Fostering Diversity in the Earth and Space Sciences: The Role of AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snow, J. T.; Johnson, R. M.; Hall, F. R.

2002-12-01

In May 2002, AGU's Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) approved a new Diversity Plan, developed in collaboration with the CEHR Subcommittee on Diversity. Efforts to develop a diversity plan for AGU were motivated by the recognition that the present Earth and space science community poorly represents the true diversity of our society. Failure to recruit a diverse scientific workforce in an era of rapidly shifting demographics could have severe impact on the health of our profession. The traditional base of Earth and space scientists in the US (white males) has been shrinking during the past two decades, but women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are not compensating for this loss. The potential ramifications of this situation - for investigators seeking to fill classes and recruit graduate students, for institutions looking to replace faculty and researchers, and for the larger community seeking continued public support of research funding - could be crippling. AGU's new Diversity Plan proposes a long-term strategy for addressing the lack of diversity in the Earth and space sciences with the ultimate vision of reflecting diversity in all of AGU's activities and programs. Four key goals have been identified: 1) Educate and involve the AGU membership in diversity issues; 2) Enhance and foster the participation of Earth and space scientists, educators and students from underrepresented groups in AGU activities; 3) Increase the visibility of the Earth and space sciences and foster awareness of career opportunities in these fields for underrepresented populations; and 4) Promote changes in the academic culture that both remove barriers and disincentives for increasing diversity in the student and faculty populations and reward member faculty wishing to pursue these goals. A detailed implementation plan that utilizes all of AGU's resources is currently under development in CEHR. Supportive participation by AGU members and

On ``The Congressional Fellowship as an Ethnographic Extravaganza''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narasimhan, T. N.

2006-06-01

Josh Trapani's emerging experience as an AGU Congressional Fellow (Eos, 87(7), 76, 2006) is educational. Spectacular developments in the physical sciences tempt us to believe that finer and finer dissection of matter and sophisticated manipulation of molecules will soon enable us to control nature at will. Increasing knowledge, though, about the Earth and its interconnected biological systems makes us skeptical about the enthusiastic vision of physical sciences. Living things, unlike the nonliving things that are the concern of physical sciences, possess the attribute of `behavior,' associated with `mind' and `instinct.'. Trapani's ethnographic extravaganza is merely a subset of behavior, which lies beyond the scope of relativity, quantum mechanics, or thermodynamics. Rationally, one would expect that with its fine program of liberal education, congressional fellowships, and prestigious academies of sciences, the United States will enjoy a most harmonious interrelationship between science and national policies. Such rational thinking, a reflection of our training in the physical sciences, is valid in the case of inanimate things that are faithfully subject to physical laws. When on occasion we feel dismayed at a lack of harmony between what science tells us and how national policies take shape, we would do well to be reminded by Trapani's ethnographic extravaganza that `behavior' of even the most technologically advanced living things transcends the rationality of the physical sciences.

Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science:Informal Education for STEM and AGU Related Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorditch, E.

2007-12-01

As a primary source of news, more people rely on local TV news than any other medium for their news and information. As a result, The American Geophysical Union has partnered with the American Institute of Physics in their production of Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS). DBIS is syndicated science news service that distributes 12, 90-second science news segments to over 90 local TV stations throughout the USA each month. While the segments cover a wide range of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)topics, approximately 4 of these segments each month focus on research topics of interest to AGU members. Meet DBIS's senior science editor and learn about DBIS. Find out how you can participate in a DBIS segment, help with DBIS production, learn how DBIS segment topics are chosen, and hear why the AGU got involved with DBIS and how they work with the program.

AGU Cinema: Festival of short science films at Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harned, Douglas A.

2012-11-01

New technologies have revolutionized the use of video as a means of science communication and have made it easier to create, distribute, and view. With video having become omnipresent in our culture, it sometime supplements or even replaces writing in many science and education applications. An inaugural science film festival sponsored by AGU at the 2012 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif., in December will showcase short videos—30 minutes or less in length—developed to disseminate scientific results to various audiences and to enhance learning in the classroom. AGU Cinema will feature professionally produced, big budget films alongside low-budget videos aimed at niche audiences and made by amateurs. The latter category includes videos made by governmental agency scientists, educators, communications specialists within scientific organizations, and Fall Meeting oral and poster presenters.

AGU Student and Early Career Leadership

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolan, A. M.; Tamalavage, A.; Crumsey, J.; Klima, K.; Lechner, H. N.; LLera, K.; Oaida, C.; Okoro, M. H.; Riker, J.; van Emmerik, T. H. M.; Enderlein, C.

2017-12-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is the largest single organization dedicated to the advancement of geophysics in order to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. AGU unites scientists across disciplines by promoting collaborative advances in Earth, atmospheric, oceanic, hydrologic, space, and planetary sciences. One critical strand of AGU is the volunteer leaders who work together with AGU staff to ensure that the voice of the AGU membership is heard in all forms of decision making within the organization. Volunteer leaders include the president and president elect of individual Section and Focus groups, and importantly Student and Early Career (S/EC) representatives from across the AGU landscape. Here, we will describe the roles of past and current AGU S/EC leaders and how these roles have evolved from the onset of student and early career scientist representation on the AGU Council. We will also discuss current plans for solidifying the relationship between S/EC leaders and other S/EC volunteers within AGU (e.g. those who sit on the executive committees of Section or Focus groups). We will describe the process for becoming an AGU S/EC leader and the roles that current S/EC leaders fulfill on the AGU Council, the Board, the Council Leadership Team, and on various committees that enable decision making and progress within AGU (e.g. the Governance Committee, the Centennial Committee, and the Ethics Committee). Including S/EC volunteers within AGU leadership ensures that the organization indeed progresses forward to achieve the vision of AGU: to galvanize a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advances and communicates science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.

Institutional support for science and scientists: A perspective from the immediate past AGU President

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grove, T. L.

2010-12-01

There were a number of times during my term as AGU President (July 2008 - July 2010) when AGU scientists came under intense public scrutiny. During this presentation I will discuss these experiences as they relate to the topic of this session. The first event centered around the inquiry into the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee concerning the so-called Climategate emails. The second was when U.S. scientists came under fire under the guise of a tax fraud investigation by the Virginia State Attorney General. In the first event, climate change skeptics demanded that I take punitive action on the scientists involved in the scandal. In the second, I received requests from AGU members to speak out against the Virginia attorney general’s investigation. In both situations I felt poorly prepared and unable to act in a way that would place in AGU in a strong position and have a positive influence on the public debate. These experiences left me feeling that the interface between science and society is becoming increasingly complex. AGU must engage its membership to help shape policy, and inform society about solutions for sustainability, and we must allocate resources to support those functions. We think that a good policy strategy must be lean and targeted and that AGU needs to stick to its scientific messages. AGU is now grappling with those issues and we are partnering with policy makers and seeking input from our members.

Aligning the honors program with AGU's mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fine, Rana A.; Paredes, Elizabeth

2012-08-01

Over the past 2 years, AGU's Honors and Recognition (H&R) Committee (http://www.agu.org/about/governance/committees_boards/honors-recog.shtml) has been working to better align the Union medals, awards, and prizes with AGU's new vision, core values, and strategic plan. The changes described below have been approved by the AGU Council. The H&R Committee reviewed and evaluated its charge to see how it can be aligned to better support AGU's strategic plan (http://www.agu.org/about/strategic_plan.shtml). The committee formally defined medals, awards, and prizes. Medals are given for a scientific body of work in Earth and space sciences. Awards are related to science, society, and talent pool goals. Prizes are presented jointly by AGU and some other nonprofit, for-profit, government, and/or nongovernmental entities and involve significant funding.

Entering a New ERA: Education Resources and AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karsten, J. L.; Johnson, R. M.

2001-12-01

Professional societies play a unique role in the on-going battle to improve public education in the Earth and space sciences. With guidance from its Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR), AGU has traditionally sponsored strong programs that provide mechanisms for linking its research membership with the formal/informal science education communities. Among the most successful of these are tutorials for K-12 teachers taught by AGU members during national meetings (e.g., GIFT - Geophysical Information For Teachers) and internships that allow teachers to experience geophysical science research first-hand (e.g., STaRS - Science Teacher and Research Scientist). AGU also co-sponsors major symposia to discuss and develop strategies for Earth science education reform (e.g., the NSF-sponsored Shaping the Future workshop) and provides an annual forum for the Heads and Chairs of undergraduate geoscience departments to discuss common problems and share solutions. In the fall of 2001, AGU expects to unveil a major new education and outreach website that will provide enhanced opportunities for communicating to students, teachers and the public about AGU members' research and new directions in geophysical science education. The most important contribution that AGU makes, however, is to validate and prominently endorse the education and outreach efforts of its members, both by sponsoring well-attended, education-related special sessions at AGU national meetings and by annually honoring individuals or groups with the Excellence in Geoscience Education award. Recent staff changes at AGU headquarters have brought new opportunities to expand upon these successful existing programs and move in other directions that capitalize on the strengths of the organization. Among new initiatives being considered are programs that partner education efforts with those being developed as part of several large research programs, curriculum modules that will promote teaching earth sciences

AGU Scholars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In recognition of the strong support and substantial contribution given by the American Geophysical Union to the American Geological Institute's Minority Participation Program, 16 of the 1982-83 scholarship recipients were designated ‘AGU Scholars.’ Because of a matching grant from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to increase the number of minority students studying in fields related to the development of marine and coastal resources, five of this group were designated ‘AGU Sea Grant Scholars.’ The AGU Scholars, all of whom are following courses of study related to AGU's broad areas of interest, are Torin J. Edwards, a student of geophysics at the University of New Orleans; Gwendolyn Hofler, geophysics, Virginia State University; Jolecia Mitchell, environmental sciences, Howard University; Louis F. Montiel, geohydrology, Northern Arizona University; Alex M. Richards, geophysics, Northern Arizona University; Roxanne C. Rogers, geophysics, Colorado School of Mines; John F. Vargas, geophysics, University of Kansas; Toni M. VanDam, geophysics, University of Colorado; Edith G. Williams, geophysics, Stanford University; Saundra F. Willis, geosciences, California State University, Northridge; and Lacy B. Ward, geophysics, Virginia State University.

First AGU Board of Directors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael J.

2010-08-01

On 1 July 2010, the first AGU Board of Directors took office. The board is composed of the president, president-elect, immediate past president, general secretary, international secretary, development board chair, six members elected by the Union membership, vice chair of the AGU Council, and the executive director. Two additional members may be nominated by the AGU president and approved by the board. The creation of the board is a result of the new governance structure approved by the AGU membership in November 2009. The board is responsible for the business aspects of the Union, while an expanded AGU Council will focus on science issues. Council members will be introduced in a future issue of Eos.

AGU Celebrates 83 Geophysicists at 2013 Honors Tribute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paredes, Beth

2014-02-01

The 2013 AGU Honors Tribute, celebrated on Wednesday, 11 December 2013, honored 83 AGU geophysicists for their passion for scientific excellence and outstanding achievements in advancing and communicating science to ensure a better future for humanity. The work conducted by this distinguished group of scientists, leaders, educators, and communicators truly embodies AGU's vision to "advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future."

AGU Panel meets on career topics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollister, Charles

Graduate students and their career opportunities in ocean and earth sciences were the focus of the Education and Human Resources (E & HR) Committee meeting held at the 1982 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco. A standing committee of AGU, the E & HR committee is responsible for matters concerning education in earth, ocean, and planetary sciences from precollege through graduate programs, including career guidance, academic preparation, student recruitment, and manpower supply and demand.At the meeting a draft of the AGU-sponsored Careers in Oceanography booklet by committee chairman C. Hollister was thoroughly discussed and a new draft will emerge soon for final approval. The booklet is designed to complement the Careers in Geophysics booklet recently published by AGU; the booklets contain information about planning a career, job opportunities, educational requirements, and a synopsis of where the prospective student might apply.

AGU Members Learn Ways to Get Involved in Science Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlenbrock, Kristan

2013-01-01

Gasps filled the room as scientists listened to a talk about the looming U.S. "fiscal cliff" and sequestration impacts on the science community. This was but one example of efforts by AGU's Public Affairs team during this year's Fall Meeting to talk to members about the latest news on the federal budget and what was happening on Capitol Hill.

AGU hydrology publication outlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freeze, R. Allan

In recent months I have been approached on several occasions by members of the hydrology community who asked me which of the various AGU journals and publishing outlets would be most suitable for a particular paper or article that they have prepared.Water Resources Research (WRR) is the primary AGU outlet for research papers in hydrology. It is an interdisciplinary journal that integrates research in the social and natural sciences of water. The editors of WRR invite original contributions in the physical, chemical and biological sciences and also in the social and policy sciences, including economics, systems analysis, sociology, and law. The editor for the physical sciences side of the journal is Donald R. Nielson, LAWR Veihmeyer Hall, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616. The editor for the policy sciences side of the journal is Ronald G. Cummings, Department of Economics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131

AGU Fellow Roger Revelle Dies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeVito, M. Catherine

AGU Fellow Roger R.D. Revelle, past Oceanography section president and recipient of the William Bowie Medal, died July 15. Revelle was a pioneer in global warming research and plate tectonics, and a major contributor to oceanography, education, and public policy.Appointed an AGU Fellow in 1936, Revelle was president of the Oceanography section from 1953-1956. In 1968 he was awarded the Bowie Medal, AGU's highest honor. Revelle extended his activities beyond the limits of his specialty to actively work with scientists in other fields for the betterment of science. In presenting the award, George E. Backus described Revelle's career as one of bold and selfless service to science and his fellow man. “If scientific progress is built on the shoulders of giants, Roger Revelle is certainly to be counted among the giants.”

AGU Celebrates Leaders for Contributions to Policy and Public Awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buhrman, Joan

2014-05-01

In recognition of outstanding leadership and vision in shaping policy and heightening public awareness of the value of Earth and space science, AGU has chosen Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Naomi Oreskes, a science historian and author of the book Merchants of Doubt; and Eugenie Scott, former executive director for the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), as recipients of the 2014 AGU Presidential Citations for Science and Society. The awards will be presented on Tuesday, 17 June, during the 2014 AGU Science Policy Conference at a reception on Capitol Hill.

Strong Showing for AGU Journals in 2009 Impact Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Bill

2010-06-01

AGU publishes great science, which is recognized in several ways. One of the most widely recognized is from Thomson Reuters, which provides the Journal Citation Report (JCR) each year as a component of the Web of Science®. JCR reports on several measures of journal usage, including a journal's Eigenfactor score, its Article Influence score, its Impact Factor, and its rank within a cohort of similar journals. According to the 2009 statistics released last week, AGU again has outperformed its larger competitors. For the twelfth time, two different AGU titles hold the top rank in their categories, and AGU titles hold the second spot in two other categories and third in two more.

Keeping Pseudoscience Out of AGU Meetings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craddock, Robert A.

2005-06-01

I found the editorial, ``Speaking Up For Science'' (Eos, 86,(24), 14 June 2005, p. 225) disturbing, but not for the reasons you intended. The Smithsonian made a mistake, but nowhere do you discuss its efforts to correct that. More troublesome to me as a member of AGU is the blatant hypocrisy contained in the editorial. How many posters or presentations have been made at AGU meetings in the last 10-20 years that support creationism, intelligent design, or other forms of pseudo-science, such as the so-called ``face'' on Mars?

Shop the AGU books clearance sale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moscovitch, Mirelle

2012-11-01

For more than 85 years, AGU books have provided access to the work of scientists worldwide and covered exceptional research in the Earth and space sciences. Now more than 80 of our most popular titles are available at discounted prices. AGU members can save up to 75% off titles from the Geophysical Monograph Series, Water Resources Monograph Series, Special Publications, and more.

Exxon and AGU; Denying Deniers A Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robock, A.

2016-12-01

Solution to the global warming problem is being stymied in the U.S. by a well-funded disinformation and lobbying campaign by fossil fuel interests. There is a long history of this, and today one need look no farther than the Republican Party, their 2016 Platform, and the actions of the House "Science" Committee Chair, Lamar Smith on their behalf. It is no coincidence that oil and gas interests are the top contributors to Mr. Smith during his political career, 1989-2016. So how is a professional organization of scientists like AGU to deal with this influence? At the 2006 Fall AGU Meeting, I was shocked to see a full-page ad in the written program for the ExxonMobil Student Breakfast. I was a member of the AGU Council at the time, as Atmospheric Sciences Section President-Elect. My motion at the December 2006 Council Meeting resulted in Exxon no longer being able to do this. Some geology members of the Council saw nothing wrong with Exxon, but I explained that AGU is a science organization, and as far as climate science, goes, Exxon is anti-science. Still, 10 years later, AGU accepts donations from Exxon to support, although no longer control, the Student Breakfast, in the vain hope that AGU can engage Exxon to change its ways. I will discuss what I see as the continuing responsibility of scientists to speak out on dangers to society that they discover in their work, and how to deal with the consequences. For example, I was targeted by fossil fuel interests with demands for my emails after signing a letter supporting investigation of them, and I now find in the 2016 Democratic Platform, "Democrats also respectfully request the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of corporate fraud on the part of fossil fuel companies accused of misleading shareholders and the public on the scientific reality of climate change." How do scientists and professional societies deal with this politicization of science? I find that my most useful activity is educating students

Georneys joins AGU's blog network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viñas, Maria-José

2011-07-01

A blog on geological musings, wanderings, and adventures, called Georneys, has joined AGU's network of Earth and space science blogs. With the addition of Georneys, on 11 July, the AGU Blogosphere (http://blogs.agu.org), as the network is known, has grown to showcase eight independent blogs since its launch last fall. “One reason I write this blog is to maintain my sanity as I finish up my Ph.D. In the midst of much stress, long days in lab, and long nights writing thesis chapters, I write to remind myself of why I love geology,” says Georneys blogger Evelyn Mervine. “I also write to document some of my geological adventures and to share my love of geology with others.”

AGU Council adopts position statement on scientific expression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landau, Elizabeth; Uhlenbrock, Kristan

2011-09-01

On 17 August the AGU Council voted to adopt an American Meteorological Society (AMS) statement on free and open communication of scientific findings as an official position of AGU. The statement appears below. Recent attacks on scientists who present facts that are controversial or politically charged, such as in cases involving climate science, have sparked action by AGU and other scientific societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Open communication and collaboration are essential to the scientific process and must not be deterred by politics, media, or faith. In a recent letter to the New York Times, AGU president Michael McPhaden stated that “misguided attempts to suppress scientific research, particularly through political pressure, will not make climate change or the role human activity plays in it magically disappear. It will, however, make the objective knowledge needed to inform good policy decisions disappear.”

AGU's new task force on scientific ethics and integrity begins work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleick, Peter; Townsend, Randy

2011-11-01

In support of the new strategic plan, AGU has established a new task force to review, evaluate, and update the Union's policies on scientific misconduct and the process for investigating and responding to allegations of possible misconduct by AGU members. As noted by AGU president Michael McPhaden, "AGU can only realize its vision of `collaboratively advancing and communicating science and its power to ensure a sustainable future' if we have the trust of the public and policy makers. That trust is earned by maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity in all that we do. The work of the Task Force on Scientific Ethics is essential for defining norms of professional conduct that all our members can aspire to and that demonstrate AGU's unwavering commitment to excellence in Earth and space science."

AGU Webinars: Leveraging 21st Century Technology to Level the Playing Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janick, N. G.; Harwell, D. E.; Hankin, E. R.; Asher, P. M.; Marasco, L.

2017-12-01

AGU Webinars offer weekly insights into topics in the Earth and space sciences presented by scientists and other experts every Thursday at 2:00 pm ET. Its monthly Professional Development series emphasizes essential soft skills, connections to experiential and learning opportunities, jobs outside of academia, and other career resources. Additional topics focus on science communication, science policy, special topics for Earth and space science department heads and chairs, technical highlights from AGU Meetings and Publications, among others. By offering these live sessions and recordings free of charge to all participants, AGU is removing barriers to entry and encouraging diversity in the global talent pool of Earth and space scientists. This presentation will look at the first year of the AGU Webinars program and explore its future goals and how we can achieve them together.

AGU honors 79 geophysicists during 2011 awards cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paredes, Beth

2012-02-01

At the 2011 Fall Meeting, AGU honored 79 esteemed geophysicists for their landmark achievements and transformational discoveries, highlighting those who have pioneered new frontiers of scientific knowledge with dedication, commitment, and leadership. Sixty individuals widely recognized as experts in their fields of research were honored as the 2011 class of AGU Fellows. These scientists, who share a lifelong commitment to understanding how the world works and are dedicated to making it a better place, were nominated by their colleagues for spurring major paradigm shifts and innovating breakthrough discoveries in Earth and space sciences. Six Union awardees received recognition for their vision and leadership, for furthering education in the Earth and space sciences, and for outstanding and sustained achievements in science journalism. In addition, AGU presented its inaugural Climate Communication Prize, for outstanding contributions to scientific literacy and public awareness about the urgent problem of climate change.

Science, Space, and Shuttles: An Interview With Astronaut and AGU Member Piers Sellers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mohi

2010-05-01

On 14 May, NASA is scheduled to launch what will likely be the final mission for space shuttle Atlantis. This mission will deliver cargo and science payloads—including the Russian-built Mini Research Module (MRM 1)—to the International Space Station (ISS). On board the shuttle will be Piers Sellers, an AGU member. Born in 1955 in Crowborough, United Kingdom, Sellers completed his doctorate in biometeorology at UK's Leeds University in 1981. He became an AGU Fellow in 1996 for research on how the Earth's biosphere and atmosphere interact; that same year, he was selected as an astronaut candidate. He has since logged more than 559 hours in space on two shuttle missions. In the course of those missions, he spent almost 41 hours on six space walks.

Notification of upcoming AGU Council meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Billy

2012-10-01

The AGU Council will meet on Sunday, 2 December 2012, at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco, Calif. The meeting, which is open to all AGU members, will include discussions of AGU's new Grand Challenge Project (a project that will be introduced to members at the 2012 Fall Meeting), the proposed AGU scientific ethics policy, publishing strategies, future plans for honors and recognition, and leadership transition as new members join the Council. This year the Council experimented with a new approach to conducting business. By holding virtual meetings throughout the year, Council members have been able to act in a more timely manner and provide input on important membership and science issues on the Board of Directors' agenda. The Council Leadership Team—an elected subset of the Council—also experimented with a new approach, meeting every month to keep moving projects forward. This approach has increased communication and improved effectiveness in Council decision making.

2012 AGU medal, award, and prize recipients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Mike; Fine, Rana

2012-07-01

The Honors and Recognition Committee is very pleased to present the 2012 AGU medalists, awardees, and prize recipients. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of Earth and space science and for their service to the scientific community. They have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary achievements and are role models for future generations of scientists. We look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of these esteemed colleagues at an honors ceremony to be held on 5 December 2012 at the Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif. This year's honorees are also listed on AGU's Web site at http://sites.agu.org/honors.

AGU scholars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In recognition of the AGU's long-standing support and substantial contribution to the Minority Participation Program of the American Geological Institute (AGI), 13 of the 1984-1985 AGU scholarship recipients, all of whom are enrolled in programs of study related to the broad areas of interest of the Union, were named “AGU Scholars.”

2014 AGU Union Medalists, Awardees, and Prize Recipient Announced

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finn, Carol; McKenzie, Judith Ann

2014-07-01

On behalf of the Honors and Recognition Committee and the Union award selection committees, we are very pleased to present the 2014 AGU Union medals, awards, and prize recipients. We honor these individuals, whose passion for scientific excellence and outstanding achievements in advancing and communicating science significantly contribute to a better future for us all. Their work truly embodies AGU's vision to "advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future."

AGU's Updated Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, M. J.

2017-12-01

AGU'S mission is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. This mission can only be accomplished if all those engaged in the scientific enterprise uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics. AGU's Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy provides a set of principles and guidelines for AGU members, staff, volunteers, contractors, and non-members participating in AGU sponsored programs and activities. The policy has recently been updated to include a new code of conduct that broadens the definition of scientific misconduct to include discrimination, harassment, and bullying. This presentation provides the context for what motivated the updated policy, an outline of the policy itself, and a discussion of how it is being communicated and applied.

