3. Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

The 2011 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous of Geoscience Students and Employers (RMR) job fair is scheduled for Sept 30-Oct 1 on the campus of the University of Wyoming (UW).  Sponsored b y the AAPG and SEG this job fair is a great place to network and find a job. We in the Dept of Geology and Geophysics at UW understand students and how important getting a job is.  We work really hard to help students secure interviews with recruiters and we pride ourselves on providing lots of “face time” between students and recruiters with field trips, short courses, banquets, poster sessions and receptions.  Generous industry support allows us to offer significant cash awards to poster presenters for honorable mention as well as 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place. We also offer limited support for travel to the RMR.  For more info and t learn how to register, please go to the RMR website at:

http://aapg.gg.uwyo.edu/RockyMtnRendezvous/home.html

Our goal is not to be the biggest job fair, but to be the best at providing students and recruiters opportunities to connect.  Come be a part of our 10^th anniversary RMR.

 Randi S. Martinsen 

4. AAPG/SEG West Coast Student Expo

October 13-15, 2011 Northridge, CA

The AAPG-SEG West Coast Student Expo is set for 13-15 October 2011. The venue will be the California State University Northridge Student Union. Check our web site�
http://www.csun.edu/geology/aapg-seg.htm for updates and additional event information.   

For additional information and to register please click here! 

The Petro-Ed courses feature robust graphics, simulations and automated, interactive learning modules.  They are completely self-paced and can be used as a supplement to existing courses.  For links to the full catalogue and to see more samples of the animations, visit the course descriptions and links below, or click the link:  http://www.aapg.org/education/online/petroed.cfm

This is a wonderful opportunity for AAPG chapters and student members.  While it is not unusual to find open-access learning objects on the web, such as quizzes, interactive maps, interactive instructional diagrams, full lessons that develop knowledge and skills can be quite expensive, particularly in areas such as petroleum exploration and development.  Qualifying student chapters will have access to three courses at no cost.

Scholarships for three separate online interactive learning courses are available for the following online, interactive module-based courses, which are completely self-guided, with automated reviews and quizzes. There is no instructor interaction, which makes them an ideal complement to traditional classroom-based courses, and an effective supplement to course texts and lab materials.

Apply for the Scholarship

Please send an e-mail to Dr. Susan Nash (snash@aapg.org), Director of Education and Professional Development, AAPG.  In your e-mail, please provide responses to the following items:

1.  Name / Institution / contact information (address / email)

2.  What is the name of your AAPG chapter?

3.  What kinds of online learning does your university’s geosciences program currently use?

4.  How would your student chapter use the software licenses if they are awarded to you?

In addition to keeping in touch and providing suggestions about how to use the license, we will interview the winning chapters and feature photos of members and leadership (along with their faculty sponsor) on the AAPG Learn! Blog.

Descriptions of the Courses

Basic Principles of Petroleum

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=BPP

This course is designed for students who require a basic understanding of the petroleum industry to perform their jobs. It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of upstream and downstream activities. Students will learn how hydrocarbon deposits are formed, explored for, and produced. Next, students will learn how crude oil and gas are converted from a raw material to finished product and delivered to markets, or traded worldwide, as a commodity.

Geology of Petroleum

Exploration for Oil and Gas

Drilling Operations Basics

Production of Oil and Gas

Petroleum Refining Process

Transportation, Distribution and Delivery of Oil and Gas

Marketing Petroleum Products

Introduction to Well Control

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=IWC_IADC

The premise of Introduction to Well Control computer based training course is that every member of the rig crew should understand the fundamental principles of well control in order to obtain the highest degree of safety during drilling operations. This self-paced interactive multimedia program takes a rig hand through the basic concepts of well control in an easy to understand, straight-forward manner. 3D animations, graphics and other visual imagery are used to quickly communicate complex subject material to manpower with diverse technical backgrounds and language skills.

Well Control Equipment

Units of Measure

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure Balance

Causes of Kicks

Controlling the Well

Restoring the Well

Oil Well Drilling

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=OWD

Oil Well Drilling introduces the techniques and technologies involved in drilling oil wells. The course is intended for personnel new to the oil and gas industry, specifically including those in the administrative and support services as well as those in the field. Oilwell Drilling provides a firm foundation knowledge of oilfield practices and terminology that can prove invaluable in every sector of the industry. This course comprises ten computer-based training modules, each representing two hours of instruction and exercises.

Introduction to Rig Types and Basic Drill String Components

Basic Blowout Prevention Equipment Components

Introduction to Drilling Fluids

Mud Circulation and Treating Equipment

Hoisting Equipment

Rotating Equipment, Mast, and Substructure

Pipe Handling

Casing and Cementing

Well Logging, Mud Logging, and Drill Stem Testing

Power Systems and Instrumentation

I am often told by students attending an AAPG Annual meeting that there is just so much stuff going on that they are sure they are missing stuff, so what should they make sure they do not miss. I answer this question in some form or another multiple times during a meeting, and sometimes many of the events have already passed, so I thought I would use this forum to share my thoughts with you before you come to the meeting. Also I am going to alert you to some opportunities that as I write this are still available to you. Oh and if you have not yet registered for ACE 2011 in Houston. Make it happen here.  So without further delay.

