PROMISE is proud of Dr. Nandadevi “Nanda” Cortes Rodriguez (UMBC, Biology), former graduate student GA and postdoc for the PROMISE AGEP.  Below, readers will find a copy of the original article featuring Dr. Cortes by Meaghan McElroy, Opinion Editor, published in The Ithacan on September 6, 2017: https://theithacan.org/opinion/qa-ornithologist-works-to-increase-diversity/. Dr. Cortes has since returned to the PROMISE SSI as a “Mentor-in-Residence.” Since this article, and as of April 2018, Dr. Cortes has accepted an Assistant Professor position at Ithaca College. Dr. Cortes is an ornithologist, she studies birds. PROMISE salutes Dr. Cortes!

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Q&A: Ornithologist works to increase diversity

Nandadevi Cortes Rodriguez, postdoctoral teaching fellow in the Department of Biology, is working to increase diversity in ornithology. (Photo by CONNOR LANGE/THE ITHACAN).

Opinion Editor Meaghan McElroy spoke with Cortes about the symposium, diversity within ornithology and the need for more outreach.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Meaghan McElroy: You presented on the need for diversity in ornithology. What were some ways you brainstormed to increase diversity in your field?

Nandadevi Cortes Rodriguez: This whole committee started last year. We are trying to bring people not only from different career choices to the bird world, but also more diverse in ethnicities and other countries. We’re trying to increase that. Ornithology has been known to be the typical white male field, so if you ever go to a meeting, it’s mostly white men and a few white women, but very few people of color. So … we’re trying to make it more welcoming. … We started with this panel. This particular meeting took place in Michigan. We invited people from different associations, from different ethnicities that are working with birds and working with minorities to see what they’re doing to get increased participation in these meetings.

MM: How are people trying to approach that problem?

NC: First we sent a survey. … We asked people, “Do you feel welcome? Do you feel any discrimination against [you]? What are your suggestions? Do you think we should be doing this?” We got a lot of really good feedback. … One thing they suggested in the survey was that we should target elementary schools and middle schools, and just do more outreach. We’re bringing the birds to people, basically.

MM: How did you personally get into ornithology?

NC: When I was doing my undergrad, I was in Mexico. … You had to do four semesters of research in someone’s lab. I spoke with one of my professors and they were studying population genetics in birds, and I thought, “Oh, that sounds interesting, I like genetics. I don’t really care about birds but that sounds fun.” I started studying birds because of my professor. I guess I liked them, because I stayed there for four semesters. And now I’m here doing bird research.

MM: How might the general study of birds benefit if diversity was increased?

NC: There are people studying birds around the globe, so I think it’s important to have them talk to each other. You don’t know if a particular group in Canada or the United States are working with the same thing in Asia. Because of lack of communication, they can all do their study, but if they are aware, they can make a better study. I think that increasing diversity in ornithology will allow for better interaction between scientists.

MM: What would the ideal future of ornithology look like?

NC: I think it will be a very inclusive society. We will have people from different backgrounds, different careers, working together. Especially with different careers, there are a lot of bird watchers. A lot of people love counting birds, watching birds. They want to go to these conferences, but they’re very science-y, they feel intimidated by that. But, they would like to know how a particular population of birds is doing because they like those birds or something. We’re trying to bring people who are interested in birds. … The more people know nature, the more aware they are, and they’re more willing to try and save it. … I hope the future of ornithology will look more inclusive. We’re trying to hit these high schools and middle schools and tell them it’s fun to study birds, it’s fun to interact with people that study birds. … We have to get out of our comfort zone. … We should go out and teach people — children in particular — that it’s fun. At least give them a pair of binoculars and see what they can find, or put a bird feeder up in your backyard. That will help.

Post-doctoral Research Associate (Mathematical Biology)

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research position in Applied Mathematics or Computational Biology (see department info at https://newcollege.asu.edu/mns).  Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, a highly self-directed, creative and self-motivated individual is sought.  The position is a one-year full-time fiscal-year appointment with an anticipated start date of 7/1/18.  Salary range is dependent on experience, with associated University benefits.