Free Workshop for Teachers at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamalavage, Anne

2013-10-01

In keeping with its commitment to fostering the next generation of Earth and space scientists, AGU is partnering with the National Earth Science Teachers Association to hold the annual Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) workshop at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting. GIFT allows K-12 science educators (both classroom and informal) to hear from scientists about their latest Earth and space science research, explore new classroom resources for engaging students, and visit exhibits and technical sessions during the Fall Meeting.

AGU Council to Meet in December

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enderlein, Cheryl L.

2010-11-01

The AGU Council will hold a meeting on Sunday, 12 December 2010, in San Francisco in conjunction with the Fall Meeting. This is the first meeting of the reconfigured Council, chaired by President­elect Carol Finn. As an outcome of the membership vote a year ago, the composition and the focus of the Council changed. With the creation of the Board of Directors to handle the business and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization, the Council is free to focus on science policy and other science-related matters. There are currently 59 Council members, including section presidents and presidents-elect, focus group chairs and vice chairs, committee chairs, early-career scientists, and the AGU president, president-elect, and executive director.

Two Students Win AGU Scholarships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Claire

2014-10-01

AGU is pleased to announce the winners of two student scholarships. Caterina Brighi is the recipient of the 2014 David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship, which recognizes a student of the Earth sciences whose academic work exhibits interest and promise.

First AGU Climate Communication Prize awarded

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Christine

2012-02-01

Gavin Schmidt, a climate scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and cofounder of the RealClimate blog (http://www.realclimate.org/), received the first AGU Climate Communication Prize at the honors ceremony. The prize recognizes excellence in climate communication as well as the promotion of scientific literacy, clarity of messaging, and efforts to foster respect and understanding for science-based values related to climate change. Sponsored by Nature's Own—a Boulder, Colo.-based company specializing in the sale of minerals, fossils, and decorative stone specimens—the prize comes with a $25,000 cash award. "AGU created this award to raise the visibility of climate change as a critical issue facing the world today, to demonstrate our support for scientists who commit themselves to the effective communication of climate change science, and to encourage more scientists to engage with the public and policy makers on how climate research can contribute to the sustainability of our planet," said AGU president Michael Mc Phaden. "That's why we are so pleased to recognize Gavin for his dedicated leadership and outstanding scientific achievements. We hope that his work will serve as an inspiration for others."

1989”1990 AGU Congressional Fellow report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Barbara J.

Describing the last 3 months on the Subcommittee on International Scientific Cooperation of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is no easy task. I have learned a great deal about many issues and about the workings of Congress; yet this knowledge has not been gained in a necessarily straightforward or logical manner.Although my status on the Subcommittee is that of a Fellow, in effect I am expected to function as a regular staff member. I immediately became involved in the preparation of two hearings, the first on science and technology initiatives for Poland and Hungary, and the second on the Human Genome Project. At these hearings, I learned firsthand about important aspects of science-related issues that concern Congress, namely, intellectual property rights, U.S. competitiveness in the science and technology arena with other countries, Japan, in particular; and big science versus small science funding.

Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics at AGU - Strategies and Actions to Impact Sexual Harassment in Science and other Work Climate Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael; Davidson, Eric; McEntee, Christine; Williams, Billy

2017-04-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), a scientific society of 62,000 members worldwide, has established a set of scientific integrity and professional ethics guidelines for the actions of its members, for the governance of the union in its internal activities, and for the operations and participation in its publications and scientific meetings. More recently AGU has undertaken strategies and actions to help address the issue of harassment in the sciences and other work climate issues. This presentation will provide an overview of the role of scientific societies in helping to address these important issues, as well as specific strategies and actions underway at AGU and other societies. Progress to date and remaining challenges of this effort will be discussed, including AGU's work to provide additional program strength in this area.

Newly established AGU awards and lecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paredes, Beth; Kumar, Mohi

2012-05-01

The Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring (Biogeosciences section) recognizes AGU members who have sustained an active research career in a field related to biogeosciences while excelling as teachers and serving as role models for the next generation of female scientists. This new award acknowledges the importance of female mentors in enhancing gender balance in physical science career paths. The award is being endowed to honor Elizabeth Sulzman, an isotope biogeochemist and soil scientist, whose enthusiasm for teaching awed many undergraduates at Oregon State University. Current plans are to present the first Sulzman award at the 2013 Fall Meeting. Applicants must be women who are within 15 years of receiving their Ph.D., and nomination packages should include a cover letter, resumé, and three letters of recommendation. As they become available, more details will be posted on the Biogeosciences section Web site (http://www.agu.org/sections/biogeo/). The award will provide up to $1000 to one successful nominee each year, although the exact monetary amount is yet to be determined. AGU is currently accepting donations to endow this award; contact Victoria Thompson (vthompson@agu.org) to get involved.

AGU honored for Antarctic book

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AGU has won an honorable mention award at the Fifteenth Annual Awards Program for Excellence in Professional and Scholarly Publishing sponsored by the Association of American Publishers for the book Volcanoes of the Antarctic Plate and Southern Oceans. The book is part of AGU's Antarctic Research Series, an outgrowth of research done during the International Geophysical Year that was begun in 1963 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The award was presented at the AAP Annual Awards Dinner on February 6 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C. The award consists of a medallion and a plate on which the names of the publisher, title, and authors are engraved.

Space Weather Quarterly Is a Jewel in AGU's Crown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crooker, Nancy

2014-02-01

Space Weather Quarterly (SWQ) is an attractive, glossy, hands-on magazine unlike anything else AGU publishes. It is beginning to be recognized as a showcase publication for promoting the goals of one of the four pillars of AGU's strategic plan: science and society.

Why publish with AGU?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graedel, T. E.

The most visible activity of the American Geophysical Union is its publication of scientific journals. There are eight of these: Journal of Geophysical Research—Space Physics (JGR I), Journal of Geophysical Research—Solid Earth (JGR II), Journal of Geophysical Research—Oceans and Atmospheres (JGR III), Radio Science (RS), Water Resources Research (WRR), Geophysical Research Letters (GRL), Reviews of Geophysics and Space Physics (RGSP), and the newest, Tectonics.AGU's journals have established solid reputations for scientific excellence over the years. Reputation is not sufficient to sustain a high quality journal, however, since other factors enter into an author's decision on where to publish his or her work. In this article the characteristics of AGU's journals are compared with those of its competitors, with the aim of furnishing guidance to prospective authors and a better understanding of the value of the products to purchasers.

New AGU Executive Director Outlines Goals and Priorities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2010-04-01

When Christine W. McEntee takes the helm at AGU as the new executive director on 30 August, she will bring with her a number of key qualities: more than 25 years of successful association leadership and management experience, a passion for the Earth and space sciences to benefit humanity, a commitment to working to ensure the planet's sustainability, a respect for AGU's distinguished legacy, and the desire and ability to help AGU grow to a higher level of effectiveness. “I have always liked to work in professional associations that are solid and strong and want to go to their next level of excellence—that is where my sweet spot is in being an association executive—and that is what AGU wants to do. So I am very excited about that: a match with what I really enjoy and get passionate about doing in an area that I really care about,” McEntee told Eos in an in-depth interview.

Growing our capacity within AGU to better connect and engage with new and novel partners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vano, J. A.

2017-12-01

It is easy to give talks at AGU about the value of science. It is much harder, yet critical, to share the value of science with non-scientists. Yet through conversations and ultimately through partnerships with the communities and decision makers the science aims to serve, the value of the science can be elevated and research transformed to be more actionable. Throughout AGU, there is a growing recognition that we can do this better. This growing movement comes from all corners of the Union, as evidenced by increasing abstracts on the topic, and is bringing to light efforts with a common thread of researchers collaborating with practitioners to design, conduct, apply, and share research in ways that connect more closely to society's needs. This year, a team of AGU members came together to plan a series of Science to Action sessions, workshops, networking events, and more (see http://thrivingearthexchange.org/fall-meeting-2017 for updates). This presentation will provide an overview of these Science to Action activities, how they connect with current AGU resources, and, based on past discussions and a survey of participants, what future directions and resources would provide the biggest benefits to continue to improve AGU's capacity to foster more effective partnerships. Audience participation on ideas for future directions will be encouraged.

2012 AGU section and focus group awardees and named lecturers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Danica

2012-11-01

Each year, more than 20 awards are presented by AGU sections and focus groups to recipients at various stages in their careers. In addition, nearly 25 individuals are selected annually to present lectures under the Bowie Lecture Series and the Section and Focus Group Named Lecture Series. The Bowie Lecture Series was inaugurated in 1989 to commemorate the fiftieth presentation of the William Bowie Medal, which is AGU's highest honor and is named for AGU's first president. Named lectures are designated by sections and focus groups to honor and memorialize distinguished scientists in their respective fields of science.

The AGU Data Management Maturity Model Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, J. J.

2015-12-01

In September 2014, the AGU Board of Directors approved two initiatives to help the Earth and space sciences community address the growing challenges accompanying the increasing size and complexity of data. These initiatives are: 1) Data Science Credentialing: development of a continuing education and professional certification program to help scientists in their careers and to meet growing responsibilities and requirements around data science; and 2) Data Management Maturity (DMM) Model: development and implementation of a data management maturity model to assess process maturity against best practices, and to identify opportunities in organizational data management processes. Each of these has been organized within AGU as an Editorial Board and both Boards have held kick off meetings. The DMM model Editorial Board will recommend strategies for adapting and deploying a DMM model to the Earth and space sciences create guidance documents to assist in its implementation, and provide input on a pilot appraisal process. This presentation will provide an overview of progress to date in the DMM model Editorial Board and plans for work to be done over the upcoming year.

A Pressing Need for Gender Balance in AGU Honors Nominations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, Jessica

2014-03-01

AGU thrives on the volunteer efforts of its scientists, which is how I found myself agreeing to be a member of AGU's Science for Solutions Award committee last year. The award is targeted specifically at students and postdoctoral scientists who use Earth and space science to solve societal problems, and it was an intriguing experience to go through the process of evaluating the nominees and selecting a winner. All across the Union, members of other honors committees were going through a similar process, and at the 2013 Fall Meeting, those award recipients selected by the committees were honored.

Judy Holoviak Leaves AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2009-05-01

Judy C. Holoviak, AGU director of publications, leaves AGU on 6 May 2009. Her nearly 45-year career at AGU was recognized when she received the 2008 Edward A. Flinn III Award (see Eos, 89(52), 546, 2008). During her tenure, the journals program grew from 803 articles published per year to an average of 22 articles published per day (about 5670 per year); Eos grew from a quarterly journal (under the title of Transactions, American Geophysical Union) to a monthly magazine, and then to a weekly newspaper; and AGU became recognized as a leader in electronic publication.

Common interests bind AGU and geophysical groups around the globe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Christine

2012-02-01

In continuation of our work to strengthen alliances with key organizations in the Earth and space science community, AGU president Michael McPhaden, president-elect Carol Finn, and I held a series of meetings with leaders from other science societies during the 2011 Fall Meeting. Over the course of 2 days we met with leaders from the Geophysical Society of America, European Geosciences Union, Japan Geosciences Union, Ethiopian Geophysical Union, Asia Oceania Geosciences Society, Chinese Geophysical Society, and Asociación Latinoamericana de Geofísica Espacial. This gave us a valued opportunity to discuss the common interests and challenges we all face and to learn from each other's experience. The meetings allowed AGU to strengthen existing cooperative agreements and reach new levels of understanding between us and other societies. Additionally, we met with representatives from the Korean Ocean Research and Development Institute to discuss their intention to establish a geophysical union modeled after AGU.

AGU candidates for office, 1998”2000, Union officers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcia K. McNutt. AGU member since 1976, Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Major areas of interest are lithospheric tectonics and mantle geodynamics. B.A. in physics (Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude), 1973, Colorado College; Ph.D. in Earth science, 1978, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Researcher at U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, 1979-1982semi Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1982-1997. Member of American Association for the Advancement of Science. Authored 74 publications, 45 in AGU journals. Most important publications include The Superswell and mantle dynamics beneath the South Pacific, Science, 248, 969-975,1990semi Marine geodynamics: depth-age revisited, Rev. Geophys., U.S. National Report Supplement, 413-418,1995 Mapping the descent of Indian and Eurasian plates beneath the Tibetan plateau from gravity anomalies, J. Geophys. plume theory to explain multiple episodes of stress-triggered volcanism in the Austral Islands, Nature, in press, 1997. Awarded Macelwane Medal, 1988; Doctor of Science (honoris causa), Colorado College, 1988; NSF Visiting Professorship for Women, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, 1989-1990semi Griswold Professor of Geophysics, MIT, 1991-1997 Outstanding Alumni Award, The Blake Schools, Minneapolis, 1993; Capital Science Lecturer, Carnegie Institution, 1995; Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar, 1996-1997 MIT School of Science Graduate Teaching Prize, 1996. AGU service as Associate Editor and Guest Editor of Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, member of Program, Budget and Finance, and Audit and Legal Affairs committeessemi; chair of Publications and Macelwane committees, and President of the Tectonophysics Section.

Major Changes in AGU Publication Fees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Bill

2010-12-01

Effective with any manuscript submitted after 31 December 2010, AGU is eliminating color charges in all formats. At the same time that we eliminate color charges, we are simplifying publication fees. Articles published in Journal of Geophysical Research; Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems; and Radio Science will each have a flat fee of $1000, and Geophysical Research Letters (GRL) articles will each have a flat fee of $500. These prices represent a small drop from the average cost currently paid by authors. We will retain the excess page charges for full articles longer than 13 pages (including Water Resources Research) and 4 pages for letters, comments, and replies. This simplification means we can streamline the “calculator” authors must use when submitting manuscripts to AGU.

Influencing the future of AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael; Finn, Carol; McEntee, Chris

2012-01-01

Steve Jobs, visionary cofounder of Apple, Inc., once said, “Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future.” This statement aptly describes AGU at this time as the Board of Directors and the Council continue to influence the future in exciting ways by advancing our strategic plan (http://www.agu.org/about/mission.shtml). Both governing bodies held meetings in San Francisco immediately preceding the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting. The agendas for both meetings, along with the key outcomes, are posted on AGU's Web site (http://www.agu.org/about/governance/).

AGU Committees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Administrative Committees are responsible for those functions required for the overall performance or well-being of AGU as an organization. These committees are Audit and Legal Affairs, Budget and Finance*, Development, Nominations*, Planning, Statutes and Bylaws*, Tellers.Operating Committees are responsible for the policy direction and operational oversight of AGU's primary programs. The Operating Committees are Education and Human Resources, Fellows*, Information Technology, International Participation*, Meetings, Public Affairs, Public Information, Publications*.

AGU Scholars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In recognition of the strong support of the American Geophysical Union and its substantial contribution to the American Geological Institute's Minority Participation Program, 13 of the 1981-82 scholarship recipients were designated ‘AGU Scholars.’ Because of a matching grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase the number of minority students studying in fields related to the development of marine and coastal resources, four of this number were designated ‘AGU Sea Grant Scholars.’

Spatiotemporal database of US congressional elections, 1896–2014

PubMed Central

Wolf, Levi John

2017-01-01

High-quality historical data about US Congressional elections has long provided common ground for electoral studies. However, advances in geographic information science have recently made it efficient to compile, distribute, and analyze large spatio-temporal data sets on the structure of US Congressional districts. A single spatio-temporal data set that relates US Congressional election results to the spatial extent of the constituencies has not yet been developed. To address this, existing high-quality data sets of elections returns were combined with a spatiotemporal data set on Congressional district boundaries to generate a new spatio-temporal database of US Congressional election results that are explicitly linked to the geospatial data about the districts themselves. PMID:28809849

Improving Diversity and Educational Outreach at the K-14 level: A Call to Action for the AGU Membership

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, F. R.; Johnson, R.

2002-12-01

In 2002, the Subcommittee on Diversity (SD) of the Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) submitted a Diversity Plan to the leadership of AGU. This plan outlines specific programs and goals that AGU can follow to help improve diversity in the Earth and space sciences. Diversity issues are key components to improve the human resource potential in the geosciences. As women are the majority population, and racial and ethnic minorities are experiencing the largest growing segment of the United States population, it is within our best interest to actively recruit and retain these populations into our dynamic fields of study. The SD recognizes that the strength of the AGU lies within its membership. Composed of some of the brightest and talented scientists in the world, the AGU members are leaders and pioneers in our understanding of the Earth System. Yet, many, if not most, people within underrepresented communities are not aware of the relevance that the Earth and space sciences play in their lives. In this discussion, we will discuss the importance of the AGU membership in the Diversity Plan. In addition, we will outline specific things that AGU members can do to improve access of US students and citizenry to Earth and space science education. These steps require that AGU members become active advocates in the public, especially at the K-14 level.

Advocating for the Future of Science on Capitol Hill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paczkowski, Karen

2013-05-01

Students make great science lobbyists. That was the message from AGU at the annual Science, Engineering, and Technology Congressional Visits Day (SET-CVD) on 12-13 March. As students, we exist at the intersection of research and education and are an exuberant and visual example of the positive outcomes of funding SET programs. As the future practitioners and beneficiaries of science, we also have a lot at stake. In the midst of current budget battles, it is more important than ever that we take the opportunity to remind our legislators that SET programs play a unique and important role in the education and training of our nation's citizens as well as in the scientific discoveries that benefit society and fuel our economy.

AGU Scholars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In recognition of the strong support of the American Geophysical Union and its substantial contribution to the American Geological Institute's Minority Scholarship Program, 11 of the 1980-1981 scholarship recipients were designated ‘AGU Scholars.’ Of this group, three were designated AGU ‘Sea Grants Scholars’ because they were funded through a matching grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant Program, which is aimed at increasing the numbers of minority students studying in fields related to developing marine and coastal research.

Two Students Win AGU Scholarships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Claire

2013-11-01

AGU is pleased to announce the winners of two scholarships. Marc Neveu is the recipient of the 2013 David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship, which recognizes a student of the Earth sciences whose academic work exhibits interest and promise. Hima Hassenruck-Gudipati is the 2013 recipient of the David E. Lumley Scholarship, which recognizes a high-achieving student who is working on problems of global importance in the energy and environmental sectors of industry and academia.

AGU scholars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In recognition of the strong support of the Americn Geophysical Union and its substantial contribution to the American Geological Institute's (AGI) Minority Participation Program, 12 of the 1983-1984 AGI scholarship participants were designated “AGU Scholars.” Because part of this support comes from a matching grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase the number of minority students studying in fields related to the development of marine and coastal resources, five of these students were designated “AGU Sea Scholars.”The AGU Scholars, all of whom have elected courses of study related to the broad areas of interest of the Union, are Rufus Catchings, a geophysics graduate student at Stanford University; Charles R. Elerson, a graduate geophysics student at Louisiana Technical University; Ronald L. Keas and Orlanda M. Marques, undergraduate geophysics students at the Colorado School of Mines; Andrew Lewis Mickle, a hydrology graduate student at the University of Florida; Jaime Rangel, an undergraduate geophysics student at the University of Texas at Austin; and Ronald Wynn Sheets, a graduate geochemistry student at Ohio State University.

AGU Activities to Promote Undergraduate Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grove, K.; Johnson, R.; Giesler, J.

2001-05-01

A primary goal of the AGU Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) is to significantly increase the participation of undergraduate students at AGU meetings. Involving students in scientific meetings at this level of their education helps them to better prepare for graduate school and for a career in the geophysical sciences. Ongoing CEHR activities to promote undergraduate participation include: (1) sponsoring technical sessions to showcase undergraduate research; (2) sponsoring sessions about careers and other topics of special interest to students; (3) sponsoring workshops to inform faculty about doing research with undergraduates; (4) sponsoring meeting events to partner graduate student mentors with first-time undergraduate attendees; (5) working with sections to create situations where undergraduates and section scientists can interact; (6) creating a guide for first-time meeting attendees; (7) sponsoring an Academic Recruiting Forum at meetings to connect undergraduates with geophysical graduate programs; (8) running a Career Center at meetings to connect students and employers; (9) raising funds for more travel grants to provide more student support to attend meetings; (10) developing a listserve to inform AGU members about opportunities to do research with undergraduates and to involve more members in mentoring activities; and (11) collecting data, such as career outcomes and demographic characteristics of recent Ph.D. recipients, that are of interest to students.

AGU Committee on Education and Human Resources Sub-Committee on Diversity Program for the term 2004-2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, C. J.; Hiza, M.; Jenkins, G.; Karsten, J.; Molina, L.; Pyrtle, A.; Runyon, C.

2004-12-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) founded the Diversity Subcommittee in 2000 to address what the AGU felt were important issues for the future of the geoscience community. A recent AGU statement of commitment and concern about issues of diversity reads, in part: It is essential that new strategies for educating, recruiting, and retaining geoscientists from currently under-represented populations be developed (a) for individual investigators seeking students to fill classes or work in their research programs; (b) for institutions looking to replace faculty and researchers; (c) for the larger community looking to the public for continued research funding, and (d) for the future US membership of AGU. In an effort to fulfill its charge, the majority of the 2004-2006 sub-committee's activities will be directed towards: (1) Education of the AGU Membership, including the sub-committee itself, on the salient issues of Diversity; (2) Mentoring and supporting minority students in the pipeline of Earth and Space Science education as well as minority faculty seeking to establish successful collaborations; (3) Establishing a mechanism for quantitative assessment of (a) the AGU demographics, (b) member knowledge, and (c) success of programs in the area of Diversity; (4) Conducting the first ever Chapman Conference on the needs of investigators with disabilities (July, 2005); (5) Partnering with other agencies and societies to build bridges; (6) Creating mechanisms for marketing the Earth and Space sciences to minority audiences; (7) Nurturing of minority members already in the AGU; promoting these members for honors and awards within AGU. Details, goals, and milestones of this program will be presented.

Another Milestone Day in AGU's History

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enderlein, Cheryl

2010-09-01

The AGU Board of Directors held its first board meeting on 20-21 September 2010 in Washington, D. C. The meeting, chaired by President Michael McPhaden, marked another step forward in implementing AGU's new governance structure and strategic direction. The agenda included ongoing organizational business, high-level strategic discussions, and opportunities for Board development. In the new governance structure, the Board is responsible for governing the business aspects of AGU, while the Council is responsible for governing scientific affairs. The strategic plan guides both governing groups, staff, and other membership groups by providing clear goals and objectives. Of the 28 objectives in the AGU strategic plan, the volunteer and staff leadership identified eight as priorities. The priority objectives are listed in the diagram to the right, which is also posted on the AGU Web site.

AGU climate scientists visit Capitol Hill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hankin, Erik

2012-02-01

On 1 February 2012, AGU teamed with 11 other scientific societies to bring 29 scientists researching various aspects of climate change to Washington, D. C., for the second annual Climate Science Day on Capitol Hill. The participants represented a wide range of expertise, from meteorology to agriculture, paleoclimatology to statistics, but all spoke to the reality of climate change as demonstrated in their scientific research. With Congress debating environmental regulations and energy policy amid tight fiscal pressures, it is critical that lawmakers have access to the best climate science to help guide policy decisions. The scientists met with legislators and their staff to discuss the importance of climate science for their districts and the nation and offered their expertise as an ongoing resource to the legislators.

Charting a path forward: building AGU's capacity to help foster scientist-decision maker engagement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vano, J. A.; Behar, D. H.; Mote, P.; Ferguson, D. B.; Pandya, R.

2016-12-01

Most research proposals, papers, and presentation abstracts begin with the motivation that the new science presented will benefit society. Behind this, beyond making good on the promises to get funding, is a sincere effort to contribute our knowledge and talent to build a better (safer, sustainable, more resilient) world. For this to happen, however, the science needs to be connected to people in communities who make decisions. While this happens in a variety of ways, often for research to be most useful to society, engagement with decision makers should occur at the beginning and throughout the research process. Increasingly this is being recognized as important, as evidenced by the growing number of boundary organizations (e.g., U.S. Department of the Interior's Climate Science Centers, NOAA's Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessment programs). Even within AGU, in recent years there has been a number of new activities and networks that suggest a growing community of practice for those doing work at the science-society interface (e.g., The Thriving Earth Exchange, the Water and Society Technical Committee in the Hydrology Section). In this presentation, we highlight what these activities are and share insights from those involved. We evaluate trends (e.g., have the number of abstracts on this topic increased?) and present responses from AGU members to questions on where this community of practice should go next (e.g., What is the most important task the AGU community should do to improve decision maker-scientist engagement?). The goal of this presentation is to promote a conversation about how the AGU community can be better prepared to foster engagement with decision makers that will lead to more actionable science. This will help us ensure our science is useful to society, fulfilling our motivations, and arguably responsibilities, both individually and as a community. It will also serve to prepare new scientists for a broader range of careers beyond

The effectiveness of AGU-MCAT in predicting medical student performance in year one of the College of Medicine of the Arabian Gulf University.