The Top 10 Student events at the AAPG Annual meeting ACE -2011 in Houston for Students and Young Professionals.

1. AAPG/SEPM Student Chapter Field Trip

Pre-Convention Field Trip 4 AAPG Student Chapter (AAPG-SC/SEPM)
Was Hurricane Ike the Big One? Effects and Aftermath of a Giant Storm

To take a look at the trips offered click here

Date: Saturday, 9 April, 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Leaders: Chris Barker and LaRell Nielson (Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas) and Robert Clarke (Consultant, Irving, Texas)
Fee: Students/Faculty $25
Includes: Transportation, lunch, refreshments, guidebook
Limit: 35 people (students and faculty only)

2. IBA short course/Preparation class.

When: Sunday, April 10^th from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Where: George R. Brown Convention Center  room 360 A&D.

What: In the course, we will explore concepts, methods, and tools of petroleum geoscience, which we use on a day-to-day basis to make exploration decisions in the energy industry.  We will focus on how we make decisions with limited information, identify critical information in light of multiple scenarios, evaluate risk vs. uncertainty, maximize the value we get from integrated teams, etc.  To investigate these topics, we will generate play element maps, play summary charts, cross-sections, and play summary maps. The course will combine lecture materials and hands-on exercises, with an emphasis on the exercises.  The course will focus on an applied problem in basin exploration.  Students will make play maps, evaluate play risk, bid on prospective acreage. Throughout the course we will stress the importance of integration across disciplines and scales, focusing on the interaction and expression of fundamental basin formation, fill, and evolution processes from regional to basin and play to prospect scale. These discussions will include consideration of plate motion, paleogeography, stratigraphy, structural deformation, sedimentology, rock properties, subsurface imaging, burial history, and fluid migration.

How to sign up: To sign up for this exciting course taught by Bob Stewart of ExxonMobil which prepares students and professors that may like to participate in the IBA competition for 2012, please email Mike at mikem@aapg.org in the subject line put “IBA Class” so I can easily find your message. Respond ASAP as there is no cost to attend and space is limited to 60 participants. If you are interested in the IBA program make sure and attend this event.

3. Student /Professional Meet N-Greet:

The AAPG Young Professionals Committee is again sponsoring a Student – Professional Meet-N-Greet on Sunday, April 10 at the Annual Convention in Houtson, TX from 2 p.m. thru the Opening Session and Icebreaker.  Please see this page for additional information:

http://www.aapg.org/houston2011/meetngreet.cfm

4. Opening Session and Awards Ceremony:

Sunday April 10^th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the George Bush Grand Ballroom at the George R. Brown Convention Center. For those of you participating in the Student/Professional Meet N-Greet you will be attending this with your assigned professional. Don’t miss this brief yet powerful ceremony as the best of AAPG are honored.

5. Student and Faculty Lounge:

During exhibition hours at the exhibition hall connected to the AAPG Center.

Be sure to stop by this lounge area sponsored by Chevron. Complimentary refreshments are provided each day during exhibition hours. The lounge functions as the AAPG Student Headquarters during the meeting offering students and faculty their own place to meet with fellow students, faculty and industry professionals to develop career contacts and lifelong friendships. While you are there be sure to thank Chevron for all of their financial support including the sponsorship of student member dues.

6. AAPG Bookstore and General Store:

Visit the AAPG Bookstore and take advantage of member pricing on books, and digital publications. You can also pay your member dues and pick up your 2011 Annual Abstracts CD-ROM here. While browsing the books be sure to pick up your AAPG apparel and gifts. Sales proceeds of General Store items benefit the AAPG Student Chapters working in the Store. 

7. AAPG/SEG Student Expo Committee – Career Workshop:

Monday April 11^th from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Hilton Americas Hotel in room 335C.

Resume review from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

This workshop will consist of a few topics of discussion to assist students and recent graduates in their quest for employment in the petroleum and environmental industries by better understanding the activities of day-to-day life in the energy/environmental industries as well as specific job search strategies and tips for finding that perfect job. This discussion will focus on how to gain employment, the outlook on current staffing needs, recruiting trends, and what companies are looking for in future employees.

From 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. a representative from Kelley Services will be available to answer questions and provide useful and practical guidelines including resumé development and interviewing tips. This workshop is sponsored by the AAPG/SEG Student Expo Committee, which organizes expos and job fairs across the country at various times of the year. Information about these can be found at www.studentexpo.info.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about careers in the industry and meet potential recruiters. Currently there are still seats available, so sign up when you register or add it to your registration. Also some seats open up from no-shows, so if you did not sign up, bring $10 and see if you can get a seat.

8. Career Center:

Monday April 11^th 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Tuesday April 12^th 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m., Wednesday April 13^th 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Located in Room 330 A of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Stop by and connect to employment opportunities. Bring along your resume or job listings (if you are an employer) and the Career Center volunteers will assist you in posting it to the AAPG Career Center website for maximum industry exposure as well as the onsite bulletin boards within the room.