Essential Functions

Investigate retinal degeneration via mathematical and computational approaches.  This involves creating systems of equations that model aspects of the retina in normal vision and/or degeneration, analyzing such a system analytically and computationally, and interpreting the results in terms of the application.  Expertise in MATLAB, Python, or other similar software package is essential to conduct the computational aspect of the research.  Additional expertise should either be in physiology with an emphasis on the retina or in mathematical biology with an emphasis on population models and multi-scale methods to analyze such systems. Wetlab experiments will not be conducted but collaboration with wetlab experimentalists will be done. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of this position involve research in applied math or computational biology, and writing grants. Specifically, this individual will:

• Conduct research as required to meet the goals of projects
• Contribute and analyze data for research publications, grants, and grant reports
• Draft manuscripts for publication reporting results of original research
• Draft grant applications for external funding to advance and augment existing projects
• Work as part of research team with graduate students and faculty.
• Supervise research personnel, including undergraduate researchers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a field appropriate to the area of assignment by the time of appointment.
• Appropriate computational skills to undertake this research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of multiscale approaches in applied mathematics.
• Knowledge of Python and MATLAB.
• An established track record of research in applied mathematics, computational mathematics/ biology, or statistics and an ability and willingness to learn from and collaborate with researchers in the other two areas
• Experience working with datasets or data analytics.
• Evidence/experience pursing grant funded research.

Instructions to Apply

Email application to mns.dept@asu.edu. Application deadline is May 3, 2018; if not filled, every week thereafter until the search is closed.  Complete applications must include a cover letter that briefly explains the candidate’s interest and fit with the position, unofficial transcripts, CV/resume, personal statement addressing the candidate’s research, statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should address teaching qualifications. Requested material should be in one document. Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.  Please reference Job #12380 when applying.

ASU does not pay candidates for travel expenses associated with interviewing, unless otherwise indicated by the department at the time of call for interview.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) and Title IX policy are located at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

Post-doctoral Research Associate (Mathematical Biology)

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research position in Applied Mathematics or Computational Biology (see department info at https://newcollege.asu.edu/mns).  Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, a highly self-directed, creative and self-motivated individual is sought.  The position is a one-year full-time fiscal-year appointment with an anticipated start date of 7/1/18.  Salary range is dependent on experience, with associated University benefits.

Essential Functions

Investigate retinal degeneration via mathematical and computational approaches.  This involves creating systems of equations that model aspects of the retina in normal vision and/or degeneration, analyzing such a system analytically and computationally, and interpreting the results in terms of the application.  Expertise in MATLAB, Python, or other similar software package is essential to conduct the computational aspect of the research.  Additional expertise should either be in physiology with an emphasis on the retina or in mathematical biology with an emphasis on population models and multi-scale methods to analyze such systems. Wetlab experiments will not be conducted but collaboration with wetlab experimentalists will be done. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of this position involve research in applied math or computational biology, and writing grants. Specifically, this individual will:

• Conduct research as required to meet the goals of projects
• Contribute and analyze data for research publications, grants, and grant reports
• Draft manuscripts for publication reporting results of original research
• Draft grant applications for external funding to advance and augment existing projects
• Work as part of research team with graduate students and faculty.
• Supervise research personnel, including undergraduate researchers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a field appropriate to the area of assignment by the time of appointment.
• Appropriate computational skills to undertake this research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of multiscale approaches in applied mathematics.
• Knowledge of Python and MATLAB.
• An established track record of research in applied mathematics, computational mathematics/ biology, or statistics and an ability and willingness to learn from and collaborate with researchers in the other two areas
• Experience working with datasets or data analytics.
• Evidence/experience pursing grant funded research.

Instructions to Apply

Email application to mns.dept@asu.edu. Application deadline is May 3, 2018; if not filled, every week thereafter until the search is closed.  Complete applications must include a cover letter that briefly explains the candidate’s interest and fit with the position, unofficial transcripts, CV/resume, personal statement addressing the candidate’s research, statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should address teaching qualifications. Requested material should be in one document. Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.  Please reference Job #12380 when applying.

ASU does not pay candidates for travel expenses associated with interviewing, unless otherwise indicated by the department at the time of call for interview.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) and Title IX policy are located at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

This Dissertation House is hosted by the Graduate School at UMBC for UMBC students only.

The Summer Dissertation House is coming to UMBC (July 10-13, 2018). Graduate students who plan to participate should follow the application procedures on the application webpage for the Dissertation House (below). Open application period: May 1, 2018 – June 15, 2018. (Please note that there are only 12 to 15 slots for this event, consider applying early). Applications received after May 31, 2018, will be considered for the DH waiting list.

Event: Summer 2018 Dissertation House

Dates: July 10, 2018 – July 13, 2018

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day

Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Commons 331 and Commons 328

Registration: Please log in to MyUMBC (https://my.umbc.edu/groups/promise/events/59221), click “I can attend” below, *AND* follow the application procedures on the main website for the Dissertation House: https://dissertationhouse.wordpress.com/apply/. The application period to apply to attend the Dissertation House: May 1, 2018 – June 15, 2018.