PubMed

Alnasir, F A; Jaradat, A A

2011-08-01

To graduate good doctors, medical schools should adopt proper student procedures to select among applicant students. When selecting students, many medical colleges focus solely on their academic achievement on high school examinations, which do not reflect all, important attributes of student. For several years, the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences of the Arabian Gulf University has introduced and administered the AGU-MCAT (Arabian Gulf University Medical College Assessment Test) for screening student applicants. This study aimed to assess the ability of the AGU-MCAT to predict students' performance during their first year college study, as an example of one school's multi-dimensional admissions screening process. The AGU-MCAT is made up of three parts, including a written test on science, a test of students' English language skills and an interview. In the first part, students' science knowledge is tested with 100 multiple choice questions. The English exam assesses students. English reading and listening skills. Lastly, students are interviewed by two faculty members and one senior student to assess their personal qualities. The 138 students who passed the AGU-MCAT in September 2008 and matriculated in the school were studied. Their performance during Year One including their performance on exams in the various disciplines was compared to their achievement on the three AGU-MCAT components. AGU-MCAT's total mark and its science component had the highest linear relationship to students' performance in the various disciplines in Year One, while the strongest predictor of students' performance at the end of Year One was the AGU-MCAT's science test (R2=45.5%). Students' grades in high school did not predict their achievement in Year One. The AGU-MCAT used to screen applicants to the school also predicts students' performance during their first year of medical school.

[Comment to “What is AGU's proper role in society?”] Advocacy puts AGU's credibility at risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, S. Fred

I am more than happy to reply to the Forum article, “What is AGU's Proper Role in Society?”, as requested by the authors. Let it be clearly stated that I am in complete agreement with the AGU Council, which in December 1989 turned down the two environmental policy statements endorsed by William Kaula and Don Anderson in their article as being “too political” and going “beyond the 1982 [Council] guidelines.”The Council's concern is that by venturing far beyond the recognized competence of the geophysics profession, AGU may lose credibility even in its area of expertise. This concern can be illustrated by analyzing the two policy statements; in my view, their adoption would expose AGU to justified criticism.

Enter AGU student contest to win free Fall Meeting registration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smedley, Kara

2012-07-01

AGU is excited to announce its first Student Video and Student T-shirt Design competitions. This is an opportunity for students to display their artistic sides and share their creativity and love of science with the world. Entries could highlight an aspect of Earth or space science in an educational and/or entertaining way or showcase a career path in geophysical sciences. Winners of these student-only competitions will be awarded free registration to the 2012 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

Assessing the efficacy of advancing underrepresented minority groups through AGU's Student Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marasco, L.; Hurtado, C.; Gottschall, H.; Meisenhelder, K.; Hankin, E. R.; Harwell, D. E.

2017-12-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) strives to cultivate a diverse and inclusive organization that uses its position to build the global talent pool in Earth and space science. To cultivate a diverse talent pool, AGU must also foster a diverse student member population. The two largest AGU programs serving students are the Outstanding Student Paper Award (OSPA) and the Student Grants programs. OSPA allows students to practice their presentation skills and receive valuable feedback from experienced scientists. Over 3,000 students participated in OSPA at Fall Meeting 2016. The Student Grants program includes a suite of 14 travel and research grant opportunities. Over 2,000 students applied for grant opportunities in 2016 and 246 grants and fellowships were awarded. The OSPA and Student Grants programs also engage non-student members through volunteering opportunities for program roles, such as OSPA judge or grant reviewer. This presentation will look at the temporal participation trends of underrepresented minority groups in AGU's OSPA and Student Grants programs. The participation of underrepresented minority groups will also be compared before and after the implementation of policy changes to the Student Grants program in 2012.

Final slate for AGU elections this fall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2012-07-01

Your vote is important! This fall, AGU members will elect leaders for the next term (1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014). This issue of Eos provides details about the upcoming election and information on candidates for open AGU Board and Council positions as well as section and focus group secretary positions. All regular and student members who joined or renewed their membership by 1 July 2012 are eligible to vote in this year's election of AGU leaders. The election will be held electronically, and all members must have a valid e-mail address on file at AGU to receive login credentials from the company conducting the election.

New software system to improve AGU membership management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Chris

2012-06-01

Almost 2 years ago, AGU began investigating how it could more efficiently manage member and customer records as well as support processes that currently run on multiple systems. I am pleased to announce that on 25 June, as the result of intense efforts, AGU will migrate to a new database software system that will house the majority of AGU operations. AGU staff will have more tools at their disposal to assist members, and members will have more intuitive and user-friendly options when using the online interface to update their profiles or make purchases. I am particularly excited about this major improvement to our infrastructure because it better positions AGU to achieve goals in its strategic plan.

New Educational Video Series From AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamec, Bethany Holm; Sollosi, Derek

2013-04-01

A new video series entitled Live Education Activity Resource Network (LEARN) With AGU was recently launched. This series of short Earth and space science-related videos is designed to give K-12 formal and informal educators the tools they need to try new hands-on activities with their students. Research indicates that hands-on learning and problem solving are important ways for students to learn, but educators do not always know where to begin or think that they need a lot of materials to do a hands-on activity (which often is not the case).

Why AGU is important in Eastern Europe and should increase its role even more?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mocanu, V.

2007-12-01

After the fall of the ex-communist system about twenty years ago, the East European countries faced a significant, multilateral challenge in all aspects of their economical, financial, military, scientific and especially educational and professional life. They had a pretty robust tradition in classic education and research, but had to prepare their young generation and specialists for a hard competition for grad-, post grad- and professional level competing with colleagues from other parts of the world. They had to restructure their systems and re-discovered the professional societies. AGU represented a certain model of efficiency on handling various aspects of geoscientific activities: integration of geophysics with other related disciplines like atmospheric sciences, hydrology and hydrogeology, volcanism, geochemistry etc., from deep Earth to the intergalactic space. Close cooperation with other boundary sciences, regular and very well organized meetings dedicated more to Solid earth (AGU Fall Meeting) or Near-Surface Geophysics (AGU Spring Meetings), its very close cooperation with the sister societies from Europe, other North, Central and South American countries as well as the Far East and Australia, permanent opening towards a strong international cooperation with all countries and societies world- wide, very active interest in education and career orientation, strong publication policy represented a certain attraction and a very tempting model for the East European countries. Their very quick development has to be joined by transformation of their higher education and research system in such a way that they become more and more competitive with other countries worldwide. They have to develop their own system so that it attracts more and more youngsters to remain/return home and contribute to the advance of their home countries and, in close partnerships with other developed and developing countries, with the guidance of the professional societies like AGU

Advancing diversity and inclusion through AGU's mentoring programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asher, P. M.; Marasco, L.; Hurtado, C.; Hanlon, S. M.; Ambrogio, O.

2017-12-01

AGU offers three separate mentoring programs at the Fall Meeting. These are the Undergraduate Mentoring Program, Career and Research Advice Mentorship (CRAM) sessions, and the Sharing Science mentoring program. While each of these have had an impact on students and mentors, these programs are limited in that the mentor and mentee interactions only occur during the Fall Meeting. To increase the impact of mentoring beyond the Fall Meeting, AGU is piloting a new program that is entirely virtual. This virtual program, called Mentoring365, is designed to have a diverse set of mentees and mentors interacting over a three-month period. Mentoring365 offers participants with a mentor that they can "meet and interact with" outside of Fall Meeting and potentially continue a relationship beyond the duration of the program. It is intended to build or add to a student's professional network and provide a student with additional support outside their research, academic, and/or graduate advisor. This presentation will highlight some of the features of the program as well as provide insight into the progress of the Mentoring365 pilot. The ultimate intent is to expand the program efficacy by collaborating across organizations in the Earth and space sciences to provide a robust and diverse pool of mentors and mentees.

Tales of quakes and consequences garner 2012 AGU journalism awards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Peter

2012-11-01

When a court last month convicted seismologists of wrongdoing for how they characterized earthquake risk in the weeks preceding a deadly 2009 temblor in the city of L'Aquila, Italy, the verdict shocked scientists around the world. More than a year before that judgment came down, freelance reporter Stephen S. Hall had explored the legal case and its implications for scientists and for society in an article published in the 15 September 2011 issue of Nature. Because of the deep and compelling way in which Hall reported on the case, AGU in July chose Hall as the 2012 winner of the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism - Features. Remarkable coverage of an earthquake also stood out for judges of the other of this year's AGU journalism honors: the 2012 David Perlman Award for Excellence in Journalism - News. Also in July, AGU selected a team at The Washington Post, including two staff writers, Brian Vastag and Steven Mufson, and the Post's graphics staff, to receive the Perlman Award for their superb reporting on the unusual 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook the Washington, D. C., region in August 2011.

AGU Position Statements Addressed at Fall Meeting Town Hall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hankin, Erik

2013-01-01

The AGU Outreach Committee and Public Affairs staff held a town hall at the 2012 Fall Meeting to discuss AGU position statements. The town hall, "AGU Position Statements: Announcing New Submission and Review Methods," held on Monday, 3 December, provided background on AGU position statements, recent changes to the review and writing processes, updates on statements under revision, and ways for members to utilize and impact position statements.

Science meets public service in Washington, D.C.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasavada, Ashwin R.

Same planet, different worlds—that's how many scientists see the relationship between science and government. Yet science and technology have become so infused into society that those worlds are colliding. Today, a number of national issues share a strong connection to science, from stem cells to climate change and energy to bioterrorism. For scientists who can adapt to the culture of politics, working in the collision zone can be an exciting and rewarding way to spend a year or even a career.This past year, I was one of 35 scientists in Washington serving as Congressional Science and Technology Fellows, sponsored by a number of scientific societies, including AGU. The Fellows vary widely in age and carry resumes listing Ph.D.s in not only physics, biology, and chemistry but also in Earth science, food safety, psychology, and veterinary medicine. With a group like that, weekly lunches and happy hours become the kind of broadening experience that one rarely gets in focused academic departments. And then there's the politics.

Meet Three of AGU's 2013 Student Travel Grant Recipients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Claire

2014-04-01

Donations to the Annual Student Travel Grant Fund allowed more than 200 AGU student members to present their research for the first time at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting. The Annual Student Travel Grant Fund (see https://giving.agu.org/campaign/vcc/) provides financial assistance to U.S. and international students who have little or no support from their institutions. AGU encourages female students and students from underrepresented minorities or countries to apply to this program.

AGU Climate Scientists Offer Question-and-Answer Service for Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Stacy

2010-03-01

In fall 2009, AGU launched a member-driven pilot project to improve the accuracy of climate science coverage in the media and to improve public understanding of climate science. The project's goal was to increase the accessibility of climate science experts to journalists across the full spectrum of media outlets. As a supplement to the traditional one-to-one journalist-expert relationship model, the project tested the novel approach of providing a question-and-answer (Q&A) service with a pool of expert scientists and a Web-based interface with journalists. Questions were explicitly limited to climate science to maintain a nonadvocacy, nonpartisan perspective.

Who Benefits From Your AGU Donation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Claire

2014-09-01

When you give to AGU, you are giving to programs and initiatives that affect you, your fellow scientists, and the entire world. From section and focus group newsletters to student scholarships to struggling communities, there is an opportunity for you to engage and make a difference. Visit http://giving.agu.org to make your impact.

Reply to Comments on “AGU Statement: Investigation of Scientists and Officials in L'Aquila, Italy, Is Unfounded”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael

2010-10-01

It is critical to recognize the benefits and limitations of scientific knowledge, particularly when it comes to predicting hazards. I agree with G. J. Wasserburg that AGU should help scientists communicate their work accurately and understandably so it can provide the greatest value to society. This objective is explicit in AGU's new strategic plan (http://www.agu.org/about/strategic_plan.shtml) and is consistent with our vision of both advancing and communicating Earth and space science to ensure a sustainable future. We as a community have an obligation to increase the role of science in informing policy to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. Such efforts require an open exchange of ideas and information and a clear understanding of the limitations of our knowledge. In response to Flavio Dobran, I agree that scientists are not above the law and, like all citizens, must be held accountable for their actions. However, laws and lawmakers must also recognize what science can and cannot do. We cannot yet reliably predict precisely when earthquakes will occur.

Public affairs events at Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlenbrock, Kristan

2012-02-01

AGU's Public Affairs team presented two workshop luncheons and hosted 17 oral and poster sessions at the 2011 Fall Meeting. Topics ranged from defining the importance of the geosciences, to climate change science for communities and institutions. The workshop luncheon "How to Be a Congressional Science Fellow or Mass Media Fellow" was a well-attended event with more than 115 participants. The luncheon provided the opportunity for audience members to ask fellow scientists about their experiences working either in Congress or as a reporter for a news organization. For scientists looking to expand their expertise outside the academic environment, these AGU fellowships are fantastic opportunities.

Arc of Responsibility: The Strength of AGU's Council

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leifert, Harvey

2007-11-01

When AGU members vote in the upcoming election for Union and section officers, they will determine the course of the Union over the next 2 years and beyond. AGU prides itself on holding contested elections, in which members are presented with a real choice, not a preapproved slate, take it or leave it. The statements of the slate of officers begin on page 499; biographies start on page 509. The nominees listed in this issue are volunteers who seek to serve AGU, and once elected, they will undertake a wide variety of duties for the organization. Their visions of AGU's future may vary, however; by carefully considering the candidates' statements and casting votes for those whose vision is most compatible with their own, members can help achieve the goals they wish to see fulfilled.

Astronauts Congressional Gold Medal

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-20

Apollo 11 Astronauts, from left, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden attend the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology tribute to the Apollo 11 Astronauts at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Washington. The committee presented the three Apollo 11 astronauts with a framed copy of House Resolution 607 honoring their achievement, and announced passage of legislation awarding them and John Glenn the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Updated AGU Ethics Policy: Supporting Inclusive and Diverse Field and Lab Environments within the Geosciences.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, B. M.; McPhaden, M. J.; Gundersen, L. C.

2017-12-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), a scientific society of >60,000 members worldwide, has established a set of scientific integrity and professional ethics guidelines for the actions of its members, for the governance of the union in its internal activities, and for the operations and participation in its publications and scientific meetings. More recently AGU has undertaken actions to help address the issue of harassment in the sciences and other work climate issues; and, where applied more broadly as a code of standard behavior, will help address tangential issues of diversity and inclusion. This presentation will highlight the proposed policy changes and additional resources now in place, as they apply to field and lab environments. Progress to date and remaining challenges of this effort will be discussed, including AGU's work to provide additional program strength in the areas of Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion.

AGU journals increase in importance according to 2010 Impact Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Bill

2011-07-01

AGU journals continue to rank highly in many categories in the 2010 Journal Citation Report (JCR), which was released by Thomson Reuters on 28 June. JCR reports on several measures of journal usage, including a journal's Eigenfactor score, its Article Influence score, its Impact Factor, and its rank within a cohort of similar journals. According to the 2010 statistics, AGU again has outperformed its larger competitors. Four different AGU titles are ranked in the top three journals in six different cohorts. The Impact Factor of several AGU journals increased significantly over the previous year.

AGU and Wiley-Blackwell to partner on publication of journals and books

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Chris

2012-07-01

AGU has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Wiley-Blackwell to partner in journal and book publishing. The agreement, effective 1 January 2013, is a significant step forward in transforming AGU publishing consistent with our strategic plan goal of scientific leadership and collaboration. Wiley-Blackwell is the international scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly publishing business of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Family-owned and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the company is strong in every major academic and professional field and partners with many of the world's leading societies. Wiley-Blackwell, a leader in developing models for open access and providing developing nations with access to science, publishes nearly 1500 peer-reviewed journals and more than 1500 new books annually. The company publishes approximately 700 society titles.

Astronauts Congressional Gold Medal

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-20

Apollo 11 Astronauts, from left, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin stand in recognition of Astronaut John Glenn during the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology tribute to the Apollo 11 Astronauts at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Washington. The committee presented the three Apollo 11 astronauts with a framed copy of House Resolution 607 honoring their achievement, and announced passage of legislation awarding them and John Glenn the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Congressional and Media Protocols

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The OIG's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs is the primary point of contact for all media and congressional inquiries on matters related to the OIG, which ensures that they are handled expeditiously.

AGU Hosts Networking Event for Female Scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Chris

2013-01-01

At Fall Meeting this year I had the pleasure of cohosting a new event, a Networking Reception for Early Career Female Scientists and Students, with Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator, and Marcia McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey. AGU recognizes the importance of having a diverse pool of new researchers who can enrich Earth and space sciences with their skills and innovation. That's why one of our four strategic goals is to help build the global talent pool and provide early-career scientists with networking opportunities like this one.

Scientists must listen to be heard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefkoff, Jeff

My experience as an AGU Congressional Fellow began in earnest when I was told “Legislation is a bit like sausage—Once you find out how it's really made, you feel completely different about it.” Being a vegetarian, I knew then that I was in for an interesting year.The sausage analogy was cited during a 2-week orientation to Capitol Hill that was planned by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). I was one of 25 AAAS Congressional Science Fellows, each sponsored by different scientific society. Though our backgrounds varied widely, two shared feelings quickly brought us together: an interest in the interface between science and policy and a desire to steer our career paths toward that interface.

The AGU Board of Heads and Chairs: Past and Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuebbles, D. J.; Bierly, E. W.

2005-12-01

The primary objective of the AGU Board of Heads and Chairs is to be a conduit for interactions of AGU with the many universities and colleges involved in geosciences education and research. The Board also provides a forum for discussing key issues being faced by Earth and space science departments. From a historical perspective, the Board of Heads and Chairs has been a venue, through various meetings over the last two decades, for bringing together Heads and Chairs of such departments solutions; discuss and critically evaluate new instruments, facilities, tools, and methodologies; come together on important issues that transcend their own science such as the need for increased computing capacity; develop ways to increase women and minorities numbers in the field and deal with their issues in an equitable manner; discuss news ways to teach, introduction of new courses, establishment of new programs and degrees to fill the community's needs; and broaden their horizons, think in truly interdisciplinary ways and, return to their institutions with increased vigor and new ideas. We are looking to expand the role of the Board for the future, particularly towards being more proactive as a clearinghouse or "point of contact" for helping the represented universities and colleges. This presentation looks at what has been done and the direction of future activities of the Board.

News media and new media: Strong coverage of AGU Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Peter

2011-05-01

As scientists at AGU's 2010 Fall Meeting engaged one another with talks, posters, and hallway chats last December, a steady stream of reporting and commentary about all things Fall Meeting spilled out from the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif., to audiences throughout the world. Some 150 journalists—representing print, online, and broadcast media outlets, plus freelancers—reported from the meeting. Other reporters not present at the meeting participated in press conferences and other press events via live webcasts. Writers for nearly 2 dozen Earth and space science blogs churned out Fall Meeting-related blog postings. Twitter users also busily commented from the meeting, generating more than 4500 tweets labeled with the meeting's #AGU10 hashtag (a Twitter identity code). The outpouring of meeting-related news and commentary added up to more than 3000 stories, of which many reached far-flung parts of the globe, according to an analysis made using Vocus, a media monitoring service.

Congressional Response to Ensuring America's Competitiveness. BHEF Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Business-Higher Education Forum (NJ1), 2006

2006-01-01

Congress is taking an active role in understanding and responding to the underlying problems that confront America's competitiveness in the global economy. During the 109th congressional session, legislation has been introduced addressing the importance of mathematics and science in the global economy. The Senate's Protecting America's Competitive…

Nominations for AGU officers 1990-1992

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The nominees listed below are those of the Union and section nominating committees and have been approved by the AGU Council.Nominations may also be made by petition. There are no age, nationality, residence or other analogous restrictions on who may serve. As prescribed in the bylaws, each petition must be signed by at least 1% of the members of the Union or Section, as the case may be. Petitions should be sent to the General Secretary, AGU, 2000 Florida Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009. They must be received no later than July 7, 1989.

Thriving Earth Exchange: AGU's new grand challenge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Chris; Williams, Billy

2012-11-01

Imagine a world where scientists are acknowledged and celebrated for their good works. Imagine being able to make a powerful impact, applying your expertise and experience to create real solutions to ensure a sustainable future. Now imagine those two ideas linked: AGU scientists engaged in creating solutions that are recognized and celebrated for their positive impact on our world. The AGU Grand Challenge: Thriving Earth Exchange, a new idea from our member leaders, is about making this dream real.

Exploration Station 2010 Brings Science to the Public

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wawro, Martha; Asher, Pranoti

2011-04-01

Exploration Station is a public outreach event held prior to the AGU Fall Meeting each year and is a joint venture between AGU and NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The event features hands-on science activities for the public. This year's event was held in conjunction with the AGU public lecture given by SDO lead project scientist, Dean Pesnell. Many members of the general public attended, including families with children. They were joined by many AGU members, who also enjoyed the exhibits and explored the possible education and outreach activities available within the AGU community. Educators from across AGU were involved, but space physics and planetary sciences were especially well represented.

AGU elects 1986 Fellows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eighteen distinguished scientists have been elected Fellows of AGU. The total number of Fellows elected each year may not exceed 0.1% of the total membership at the time of election.The newly elected Fellows are John D. Bossier, Office of Charting and Geodetic Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Rockville, Md.Ian S. Carmichael, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of California, Berkeley.Paul J. Crutzen, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.Dieter H. Ehhalt, Institute of Atmospheric Chemistry, Jülich, and Department of Geophysics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Federal Republic of Germany.Thomas C. Hanks, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, Calif.C. G. A. Harrison, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Fla.Stanley R. Hart, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.Charles W. Howe, Department of Economics, University of Colorado, Boulder.Charlotte E. Keen, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.T. J. Kukkamäki, Finnish Geodetic Institute, Helsinki.Ronald T. Merrill, Geophysics Program, University of Washington, Seattle.Pearn P. Niiler, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif.Mervyn S. Paterson, Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra.Joseph Pedlosky, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass.W. R. Peltier, Department of Physics, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.Raymond G. Roble, Solar Variability Section, High-Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colo.David J. Stevenson, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena.David A. Woolhiser, Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, Ariz.

AGU Career Center attracts hundreds of Fall Meeting attendees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Paul

2012-02-01

The poster hall of the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting was the venue not only for scientific discussion and exchange of ideas—Fall Meeting attendees also explored new career opportunities and received career advice at AGU's Career Center. For many years, recruiters and hiring managers have found ideal candidates for open positions during the AGU Fall Meeting through the Career Center. Last year was no exception: Recruiters browsed resumés, visited posters, and attended talks to find talented individuals to interview during the week. In addition, hundreds of meeting attendees looking for a new job or a postdoc position visited the Career Center and checked the online AGU Career Center job board to request interviews. Career counselor Alaina Levine of Quantum Success Solutions gave private one-on-one career advice to 47 meeting attendees, making sure that each individual she counseled left the session with clearer career objectives and tactics to bring these objectives to fruition.

Speaking Up For Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spilhaus, Fred

2005-06-01

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. is planning to show a film, "A Privileged Planet" that promotes creationism in the form of "intelligent design." The film is based on the book by Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay Wesley Richards, both affiliated with the Discovery Institute, which advocates teaching "intelligent design" as science in U.S. public schools. By associating with the Discovery Institute, the Smithsonian Institution will associate science with creationism and damage their credibility. The film is slated for airing on 23 June, unless the Smithsonian comes to its senses.Why is this important? Because the film promotes a long term strategy of the Discovery Institute (//www.discovery.org/csc/) to replace "materialistic science" with "intelligent design." The film fosters the idea that science should include the supernatural. This is unacceptable. AGU's position is clear, creationism is not science and AGU opposes all efforts to promote creationism as science, (The full text of the AGU position statement can be found at: //www.agu.org/sci_soc/policy/positions/evolution.shtml).

