NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's DEVELOP program is looking for several interns to assist with Earth Science research projects during Summer 2013 for a 10 week paid internship, working 30-35 hours a week. The summer 2013 term will start on Monday, June 3, 2013 and end on Friday, August 9, 2013.

Students will work with NASA scientists and partner organizations to learn about the use of NASA remote sensing imagery for use in water resources, disaster management, and ecological forecasting applications to address environmental community concerns.

Requirements: U.S. Citizens. 3.0 GPA minimum. High School, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students with majors/skills in GIS, Remote Sensing, Cartography, Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Web Programming, Web Development/Design, Database Management, Spatial Statistics, Hydrology, Ecology, Atmospheric Science, and/or Environmental Engineering are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of forest dynamics, fire ecology, satellite image processing, ENVI/IDL, Python, web development, GIS (ArcGIS, qGIS, SAGA) and database management (PostGIS/PostGresql, Geoserver, OpenLayers) are highly desirable.

The deadline to apply is Monday, February 4, 2013 (postmarked). Students need to visit the DEVELOP website, click on "Apply", download application, and choose Summer 2013 term at GSFC in Greenbelt, Maryland.

For more information contact Melissa Oguamanam: melissa (dot) i (dot) oguamanam (at) nasa (dot) gov

Okay… President Obama has been a busy guy of late…

There’s that Inauguration thing…some big parties to attend… speeches to give…

Meanwhile the world is still churning and in some cases burning.

Particularly in North Africa where a hostage crisis incited by a terrorist group in Algeria turned ugly, leaving three Americans are dead.

Some critics are waiting… and waiting for a response from the President to this turn of events.

The criticism comes at a time when political and social pundits are decoding the president’s recent inaugural keynote speech.  Though laden with extensive motivational remarks concerning the economy and equality, President Obama generally shied from foreign policy.  (Critics were quick to label President Obama’s address as another campaign speech.)

The brevity of President Obama’s official statement, released a few days ago, has offended many. It was clearly an obligatory press release, as opposed to a comprehensive, genuine message to the American people. 

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was quick to weigh in on the subject:

This incident in Algeria reminds us that it needs attention and investment from the highest levels of the American government.

In contrast, UK Prime Minister David Cameron took an approach that many feel President Obama should have – full disclosure and acknowledgement.  Prime Minister Cameron appeared to speak on the matter before the UK Parliament multiple times and asserted what the UK’s response will be:

We must frustrate the terrorists with our security, beat them militarily, address the poisonous narrative they feed on, close down the ungoverned space in which they thrive, and deal with the grievances they use to garner support.

President Obama swore to “manage crisis abroad” in order to obtain and secure a more “peaceful world,” during his second inaugural speech on Monday. 

Is it too early to expect him to start now? 

Please find below an announcement for NC State University Ethnographic Field School and Ethnographic Research Training program. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Tim Wallace, the program director (tmwallace@mindspring.com), or Sarah Taylor (sarahtaylor44@gmail.com) at 919-815-6388 (m) or 919-515-9025 (o). Fax no: 919-515-2610; E-mail: tmwallace@mindspring.com .

NC State University Announces the 20th Annual Ethnographic Field School and Ethnographic Research Training program, Summer 2013
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
May 24 - July 15, 2013

Tourism, Heritage, Environment, and Globalization in Guatemalan Maya Communities

Field school website: http://faculty.chass.ncsu.edu/wallace or through the NCSU Study Abroad Office website:http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/

Objectives: Learn how to design, conduct and write-up qualitative, ethnographic research while on the shores of a crystal lake framed by volcanoes! During the 7 ½ week program, live and work with an indigenous Guatemalan family in the Lake Atitlán area of the Western Highlands. This is a hands-on, experiential-driven program where students design a research program, and plan and implement an independent, individualized, project. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, training in ethnographic and qualitative research methods can prove to be beneficial for your career, whether it be in anthropology, sociology, international affairs, history, education, textiles, natural resource management business and management, political science, psychology, bio-medical engineering and public health. All students are encouraged to apply, especially students interested in topics concerning the environment, globalization, social justice, tourism, conservation, language, development, poverty and health. Not sure how your interests may fit into the topics listed? Contact us. The program is tailored individually to maximize the participant's potential for understanding and developing the skills needed for ethnographic, qualitative research.  Students also will have opportunities to pursue an applied, service-learning project in lieu of a research project.  Contact the Program Directors (tim_wallace@ncsu.edu;sarahtaylor44@gmail.com) to discuss potential opportunities for your areas of interest.

If you would like to contact past participants, let us know. Some of them have written recently to offer their endorsement of the program.

"Tim Wallace's fieldschool stretched the limits of what I thought I could do. I emerged more confident as a researcher, Spanish speaker, and student, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking to build character, resume, or research portfolio."– D. Carr (2012)

“Studying anthropology in Guatemala not only allowed me to try something academically outside my comfort zone but my time there also culturally enriched me in a way I wasn't expecting. Living with a host family in a foreign country and culture changed my life forever and I feel like a more well-rounded  and confident individual because of it. No matter your major or your interests there is something that will speak to you in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and give you an experience that you'll never forget.”  T. Wells (2012)

"Not only was the EFS program in Guatemala a phenomenally engaging and enjoyable experience, but it also provided me with the tangible skills that I will use as an anthropologist in any region of the world – absolutely irreplaceable as I apply for a Fulbright to conduct ethnographic research in China next year!"  - B. Reynolds (2012)