9. AAPG/SEPM Student Reception:

Monday April 11^th from 5:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at the Hilton Americas Hotel -Ballroom of the Americas A/B (Level 2).

Make sure you don’t miss this one!

All students and faculty attending the convention are invited to the AAPG/SEPM Student Reception.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while mingling with your peers. A talk given by an ExxonMobil representative is scheduled before the top three poster authors from the Shell-sponsored “Selected Academic Research Topics: Student Presentations” receive awards. The Jim Hartman Service to Students Award will be conveyed upon an AAPG member who has contributed exceptional service to AAPG’s Student Programs. The awards program will close with the presentation of the Schlumberger-sponsored Outstanding Student Chapter Awards along with the Imperial Barrel Award prizes. Be sure to visit and network with all of the VIP’s and give a personal thank you to all of the company representatives that sponsor and make many of AAPG’s student programs possible.

10. Additional Opportunities, classes, field trips.

These 9 events listed above are by no means all of the great events, programs or opportunities to take advantage of while in Houston but this list should give you a good head start.

To learn of more of the Student Activities planned for Houston check out :

http://www.aapg.org/houston2011/StudentActivities.cfm

If you have questions, comments or want to sign up for the IBA prep course be sure to email me.

This is a key way for your Student Chapter to earn some money while attending ACE 2011.

As for the sign up form it should be in this post or arriving shortly via email to Student Chapter Presidents and Advisors.

For more information on this program please review this story from a past issue of the AAPG Explorer.

General Store 2011

Provided: travel, housing, salary (~$15/hour) for eleven weeks, partial academic scholarship in next academic year, support to attend a national conference next academic year.

Summer Dates, Location:  May 22 to Aug. 6th in Boulder, Colorado.

Status: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

College level: Juniors and Sophomores can apply.  Must have completed two years of college, and must have one semester remaining after the summer of 2011.

Eligible majors:  Majors in geology, geophysics, hydrology, environmental engineering, math, physics, geophysics, physical geography or a closely related field may apply.

Application Deadline:  Feb. 10, 2011.  Must apply online, send transcripts, and have 2 recommendation forms sent to the RESESS office (by email, fax, or mail). Go to our Applications for more information.

Go to our FAQ page for more information.  Read more about last summer’s program here, and come visit the RESESS home page.�
You may also contact Program Director, Val Sloan at resess@unavco.org.

Info provide by Val Sloan.

The next deadline to apply for AGI Geoscience & Public Policy Internships is March 15, 2011. AGI’s Government Affairs Program offers summer and semester internship opportunities for geoscience students (undergraduates and Masters students) with an interest in public policy and in how Washington impacts the geoscience community. Interns gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They also hone writing, research, and web publishing skills. Stipends for the interns are generously supported by AGI, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the American Institute of Professional Geologists Foundation.

AGI’s Government Affairs Program is looking for a Policy Associate. The American Geological Institute seeks a government affairs staff member. Major duties and responsibilities include: monitoring and analyzing appropriations bills, legislation and policy developments on geosciences-related issues, updating information on the website, handling logistics for fly-ins as well as internship and fellowship programs, and fostering information flow between the geosciences community and policy makers. The preferred candidate will have exceptional communication and organizational skills; experience in public policy (especially with the federal government and the U.S. Congress); a science education (especially in a field of the geosciences); and familiarity with web publishing.

The deadline to apply for the 2011-2012 William L. Fisher Congressional Science Fellowship is February 1, 2011. The fellowship, named for AAPG past-president Bill Fisher, is open to those with a Masters degree and 3 years of post-degree work experience or a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will spend 12 months (starting September 2011) in Washington working as a staff member in the office of a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The fellowship represents a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the federal legislative process and make practical contributions to the effective and timely use of geoscientific knowledge on issues relating to the environment, resources, natural hazards, and federal science policy.

Information provided courtesy of:
David Curtiss
Director of AAPG Geoscience and Energy Office – Washington, D.C.
Check out the GEO-DC blog.

Please see below for the role requirements and application process. The deadline to apply for this volunteer position is January 28th, 2011.

To apply please send your documents and information to the Student Chapter Committee chair at: geologyball@gmail.com  

Good luck and Happy Holidays to all.

-Mike

L-SCLS Application Final

Dear AAPG Student members and Student Chapters:

Here are a couple of imminent deadlines and opportunities that you should remember.

1.      L. Austin Weeks Grant

The deadline for Student Chapters to apply for the L. Austin Weeks grant is quickly approaching: December 15, 2010. For more information and to apply please visit the Weeks Grant Form page.

2.     Student Chapter Book Gift

AAPG Student Chapters that have yet to apply for the Student Chapter Book Gift have until December 17, 2010 to have their forms turned in. For additional information and to see if your Chapter is eligible please contact us at students@aapg.org.

3.     Grants-in-Aid

It is also a good time to prepare a complete an application for AAPG Foundation Grants. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2010.

Grants are for graduate students in amounts from $500-$3,000.

For more information and to apply please visit the Grants-In-Aid page.

Lastly I would like to wish you all a great holiday season and for those of you crunching for finals this week and next; good luck.