AGU Publications Volunteers Feted At Elegant Editors' Evening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panning, Jeanette

2013-01-01

The 2012 Fall Meeting Editors' Evening, held at the City Club of San Francisco, was hosted by the Publications Committee and is the premier social event for editors and associate editors attending the Fall Meeting. The evening commenced with a welcome from Carol Finn, incoming AGU president, in which she expressed her thanks to the editors and associate editors for volunteering their time to benefit AGU.

New AGU scientific integrity and professional ethics policy available for review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gundersen, Linda C.

2012-01-01

The AGU Task Force on Scientific Ethics welcomes your review and comments on AGU's new Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy. The policy has at its heart a code of conduct adopted from the internationally accepted "Singapore Statement," originally created by the Second World Conference on Research Integrity (http://www.singaporestatement.org/), held in 2010. The new policy also encompasses professional and publishing ethics, providing a single source of guidance to AGU members, officers, authors, and editors

AGU Council makes major commitment to the future of electronic publication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The establishment of a "perpetual care trust fund for AGU's electronic archives," which was done at the December 1996 meeting, is perhaps one of the most far-reaching actions ever taken by the AGU Council. The Union recognizes that it has a responsibility to the scientific community to assure that AGU publications are available in the future. Without the careful protection and upgrading of the files developed for AGU's electronic publications, there could be a hiatus in the archive of the body of knowledge. The costs associated with the maintenance of the electronic archive for these publications will be a continuing obligation of the Union, one that may be too large to be absorbed in the annual operating budget. Thus, the Council at the recommendation of the Publications Committee set up a trust fund to help ensure that AGU has the financial resources to maintain an archive of the material included in its electronic publications, to refresh these files on a regular basis, and to migrate the material in the archive to new formats and media as the technology for electronic publishing changes.

Research in rock deformation: Report of the Second Rock Deformation Colloquium, 1989 AGU Spring Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Harry

In response to the considerable interest expressed at the first Rock Deformation Colloquium held at the Fall 1988 AGU meeting in San Francisco, a second dinner meeting was held on Monday evening, May 8, 1989, at the Omni Hotel in Baltimore. The principal business items were a report by Steve Kirby (U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, Calif.) concerning the meeting the previous day of the rock deformation steering committee and an after dinner presentation by Steve Freiman of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Md., entitled “The Environmental Effects on Subcritical Crack Growth.” Kirby reported that a technical committee for rock deformation has been established within the Tectonophysics Section of AGU; the steering committee will attempt to establish constructive working relations with allied societies and disciplines, such as ceramics, metallurgy, materials science, structural geology, and surface science. Brian Evans of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Terry Tullis of Brown University in Providence, R.I., and Harry Green of the University of California at Davis agreed to be a subcommittee to propose a name for the technical committee, for discussion at the next steering committee meeting to be held before the 1989 Fall AGU meeting. Green also agreed to investigate the possibility of convening a special session at the Fall Meeting on the nature and mechanism of deep-focus earthquakes. (The session is Deep Slab Deformation and Faulting, T21B and T22A, organized by Harry and Ken Creager of the University of Washington, Seattle; it will be all day on Tuesday, December 5.)

Molecular Characterization and Regulation of the aguBA Operon, Responsible for Agmatine Utilization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

PubMed Central

Nakada, Yuji; Jiang, Ying; Nishijyo, Takayuki; Itoh, Yoshifumi; Lu, Chung-Dar

2001-01-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 utilizes agmatine as the sole carbon and nitrogen source via two reactions catalyzed successively by agmatine deiminase (encoded by aguA; also called agmatine iminohydrolase) and N-carbamoylputrescine amidohydrolase (encoded by aguB). The aguBA and adjacent aguR genes were cloned and characterized. The predicted AguB protein (Mr 32,759; 292 amino acids) displayed sequence similarity (≤60% identity) to enzymes of the β-alanine synthase/nitrilase family. While the deduced AguA protein (Mr 41,190; 368 amino acids) showed no significant similarity to any protein of known function, assignment of agmatine deiminase to AguA in this report discovered a new family of carbon-nitrogen hydrolases widely distributed in organisms ranging from bacteria to Arabidopsis. The aguR gene encoded a putative regulatory protein (Mr 24,424; 221 amino acids) of the TetR protein family. Measurements of agmatine deiminase and N-carbamoylputrescine amidohydrolase activities indicated the induction effect of agmatine and N-carbamoylputrescine on expression of the aguBA operon. The presence of an inducible promoter for the aguBA operon in the aguR-aguB intergenic region was demonstrated by lacZ fusion experiments, and the transcription start of this promoter was localized 99 bp upstream from the initiation codon of aguB by S1 nuclease mapping. Experiments with knockout mutants of aguR established that expression of the aguBA operon became constitutive in the aguR background. Interaction of AguR overproduced in Escherichia coli with the aguBA regulatory region was demonstrated by gel retardation assays, supporting the hypothesis that AguR serves as the negative regulator of the aguBA operon, and binding of agmatine and N-carbamoylputrescine to AguR would antagonize its repressor function. PMID:11673419

Regulation of the alpha-glucuronidase-encoding gene ( aguA) from Aspergillus niger.

PubMed

de Vries, R P; van de Vondervoort, P J I; Hendriks, L; van de Belt, M; Visser, J

2002-09-01

The alpha-glucuronidase gene aguA from Aspergillus niger was cloned and characterised. Analysis of the promoter region of aguA revealed the presence of four putative binding sites for the major carbon catabolite repressor protein CREA and one putative binding site for the transcriptional activator XLNR. In addition, a sequence motif was detected which differed only in the last nucleotide from the XLNR consensus site. A construct in which part of the aguA coding region was deleted still resulted in production of a stable mRNA upon transformation of A. niger. The putative XLNR binding sites and two of the putative CREA binding sites were mutated individually in this construct and the effects on expression were examined in A. niger transformants. Northern analysis of the transformants revealed that the consensus XLNR site is not actually functional in the aguA promoter, whereas the sequence that diverges from the consensus at a single position is functional. This indicates that XLNR is also able to bind to the sequence GGCTAG, and the XLNR binding site consensus should therefore be changed to GGCTAR. Both CREA sites are functional, indicating that CREA has a strong influence on aguA expression. A detailed expression analysis of aguA in four genetic backgrounds revealed a second regulatory system involved in activation of aguA gene expression. This system responds to the presence of glucuronic and galacturonic acids, and is not dependent on XLNR.

Executive Director Fred Spilhaus Steps Down; Interim Leader Takes AGU Reins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Peter

2009-02-01

After 39 years as AGU executive director, Fred Spilhaus has stepped down from his post; he will become executive director emeritus. At a 27 January 2009 staff meeting at AGU headquarters, in Washington, D. C., three of the Union officers introduced Robert T. Van Hook, who will serve as interim executive director while AGU conducts a worldwide search for a new executive director. The search is expected to start in the summer of 2009 and to take from 6 to 18 months. ``AGU is a growing, vibrant organization that wishes to thoughtfully chart its course for the coming decades,'' Van Hook said. ``I am a professional interim executive, here to build on Fred Spilhaus's legacy. I want to help this extraordinary Union of researchers, teachers, and students take careful stock of where it is today, where it wants to go tomorrow, and what kind of staff leader it needs to help it get there,'' he said. ``My job is to get you ready for the next executive director,'' Van Hook told AGU staff, noting that he is not a candidate for the position himself.

16 CFR 1000.15 - Office of Congressional Relations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Office of Congressional Relations. 1000.15 Section 1000.15 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION GENERAL COMMISSION ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS § 1000.15 Office of Congressional Relations. The Office of Congressional Relations is...

Report explores Congress' science policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Richard

Scientists interested in understanding how Congress develops science policy would find it useful to read a recent report by the Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology, and Government. “Science, Technology and Congress: Analysis and Advice from the Congressional Support Agencies” contains revealing insights about the often hard-pressed system that Congress uses to analyze science and technology issues.“Congress is on the front line of many battles over the directions of science and technology,” says the 70-page report. “The quality of congressional decisions on these issues often depends on the quality and usefulness of information and analysis made available to Congress.” The report describes the overwhelming amount of information received by members of Congress, few of whom have “substantial training or experience” in science and technology. Making this information understandable and useful is the role of the Office of Technology Assessment, the Congressional Research Service, the General Accounting Office, and the Congressional Budget Office.

44 CFR 5.6 - Congressional information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Congressional information. 5... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION General Provisions § 5.6 Congressional information. Nothing in this part authorizes withholding information from the Congress except when executive...

AGU Publications Continue to Rank High in 2012 Journal Citation Reports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warner, Mary

2013-07-01

AGU journals continue to rank high in the 2012 Journal Citation Reports® (JCR), which was released by Thomson Reuters on 19 June. The impact factor of several AGU journals increased significantly, continuing their trend of the previous 5 years, while others remained consistent with the previous year's ranking.

Presidential Citation for Science and Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2012-07-01

AGU presented its Presidential Citation for Science and Society to three recipients at a reception on 1 May 2012 in the Rayburn House Office Building as part of the inaugural AGU Science Policy Conference. Google Earth, Jane Lubchenco, who is the under secretary of Commerce for oceans and atmosphere and administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) were recognized for their leadership and vision in shaping policy and heightening public awareness of the value of Earth and space science. “This is an important award because with it AGU brings to light the importance of cutting-edge use-inspired science that helps people, communities, and businesses adapt to climate change and sustainably manage our oceans and coasts,” Lubchenco said.

42 CFR 137.2 - Congressional policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Congressional policy. 137.2 Section 137.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE General Provisions § 137.2 Congressional policy...

42 CFR 137.2 - Congressional policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Congressional policy. 137.2 Section 137.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE General Provisions § 137.2 Congressional policy...

AGU Launches Web Site for New Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Randy

2013-03-01

AGU's Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics policy, approved by the AGU Board of Directors and Council in December 2012, is now available online on a new Web site, http://ethics.agu.org. As the Web site states, the policy embodies a "set of guidelines for scientific integrity and professional ethics for the actions of the members and the governance of the Union in its internal activities; in its public persona; and most importantly, in the research and peer review processes of its scientific publications, its communications and outreach, and its scientific meetings."

AGU Pathfinder: Career and Professional Development Resources for Earth and Space Scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harwell, D. E.; Asher, P. M.; Hankin, E. R.; Janick, N. G.; Marasco, L.

2017-12-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is committed to inspiring and educating present and future generations of diverse, innovative, and creative Earth and space scientists. To meet our commitment, AGU provides career and educational resources, webinars, mentoring, and support for students and professionals at each level of development to reduce barriers to achievement and to promote professional advancement. AGU is also working with other organizations and educational institutions to collaborate on projects benefiting the greater geoscience community. The presentation will include an overview of current Pathfinder efforts, collaborative efforts, and an appeal for additional partnerships.

Lanzerotti to Head New AGU Journal on Space Weather

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lifland, Jonathan

Louis J. Lanzerotti has been named editor of a new AGU online publication devoted to the emerging field of near-Earth space conditions and their effects on technical systems. Space Weather: The International Journal of Research and Applications, will be the first journal dedicated solely to the subject, and will include peer-reviewed research, as well as news, features, and opinion articles. A quarterly magazine digest will also be published from the online edition and distributed free of charge to space weather professionals. Lanzerotti, a longtime AGU member who was elected an AGU Fellow in 1985, is currently a consulting physicist at Lucent Technologies Bell Laboratories, and a distinguished research professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also serves on the governing board of the American Institute of Physics. He is author or co-author of more than 500 publications, including many related to space weather and its effects on communications.

Member Input Sought to Ensure AGU's Continued Success

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grove, Timothy L.

2008-11-01

As an organization, AGU is indeed fortunate. Our Union has a growing membership worldwide with an average annual increase of 5.9% over the last 5 years. We are financially strong; we have planned carefully and managed our assets and our annual budgets so that we are able to navigate difficult times. Our Fall Meeting is ``the'' event for Earth and space scientists from more than 100 countries. Our publications continue to grow and evolve. Our outreach programs are gaining recognition in the communities we serve. Our development efforts are strengthening our ability to do more without taxing the revenues from meetings and publications. AGU is a preeminent scientific society.

Congressional Social Darwinism and the American Indian

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blinderman, Abraham

1978-01-01

Summarizing a congressional report on civil and military treatment of American Indians, this article asserts that the social Darwinism of the day prevailed among all congressional committee members ("Even friends of the Indian... knew American expansionism, technology, and racial ideology would reduce the Indian to a pitiful remnant...) (JC)

The Congressional Science Fellow Program and Other Efforts to Help Congress and the Public Make Wiser Decisions on Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primack, Joel

2004-05-01

For thirty years the AAAS Congressional Science and Technology Fellow Program, with which the APS program is affiliated, has been bringing scientists and engineers to work on the staffs of Congress. During the same period, many independent technology policy groups at universities, professional societies including the APS, and non-profit organizations have prepared excellent reports. But despite these efforts, U.S. science and technology policy is often terrible! For example, the current Administration contends that there is not enough scientific evidence of global warming to actually begin to do something to slow the growth in fossil fuel use, but there is plenty of evidence to support deploying a missile defense system now, and we need to be ready to test new generations of nuclear weapons. We scientists must develop a bigger public constituency for good decisions. We need to present, not only sound recommendations backed up by convincing studies, but also wise moral leadership.

U.S. congressional district cancer death rates.

PubMed

Hao, Yongping; Ward, Elizabeth M; Jemal, Ahmedin; Pickle, Linda W; Thun, Michael J

2006-06-23

Geographic patterns of cancer death rates in the U.S. have customarily been presented by county or aggregated into state economic or health service areas. Herein, we present the geographic patterns of cancer death rates in the U.S. by congressional district. Many congressional districts do not follow state or county boundaries. However, counties are the smallest geographical units for which death rates are available. Thus, a method based on the hierarchical relationship of census geographic units was developed to estimate age-adjusted death rates for congressional districts using data obtained at county level. These rates may be useful in communicating to legislators and policy makers about the cancer burden and potential impact of cancer control in their jurisdictions. Mortality data were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for 1990-2001 for 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all counties. We computed annual average age-adjusted death rates for all cancer sites combined, the four major cancers (lung and bronchus, prostate, female breast, and colorectal cancer) and cervical cancer. Cancer death rates varied widely across congressional districts for all cancer sites combined, for the four major cancers, and for cervical cancer. When examined at the national level, broad patterns of mortality by sex, race and region were generally similar with those previously observed based on county and state economic area. We developed a method to generate cancer death rates by congressional district using county-level mortality data. Characterizing the cancer burden by congressional district may be useful in promoting cancer control and prevention programs, and persuading legislators to enact new cancer control programs and/or strengthening existing ones. The method can be applied to state legislative districts and other analyses that involve data aggregation from different geographic units.

U.S. congressional district cancer death rates

PubMed Central

Hao, Yongping; Ward, Elizabeth M; Jemal, Ahmedin; Pickle, Linda W; Thun, Michael J

2006-01-01

Background Geographic patterns of cancer death rates in the U.S. have customarily been presented by county or aggregated into state economic or health service areas. Herein, we present the geographic patterns of cancer death rates in the U.S. by congressional district. Many congressional districts do not follow state or county boundaries. However, counties are the smallest geographical units for which death rates are available. Thus, a method based on the hierarchical relationship of census geographic units was developed to estimate age-adjusted death rates for congressional districts using data obtained at county level. These rates may be useful in communicating to legislators and policy makers about the cancer burden and potential impact of cancer control in their jurisdictions. Results Mortality data were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for 1990–2001 for 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all counties. We computed annual average age-adjusted death rates for all cancer sites combined, the four major cancers (lung and bronchus, prostate, female breast, and colorectal cancer) and cervical cancer. Cancer death rates varied widely across congressional districts for all cancer sites combined, for the four major cancers, and for cervical cancer. When examined at the national level, broad patterns of mortality by sex, race and region were generally similar with those previously observed based on county and state economic area. Conclusion We developed a method to generate cancer death rates by congressional district using county-level mortality data. Characterizing the cancer burden by congressional district may be useful in promoting cancer control and prevention programs, and persuading legislators to enact new cancer control programs and/or strengthening existing ones. The method can be applied to state legislative districts and other analyses that involve data aggregation from different geographic units. PMID:16796732

Apollo 11 and John Glenn Astronauts Congressional Gold Medal

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-20

Apollo 11 Astronauts, from left, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden attend the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology tribute to the Apollo 11 Astronauts at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Washington. The Committee presented the three Apollo 11 astronauts with a framed copy of House Resolution 607 honoring their achievement, and announced passage of legislation awarding them and John Glenn the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

AguR, a Transmembrane Transcription Activator of the Putrescine Biosynthesis Operon in Lactococcus lactis, Acts in Response to the Agmatine Concentration.

PubMed

Linares, Daniel M; Del Rio, Beatriz; Redruello, Begoña; Ladero, Victor; Martin, M Cruz; de Jong, Anne; Kuipers, Oscar P; Fernandez, Maria; Alvarez, Miguel A

2015-09-01

Dairy industry fermentative processes mostly use Lactococcus lactis as a starter. However, some dairy L. lactis strains produce putrescine, a biogenic amine that raises food safety and spoilage concerns, via the agmatine deiminase (AGDI) pathway. The enzymatic activities responsible for putrescine biosynthesis in this bacterium are encoded by the AGDI gene cluster. The role of the catabolic genes aguB, aguD, aguA, and aguC has been studied, but knowledge regarding the role of aguR (the first gene in the cluster) remains limited. In the present work, aguR was found to be a very low level constitutively expressed gene that is essential for putrescine biosynthesis and is transcribed independently of the polycistronic mRNA encoding the catabolic genes (aguBDAC). In response to agmatine, AguR acts as a transcriptional activator of the aguB promoter (PaguB), which drives the transcription of the aguBDAC operon. Inverted sequences required for PaguB activity were identified by deletion analysis. Further work indicated that AguR is a transmembrane protein which might function as a one-component signal transduction system that senses the agmatine concentration of the medium and, accordingly, regulates the transcription of the aguBDAC operon through a C-terminal cytoplasmic DNA-binding domain typically found in LuxR-like proteins. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

AguR, a Transmembrane Transcription Activator of the Putrescine Biosynthesis Operon in Lactococcus lactis, Acts in Response to the Agmatine Concentration

PubMed Central

Linares, Daniel M.; del Rio, Beatriz; Redruello, Begoña; Martin, M. Cruz; de Jong, Anne; Kuipers, Oscar P.; Fernandez, Maria

2015-01-01

Dairy industry fermentative processes mostly use Lactococcus lactis as a starter. However, some dairy L. lactis strains produce putrescine, a biogenic amine that raises food safety and spoilage concerns, via the agmatine deiminase (AGDI) pathway. The enzymatic activities responsible for putrescine biosynthesis in this bacterium are encoded by the AGDI gene cluster. The role of the catabolic genes aguB, aguD, aguA, and aguC has been studied, but knowledge regarding the role of aguR (the first gene in the cluster) remains limited. In the present work, aguR was found to be a very low level constitutively expressed gene that is essential for putrescine biosynthesis and is transcribed independently of the polycistronic mRNA encoding the catabolic genes (aguBDAC). In response to agmatine, AguR acts as a transcriptional activator of the aguB promoter (PaguB), which drives the transcription of the aguBDAC operon. Inverted sequences required for PaguB activity were identified by deletion analysis. Further work indicated that AguR is a transmembrane protein which might function as a one-component signal transduction system that senses the agmatine concentration of the medium and, accordingly, regulates the transcription of the aguBDAC operon through a C-terminal cytoplasmic DNA-binding domain typically found in LuxR-like proteins. PMID:26116671

Open Science Conference honors posters and papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2011-11-01

One hundred students and early-career scientists were honored for outstanding poster and paper presentations given at the World Climate Research Programme's Open Science Conference, which took place 24-28 October 2011 in Denver, Colo. AGU presented 5 honorees with waivers for the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting; 10 honorees received AGU books; and 59 of the students and early-career scientists were awarded membership to AGU. Other groups providing gifts to the honorees included the American Meteorological Society and the European Geophysical Union. The recipients' presentations were among the 1750 posters and 182 papers at the conference.

Twitter accounts followed by Congressional health staff.

PubMed

Grande, David; Meisel, Zachary F; Merchant, Raina M; Seymour, Jane; Gollust, Sarah E

2017-07-01

Although health policy research should inform policy making, the communication gap between researchers and policy makers limits successful translation. Social media represents a new opportunity to connect researchers and policy makers. Our objective was to assess who Congressional health policy staff follow on a major social media platform. Cross-sectional study. Our study measured Congressional health policy staff's use of Twitter and the types of individuals and organizations they follow. To focus on more influential Twitter accounts, we restricted our sample to those followed by at least 3 individual Congressional staff members. Of the 30,843 accounts followed by the 115 Congressional health policy staff, 1273 were potentially policy-related and followed by 3 or more staff. Of these, few were academically affiliated (2.4%) or explicitly health-related (5.6%) sites; many were general news media sources (50.9%) and political and governmental sources (36.4%). Health-focused accounts were frequently connected to the news media or government rather than academia. Top accounts followed (ie, highest quintile) were most likely to be national news organizations (odds ratio [OR], 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-19.7) and elected officials (OR, 8.22; 95% CI, 1.75-38.6) compared with advocacy and interest groups. Health-related and academic sources are largely absent from the Twitter conversations with US Congressional health policy staff. Even within social media, traditional and political news media are important information intermediaries that researchers and journals should target to disseminate health policy evidence.

Congressional Liaison Offices of Selected Federal Agencies

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-03

Offices of Selected Federal Agencies Congressional Research Service 1 Legislative Branch Congressional Budget Office Edward “Sandy” Davis...VA 22060-6221 Tel: (703) 767-5264 Fax: (703) 767-6312 http://www.dla.mil/ Defense Security Cooperation Agency Vanessa Murray Director...Fax: (202) 685-6077 http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/Pages/ default.aspx For Senate offices: Lt. Col. Harold R. Van Opdorp U.S.M.C. Deputy

2011 Congressional Report on Defense Business Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-30

of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1 . REPORT DATE 30 APR 2011 2 . REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00...amended CongressionalReport 1 DefenseBusinessOperations 2 CongressionalReport Chapter 2 : Process Improvements Chapter 2 highlights enterprise...systems are developed through the construct of the Department’s five core business areas: 1 . Human Resources Management (HRM) 2 . Weapons Systems

The AGU Hydrology Student Subcommittee (H3S) - fostering the Fall Meeting experience for young hydrologists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claes, N.; Beria, H.; Brown, M. R. M.; Kumar, A.; Goodwell, A. E.; Preziosi-Ribero, A.; Morris, C. K.; Cheng, F. Y.; Gootman, K. S.; Welsh, M.; Khatami, S.; Knoben, W.

2017-12-01

The AGU Hydrology Section Student Subcommittee (H3S), the student body of the AGU hydrology section, caters to the needs of students and early career scientists whose research interests contain a hydrological component. The past two years, H3S organized a Student and Early Career Scientist conference addressing both the technical and research needs of young hydrologists. Over the past several years, H3S organized pop-up sessions in Water Sciences and Social Dimensions of Geosciences which allowed young hydrologists to share and learn from their collective experiences. Social events like the early career social mixer, co-organized with CUAHSI, led to increased networking opportunities among peers. Continuous social media engagement led to a general dialogue within the community over varied issues including research productivity, gender equality, etc. Ice-breaker events between junior and senior academics encouraged young hydrologists to talk with their academic crushes and continuously seek out mentorship opportunities. Collating our past experiences, we ponder over our accomplishments, failures, and opportunities to improve representation of early career hydrologists within the community.

The Value of Science Policy Internships to Interns and Employers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landau, E. A.

2014-12-01

My interns often look at me wide-eyed when I tell them to approach a Member of Congress at a congressional reception and introduce themselves. I understand their shock, as I once had the same experience. This presentation will look at the internship experience from the perspective of the intern and the employer, describing the value of the internship to each. I will detail my experience as an intern in the American Geosciences Institute Government Affairs Program, and my current position as the creator and hiring manager of the American Geophysical Union Public Affairs Department internship. This perspective will be augmented by information from recent AGU Public Affairs interns. Internships equate to experience, one critical and often underdeveloped component of a student or recent graduate's resume. Each of these internships offers the unique opportunity for students and recent graduates of geophysical science programs to immerse themselves in the science policy field, doing work alongside professionals and serving as an important part of their respective work environment. The networking opportunities and skills learned are highly valuable to those building their resumes and trying to break into the field - or simply figuring out what future career path to take. Scientific societies see value in investing in the next generation of scientific leaders and ensuring their perspective includes an understanding of science policy and the societal impacts of science. These internship experiences are often eye-opening and sometimes career-changing.