Event Details: 

• The Dissertation House runs from 9 AM – 5PM, for four days, Tuesday, July 10 through Friday, July 13.
• Students must plan to attend the full session, for each of the 4 days. 
• The daily schedule includes 2 mini-lectures and 5 hours of writing per day.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and a snack will be served daily.
• The Dissertation House is free for UMBC’s graduate students.
• There are 12 to 15 spaces available for the Dissertation House. 
• Details regarding eligibility can be found on the application page of the website for the Dissertation House.

Read about The Dissertation House in UMBC’s Alumni Magazine: Byrne, R.  (2011, Fall) “The Write Stuff”, UMBC Magazine. p. 12. More information about the DissertationHouse: https://dissertationhouse.wordpress.com/about/

Dissertation House Application Procedures

Both the on-campus setting and the retreat setting provide Dissertation House participants with productive and rewarding scholastic engagement.  Students who participate in this program will spend each day thinking, writing, and sharing ideas about their doctoral dissertations.  Students will learn effective time-management skills; learn how to set small manageable goals, and will meet with a dissertation coach in one-on-one consultations to discuss and address obstacles that might prevent them completing their degrees.

The Dissertation House period can span either a Tuesday – Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., non-residential) or a Friday – Sunday weekend (includes evening sessions) commitment to focus on the doctoral dissertation.  The Dissertation House activities focus on areas where students typically have difficulty: conceptualizing a topic, writing a literature review, transitioning from a proposal to a dissertation, analyzing data, writing the last chapter, and editing.
Students may apply to attend the next Dissertation House during open application enrollment, by submitting two parts of an application.

PART I:

I. Submit a brief description (maximum 2 pages, font size 11-12 point 1-inch margins) that describes the project that you wish to accomplish during the Dissertation House period.  Applications will neither be reviewed nor accepted outside of the application enrollment period.

PART II:

II. Please use the following guidelines  for the application:

(1) Summary of the project, including research question(s), data or texts, and method

(2) Amount completed on the project to date

(3) Any obstacles that you are encountering that hinder completion of the dissertation.

(4) Include the following header information with the description:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone numbers (home, office, and fax)
• E-mail address
• Academic Program and Year in the program

Dates/Location: July 10 to 13 (Tuesday – Friday), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Dissertation House will be held in COMM 331 (for Dissertation House) and COMM 328 (for one-on-one sessions).

Application Enrollment Period: Application can be submitted within a designated 2-week period, usually scheduled 1-2 months prior to the next Dissertation House session.  Email applications to promisestaff@gmail.com.  Please use the words “Dissertation House” in the subject line of your email.

Selection Process: Eighteen participants will be selected for participation in the Dissertation House.  The following applicants will have priority:  (1) Applicants who plan to finish the Ph.D. within the next 6 months; (2) Individuals who are working on dissertations and theses rather than a proposal; (3) Applicants who submit earliest; and (4) Individuals who appear most able to benefit from the services offered at the Dissertation House.

If your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance notice via email and additional details about the Dissertation House.  All students, including those who have not applied or those who are not selected, have the option to participate in the next online challenge, a virtual version of the Dissertation House

This Dissertation House is hosted by the Graduate School at UMBC for UMBC students only.

The Summer Dissertation House is coming to UMBC (July 10-13, 2018). Graduate students who plan to participate should follow the application procedures on the application webpage for the Dissertation House (below). Open application period: May 1, 2018 – June 15, 2018. (Please note that there are only 12 to 15 slots for this event, consider applying early). Applications received after May 31, 2018, will be considered for the DH waiting list.

Event: Summer 2018 Dissertation House

Dates: July 10, 2018 – July 13, 2018

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day

Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Commons 331 and Commons 328

Registration: Please log in to MyUMBC (https://my.umbc.edu/groups/promise/events/59221), click “I can attend” below, *AND* follow the application procedures on the main website for the Dissertation House: https://dissertationhouse.wordpress.com/apply/. The application period to apply to attend the Dissertation House: May 1, 2018 – June 15, 2018.

Event Details: 

• The Dissertation House runs from 9 AM – 5PM, for four days, Tuesday, July 10 through Friday, July 13.
• Students must plan to attend the full session, for each of the 4 days. 
• The daily schedule includes 2 mini-lectures and 5 hours of writing per day.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and a snack will be served daily.
• The Dissertation House is free for UMBC’s graduate students.
• There are 12 to 15 spaces available for the Dissertation House. 
• Details regarding eligibility can be found on the application page of the website for the Dissertation House.