“The Ethnographic Field School is a great way to gain practical field experience in anthropology.  Students in the field school come from a variety of backgrounds and by the end of the summer I felt more confident in undertaking a research project and living/travelling independently in a foreign country.  I do not speak fluent Spanish and I was still able to complete a project I could be proud of! - J. Bunch (2010)

“The field school was one of the most rewarding learning experiences in my entire life. Not only did my Spanish improve, but I also learned a lot more about what it takes to do quality ethnographic work. I think this is a must for anyone looking to do graduate or professional work in anthropology but lacks field experience.” - M. Stern (2012)

The program and eligibility: 
Within the supportive framework of the NC State Guatemala Program students learn the fundamentals of ethnographic fieldwork, including project design and management, data collection and report writing. Students also quickly improve their Spanish language skills through intensive, daily interaction with their home stay families and other community members. Guatemalans are friendly and outgoing with an ancient and rich, Mayan cultural heritage. The program is designed for about 16 participants who may be undergraduates, graduate students or post-baccalaureate students.  Students will also learn about the contemporary Maya of the Lake Atitlán area and how they are adapting to changing demographics, globalization, economic and political insecurities, and environmental change. The program is not limited to students of NC State University and many previous participants have come from all over the US, Canada, Chile, the UK, and Guatemala.  Some Spanish language skills and some course work or familiarity with anthropology are desirable.

The Fieldwork Site
Lake Atitlán is one of the most majestic and scenic spots in all of Latin America. Ringed by active and extinct volcanoes and about a mile in elevation, the 55 sq. mi. lake was formed out of an ancient volcanic basin (crater). Dotting the shores of the lake are about a dozen small villages inhabited by the contemporary descendants of the ancient Maya. Panajachel (pop. 10,000), one of the largest towns, will be the headquarters for the program. Students will be located in home stays in one of the ten other towns surrounding the lake shores. The view of the lake from Panajachel and the other towns is magnificent, and the attractive sunsets and views daily lure many tourists over the years. Yet, the region has retained much of their traditional Maya heritage. Guatemala has the largest indigenous population in Mexico and Central America. There are approximately 23 different languages spoken in Guatemala and three of them are spoken around Lake Atitlán (Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil and K’iche’). Despite conquests and civil wars, the Maya have survived for nearly two millennia. Lake Atitlán is one of the best places in Central America to learn about this amazingly durable and vibrant culture.

Six Course Credits (graduate or undergraduate): 
Students receive six credits for completing the program. The program emphasizes practical training in ethnographic fieldwork and ethics as it relates to Guatemala. In addition to learning research design, systematic observation, interviewing, fieldnote-taking, coding, ethics, data analysis, report writing, etc., students also learn about contemporary Guatemalan society and culture, particular the key issues of environment, heritage, identity, politics, and globalization in Mayan Communities, especially around Lake Atitlán.  Students learn through seminar discussions and field work the problems associated with first fieldwork in an international setting.  Note: English is the language of instruction, but Spanish is an invaluable tool for a full experience. The focus of all course work is the design, implementation and write- up of an independent research project with an applied focus.

Housing
In concert with each student’s research needs and personal preferences, participants will be housed with a local family, in one of thirteen Mayan communities around Lake Atitlan. Each student will receive room, breakfast, lunch and dinner and laundry services. Families also help students learn Spanish and establish networks in the community.

Program Costs 
The cost of the seven-week program is only $3375. The single fee covers all expenses (except airfare) including:
•room, board (three meals/day), laundry
•tuition for six credits
•full coverage health insurance during stay abroad
•program fees and instruction
•local transportation costs and transfer fees
•national park entrance fees
•research supplies
•free rental of a cellphone (works both in-country and for inexpensive, international calls), and
•in-country excursions (Colonial Antigua, Indigenous markets at Chichicastenango, rituals in Patzún, the Nature Reserve of Atitlán, and the Mayan ruins of Iximché among others)

Airfare from most US cities is approximately $600. Students will need to bring a laptop with them to them field. Each town around the lake has Internet access. Other than a valid passport, US and Canadian citizens need no other documents to enter Guatemala for a stay of up to 90 days.

Applications
Students from any university or country, regardless of major - graduate, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or post-graduate - may apply.  Applications may be accessed through the field school website: http://faculty.chass.ncsu.edu/wallace or through the NC State University Study Abroad Office website: http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu .  Please feel free to contact Dr. Tim Wallace, the program director (tmwallace@mindspring.com), or Sarah Taylor (sarahtaylor44@gmail.com) for additional information or any type of inquiry about the program at 919-815-6388 (m) or 919-515-9025 (o). Fax no: 919-515-2610; E-mail: tmwallace@mindspring.com.  The applications are submitted online, but if you have any problems, please contact Ms. Rebecca Denton at the NCSU Study Abroad Office, Box 7344, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7344 rebecca_denton@ncsu.edu, 919-515-2087. The official deadline is February 8, 2013. Applications received after that date will be considered only if there are spaces still available.

An interview with Maurice Berger, Chief Curator and Research Professor of the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, by Tom Hall of WYPR is scheduled to air this Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Maryland Morning. In the interview, Berger discusses the exhibition currently on display in the CADVC, For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights (curated by Berger).

To listen, tune in to WYPR on Monday, January 21 at 9:45 a.m.

UPDATE: A podcast of the interview will be available online after the program airs through Maryland Morning’s archive. The interview, “Viewing the Civil Rights Movement through a New Lens,” is available online now, through Maryland Morning‘s website.

For All the World to See is on display until March 10.