Celebrating hydrologic science: The "Science is Essential" collection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Martyn P.; Luce, Charles H.; van Meerveld, H. J. (Ilja)

2017-07-01

Water Resources Research published nine commentaries in the AGU "Science is Essential" collection. The goal of these papers is to celebrate the advances in hydrologic science, to show how hydrologic science is essential for society, and to illustrate how hydrologic science has influenced policies. Here we provide a brief introduction to these papers, to encourage you to explore them in full.

Public affairs committee actions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The AGU Public Affairs Committee will create an ad hoc committee to consider possible AGU position statements concerning the effects of nuclear war.The action was taken at the May 31, 1983, meeting of the Committee at the AGU Spring Meeting in Baltimore. Present were Carroll Ann Hodges, Chairman, and members Thomas J. Ahrens, David Cauffman, Jared Cohon, Stamatios Krimigis, Robert Murphy, Raymond Roble, and George Shaw. Also attending were the current Congressional Fellow Arthur Weissman and SPR—Cosmic Rays Section Secretary Miriam Forman.

30 Years of APS Congressional Fellows: Looking Back and Looking Forward

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2003-04-01

In 1973 AAAS launched a Congressional Fellows Program, and APS was one of three founding participants. Since then, APS has funded one or two Fellows annually to work with a Congressional Committee or on the personal staff of a Member of Congress. These fellows individually and collectively have had and continue to have a large impact in Washington. Six Fellows from different periods of the 30-year program, including a current Member of Congress, will present their views and assessments of the Fellowship program. They will address how it affected them, what it has done for the country and how APS should plan for the future. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. Panelists: Ben Cooper, Association of Oil Pipe Lines (Fellow, 1973-74) Rush Holt, Member, House of Representatives (Fellow, 1982-83) Jane Alexander, Office of Naval Research (Fellow, 1986-87) Duncan Moore, University of Rochester (Fellow, 1993-94) Peter Rooney, House Committee on Science (Fellow, 1997-98) Sherri Stephan, Senate Committee on Government Affairs (Fellow, 2000-01)

Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics at AGU - The Establishment and Evolution of an Ethics Program at a Large Scientific Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael; Leinen, Margaret; McEntee, Christine; Townsend, Randy; Williams, Billy

2016-04-01

The American Geophysical Union, a scientific society of 62,000 members worldwide, has established a set of scientific integrity and professional ethics guidelines for the actions of its members, for the governance of the union in its internal activities, and for the operations and participation in its publications and scientific meetings. This presentation will provide an overview of the Ethics program at AGU, highlighting the reasons for its establishment, the process of dealing ethical breaches, the number and types of cases considered, how AGU helps educate its members on Ethics issues, and the rapidly evolving efforts at AGU to address issues related to the emerging field of GeoEthics. The presentation will also cover the most recent AGU Ethics program focus on the role for AGU and other scientific societies in addressing sexual harassment, and AGU's work to provide additional program strength in this area.

Science, Technology and Natural Resources Policy: Overcoming Congressional Gridlock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCurdy, K. M.

2015-12-01

The current status of Science, Technology and Natural Resources (STNR) policy in the United States provides an ideal context to examine the influence of committee seniority within the public policy process. Exemplars of the Policy Entrepreneur have been individuals in leadership positions, whether executive or legislative. The role of junior committee members in shaping policy innovation is less well understood, and is frequently masked either in cross-sectional research designs or in case studies. The House Natural Resources committee seniority patterns are compared to the House of Representatives Chamber data from 1975 to 2015. This expanse of congressional time captures both the policy innovation of the Class of 1974 who helped transform the public lands by pursuing a preservation agenda, along with the contemporaneous gridlock caused by disagreements about reducing the size of the federal government, a policy agenda championed and sustained by the Class of 1994. Several types of political actors have served as policy entrepreneurs, President Kennedy and Secretary of Interior Udall shepherding the Wilderness Act of 1964 from the Executive branch, or in the 111th Congress Committee chairmen Senator Christopher Dodd and Representative Barney Frank, having announced their retirements, spent their final Congress shaping the consensus that produced the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. A less studied policy phenomenon relies on "packing the committee" to outvote the leadership. This tactic can be used by the party leadership to overcome recalcitrant senior committee members, as was the case for Democrats in the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee shift to preservation in the 1970s, or the tactic can be employed from the grassroots, as may be happening in the case of the House Natural Resources Committee in the 114th Congress. A policy making process analog to rivers is more appropriate than a mechanistic model. As there are multiple

Further Comment on "AGU Statement Regarding the Conviction of Italian Seismologists"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amato, Alessandro; Cocco, Massimo; Cultrera, Giovanna; Galadini, Fabrizio; Margheriti, Lucia; Nostro, Concetta; Pantosti, Daniela

2013-07-01

In the opinion of the undersigned, AGU's position statement regarding the conviction of Italian seismologists, issued following the 22 October 2012 conviction of six Italian scientists and one government official related to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake (see Eos, 93(44), 444, 10.1029/2012EO440013), is absolutely right and correct. We believe that Franco Marenco's opinion disagreeing with AGU's position (Eos, 94(6), 63, doi:10.1002/2013EO060006) is misleading because it is based only on biased information gathered from the media. We invite Marenco and anyone who is interested in better understanding the L'Aquila trial and related issues to retrieve and read original documents and information from http://processoaquila.wordpress.com/.

[Congressional amendments to the Brazilian Federal health budget].

PubMed

Baptista, Tatiana Wargas de Faria; Machado, Cristiani Vieira; Lima, Luciana Dias de; Garcia, Marcia; Andrade, Carla Lourenço Tavares de; Gerassi, Camila Duarte

2012-12-01

The public budget in Brazil has undergone significant changes since enactment of the 1988 Federal Constitution. Mechanisms for integration of planning activities and budget execution have been created, and Legislative participation in budgeting has increased. Congressional amendments appeared in this context. The article discusses the participation of Congressional amendments in the Federal health budget from 1997 to 2006, combining elements for discussion of funding mechanisms and health planning. Such amendments played a significant role in the budget process, accounting for over half of health funds in some years. The North was the region of Brazil that received most resources resulting from Congressional amendments, suggesting the need for further studies on the relationship between the amendments' enforcement and political party coalitions. The article concludes that the amendments cannot be understood solely as a funding mechanism, but mainly as a political instrument, and that they are not necessarily subject to health planning logic.

Teaching Ideas: Congressional Reapportionment/Redistricting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Jesse

1987-01-01

Offers a lesson which is designed to help twelfth grade American Government students understand the process and dilemmas of congressional reapportionment or redistricting. Includes objectives, teaching procedures and a map of an imaginary state showing districts and their populations. (JDH)

AGU journals continue to rank highly in Impact Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sears, Jon; Warner, Mary

2012-07-01

AGU journals continue to rank highly in the 2011 Journal Citation Reports (JCR), which was released by Thomson Reuters on 28 June. The impact factor of several AGU journals increased significantly, continuing their trend over the previous 5 years, while others remained consistent with the previous year's ranking. Paleoceanography is an outstanding performer in both the Paleontology and Oceanography categories. Since 1995, Paleoceanography has been the top-ranked journal in the Paleontology category (of 49 titles in 2011), with an Impact Factor of 3.357. In the Oceanography group (59 journals total), Paleoceanography ranks third in Impact Factor. Reviews of Geophysics, with an Impact Factor of 12.364 (an increase of 2.826 from the prior year's score of 9.538), ranks second in Geochemistry and Geophysics out of a total of 77 journals in this cohort. Water Resources Research comes in at second place in the Limnology group, with 19 titles, and third place in the Water Resources group, which has a cohort of 78 titles.

15 CFR 922.24 - Congressional documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... MANAGEMENT NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM REGULATIONS Designation of National Marine Sanctuaries § 922.24 Congressional documents. In designating a National Marine Sanctuary, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to...

Encouraging Female Scientists to Run for Office in 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landau, Elizabeth

2010-11-01

In 2012, there will be the first major election in the United States following a redrawing of congressional and state legislative districts based on the 2010 census results. This modification of electoral district boundaries likely will open new legislative seats and change voting demographics of districts, creating an opportunity for new candidates running for local and federal office. In the current session of Congress, just 17% of members are women, and just 24% of state legislators nationwide are women. At the 2010 AGU Fall Meeting the AGU public affairs department and The 2012 Project will present a panel discussion with female scientists who are serving or have served in elected office. The 2012 Project is a national, nonpartisan campaign to increase the number of women in legislative office by identifying and engaging accomplished women 45 years and older from underrepresented fields and industries, including the sciences.

5 CFR 842.406 - Members of Congress and Congressional employees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... is— (a) One and seven-tenths percent of average pay multiplied by the total number of years of service as a Member and/or congressional employee not exceeding 20 years: plus (b) One percent of average pay multiplied by the years of service other than that of a Member and/or congressional employee. ...

5 CFR 842.406 - Members of Congress and Congressional employees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... is— (a) One and seven-tenths percent of average pay multiplied by the total number of years of service as a Member and/or congressional employee not exceeding 20 years: plus (b) One percent of average pay multiplied by the years of service other than that of a Member and/or congressional employee. ...

Consider Nominating a Woman for an AGU Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

OConnell, Suzanne

2013-03-01

There are many ways to acknowledge scholarly achievement. One of the most prestigious is through professional society awards. Such awards recognize the achievements of society members and are important for career success. Any AGU member, even student members, can nominate someone to be a Fellow or awardee. In fact, some award, medal, and prize nominations are even open to the public.

NREL Briefs Congressional Committee on Impact of Scientific Innovations on

Science.gov Websites

Transportation Future | News | NREL Briefs Congressional Committee on Impact of Scientific Innovations on Transportation Future NREL Briefs Congressional Committee on Impact of Scientific Innovations impact of new technologies will indeed be wide-ranging, it is also true that vehicles with conventional

Congressional Black Caucus meets with NASA

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, speaks to members of the Congressional Black Caucus during their weekly meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Congressional Black Caucus meets with NASA

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left standing, speaks to members of the Congressional Black Caucus during their weekly meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

AGU Journals Increase Speed and Impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warner, Mary

2014-08-01

Fast publication and high quality and impact are important for effective dissemination of geoscience research. With this in mind, AGU's journal editors and staff, along with staff at our publishing partner, Wiley, have been working to increase both the speed of publication and the impact of the research published in our 18 peer-reviewed journals while maintaining our commitment to quality. Significant progress continues to be made on both fronts, as evidenced by the most recent publication times and the 2013 release of the Journal Citation Reports®, which was issued by Thomson Reuters on 29 July.

Congressional Report Waffles on Merit Pay.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American School Board Journal, 1983

1983-01-01

A skeptical review of recent congressional task force recommendations for public school teachers, which include only a limited endorsement of merit pay and strong encouragement for sabbatical leave for teachers to study and travel abroad. (JBM)

ACD15-0224-096. John M. Grunsfeld talks to the attendees of the The AGU meet at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-12-15

Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate and former astronaut John M. Grunsfeld talked to the attendees of the The American Geophysical Union (AGU) meet at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. New results presented at the meeting show atmospheric rivers, significant sources of rainfall, tend to intensify during Nino events, and this years strong El Nino likely will bring more precipitation to California and some relief for the drought.

Public affairs events at Ocean Sciences Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlenbrock, Kristan

2012-02-01

AGU public affairs will be cohosting two special events at Ocean Sciences 2012 that offer scientists opportunities to expand their communication, policy, and media experience. Join the conversations that highlight two important topics to connect science to society.

Nash Receives 2004 David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Writing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmer-DeWitt, Philip; Nash, J. Madeleine

2004-07-01

J. Madeleine Nash received the David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Writing at the AGU Joint Assembly Honors Ceremony, which was held on 19 May 2004, in Montreal, Canada. Nash was honored for ``Fireproofing the Forests,'' an article that appeared in the 18 August 2003 edition of Time Magazine. ``It is an honor to present AGU's 2004 David Perlman Award to Madeleine Nash, a senior contributor to Time Magazine and, if I may say so, one of the great science writers of her generation.''

28 CFR 0.176 - Congressional proceedings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Congressional proceedings. 0.176 Section 0.176 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Assigning Responsibility Concerning Applications for Orders Compelling Testimony or Production of Evidence...

Congressional liaison task force - a briefing of the October 1994 meeting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1994-12-31

As the US Senate overturned roadblocks attempting-unsuccessfully-to halt passage of the elementary and secondary education reauthorization legislation representatives from several federal agencies and laboratories addressed Congressional Liaison Task Force (CLTF) participants October 12th. They spoke about their commitment, programs, and accomplishments toward the nation`s science knowledge, particularly at the precollege level. Marjorie S. Steinberg legislative assistant to bill cosponsor Sen. Jeff Bingaman (DNM), and Gary Allen, Triangle Coalition director of Governmental affairs, spoke about education legislation and specifically about the Technology for Education Act that was on the Senate floor for a vote in October and now is law. Brucemore » A. Fuchs talked about the National Institute of Health`s (NIH) work in science literacy and education. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration`s (NASA) Frank C. Owens and Eddie Anderson contributed to this report.« less

Election-Year Bonus: Glossary of Congressional Terms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Social Education, 1978

1978-01-01

The glossary present definitions of over 120 political terms, including appropriation bill, budget, contract authorizations, congressional record, minority leader, override a veto, readings of bills, point of order, and adjournment sine die. (DB)

42 CFR 137.2 - Congressional policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE General Provisions § 137.2 Congressional policy... self-government flows from the inherent sovereignty of Indian Tribes and nations; (2) The United States... Indian Tribes to self-governance, as reflected in the Constitution, treaties, Federal statutes, and the...

42 CFR 137.2 - Congressional policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE General Provisions § 137.2 Congressional policy... self-government flows from the inherent sovereignty of Indian Tribes and nations; (2) The United States... Indian Tribes to self-governance, as reflected in the Constitution, treaties, Federal statutes, and the...

42 CFR 137.2 - Congressional policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE General Provisions § 137.2 Congressional policy... self-government flows from the inherent sovereignty of Indian Tribes and nations; (2) The United States... Indian Tribes to self-governance, as reflected in the Constitution, treaties, Federal statutes, and the...

CO2 Emissions Generated by a Fall AGU Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

osborn, G.; Malowany, K. S.; Samolczyk, M. A.

2011-12-01

The process of reporting on and discussing geophysical phenomena, including emissions of greenhouse gases, generates more greenhouse gases. At the 2010 fall meeting of the AGU, 19,175 delegates from 81 countries, including, for example, Eritrea, Nepal, and Tanzania, traveled a total of 156,000,000 km to congregate in San Francisco for five days. With data on home bases of participants provided by AGU, we estimated the CO2 emissions generated by travel and hotel stays of those participants. The majority of the emissions from the meeting resulted from air travel . In order to estimate the footprint of such travel, (a) distances from the largest airport in each country and American state (except Canada and California) to San Francisco were tabulated , (b) basic distances were converted to emissions using the TerraPass (TRX Travel Analytics) carbon calculator, (c) it was assumed that half the California participants would fly and half would drive, (d) it was assumed that half of Canadians would fly out of Toronto and half out of Vancouver, and (e) a fudge factor of 10% was added to air travel emissions to account for connecting flights made by some participants to the main airports in the respective countries (connecting flights are disproportionately significant because of high output during takeoff acceleration). Driving impacts were estimated with a Transport Direct/RAC Motoring Services calculator using a 2006 Toyota Corolla as a standard car. An average driving distance of 50 km to the departure airport, and from the airport upon return, was assumed. Train impacts were estimated using the assumption that all flying participants would take BART from SFO. Accomodation impacts were estimated using an Environmental Protection Agency calculator, an assumed average stay of 3 nights, and the assumption that 500 participants commuted from local residences or stayed with friends. The above assumptions lead to an estimate, which we consider conservative, of 19 million kg of

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 1221 - Congressional Space Medal of Honor

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Congressional Space Medal of Honor A Appendix A to Part 1221 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION THE NASA SEAL AND OTHER DEVICES, AND THE CONGRESSIONAL SPACE MEDAL OF HONOR Pt. 1221, App. A Appendix A to Part 1221...

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 1221 - Congressional Space Medal of Honor

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2011-01-01 2010-01-01 true Congressional Space Medal of Honor A Appendix A to Part 1221 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION THE NASA SEAL AND OTHER DEVICES, AND THE CONGRESSIONAL SPACE MEDAL OF HONOR Pt. 1221, App. A Appendix A to Part 1221...

45 CFR 4.7 - Congressional subpoenas directed to the Department or Secretary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... or Secretary. 4.7 Section 4.7 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICE OF PROCESS § 4.7 Congressional subpoenas directed to the Department or Secretary. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, service of Congressional subpoenas shall be delivered to...

Funding to Support the Participation of Scientists Engaged in DOE Research in the 2008 AGU Chapman Conference on Biogeophysics. Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Slater, Lee D.

2009-05-11

This project provided travel awards for scientists engaged in research relevant to the DOE mission to participate in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Chapman Conference on Biogeophysics held October 13-16, 2008, in Portland, Maine (http://www.agu.org/meetings/chapman/2008/fcall/). The objective of this Chapman Conference was to bring together geophysicists, biophysicists, geochemists, geomicrobiologists, and environmental microbiologists that are leaders in their field and have a personal interest in exploring this new interdisciplinary field or are conducting multidisciplinary research with potential impact on biogeophysics in order to define the current state of the science, identify the critical questions facing the community and to generate amore » roadmap for establishing biogeophysics as a critical subdiscipline of earth science research. The sixty participants were an international group of academics, graduate students and scientists at government laboratories engaged in biogeophysics related research. Scientists from Europe, Israel and China traveled to engage North American colleagues in this highly focused 3.5 day meeting. The group included an approximately equal mix of microbiologists, biogeochemists and near surface geophysicists. The recipients of the DOE travel awards were [1] Dennis Bazylinski (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), [2] Yuri Gorby (Craig Venter Institute), [3] Carlos Santamarina (Georgia Tech), [4] Susan Hubbard (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory), [5] Roelof Versteeg (Idaho National Laboratory), [6] Eric Roden (University of Wisconsin), [7] George Luther (University of Delaware), and [8] Jinsong Chen (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory)« less

Evaluation of a Gadolinium-Based Nanoparticle (AGuIX) for Contrast-Enhanced MRI of the Liver in a Rat Model of Hepatic Colorectal Cancer Metastases at 9.4 Tesla.

PubMed

Fries, P; Morr, D; Müller, A; Lux, F; Tillement, O; Massmann, A; Seidel, R; Schäfer, T; Menger, M D; Schneider, G; Bücker, A

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare a Gd-based nanoparticle (AGuIX) with a standard extracellular Gd-based contrast agent (Gd-DOTA) for MRI at 9.4 T in rats with hepatic colorectal cancer metastases. 12 rats with hepatic metastases were subjected to MRI using a 9.4 T animal scanner. T1w self-gated FLASH sequences (TR/TE = 45/2.5 ms, alpha = 45°, TA = 1: 23 min, FOV = 5.12 × 5.12 cm(2), matrix = 256 × 256) were acquired before and at 10 time points after contrast injection. Each animal received 0.1 mmol/kg BW Gd-DOTA i.v. 2 days later AGuIX was applied at 0.01 mmol/kg BW (representing equal Gd doses). The SNR of normal liver (SNRliver), hyper- and hypoenhancing parts of tumors (SNRtumor, hyperenh/SNRtumor, hypoenhanc), erector spinae muscle (SNRmuscle), CNR and lesion enhancement (LE) were calculated based on ROI measurements. Mean SNRliver (Gd-DOTA: 14.6 +/- 0.7; AGuIX: 28.2+/- 2.6, p < 0.001), SNRtumor, hyperenhanc (Gd-DOTA: 18.6 +/- 1.2; AGuIX: 29.6 +/- 2.8, p < 0.001), SNRtumor, hypoenhanc (Gd-DOTA: 12.0 +/- 0.7; AGuIX: 15.4 +/- 0.7, p < 0.001), SNRmuscle (Gd-DOTA: 12.3 +/- 0.3; AGuIX: 14.0 +/- 0.7, p < 0.001), mean CNR (Gd-DOTA: -2.5 +/- 0.2; AGuIX: -7.5 +/- 1.0, p < 0.001) and LE (Gd-DOTA: 3.8 +/- 0.7; AGuIX: 14.9 +/- 2.8, p = 0.001) were significantly higher using AGuIX. Regardless of the larger molecular size, AGuIX demonstrates an early peak enhancement followed by a continuous washout. AGuIX provides better enhancement at 9.4 T compared to Gd-DOTA for equal doses of applied Gd. This is based on the molecule structure and the subsequent increased interaction with protons leading to a higher relaxivity. AGuIX potentially ameliorates the conspicuity of focal liver lesions and may improve the sensitivity in diagnostic imaging of malignant hepatic tumors. AGuIX provides superior enhancement as compared to the extracellular compound Gd-DOTA at 9.4 T. AGuIX may improve the detection and diagnostic sensitivity of malignant focal liver lesions. The small size

Congressional Nominations to U.S. Service Academies: An Overview and Resources for Outreach and Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-21

Congressional Nominations to U.S. Service Academies: An Overview and Resources for Outreach and Management R. Eric Petersen Specialist in...www.crs.gov RL33213 Congressional Nominations to U.S. Service Academies: An Overview Congressional Research Service Summary Members of Congress are...authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. service academies. These schools are the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval

National Medal of Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nineteen scientists and engineers were awarded the nation's highest scientific honor, the National Medal of Science, by President Ronald Reagan in late February in a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House. Among the recipients were two AGU members.

43 CFR 10005.9 - Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... appropriations and Commission expenditures. 10005.9 Section 10005.9 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating... Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures. (a) The plan itself does... dependent upon Congressional appropriation, and, following this, Commission approval of specific projects...

43 CFR 10005.9 - Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... appropriations and Commission expenditures. 10005.9 Section 10005.9 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating... Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures. (a) The plan itself does... dependent upon Congressional appropriation, and, following this, Commission approval of specific projects...

43 CFR 10005.9 - Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... appropriations and Commission expenditures. 10005.9 Section 10005.9 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating... Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures. (a) The plan itself does... dependent upon Congressional appropriation, and, following this, Commission approval of specific projects...

43 CFR 10005.9 - Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... appropriations and Commission expenditures. 10005.9 Section 10005.9 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating... Relationship of the plan to congressional appropriations and Commission expenditures. (a) The plan itself does... dependent upon Congressional appropriation, and, following this, Commission approval of specific projects...

[comment t[Comment on] “What is AGU's proper role in society?”] AGU's role in society: Duty to the public

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilshire, Howard

Bravo to William Kaula and Don Anderson for their forthright opinion, “What Is AGU's Proper Role in Society?” (Eos, April 9, 1991). In hearing preliminaries about Mission to Planet Earth at the Geological Society of America's meeting in Phoenix in 1987, I was turned off by what seemed to me to be endless self-serving proposals to probe the Earth “with our steely knives,” but with hardly a mention of how we could use the information to assist the nation in making rational decisions about the future human occupancy of Earth. I concur with Kaula and Anderson that it is not only the duty of individual scientists to speak out on controversial issues of public concern, but also the duty of professional societies to influence the public policy decision-making process in areas where our special expertise is relevant.It does not matter that opinions within the professional societies differ. Opinions within the nation differ, too. But to take no position at all because of these differences of opinion is dereliction of our duty to the public that supports us. AGU already has a mechanism for presenting a Union-endorsed position on public issues (which could serve as a model for other professional societies whose best effort is to hide under the bed). This mechanism needs to be used more aggressively so that our expert knowledge (both of facts and hypotheses) is brought to bear on matters of critical human concern.