Read about The Dissertation House in UMBC’s Alumni Magazine: Byrne, R.  (2011, Fall) “The Write Stuff”, UMBC Magazine. p. 12. More information about the DissertationHouse: https://dissertationhouse.wordpress.com/about/

Dissertation House Application Procedures

Both the on-campus setting and the retreat setting provide Dissertation House participants with productive and rewarding scholastic engagement.  Students who participate in this program will spend each day thinking, writing, and sharing ideas about their doctoral dissertations.  Students will learn effective time-management skills; learn how to set small manageable goals, and will meet with a dissertation coach in one-on-one consultations to discuss and address obstacles that might prevent them completing their degrees.

The Dissertation House period can span either a Tuesday – Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., non-residential) or a Friday – Sunday weekend (includes evening sessions) commitment to focus on the doctoral dissertation.  The Dissertation House activities focus on areas where students typically have difficulty: conceptualizing a topic, writing a literature review, transitioning from a proposal to a dissertation, analyzing data, writing the last chapter, and editing.
Students may apply to attend the next Dissertation House during open application enrollment, by submitting two parts of an application.

PART I:

I. Submit a brief description (maximum 2 pages, font size 11-12 point 1-inch margins) that describes the project that you wish to accomplish during the Dissertation House period.  Applications will neither be reviewed nor accepted outside of the application enrollment period.

PART II:

II. Please use the following guidelines  for the application:

(1) Summary of the project, including research question(s), data or texts, and method

(2) Amount completed on the project to date

(3) Any obstacles that you are encountering that hinder completion of the dissertation.

(4) Include the following header information with the description:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone numbers (home, office, and fax)
• E-mail address
• Academic Program and Year in the program

Dates/Location: July 10 to 13 (Tuesday – Friday), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Dissertation House will be held in COMM 331 (for Dissertation House) and COMM 328 (for one-on-one sessions).

Application Enrollment Period: Application can be submitted within a designated 2-week period, usually scheduled 1-2 months prior to the next Dissertation House session.  Email applications to promisestaff@gmail.com.  Please use the words “Dissertation House” in the subject line of your email.

Selection Process: Eighteen participants will be selected for participation in the Dissertation House.  The following applicants will have priority:  (1) Applicants who plan to finish the Ph.D. within the next 6 months; (2) Individuals who are working on dissertations and theses rather than a proposal; (3) Applicants who submit earliest; and (4) Individuals who appear most able to benefit from the services offered at the Dissertation House.

If your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance notice via email and additional details about the Dissertation House.  All students, including those who have not applied or those who are not selected, have the option to participate in the next online challenge, a virtual version of the Dissertation House

My name is Jasir Qiydaar and I'm a P-14 member, and the leader of a student organization called The Charm City Connection. Our group is dedicated to connecting members of the UMBC community to Baltimore City through service and outreach activities. This semester, our main initiative has been raising money to provide culturally-relevant books to the youth who visit the Little Free Library at POP! Farm in Southwest Baltimore. We are just a little over $500 away from meeting our goal, and I wanted to reach out to you all to see if you would be willing to share the link to our GoFundMe page to those who may be interested in supporting our mission: https://www.gofundme.com/charm-city-book-connection

Thank you,

Jasir

Dear UMBC Community,

If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by the UMBC Library Rotunda and see the exhibit of Catonsville Nine related artifacts and images—Including an original C9 Press Statement from May 1968.  

We’re just a week away!  Please join us on Friday, May 4th for a Catonsville Nine 50th Symposium at UMBC.  We have a packed afternoon and evening of speakers and discussions including Kathy Kelly, of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, and Margarita Melville, one of the two living members of the Catonsville Nine action…and many others who will share perspectives on the history and lessons of one of the most dramatic anti-war actions in U.S. history—which took place just down the road from UMBC.  I’m attaching the schedule below…join us for any or all!  

Many thanks to The Shriver Center, CAHSS, History, American Studies, and MCS Depts, to OIA Communications, and to Dresher Center for sponsorship and support.  We’re also grateful to the Catonsville Nine 50th Commemoration Committee for their tremendous planning effort  and, especially, to Maryland Humanities for a grant to support these commemorative events.

Please circulate and promote…All are invited.  Share on your myUMBC groups and other social media sites too!

All my best,

Joby 

Joby Taylor, PhD
Director, Shriver Peaceworker Fellows Program

Voices of Social Change: Empowered Communities for Health and Social Change