A Comparative Analysis Of Congressional Budget Adjustments For U.S. Special Operations Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

Impact from 2008-2010.........................20 a. Unfunded Requirements .........................................................21 b. Earmarks...recommendations: • How have USSOCOM appropriations changed since September 11, 2001? • What impact have manpower increases had on USSOCOM...Spending for Procurement (FY 2000 to 2010) 4. Analysis of Congressional Impact from 2008-2010 In order to analyze the congressional impact on

A Comparative Analysis of Congressional Budget Adjustments for U.S. Special Operations Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

Impact from 2008-2010.........................20 a. Unfunded Requirements .........................................................21 b. Earmarks...recommendations: • How have USSOCOM appropriations changed since September 11, 2001? • What impact have manpower increases had on USSOCOM...Spending for Procurement (FY 2000 to 2010) 4. Analysis of Congressional Impact from 2008-2010 In order to analyze the congressional impact on

76 FR 62593 - Delegation of Authority for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-07

... Delegation of Authority for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations; Order of Succession... DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5515-D-01] Delegation of Authority for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD. ACTION: Notice of delegation of authority. SUMMARY...

76 FR 62594 - Order of Succession for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-07

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5516-D-01] Order of Succession for the... Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, HUD. ACTION: Notice of order of succession. SUMMARY: In this... Succession for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. This...

75 FR 37780 - Proposed Waivers and Extensions of Project Periods: Presidential Academies and Congressional...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-30

... civics to strengthen their knowledge of, and preparation for, teaching these subjects. The Congressional... the teaching of history. We seek this waiver and extension of project period in order to enable each... Congressional Academies projects are relatively small, with defined intervention strategies consisting of summer...

Remarks from Congressional Leaders: Congressman Daniel Lipinski (2011 EFRC Summit)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lipinski, Daniel

2011-05-25

Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-Illinois) spoke during the opening session of the EFRC Summit. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss "Science for our Nation's Energy Future." In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review.more » They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.« less

Remarks from Congressional Leaders: Congressman Daniel Lipinski (2011 EFRC Summit)

ScienceCinema

Lipinski, Daniel

2018-01-09

Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-Illinois) spoke during the opening session of the EFRC Summit. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss "Science for our Nation's Energy Future." In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

Remarks from Congressional Leaders: Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (2011 EFRC Summit)

ScienceCinema

Lofgren, Zoe (Congresswoman, California)

2017-12-09

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-California) spoke during the opening session of the EFRC Summit. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss "Science for our Nation's Energy Future." In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

President's message: Dues increase will help build the foundation for AGU's future success

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael J.

2012-09-01

The world is a very different place than it was 43 years ago. In 1969, Jimi Hendrix rocked the legendary Woodstock music festival, Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the Moon, and U.S. drivers paid an average of 35 cents a gallon for gas. Today, digital music files have replaced vinyl records, NASA's Curiosity rover is transmitting data and imagery from the surface of Mars, and a growing number of cars run on alternative fuels. In the same way, 43 years ago AGU was a very different organization. Membership hovered around 10,000, and the Fall Meeting was still in its infancy. Today, AGU's membership has increased to more than 61,000, Fall Meeting attendance has topped 20,000, and an entire generation of geoscientists who weren't even born in 1969 now comprises 28% of our current membership.

76 FR 4645 - Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee; Notice of Open Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-26

..., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ADDRESSES: Doubletree Bethesda Hotel... year (FY) 2012 budget submission to Congress and to conduct other committee business. Tentative Agenda Items: Office of Science FY 2012 Congressional Budget Request FES Program FY 2012 Congressional Budget...

MO-FG-BRA-07: Theranostic Gadolinium-Based AGuIX Nanoparticles for MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Detappe, A; Institut Lumiere-Matiere, Villeurbanne; Nano-H, St-Quentin Fallavier

2015-06-15

Purpose: AGuIX are gadolinium-based nanoparticles, initially developed for MRI, that have a potential role in radiation therapy as a radiosensitizer. Our goal is to demonstrate that these nanoparticles can both be used as an MRI contrast agent, as well as to obtain local dose enhancement in a pancreatic tumor when delivered in combination with an external beam irradiation. Methods: We performed in vitro cell uptake and radiosensitization studies of a pancreatic cancer cell line in a low energy (220kVp) beam, a standard clinical 6MV beam (STD) and a flattening filter free clinical 6MV beam (FFF). After injection of 40mM ofmore » nanoparticles, a biodistribution study was performed in vivo on mice with subcutaneous xenograft pancreatic tumors. In vivo radiation therapy studies were performed at the time point of maximum tumor uptake. Results: The concentration of AGuIX nanoparticles in Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells, determined in vitro by MRI and ICPMS, peaks after 30 minutes with 0.3% of the initial concentration (5mg/g). Clonogenic assays show a significant effect (p<0.05) when the AGuIX are coupled with MV photon irradiation (DEF20%=1.31). Similar AGuIX tumor uptake is found in vivo by both MRI and ICPMS 30 minutes after intravenous injection. For long term survival studies, the choice of the radiation dose is determined with 5 control groups (3mice/group) irradiated with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20Gy. Afterwards, 4 groups (8mice/group) are used to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles. A Logrank test is performed as a statistical test to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles. Conclusion: The combination of the MRI contrast and radiosensitization properties of gadolinium nanoparticles reveals a strong potential for usage with MRI-guided radiation therapy.« less

Sharpen your science communication skills at a Fall Meeting workshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Mary Catherine

2012-10-01

Are you eager to share your research and want to help reporters get it right? Do you yearn to enter the climate science debate but are wary of saying the wrong thing? AGU is offering two separate communications skill-building events on Sunday, 2 December 2012, for Fall Meeting attendees wishing to sharpen their communications skills. For scientists interested in talking about climate science, AGU and the Union of Concerned Scientists, an organization that combines scientific research with citizen action to create practical solutions for a healthy environment and a safer world, will offer the Communicating Climate Science Workshop on Sunday morning. A panel of experienced communicators will share their success stories and offer advice on how to avoid common missteps. Then, in an interactive workshop setting, attendees will practice identifying and effectively responding to misinformation about climate science in front of a variety of audiences.

Petit receives Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petit, Charles W.

2012-01-01

Charles W. Petit, a veteran science writer, received the 2011 Robert C. Cowan Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December 2011 in San Francisco, Calif. Petit covered earthquakes for the San Francisco Chronicle during the 1980s and 1990s and has recently served as "head tracker" for the Knight Science Journalism Tracker, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology-based daily blog that compiles and critiques science reporting worldwide. Petit was previously honored by AGU in 2003 when he received the David Perlman Award for an article about a new finding in oceanography. The Cowan Award, named for a former science editor of the Christian Science Monitor, is given no more than every 2 years and recognizes a journalist who has made "significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting or writing" on the Earth and space sciences for the general public.

Petit receives Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rademacher, Horst

2012-01-01

Charles W. Petit, a veteran science writer, received the 2011 Robert C. Cowan Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December 2011 in San Francisco, Calif. Petit covered earthquakes for the San Francisco Chronicle during the 1980s and 1990s and has recently served as "head tracker" for the Knight Science Journalism Tracker, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology-based daily blog that compiles and critiques science reporting worldwide. Petit was previously honored by AGU in 2003 when he received the David Perlman Award for an article about a new finding in oceanography. The Cowan Award, named for a former science editor of the Christian Science Monitor, is given no more than every 2 years and recognizes a journalist who has made "significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting or writing" on the Earth and space sciences for the general public.

Hayes Receives 2012 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leshin, Laurie A.

2013-10-01

Alexander G. Hayes Jr. received the 2012 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting, held 3-7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes significant early-career contributions to planetary science.

Hurricanes and the U.S. Gulf Coast: Science and Sustainable Rebuilding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2006-06-01

The knowledge available among AGU members provides scientific expertise on nearly all of the physical environment of the dynamic Gulf Coast ecosystem complex. Intelligently rebuilding features such as fisheries, oil fields, seaports, farms, and wetlands after hurricanes Katrina and Rita will require ``a well-constructed collaborative effort to maximize the role of science in decisions made about the rebuilding,'' wrote Charles Groat, former director of the U.S. Geological Survey, in a news article published in Eos that simulated an AGU meeting of experts. As a step toward developing a scientific basis for safer communities along the Florida-Alabama-Mississippi-Louisiana-Texas coastline, AGU convened an interdisciplinary `Conference of Experts' on 11-12 January 2006 to discuss what we, as Earth and space scientists, know about the present and projected environment in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast areas affected by the hurricanes of 2005. Twenty scientists, all experts in the fields of science relevant to the Gulf Coast, met to consider ideas for a coordinated effort to integrate science into the decision-making processes necessary for the area's sustainable rebirth. Political, economic, and social issues were intentionally not discussed. Nevertheless, it was recognized that these issues are intertwined with science and are of paramount importance. This report contains a summary of the discussion and is intended to be helpful in providing scientific understanding useful in redevelopment of the affected area.

The Impact of Immigration on Congressional Representation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bouvier, Leon

Explanation of shifts in U.S. Congressional representation among states have often overlooked the effects of international migration on the size and distribution of the U.S. population. Seventy percent of recent U.S. immigrants have settled in California, New York, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Illinois. Estimates of the distribution of…

Science and Engineering Indicators

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-08

documents as well as policy documents. The Indicators report. Consistent with its congressional man- reports now serve the needs of a very wide audience date...information on science and technology Nation’s science policy ; as a basis for policymaking and as a tool for research and assessment on a worldwide basis. * to...encourage quantification of the common dimen- The success of providing valid and comparable data sions of science policy , leading to improvements in

Remarks from Congressional Leaders: Senator Jeff Bingaman (2011 EFRC Summit)

ScienceCinema

Bingaman, Jeff

2017-12-11

During the opening session of the EFRC Summit, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) explained how the EFRCs play an important role in the U.S. energy innovation ecosystem. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss "Science for our Nation's Energy Future." In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

Science Should Inform Sustainable Rebuilding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boesch, Donald; Groat, Charles; Killeen, Timothy

2006-06-01

The return of hurricane season prompts reflection on how well those charged with rebuilding New Orleans and the U.S. Gulf Coast are integrating scientific understanding into important decision-making. An associated question relates to whether we, as scientists, are doing all we can to communicate our research results effectively to those very people who need it the most. Some AGU members may feel constrained engaging those responsible with rebuilding the Gulf Coast without an authoritative synthesis of the science that most directly bears on the challenges of rebuilding after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Such a synthesis is summarized on this page. There is a link to the full report on the AGU Web site. The report derives from an experts' conference held in January 2006 at AGU headquarters in Washington, D.C. The central objective of the conference was to bring together an interdisciplinary group of experts on various aspects of hurricane impacts to review our current scientific understanding of topical areas such as hurricane variability, storm surge response, flooding, wetland loss, subsidence, effects of climate change, and so forth.

Diversity, Geosciences, and Societal Impact: Perspectives From a Geoscientist, Workforce Development Specialist, and Former Congressional Science Fellow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, A. R.

2014-12-01

In order for the United States to remain competitive in the STEM fields, all available interested citizens must be engaged, prepared, and retained in the geoscience workforce. The misperception that the geosciences do little to support the local community and give back to fellow citizens contributes to the lack of diversity in the field. Another challenge is that the assumptions of career paths for someone trained in geosciences are often limited to field work, perpetuated by visuals found in media, popular culture and recruiting materials and university websites. In order to combat these views it is critical that geoscientists make visible both the diverse career opportunities for those trained in geoscience and the relevance of the field to societal issues. In order to make a substantive change in the number of underrepresented minorities pursuing and working in geosciences we must rethink how we describe our work, its impacts and its relevance to society. At UNAVCO, we have undertaken this charge to change they way the future generation of geoscientists views opportunities in our field. This presentation will include reflections of a trained geoscientist taking a non-field/research career path and the opportunities it has afforded as well as the challenges encountered. The presentation will also highlight how experience managing a STEM program for middle school girls, serving as a Congressional Science Fellow, and managing an undergraduate research internship program is aiding in shaping the Geoscience Workforce Initiative at UNAVCO.

Review of Congressional Issues. News from Capitol Hill.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heinz, Ann Simeo

2002-01-01

Focuses on U.S. congressional issues in two categories: (1) enacted legislation, and (2) proposed legislation. Addresses topics such as the resolution related to Iraq, the Department of Homeland Security, Pledge of Allegiance, social security protection, elder justice, and women's rights. Includes learning activities. (CMK)

How Science and Hollywood Can Work Together Is Focus of Fall Meeting Panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2011-01-01

Jon Amiel, director of the 2003 science fiction blockbuster movie The Core, told a room packed with geophysicists at the recent AGU Fall Meeting that he had a confession to make. The confession had nothing to do with what he called the “preposterous premises” of the movie, including that humans could start or stop the spinning of Earth's core. Rather, he told the crowd at the Tuesday evening presentation “Science and the Cinema: AGU Sciences Meet Hollywood” about his recurring dream of being on stage wearing nothing but a skimpy T-shirt. “This dream now has come true. Here I am, I'm talking to a whole room of geophysicists about The Core. I've never felt like the T-shirt was this short,” he said.

78 FR 51189 - Filing Dates for the Alabama Special Elections in the 1st Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... 1st Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for... Congressional District vacated by Representative Jo Bonner. There are three possible special elections, but only... Election, the top two vote-getters will participate in a Special Runoff Election. General Election...

Geological science needs studied

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The Geological Sciences Board of the National Academy of Science is conducting a study of the trends, needs, and priorities of the geological sciences for the 1980s. Many organizations and individuals already have been contacted regarding this task; however, in order to ensure that the forthcoming report is based broadly on ideas from the scientific community, the Geological Sciences Board solicits the thoughts of AGU members about the substance of the study. Please send your questions and comments by early this fall to William Dickinson, chairman of the Geological Sciences Board, National Academy of Sciences, Room 69, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20418. A draft report is expected in January 1983.

Science Under Sequestration: How will a decade of science funding cuts affect you?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landau, E. A.; Hankin, E. R.; Uhlenbrock, K.

2013-12-01

Budget sequestration is now a reality for the United States. From 2013-2021, $1.2 trillion in funding will be cut indiscriminately from most federal spending programs. These funding cuts impact scientific research and development, STEM education programs, federal grants, and many other aspects of science. Although the cuts are just beginning, impacts are already being felt by the scientific community. The reach and degree of impacts will likely worsen with time. To better understand how recent U.S government budget policy is impacting Earth and space science, AGU has collected data from its members in two surveys, sent in March and July of 2013. Over 1,600 scientists responded to the July survey. Specifically, the surveys were designed to determine how sequestration and/or government travel restrictions affect scientists' ability to conduct research, attend scientific conferences, and identify any other impacts. This discussion will reveal what impacts scientists are seeing across sectors, look at early trends, and provide insight on the next eight years and what impacts may lay ahead. We are providing this information at the AGU Fall Meeting venue in order to help prepare the Earth and space science community for impacts, and to engage the community on this important policy issue.

The American Math and Science Student Support Act. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Science of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, Second Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

This document presents the transcript of a congressional hearing to consider the American Math and Science Student Support Act, H.R. 4595. The legislation is designed to address the issue of attracting a greater proportion of U.S. citizens to graduate study in science, mathematics, and engineering. The hearings include testimony and prepared…

Expression of the Agmatine Deiminase Pathway in Enterococcus faecalis Is Activated by the AguR Regulator and Repressed by CcpA and PTSMan Systems

PubMed Central

Blancato, Víctor S.; Magni, Christian

2013-01-01

Although the agmatine deiminase system (AgDI) has been investigated in Enterococcus faecalis, little information is available with respect to its gene regulation. In this study we demonstrate that the presence of exogenous agmatine induces the expression of agu genes in this bacterium. In contrast to the homologous and extensively characterized AgDI system of S. mutants, the aguBDAC operon in E. faecalis is not induced in response to low pH. In spite of this, agmatine catabolism in this bacterium contributes by neutralizing the external medium while enhancing bacterial growth. Our results indicate that carbon catabolic repression (CCR) operates on the AgDI system via a mechanism that involves interaction of CcpA and P-Ser-HPr with a cre site found in an unusual position considering the aguB promoter (55 nt upstream the +1 position). In addition, we found that components of the mannose phosphotransferase (PTSMan) system also contributed to CCR in E. faecalis since a complete relief of the PTS-sugars repressive effect was observed only in a PTSMan and CcpA double defective strain. Our gene context analysis revealed that aguR is present in oral and gastrointestinal microorganisms. Thus, regulation of the aguBDAC operon in E. faecalis seems to have evolved to obtain energy and resist low pH conditions in order to persist and colonize gastrointestinal niches. PMID:24155893

Management, Security, and Congressional Oversight. Federal Government Information Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Office of Technology Assessment.

This report considers the management, use, and congressional oversight of information technology in the Federal Government as rapid advances in technology--e.g., microcomputers, computer networking, computer modeling, videoconferencing, and electronic information exchange--are generating many new applications, opportunities, and issues which are…

"No. 169. Congressional party visiting the roller crest dam in ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

"No. 169. Congressional party visiting the roller crest dam in 1915. Dedication." - Grand Valley Diversion Dam, Half a mile north of intersection of I-70 & Colorado State Route 65, Cameo, Mesa County, CO

Understanding Public Policy Making through the Work of Committees: Utilizing a Student-Led Congressional Hearing Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rinfret, Sara R.; Pautz, Michelle C.

2015-01-01

In an effort to help students better understand the complexity of making environmental policy and the role of policy actors in this process, we developed a mock congressional hearing simulation. In this congressional hearing, students in two environmental policy courses take on the roles of members of Congress and various interest groups to…

Comment on "AGU Statement Regarding the Conviction of Italian Seismologists"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marenco, Franco

2013-02-01

I disagree with AGU's position on the conviction of Italian seismologists, which is, I believe, based on an inaccurate reading of the news (Eos 93(44), 444, doi:10.1029/2012EO440013). As a matter of fact, the L'Aquila ruling is based on the finding that the defendant scientists lacked both independence and good faith and that they gave unscientific (ideological, a priori, and, in the end, lethal) advice to the population. The defendants are, moreover, given the opportunity to appeal if they believe the tribunals have incorrectly assessed the evidence.

Reply [to “An open letter to Ellen Druffel” and to “A second look at gender distribution among AGU Fellows”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druffel, Ellen R. M.

The purpose of my brief article [Druffel, 1994] was to inform AGU members of gender inequity within the AGU Fellows. I raised the question 2 years ago, then assembled the statistics and reported the results to the Fellows Committee. At their recommendation, I wrote the article for Eos to report the facts. The reasons for this inequity were intended to be discussed separately. Deming presents several hypotheses that he feels may explain the inequity. I address them below.

Thompson Receives 2013 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Andrew

2014-09-01

I would like to thank my nominator, Jess Adkins, as well as my supporters for their contributions to my nomination and the AGU Ocean Sciences section for its selection. It is an honor to join the past recipients of this award.

Highlights of the 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharp, Jonathan; Briscoe, Melbourne; Itsweire, Eric

2014-07-01

The 2014 Ocean Sciences Meeting was the 17th biennial gathering since the inception of ocean sciences meetings in 1982. A joint venture of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), The Oceanography Society (TOS), and the Ocean Sciences section of AGU, the meeting was by far the largest ever: More than 5600 attendees made this meeting more than 30% larger than any previous one. Forty percent of attendees live outside the United States, hailing from 55 countries, showing the importance of this meeting as an international gathering of ocean scientists.

Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science: A Tool To Help You Communicate Your Research Accurately, Effectively, and Extensively

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorditch, E.

2006-12-01

As a primary source of news, more people rely on local TV news than any other medium for their news and information. As a result, The American Geophysical Union has partnered with the American Institute of Physics in their production of Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS). DBIS is syndicated science news service that distributes 12, 90-second science news segments to over 80 local TV stations throughout the USA each month. Approximately 4 of these segments each month focus on research topics of interest to AGU members. Meet DBIS's senior science editor and learn about DBIS. Find out how you can improve your communication skills by participating in a DBIS segment or helping with DBIS production. Learn how the segment topics are chosen. Hear why the AGU got involved and how they work with the program.

Moving AGU Meetings sites [Comment to “Fall Meeting site”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzerotti, L. J.; Maclennan, C. C.

1984-04-01

A recent letter to Eos by AGU member Dan Baker (March 13, 1984, p. 98) suggested that a method of reducing the attendance at the Fall AGU meeting would be to move it from San Francisco to his namesake, namely Bakersfield. He cited as a precedent the probably reduced attendance at the (at that time) upcoming Spring Meeting to be held in Cincinnati. While neither of us is promoting cities with names similar to ours, nevertheless we both believe that the recent meeting held in Cincinnati was a great success, even with the reduced number of registrants. The arrangements in the Convention Center, as well as the proximity of the hotels to the convention center and the amenities in the hotels were all excellent, and easily matched or surpassed the facilities in any of the cities in which the major meetings have been held to this time. Furthermore, we would like to make a qualitative judgment that the number of attendees at the individual sessions were perhaps as large as in a Baltimore or Washington meeting. In those meetings the number of registrants may have been larger, but the number of attendees at the given session may have been smaller; a significant proportion of the attendees at any given time would likely be visiting the offices of their contract monitors. Admittedly, the Spring Meeting has been an ideal opportunity to both attend scientific sessions and to lobby for additional research support. However, such lobbying does not necessarily make for increased attendance at the scientific sessions.

Space Science: Past, Present and Future. Report Prepared by the Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications. Transmitted to the Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session, Serial O.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Science and Technology.

Congressional hearings held on October 8-10, 1985, were meant to characterize the attributes of past successes of the United States' efforts in the space sciences, and to project the direction of future research in that area. This report prepared by the subcommittee on space science and application includes recommendations of expert panels on…

Lindstrom Receives 2013 Ocean Sciences Award: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindstrom, Eric J.

2014-09-01

My sincere thanks go to the AGU Ocean Sciences section for this award. Is there any higher honor than recognition by one's peers? To join the illustrious list of prior recipients is deeply moving. Thanks so much to Arnold and Gary for their abundant praise and support over many years.

Creationism and science: An impossible union?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mims, Forrest M., III

Eos reported on June 28, 1994, that the AGU Council has reaffirmed for the second time a statement on “Creationism” first adopted in December 1981. The brief statement opposes “…all efforts to require or promote the teaching of creationism or any other religious tenets as science.” The statement offers no definition of creationism.The AGU Council's rejection of “creationism” and “religious tenets as science” may be fashionable by today's standards but the rejection of any role for God in science is a comparatively recent development. Many great scientists of the past believed in and even wrote about their faith in a creator God. I know many scientists today who believe in God. Several years ago I lost an assignment to write a column for Scientific American after the editor learned that I am an evangelical Christian who rejects abortion and much of Darwinism. After my dismissal received widespread publicity in the national media, I received calls and letters of support from scientists in many fields, including medicine, biology, and paleontology, who believe as I do.

Congressional hearing reviews NSF major research and facilities projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2012-03-01

An 8 March congressional hearing about the U.S. National Science Foundation's Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (NSF MREFC) account focused on fiscal management and accountability of projects in that account and reviewed concerns raised by NSF's Office of Inspector General (OIG). NSF established the MREFC account in 1995 to better plan and manage investments in major equipment and facilities projects, which can cost from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, and the foundation has funded 17 MREFC projects since then. The Obama administration's proposed fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget includes funding for four MREFC projects: Advanced Laser Gravitational-Wave Observatory (AdvLIGO), Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST), National Ecological Observatory (NEON), and Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The hearing, held by a subcommittee of the House of Representatives' Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, reviewed management oversight throughout the life cycles of MREFC projects and concerns raised in recent OIG reports about the use of budget contingency funds. NSF's February 2012 manual called "Risk management guide for large facilities" states that cost contingency is "that portion of the project budget required to cover `known unknowns,'" such as planning and estimating errors and omissions, minor labor or material price fluctuations, and design developments and changes within the project scope. Committee members acknowledged measures that NSF has made to improve the MREFC oversight process, but they also urged the agency to continue to take steps to ensure better project management.

43 CFR 2091.5-6 - Congressional withdrawals and opening of lands.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... RULES Segregation and Opening of Lands § 2091.5-6 Congressional withdrawals and opening of lands. (a.... If the statute does not specify the date, duration and extent of segregation, the Secretary shall...

Analyzing Earth Science Research Networking through Visualizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasnain, S.; Stephan, R.; Narock, T.

2017-12-01

Using D3.js we visualize collaboration amongst several geophysical science organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP). We look at historical trends in Earth Science research topics, cross-domain collaboration, and topics of interest to the general population. The visualization techniques used provide an effective way for non-experts to easily explore distributed and heterogeneous Big Data. Analysis of these visualizations provides stakeholders with insights into optimizing meetings, performing impact evaluation, structuring outreach efforts, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

Defense.gov - Congressional Gold Medal Presentation: Women Airforce Service

Science.gov Websites

, received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the Capitol. Story Female World War II Pilots World War II Women Airforce Service Pilot corps remembered their sisters-in-arms during a wreath-laying homage to the achievements of the first women to fly military aircraft during World War II. Story Women

Bitz, Ginoux, Jacobson, Nizkorodov, and Yang Receive 2013 Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Awards: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ping

2014-07-01

I am honored and humbled that the AGU Atmospheric Sciences section decided to select me as one of the five recipients of the 2013 Ascent Award and would like to thank the selection committee for this recognition.

Space Weather Research Presented at the 2007 AGU Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mohi

2007-12-01

AGU's 47th annual Fall Meeting, held 10-14 December 2007 in San Francisco, Calif., was the largest gathering of geoscientists in the Union's history. More than 14,600 people attended. The Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) sections sported excellent turnout, with more than 1300 abstracts submitted over 114 poster and oral sessions. Topics discussed that related to space weather were manifold: the nature of the Sun-Earth system revealed through newly launched satellites, observations and models of ionospheric convection, advances in the understanding of radiation belt physics, Sun-Earth coupling via energetic coupling, data management and archiving into virtual observatories, and the applications of all this research to space weather forecasting and prediction.

Impact Factors Show Increased Use of AGU Journals in 2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, Barbara Meyers

2009-07-01

The latest numbers released from Journal Citation Reports (JCR), published annually by Thomson Reuters, show large increases in the impact factor (IF) for several AGU journals. IFs are one way for publishers to know that readers have found their journals useful and of value in research. A journal's IF is calculated by taking the total number of citations to articles published by a given journal in the past 2 years and dividing it by the total number of papers published by the journal in the same time period. More generally, it can be seen as the frequency with which articles in a journal have been cited over the past year. The numbers speak for themselves (see Table 1).

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: members of Congress and Congressional staff. Final rule.

PubMed

2013-10-02

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program regulations regarding coverage for Members of Congress and congressional staff.

Science education crisis: Problems, solutions discussed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolcott, John

Public concern about the state of science education in America at the pre-college and college levels is widespread, triggered largely by the perception that we are losing ground in the global economy. Science, and particularly technology, are seen as our most likely sources of recovery. For those who recall the public reaction to the launching of Sputnik by Russia in 1957, the present mood is similar, if somewhat less intense.AGU members are in a unique position to influence debate about the science education crisis. Many of us, either as experts in some subset of physical science issues, as teachers at the college level, or even as parents observing our children's experiences in elementary or secondary school classrooms, may offer insight to this debate.

Communicating Science: Translation and Tangibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brian

2009-02-01

Until last summer, I thought communicating science was just a matter of translation. When my friends' eyes glazed over as I explained, for example, how a productivity crisis and planktrophism could have caused the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction, I thought they simply needed these terms translated. While cutting through potentially difficult terminology is a key part of communicating science to the public, I now know that it is only the first of two parts. The second part is making one's subject matter tangible. Finding that out was my most important lesson last summer as an AGU-sponsored fellow in the Mass Media Fellowship program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Understanding this journalistic two-step has helped me become a better science communicator and comprehend more fully why the Earth sciences fascinate me in the first place.

Simulations Build Efficacy: Empirical Results from a Four-Week Congressional Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mariani, Mack; Glenn, Brian J.

2014-01-01

This article describes a four-week congressional committee simulation implemented in upper level courses on Congress and the Legislative process at two liberal arts colleges. We find that the students participating in the simulation possessed high levels of political knowledge and confidence in their political skills prior to the simulation. An…

aguA, the gene encoding an extracellular alpha-glucuronidase from Aspergillus tubingensis, is specifically induced on xylose and not on glucuronic acid.

PubMed

de Vries, R P; Poulsen, C H; Madrid, S; Visser, J

1998-01-01

An extracellular alpha-glucuronidase was purified and characterized from a commercial Aspergillus preparation and from culture filtrate of Aspergillus tubingensis. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 107 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 112 kDa as determined by mass spectrometry, has a determined pI just below 5.2, and is stable at pH 6.0 for prolonged times. The pH optimum for the enzyme is between 4.5 and 6.0, and the temperature optimum is 70 degrees C. The alpha-glucuronidase is active mainly on small substituted xylo-oligomers but is also able to release a small amount of 4-O-methylglucuronic acid from birchwood xylan. The enzyme acts synergistically with endoxylanases and beta-xylosidase in the hydrolysis of xylan. The enzyme is N glycosylated and contains 14 putative N-glycosylation sites. The gene encoding this alpha-glucuronidase (aguA) was cloned from A. tubingensis. It consists of an open reading frame of 2,523 bp and contains no introns. The gene codes for a protein of 841 amino acids, containing a eukaryotic signal sequence of 20 amino acids. The mature protein has a predicted molecular mass of 91,790 Da and a calculated pI of 5.13. Multiple copies of the gene were introduced in A. tubingensis, and expression was studied in a highly overproducing transformant. The aguA gene was expressed on xylose, xylobiose, and xylan, similarly to genes encoding endoxylanases, suggesting a coordinate regulation of expression of xylanases and alpha-glucuronidase. Glucuronic acid did not induce the expression of aguA and also did not modulate the expression on xylose. Addition of glucose prevented expression of aguA on xylan but only reduced the expression on xylose.

aguA, the Gene Encoding an Extracellular α-Glucuronidase from Aspergillus tubingensis, Is Specifically Induced on Xylose and Not on Glucuronic Acid

PubMed Central

de Vries, Ronald P.; Poulsen, Charlotte H.; Madrid, Susan; Visser, Jaap

1998-01-01

An extracellular α-glucuronidase was purified and characterized from a commercial Aspergillus preparation and from culture filtrate of Aspergillus tubingensis. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 107 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 112 kDa as determined by mass spectrometry, has a determined pI just below 5.2, and is stable at pH 6.0 for prolonged times. The pH optimum for the enzyme is between 4.5 and 6.0, and the temperature optimum is 70°C. The α-glucuronidase is active mainly on small substituted xylo-oligomers but is also able to release a small amount of 4-O-methylglucuronic acid from birchwood xylan. The enzyme acts synergistically with endoxylanases and β-xylosidase in the hydrolysis of xylan. The enzyme is N glycosylated and contains 14 putative N-glycosylation sites. The gene encoding this α-glucuronidase (aguA) was cloned from A. tubingensis. It consists of an open reading frame of 2,523 bp and contains no introns. The gene codes for a protein of 841 amino acids, containing a eukaryotic signal sequence of 20 amino acids. The mature protein has a predicted molecular mass of 91,790 Da and a calculated pI of 5.13. Multiple copies of the gene were introduced in A. tubingensis, and expression was studied in a highly overproducing transformant. The aguA gene was expressed on xylose, xylobiose, and xylan, similarly to genes encoding endoxylanases, suggesting a coordinate regulation of expression of xylanases and α-glucuronidase. Glucuronic acid did not induce the expression of aguA and also did not modulate the expression on xylose. Addition of glucose prevented expression of aguA on xylan but only reduced the expression on xylose. PMID:9440512

In Brief: Rita Colwell receives National Medal of Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mohi

2007-07-01

Rita Colwell, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation from 1998 to 2004, was awarded a U.S. National Medal of Science in a White House ceremony on 27 July 2007. Colwell, currently a professor of microbiology and biotechnology at the University of Maryland at College Park and a professor at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, received the award for her research on global infectious diseases and marine microbes, specifically the bacterium that causes pandemic cholera. The National Medal of Science is the United States' highest honor for scientific achievement. Colwell currently serves on AGU's development board.

Report: Congressional Request on Updating Fiscal 2003 EPA Enforcement Resources and Accomplishments Report

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #2004-S-00002, August 3, 2004. A partial response to the March 30, 2004, letter requesting that we provide certain information related to our October 10, 2003, report, Congressional Request on EPA Enforcement Resources and Accomplishments.

Program on Public Conceptions of Science, Newsletter 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shelanski, Vivien, Ed.; Blanpied, William A., Ed.

This newsletter presents a summary of important, but little publicized, issues involving the National Science Foundation. In addition, it also contains a timetable of impending actions to be taken by congressional committees, and a list of documents and articles where additional information can be found. In addition to the regular sections, News…

Biological Evolution and the History of the Earth Are Foundations of Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2008-01-01

AGU affirms the central importance of including scientific theories of Earth history and biological evolution in science education. Within the scientific community, the theory of biological evolution is not controversial, nor have ``alternative explanations'' been found. This is why no competing theories are required by the U.S. National Science Education Standards. Explanations of natural phenomena that appeal to the supernatural or are based on religious doctrine-and therefore cannot be tested through scientific inquiry-are not scientific, and have no place in the science classroom.

Fostering science communication via direct outreach by scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viñas, M.; Weiss, P. L.; O'Neil, K.; Richardson, R. M.

2010-12-01

While the bread-and-butter of the press operation at the American Geophysical Union remains issuing press releases and organizing press conferences for mainstream media, the implosion of specialized science coverage in print media, TV, and radio, and the heated public debates on science issues require us to find other ways to get science and scientists into the public eye. This means getting volunteers--small armies of scientists interested in and able to communicate with the public. At AGU, we have three programs to foster direct communication between scientists and the public: (1) A suite of blogs launched in Fall 2010, written by external Earth and space science bloggers for an audience of scientists and lay public. We will report on whom the bloggers are, their motivations, who makes up their audiences, what incentives AGU uses to encourage them to participate in this project, blog network traffic, and resources needed to support them. (2) "The Plainspoken Scientist", a science communication-oriented blog for an audience of scientists, was launched in spring 2010 and is a mixture of guest posts and in-house articles. We will report on the response to and effects of the science communication blog, how we obtain and use guest posts from volunteers, and traffic. (3) We began professional development workshops at scientific meetings in spring 2009 to help scientists brush up on how to communicate with the media and the public. We will report on the motivations and interests of the participants in the professional development workshops, impacts, and the lessons we have learned about how to provide useful workshops.

Science and Technology Education in Two-Year Colleges. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Science of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, First Session (November 19, 1991). [No. 92.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

This report on a House congressional hearing on proposed legislation regarding the improvement of science and technology education and advanced technical training in two-year colleges presents testimony, along with prepared letters, statements, and supplemental materials. The report opens with an introductory statement by Rick Boucher, the House…

7 years of MacGyver sessions at EGU and AGU: what happened?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hut, Rolf; Selker, John; Weijs, Steven; Luxemburg, Wim; Wickert, Andy; Blume, Theresa; Bamburger, Jan; Stoof, Cathelijne; Tauro, Flavia

2016-04-01

The session that this poster is in, the: "Self-made sensors and unintended use of measurement equipment", also known as the "MacGyver-session" has had 7 years of scientists contributing their self made devices, hacks and solutions with the hydrological community. In 2009, the first session was held at the AGU fall meeting and since 2011 a session is also organised at the EGU General Assembly. On this poster, and in the accompanying review paper, we will present an overview of the work presented in the last 7 years, cataloging the work of the inventive scientists who have contributed to these successful, and above all: fun, sessions.

Earth and space science funding at risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buhrman, Joan

2011-07-01

With debt ceiling deadlines quickly approaching, U.S. lawmakers are still markedly divided over how to address the nation's economic and budgetary troubles. AGU is closely monitoring these debates and any cuts directed at funding for scientific research and development. Cuts beyond the already reduced levels from the current fiscal year 2011 continuing resolution have the potential to be devastating not only for the scientific community but also for the health, safety, and welfare of the public and America's economic competitiveness. It is not clear how the current proposals would apply to cutting scientific research and development, but it is very likely that federal funding levels for fiscal year 2012 will be even lower than those seen in 2011, a trend that could continue for a number of years. The Obama administration and congressional leadership are reported to be negotiating up to $4 trillion in reduced expenditures, with cuts of at least $1.1 trillion being made in discretionary appropriations over the next 10 years, starting in fiscal year 2012. While it is possible that a smaller, interim deal could pass, which would bring another debt ceiling vote before November 2012, there is significant opposition to such a stopgap measure.

Relief, Recovery, Reform: The New Deal Congressional Reaction to the Great Depression.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koman, Rita G.

1998-01-01

Summarizes the relationship of President Franklin Roosevelt to Congress and its role in creating New Deal legislation. Presents a lesson plan using primary documents that allows students to explore congressional responsibility for enabling the Great Depression and for legislation to deal with its consequences. Includes copies of the documents.…

Fall 1991 Ocean Sciences Student Papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-04-01

Michele Okihiro received an Outstanding Student Paper Award for a paper she presented at the AGU Fall 1991 Meeting entitled “Infragravity Bound Waves in Shallow and Deep Water.” Okihiro received a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Pomona College in 1980, a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii in 1988, and a Master of Science degree in oceanography from the University of California at San Diego in 1986. Okihiro is currently working toward her doctorate in oceanography at the University of California at San Diego. Her research at Scripps Institution concerns infragravity waves and their role in forcing resonant harbor oscillations.

Cancer death rates in US congressional districts.

PubMed

Siegel, Rebecca L; Sahar, Liora; Portier, Kenneth M; Ward, Elizabeth M; Jemal, Ahmedin

2015-01-01

Knowledge of the cancer burden is important for informing and advocating cancer prevention and control. Mortality data are readily available for states and counties, but not for congressional districts, from which representatives are elected and which may be more influential in compelling legislation and policy. The authors calculated average annual cancer death rates during 2002 to 2011 for each of the 435 congressional districts using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics and population estimates from the US Census Bureau. Age-standardized death rates were mapped for all sites combined and separately for cancers of the lung and bronchus, colorectum, breast, and prostate by race/ethnicity and sex. Overall cancer death rates vary by almost 2-fold and are generally lowest in Mountain states and highest in Appalachia and areas of the South. The distribution is similar for lung and colorectal cancers, with the lowest rates consistently noted in districts in Utah. However, for breast and prostate cancers, while the highest rates are again scattered throughout the South, the geographic pattern is less clear and the lowest rates are in Hawaii and southern Texas and Florida. Within-state heterogeneity is limited, particularly for men, with the exceptions of Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Patterns also vary by race/ethnicity. For example, the highest prostate cancer death rates are in the West and north central United States among non-Hispanic whites, but in the deep South among African Americans. Hispanics have the lowest rates except for colorectal cancer in Wyoming, eastern Colorado, and northern New Mexico. These data can facilitate cancer control and stimulate conversation about the relationship between cancer and policies that influence access to health care and the prevalence of behavioral and environmental risk factors. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

[Comment on “Looking at gender distribution among AGU Fellows”] An open letter to Ellen Druffel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, C. T.

I would like to congratulate you on your excellent study of the gender distribution of AGU Fellows [Eos, Sept. 13, 1994]. However, I must take issue with your interpretation of some of the data. First of all you concentrate on the inequity in the awarding of AGU Fellowships. I, on the other hand, look at Figure 3 with amazement that, considering the obstacles in women's careers, the ratios are as good as they are. If you added only one 80-year-old woman, two 70-year-old women, two 60-year-olds and four 50-year-olds, the curves would look almost identical. Surely, it would be possible this year to elect 9 women to Fellowship out of the 30 Fellows to be elected. This change seems possible especially in sections like GP and Hydrology that clearly have a surplus of good female candidates, since none have been elected for some time. I think that the deficit can quickly be eliminated with just a modicum of attention to identifying the previously overlooked candidates and securing nominations for them. The following is some advice on the process, based on my nomination of two female candidate Fellows, one of whom was successful and one of whom thus far has not been successful.

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 1221 - Congressional Space Medal of Honor

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... through space. The flames signify the dynamic energy of the rocket era and the imagination of the men in... courage of the astronauts in the nation's manned space program and the fire power of rockets that carry... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Congressional Space Medal of Honor A...

NOAA administrator reviews agency progress and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2011-12-01

The approach of the new year is a traditional time to tally up successes, failures, and the path ahead. Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), examined some agency advances and significant challenges during the 7 December Union Agency Lecture at the AGU Fall Meeting, during a press briefing, and in an interview with Eos. Lubchenco focused on several key areas including the concern about monitoring, mitigating, and managing extreme events; budgetary pressures the agency faces in current fiscal year (FY) 2012 and in FY 2013, with President Barack Obama on 18 November having signed into law a bill, HR 2112, following congressional agreement on a budget legislation conference report; and NOAA's newly released scientific integrity policy (see "NOAA issues scientific integrity policy," Eos Trans. AGU, 92(50), 467, doi:10.1029/2011EO500004, 2011).

AGU journals should ask authors to publish results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agnew, Duncan Carr

2012-07-01

The title of this Forum is meant to sound paradoxical: Isn't the publication of results what AGU journals are for? I argue that in some ways they aren't, and suggest how to fix this. Explaining this apparent paradox requires that we look at the structure of a published paper and of the research project that produced it. Any project involves many steps; for those using data to examine some problem the first step (step A) is for researchers to collect the relevant raw data. Next (step B), they analyze these data to learn about some phenomenon of interest; this analysis is very often purely computational. Then (step C), the researchers (we can now call them "the authors") arrange the results of this analysis in a way that shows the reader the evidence for the conclusions of the paper. Sometimes these results appear as a table, but more often they are shown pictorially, as, for example, a plot of a time series, a map, a correlation plot, or a cross-section. Finally (step D), the authors state the conclusions to be drawn from the results presented.

Congressional Black Caucus meets with NASA

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, space shuttle crew STS-129 and members of the Congressional Black Caucus pose for a group photo at the Capitol Building, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in Washington. Back row from left to right: U.S. Rep Donna Edwards (D-MD), U.S. Rep Diane Watson (D-CA), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher, Barry Wilmore, Randy Breznik, and U.S. Rep Mel Watt (D-NC). Front row from left to right: U.S. Rep Robert Scott (D-VA), U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Donna Christensen (D-VI) and U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ). The crew of STS-129 presented the CBC with a montage commemorating their mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Congressional Panel Seeks To Curb Access of Foreign Students to U.S. Supercomputers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiernan, Vincent

1999-01-01

Fearing security problems, a congressional committee on Chinese espionage recommends that foreign students and other foreign nationals be barred from using supercomputers at national laboratories unless they first obtain export licenses from the federal government. University officials dispute the data on which the report is based and find the…

The Climate Science Rapid Response Team - A Model for Science Communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandia, S. A.; Abraham, J. A.; Weymann, R.; Ashley, M.

2011-12-01

interactions with the media sources has been overwhelmingly affirmative. The CSRRT has become recognized as a high-quality service that provides accurate science information in a very rapid manner. The CSRRT encourages AGU climate scientists who wish to participate in CSRRT to contact us, and AGU members to inform their contacts in the media about our service.

Earth and Space Science Ph.D. Class of 2003 Report released

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keelor, Brad

AGU and the American Geological Institute (AGI) released on 26 July an employment study of 180 Earth and space science Ph.D. recipients who received degrees from U.S. universities in 2003. The AGU/AGI survey asked graduates about their education and employment, efforts to find their first job after graduation, and experiences in graduate school. Key results from the study include: The vast majority (87%) of 2003 graduates found work in the Earth and space sciences, earning salaries commensurate with or slightly higher than 2001 and 2002 salary averages. Most (64%) graduates were employed within academia (including postdoctoral appointments), with the remainder in government (19%), industry (10%), and other (7%) sectors. Most graduates were positive about their employment situation and found that their work was challenging, relevant, and appropriate for someone with a Ph.D. The percentage of Ph.D. recipients accepting postdoctoral positions (58%) increased slightly from 2002. In contrast, the fields of physics and chemistry showed significant increases in postdoctoral appointments for Ph.D.s during the same time period. As in previous years, recipients of Ph.D.s in the Earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences (median age of 32.7 years) are slightly older than Ph.D. recipients in most other natural sciences (except computer sciences), which is attributed to time taken off between undergraduate and graduate studies. Women in the Earth, atmospheric,and ocean sciences earned 33% of Ph.D.s in the class of 2003, surpassing the percentage of Ph.D.s earned by women in chemistry (32%) and well ahead of the percentage in computer sciences (20%), physics (19%), and engineering (17%). Participation of other underrepresented groups in the Earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences remained extremely low.

Summaries of reports from the Congressional office of technology assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1985-11-01

A summary of reports from the Congressional office of technology assessment on the following topics is presented. (1) Residential Energy Conservation, 1979 (2) Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Cities, 1982 (3)Industrial Energy Use, 1983 (4)Increased Automobiles fuel efficiency and synthetic fuels, 1982. (5)U.S. Vulnerability to an oil import curtailment: The oil Replacement Capability, 1984. (6)Oil and Gas Technologies for the Arctic and Deep water, 1985. (7)Acid Rain and Transport Air pollutants: Implications for Public Policy. (AIP)

Space station astronauts discuss life in space during AGU interview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2012-07-01

Just one day after China's Shenzhou-9 capsule, carrying three Chinese astronauts, docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab on 18 June, Donald Pettit, a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), said it is “a step in the right direction” that more people are in space. “Before they launched, there were six people in space,” he said, referring to those on ISS, “and there are 7 billion people on Earth.” The astronauts were “like one in a billion. Now there are nine people in space,” Pettit said during a 19 June interview that he and two other astronauts onboard ISS had with AGU. Pettit continued, “So the gradient of human beings going into space is moving in the right direction. We need to change these numbers so that more and more human beings can call space their home so we can expand off of planet Earth and move out into our solar system.”

Rotational Seismology: AGU Session, Working Group, and Website

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, William H.K.; Igel, Heiner; Todorovska, Maria I.; Evans, John R.

2007-01-01

. Igel, W.H.K. Lee, and M. Todorovska during the 2006 AGU Fall Meeting. The goal of this session was to discuss rotational sensors, observations, modeling, theoretical aspects, and potential applications of rotational ground motions. The session was accompanied by the inauguration of an International Working Group on Rotational Seismology (IWGoRS) which aims to promote investigations of all aspects of rotational motions in seismology and their implications for related fields such as earthquake engineering, geodesy, strong-motion seismology, and tectonics, as well as to share experience, data, software, and results in an open Web-based environment. The primary goal of this article is to make the Earth Science Community aware of the emergence of the field of rotational seismology.

Quota methods for congressional apportionment are still non-unique

PubMed Central

Mayberry, John P.

1978-01-01

Balinski and Young described a “quota method” for congressional apportionment and recommended it as “the only method satisfying three essential axioms” [Balinski, M. L. & Young, H. P. (1974) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 71, 4602-4606]. This paper points out and repairs a slight defect in one of those axioms, producing a quota method slightly different from that described previously. It also presents an alternative to the “consistency” axiom of the paper and describes the “dual quota” method, uniquely satisfying the alternative axioms (which have exactly as much justification as the originals). PMID:16592547

Games and Simulations for Climate, Weather and Earth Science Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, R. M.

2014-12-01

We will demonstrate several interactive, computer-based simulations, games, and other interactive multimedia. These resources were developed for weather, climate, atmospheric science, and related Earth system science education. The materials were created by the UCAR Center for Science Education. These materials have been disseminated via our web site (SciEd.ucar.edu), webinars, online courses, teacher workshops, and large touchscreen displays in weather and Sun-Earth connections exhibits in NCAR's Mesa Lab facility in Boulder, Colorado. Our group has also assembled a web-based list of similar resources, especially simulations and games, from other sources that touch upon weather, climate, and atmospheric science topics. We'll briefly demonstrate this directory. More info available at: scied.ucar.edu/events/agu-2014-games-simulations-sessions

Bitz, Ginoux, Jacobson, Nizkorodov, and Yang Receive 2013 Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Awards: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, Mark Z.

2014-07-01

Thank you, Atmospheric Sciences section of AGU for bestowing this humbling honor on me. Thank you, Dr. Ramanathan, for your gracious nomination. Thank you to all my mentors, colleagues, students, special friends, parents, children, and even critics, over the years who supported my pushing the envelope to better understand the impacts of black carbon on climate and air pollution health through numerical modeling.

78 FR 48337 - Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Members of Congress and Congressional Staff

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-08

... office staff) meet the definition of employee in 5 U.S.C. 8901 of title 5 and are, therefore, eligible to... rule utilizes the statutory definition for congressional staff. Because there is no existing statutory or regulatory definition of ``official office,'' the proposed rule delegates to the employing office...

Ailing Voters Advance Attractive Congressional Candidates

PubMed Central

Franklin, Robert G.; Palumbo, Rocco

2015-01-01

Among many benefits of facial attractiveness, there is evidence that more attractive politicians are more likely to be elected. Recent research found this effect to be most pronounced in congressional districts with high disease threat—a result attributed to an adaptive disease avoidance mechanism, whereby the association of low attractiveness with poor health is particularly worrisome to voters who feel vulnerable to disease. We provided a more direct test of this explanation by examining the effects of individuals’ own health and age. Supporting a disease avoidance mechanism, less healthy participants showed a stronger preference for more attractive contenders in U.S. Senate races than their healthier peers, and this effect was stronger for older participants, who were generally less healthy than younger participants. Stronger effects of health for older participants partly reflected the absence of positive bias toward attractive candidates among the healthiest, suggesting that healthy older adults may be unconcerned about disease threat or sufficiently wise to ignore attractiveness. PMID:25562113

Ailing voters advance attractive congressional candidates.

PubMed

Zebrowitz, Leslie A; Franklin, Robert G; Palumbo, Rocco

2015-01-06

Among many benefits of facial attractiveness, there is evidence that more attractive politicians are more likely to be elected. Recent research found this effect to be most pronounced in congressional districts with high disease threat-a result attributed to an adaptive disease avoidance mechanism, whereby the association of low attractiveness with poor health is particularly worrisome to voters who feel vulnerable to disease. We provided a more direct test of this explanation by examining the effects of individuals' own health and age. Supporting a disease avoidance mechanism, less healthy participants showed a stronger preference for more attractive contenders in U.S. Senate races than their healthier peers, and this effect was stronger for older participants, who were generally less healthy than younger participants. Stronger effects of health for older participants partly reflected the absence of positive bias toward attractive candidates among the healthiest, suggesting that healthy older adults may be unconcerned about disease threat or sufficiently wise to ignore attractiveness.

Federal Information Policies: The Congressional Initiative. A Summary of Proceedings of the Annual Forum on Federal Information Policies (6th, Washington, D.C., March 22, 1989).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Douglas

This booklet summarizes the proceedings of a forum--whose audience consisted of over 200 library and information managers, congressional staff members, and persons from the information industry and academic community--on the condition of federal information policies as they relate to the Congressional initiative. Among issues discussed are: (1)…

78 FR 60653 - Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Members of Congress and Congressional Staff

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-02

... Abortion Services OPM received over 59,000 comments regarding coverage of abortion services for Members of... Congress and congressional staff include abortion services. Current law prohibits the use of Federal funds to pay for abortions, except in the case of rape, incest, or when the life of the woman is endangered...

32 CFR 643.10 - Reports to DOD and the congressional committees on Armed Services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Reports to DOD and the congressional committees on Armed Services. 643.10 Section 643.10 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (CONTINUED) REAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE General § 643.10 Reports to DOD and the...

Collaborative Supercomputing for Global Change Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemani, R.; Votava, P.; Michaelis, A.; Melton, F.; Milesi, C.

2011-03-01

There is increasing pressure on the science community not only to understand how recent and projected changes in climate will affect Earth's global environment and the natural resources on which society depends but also to design solutions to mitigate or cope with the likely impacts. Responding to this multidimensional challenge requires new tools and research frameworks that assist scientists in collaborating to rapidly investigate complex interdisciplinary science questions of critical societal importance. One such collaborative research framework, within the NASA Earth sciences program, is the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX). NEX combines state-of-the-art supercomputing, Earth system modeling, remote sensing data from NASA and other agencies, and a scientific social networking platform to deliver a complete work environment. In this platform, users can explore and analyze large Earth science data sets, run modeling codes, collaborate on new or existing projects, and share results within or among communities (see Figure S1 in the online supplement to this Eos issue (http://www.agu.org/eos_elec)).

Trends in Gender Bias Across Earth and Space Science Scholarly Publishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerback, J. C.; Hanson, B.

2016-12-01

It has been challenging to assess gender bias across scholarly publishing in part because data on both gender and age are needed, as the proportion of women varies with age across most disciplines. To address this, we matched the member database of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), where age and gender are self-reported, with the AGU editorial database. The proportion of women members increased since 2013 across all disciplines from 24.6 to 26.9%. The proportion of women publishing as first authors increased across most disciplines and overall from 24.8 to 25.9%; however, it decreased in atmospheric science, global change, and planetary science. Overall, women had a higher acceptance rate than men across all in aggregate, 60.4 vs. 56.4% and equal or higher in all disciplines. Co-author behavior did not vary greatly across disciplines; most female first authors had 20% female co-authors, whereas male first authors have 15% female co-authors. Women were used less often as reviewers (17.9% of the time) than expected based on their membership in the society and their rate as accepted first authors (26.7% female) and all accepted authors (23.3%). Furthermore, the proportion of reviews done by women did not increase in several disciplines from 2012-2015, including atmospheric science, geology and geophysics, mathematical geophysics, and planetary science. The bias is a result of fewer suggestions of women reviewers by male authors and editors, and also a higher decline rate by women within each age cohort when asked to review. Invitations to women to review increased from 16.7% in 2012 to 18.5% in 2015 overall, but not in geology and geophysics, planetary sciences, and space sciences. Participating as a reviewer can have important career benefits; thus, addressing this bias is important for addressing pipeline issues and improving retention of women in the field.

New Congressional Climate Change Task Force Calls on President to Use Administrative Authority

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2013-02-01

Spurred by U.S. congressional inaction on climate change and by President Barack Obama's comments on the topic in his 21 January inaugural address, several Democratic members of Congress announced at a Capitol Hill briefing the formation of a bicameral task force on climate change. In addition, they have called on the president to use his administrative authority to deal with the issue.

In Memoriam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delbert M. Utile died on September 6, 1991, at age 95. He had been a member of AGU (Atmospheric Sciences) since 1935.AGU Fellow Vincent J. Schaefer, 87, died on July 25. He joined AGU (Space Physics and Aeronomy) in 1946.

Persistent Identifiers, Discoverability and Open Science (Communication)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Fiona; Lehnert, Kerstin; Hanson, Brooks

2016-04-01

Early in 2016, the American Geophysical Union announced it was incorporating ORCIDs into its submission workflows. This was accompanied by a strong statement supporting the use of other persistent identifiers - such as IGSNs, and the CrossRef open registry 'funding data'. This was partly in response to funders' desire to track and manage their outputs. However the more compelling argument, and the reason why the AGU has also signed up to the Center for Open Science's Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) Guidelines (http://cos.io/top), is that ultimately science and scientists will be the richer for these initiatives due to increased opportunities for interoperability, reproduceability and accreditation. The AGU has appealed to the wider community to engage with these initiatives, recognising that - unlike the introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for articles by CrossRef - full, enriched use of persistent identifiers throughout the scientific process requires buy-in from a range of scholarly communications stakeholders. At the same time, across the general research landscape, initiatives such as Project CRediT (contributor roles taxonomy), Publons (reviewer acknowledgements) and the forthcoming CrossRef DOI Event Tracker are contributing to our understanding and accreditation of contributions and impact. More specifically for earth science and scientists, the cross-functional Coalition for Publishing Data in the Earth and Space Sciences (COPDESS) was formed in October 2014 and is working to 'provide an organizational framework for Earth and space science publishers and data facilities to jointly implement and promote common policies and procedures for the publication and citation of data across Earth Science journals'. Clearly, the judicious integration of standards, registries and persistent identifiers such as ORCIDs and International Geo Sample Numbers (IGSNs) to the research and research output processes is key to the success of this venture

Congressional Control of Navy Budget Execution: Acquisition of the A-6F Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

understandable to Congress, and explaining the rationale may employ tricks of storytelling . Promotional efforts serve the purpose of 64 0 winning...Circumstances That Gain Congressional Empathy The second sub-category of financial manipulation is a tactic that gains understanding for the mutability...defeat at the polls. Similarly, the bid for empathy in coping with uncertainty creates an atmosphere of friendliness, trust and benevolence in which

Hayes Receives 2012 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, Alexander G.

2013-10-01

I am deeply honored to be the inaugural recipient of the Ronald Greeley Early Career Award. Ron was an icon in the field of planetary science, and the establishment of this award is a fitting way to pay tribute to his legacy. I applaud Laurie Leshin, Bill McKinnon, and the rest of the AGU Planetary Science section officers and selection committee for taking the time to organize this memorial. Ron is remembered not only for his fundamental scientific contributions but also for his mentorship and support of early-career scientists, both his own students and postdocs and those of his colleagues.

Grant Formulas. A Catalog of Federal Aid to States and Localities. Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Div. of Human Resources.

This report is a resource document which includes a catalog that explains how formulas for federal programs are used to allocate assistance to state and local governments. In addition, it provides information on the agencies and congressional committees that have jurisdiction over these programs, the amount of money allocated through these…

Health and Nutrition: Collection of Vital Statistical Data on Hispanics. Briefing Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Div. of Human Resources.

In response to Congressional requests, this report describes the extent of Hispanic American health and nutrition data available from federal sources. Oversampling of a minority group by a national survey is necessary for valid analysis of group characteristics. Among the four national health and nutrition surveys conducted by the Department of…

Leo Szilard Lecturship Award: How can physicists help the public make better decisions about science and technology?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primack, Joel

2016-03-01

For more than 40 years the APS has worked to improve governmental decision-making, mainly through the Congressional Science and Technology Fellowship program and through occasional studies of important science and technology issues. How productive have these been? How can the APS and other professional societies more effectively combat anti-science propaganda and help the public develop better-informed views about science and technology? How can individual scientists communicate scientific concepts in a more understandable and engaging way? How can we encourage young scientists and students to participate in creating a scientifically responsible future?

75 FR 10483 - Filing Dates for the Pennsylvania Special Election in the 12th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-08

... in the 12th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Pennsylvania has scheduled a Special General Election on May 18... John P. Murtha. Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on...

76 FR 17124 - Filing Dates for the California Special Election in the 36th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-28

... the 36th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: California has scheduled a special general election on May 17, 2011, to... committees of candidates who participate in the California Special General and Special Runoff Elections shall...

76 FR 29750 - Filing Dates for the Nevada Special Election in the 2nd Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-23

... 2nd Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Nevada has scheduled a Special General Election on September 13, 2011, to fill... Heller. Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on September...

GeoHealth: A Transdisciplinary Science Comes of Age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, C.

2016-12-01

GeoHealth is a transdisciplinary research discipline that connects Earth and environmental sciences with ecosystem and human health sciences. Geohealth research advances both basic and solutions focused research to address global societal challenges in ecosystem and human health. Some of the areas being addressed by geohealth include toxic substances in water, atmosphere, and soil and their effect on human health and environmental health. Geohealth research has been underway for several decades; several examples of recent prominent research findings include identifying complex exposures to dust in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and a better understanding of toxic exposures from the Gulf oil spill and their health effects on humans and other species both on land and in water. Over the past decade, GeoHealth research output has grown significantly as evidenced by research output in both the volume of meeting abstracts and journal articles and by significant funding commitments by governmental funding agencies around the world. This presentation will provide an overview of scientific research areas encompassed in geohealth, data that demonstrate a nearly 50% increase in geohealth research output between 2010 and 2015, the double digit growth of geohealth research output in AGU meetings and journals, and which countries are currently leading in geohealth research output. An overview of government funding sources for geohealth research both within and outside the United States along with new AGU geohealth initiatives will also be presented.

Technology Transfer. Administration of the Bayh-Dole Act by Research Universities. Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Resources, Community, and Economic Development Div.

In 1980, Congress passed the Bayh-Dole Act (BDA) to allow universities, not-for-profit corporations, and small businesses to retain title to and market federally funded inventions, and to allow federal agencies to grant exclusive licenses for federally owned technology. This report to congressional committees addresses the manner in which the BDA…

75 FR 34450 - Filing Dates for the Indiana Special Election in the 3rd Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-17

... 3rd Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Indiana has scheduled a Special General Election on November 2, 2010, to fill.... Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on November 2, 2010...

77 FR 56208 - Filing Dates for the Kentucky Special Election in the 4th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-12

... FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION [Notice 2012-06] Filing Dates for the Kentucky Special Election in the 4th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Kentucky has scheduled a general election on November 6, 2012, to fill the U.S...

My Summer with Science Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Marissa

This past summer I interned at the American Institute of Physics and helped research and write articles for the FYI Science Policy Bulletin. FYI is an objective digest of science policy developments in Washington, D.C. that impact the greater physical sciences community. Over the course of the summer, I independently attended, analyzed, and reported on a variety of science, technology, and funding related events including congressional hearings, government agency advisory committee meetings, and scientific society events. I wrote and co-wrote three articles on basic energy research legislation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology improvement act, and the National Science Foundation's big ideas for future investment. I had the opportunity to examine some challenging questions such as what is the role of government in funding applied research? How should science priorities be set? What is the right balance of funding across different agencies and programs? I learned about how science policy is a two-way street: science is used to inform policy decisions and policy is made to fund and regulate the conduct of science. I will conclude with how my summer working with FYI showed me the importance of science advocacy, being informed, and voting. Society of Physics Students.

78 FR 68443 - Filing Dates for the Florida Special Elections in the 13th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-14

... 13th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for... Primary and the Special General Election on March 11, 2014, shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report, 12-day... committees of candidates who participate in the Florida Special Primary and Special General Elections shall...

78 FR 9916 - Filing Dates for the Missouri Special Election in the 8th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-12

... 8th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Missouri has scheduled a Special General Election on June 4, 2013, to fill the.... Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on June 4, 2013, shall...

Pesticides: Improvements Needed To Ensure the Safety of Farmworkers and Their Children. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guerrero, Peter F.

In response to a Congressional request, the General Accounting Office examined issues related to pesticide safety for children in agricultural settings. Pesticides can cause acute, chronic, or delayed-onset illnesses. Children may be exposed to pesticides through farm work; eating pesticide-treated foods; or contact with drift from pesticide…

Youth Drug Abuse in New York. Hearing before the Subcommitte of the Committee on Appropriations. United States Senate, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session. Special Hearing: Congressional Witnesses, Nondepartmental Witnesses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Appropriations.

This document contains Congressional and nondepartmental witness testimony from the Congressional hearing on youth drug abuse in New York. Opening statements are presented on the incidence of drug use in America, the role of the federal government, the impact of drugs on youth, foreign country production of illegal drugs, funding to fight illegal…

Congressional Budget Action for Fiscal Year 2012 and Its Impact on Education Funding. Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delisle, Jason

2011-01-01

The fiscal year 2012 budget process has been anything but typical or predictable. While fiscal year 2012 starts in just a few weeks on October 1, 2011, the annual appropriations process is far from complete, and funding for federal education programs has not yet been finalized. Nevertheless, congressional action in the months that have led up to…

78 FR 53454 - Filing Dates for the Louisiana Special Elections in the 5th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-29

... the 5th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Louisiana has scheduled a Special General Election on October 19, 2013, to fill... Special General and Special Runoff Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-General Report on October 7, 2013; a...

75 FR 17742 - Filing Dates for the Georgia Special Election in the 9th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-07

... 9th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: Georgia has scheduled a special general election on May 11, 2010, to fill the U... participate in the Georgia Special General and Special Runoff Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-General Report...

Future Perfect? The Future of the Social Sciences in Public Health.

PubMed

Shelton, Rachel C; Hatzenbuehler, Mark L; Bayer, Ronald; Metsch, Lisa R

2017-01-01

This is a critical and perhaps unprecedented time for the social sciences in public health. While there are many opportunities for the social sciences to continue making transformative contributions to improve population health, there are significant challenges in doing so, particularly in a rapidly changing political landscape. Such challenges are both external (e.g., congressional calls for reducing social science funding) and internal (e.g., scholars criticizing the social sciences for being stagnant and siloed). This paper highlights four key tensions that the field is grappling with and that have direct implications for how to train the next generation of social scientists in public health. We also discuss how departmental and institutional decisions made in response to these tensions will determine how the social sciences in public health are ultimately recognized, sustained, and advanced.

Connor receives David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-News: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connor, Steve

2012-01-01

Steve Connor, science editor of the Independent newspaper of London, received the David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-News at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December 2011 in San Francisco, Calif. Connor was honored for his article "Expect more extreme winters thanks to global warming, say scientists," published 24 December 2010 in theIndependent. The article covers a computer modeling study that found that losses in sea ice north of Scandinavia and Russia caused by global warming could paradoxically cause harsh, cold winters in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The Perlman award is for work published with a deadline pressure of 1 week or less.

Connor receives David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-News: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duff, Oliver

2012-01-01

Steve Connor, science editor of the Independent newspaper of London, received the David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-News at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December 2011 in San Francisco, Calif. Connor was honored for his article "Expect more extreme winters thanks to global warming, say scientists," published 24 December 2010 in theIndependent. The article covers a computer modeling study that found that losses in sea ice north of Scandinavia and Russia caused by global warming could paradoxically cause harsh, cold winters in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The Perlman award is for work published with a deadline pressure of 1 week or less.

Science, Society, and Social Networking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, K. S.; Lohwater, T.

2009-12-01

The increased use of social networking is changing the way that scientific societies interact with their members and others. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) uses a variety of online networks to engage its members and the broader scientific community. AAAS members and non-members can interact with AAAS staff and each other on AAAS sites on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, as well as blogs and forums on the AAAS website (www.aaas.org). These tools allow scientists to more readily become engaged in policy by providing information on current science policy topics as well as methods of involvement. For example, members and the public can comment on policy-relevant stories from Science magazine’s ScienceInsider blog, download a weekly policy podcast, receive a weekly email update of policy issues affecting the scientific community, or watch a congressional hearing from their computer. AAAS resource websites and outreach programs, including Communicating Science (www.aaas.org/communicatingscience), Working with Congress (www.aaas.org/spp/cstc/) and Science Careers (http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org) also provide tools for scientists to become more personally engaged in communicating their findings and involved in the policy process.

Consumer protection : Federal actions are needed to improve oversight of the household goods moving industry : report to congressional committees

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-03-01

The ICC Termination Act of 1995 transferred federal responsibilities for protecting consumers who move their household goods across state lines using commercial moving companies to the Department of Transportation. A 1998 congressional hearing brough...

78 FR 48869 - Filing Dates for the Massachusetts Special Elections in the 5th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-12

... in the 5th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates... Special Primary and the Special General Election on December 10, 2013, shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary... Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report on October 3, 2013; a 12-day Pre- General Report on...

77 FR 43823 - Filing Dates for the Michigan Special Election in the 11th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-26

... 11th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for... Special Primary and Special General Election on November 6, 2012, shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report... Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report on August 24, 2012; a 12-day Pre-General Report on October...

Defense Health Care. Collaboration and Criteria Needed for Sizing Graduate Medical Education. Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Health, Education, and Human Services Div.

This report responds to a Congressional requirement to examine the Navy's advisory council recommendations for restructuring graduate medical education (GME) and to compare these with Army and Air Force GME closure activities. The report focuses on the specific recommendation of the Navy advisory council to drop GME at the Bethesda (Maryland)…

75 FR 62131 - Filing Dates for the New York Special Election in the 29th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-07

... 29th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: New York has scheduled a Special General Election on November 2, 2010, to fill.... Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on November 2, 2010...

76 FR 45797 - Filing Dates for the New York Special Election in the 9th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-01

... 9th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: New York has scheduled a Special General Election on September 13, 2011, to.... Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on September 13, 2011...

Head Start: Curriculum Use and Individual Child Assessment in Cognitive and Language Development. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaul, Marnie S.; Ward-Zukerman, Betty; Edmondson, Sara; Moy, Luann; Moriarity, Christopher; Picyk, Elsie

Responding to a Congressional request, the General Accounting Office examined Head Start programs' progress since January 1998 in meeting performance standards for cognitive and language development, their use of curricula since the performance standards for children's cognitive and language development were issued, and the use of teacher…

77 FR 22574 - Filing Dates for the Washington Special Election In the 1st Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-16

... the 1st Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for... Special Primary and Special General Election on November 6, 2012, shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report... Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report on July 26, 2012; a 12-day Pre-General Report on October 25...

77 FR 75161 - Filing Dates for the Illinois Special Election in the 2nd Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-19

... 2nd Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for... Special Primary and Special General Election on April 9, 2013, shall file a 12- day Pre-Primary Report, a... Elections shall file a 12-day Pre-Primary Report on February 14, 2013; a 12-day Pre-General Report on March...

Covering Science as a Mass Media Fellow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMeeking, Gavin R.

2006-03-01

I remember my first unpleasant biology lab dissection in high school. I am not sure if the experience was worse for me or for the unfortunate fetal pig we dissected that day. The sights and smells of that fateful morning forever put me on a path toward the physical sciences, and probably have a lot to do with my ending up as a graduate student in atmospheric chemistry instead of at some medical school cutting up dead bodies. So imagine my horror after encountering the leg of a dead horse as I walked into a bioengineering laboratory to report on a story about artificial joint research. Subjecting myself to such biological horrors, though, was part of my duties as an AGU-sponsored American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellow. The program places graduate students and recent graduates from scientific fields in major media outlets throughout the country. The aim of the program is to give science-trained individuals a taste of a career in science journalism as well as to help scientists develop better communication skills.

76 FR 16419 - Filing Dates for the New York Special Election in the 26th Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-23

... 26th Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates for special election. SUMMARY: New York has scheduled a Special General Election on May 24, 2011, to fill the.... Committees required to file reports in connection with the Special General Election on May 24, 2011, shall...

78 FR 7781 - Filing Dates for the South Carolina Special Elections in the 1st Congressional District

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-04

... in the 1st Congressional District AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. ACTION: Notice of filing dates... Primary Election, the top two vote-getters will participate in a Special Runoff Election. General Election... participating in the South Carolina Special Primary and Special General Elections shall file a 12-day Pre...

Geophysical information for teachers: Wave tanks, homemade clouds, glacial goo, and more!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamec, Bethany Holm

2012-02-01

AGU is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of Earth and space scientists. Union activities contribute to this effort in many ways, one of which is partnering with the National Earth Science Teacher's Association (NESTA) to hold the Annual Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) workshop at AGU's annual Fall Meeting. GIFT allows K-12 science teachers to hear about the latest geoscience research from the scientists making the discoveries, explore new classroom resources for their students, and visit exhibits and technical sessions of the AGU meeting for free. In 2011 AGU worked with NESTA to develop an improved rigorous and open application process for scientists and education professionals who wished to work as a team and present their Earth and space science work to teachers, as well as lead the educators in a hands-on, classroom- ready activity. Twenty-four applications were received for five slots, so the selected presentations (on tsunamis, clouds, field campaigns, glaciers, and volcanoes), chosen through a peer- review process, truly represented the best ways of getting cutting-edge science into the classroom.

Future Perfect? The Future of the Social Sciences in Public Health

PubMed Central

Shelton, Rachel C.; Hatzenbuehler, Mark L.; Bayer, Ronald; Metsch, Lisa R.

2018-01-01

This is a critical and perhaps unprecedented time for the social sciences in public health. While there are many opportunities for the social sciences to continue making transformative contributions to improve population health, there are significant challenges in doing so, particularly in a rapidly changing political landscape. Such challenges are both external (e.g., congressional calls for reducing social science funding) and internal (e.g., scholars criticizing the social sciences for being stagnant and siloed). This paper highlights four key tensions that the field is grappling with and that have direct implications for how to train the next generation of social scientists in public health. We also discuss how departmental and institutional decisions made in response to these tensions will determine how the social sciences in public health are ultimately recognized, sustained, and advanced. PMID:29376047

The Relationship between Environmental Quality of School Facilities and Student Performance. Energy Smart Schools: Opportunities To Save Money, Save Energy and Improve Student Performance. A Congressional Briefing to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lackney, Jeffery A.

Congressional testimony is presented concerning school buildings and their connection to student health, behavior, and learning, including a review of selected empirical studies conducted over the past 30 years showing an explicit relationship between physical characteristics of school buildings and educational outcomes. The factors responsible…

Candidates for office 2004-2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timothy L. Killeen. AGU member since 1981. Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR); Senior Scientist, High Altitude Observatory; Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan. Major areas of interest include space physics and aeronomy remote sensing, and interdisciplinary science education. B.S., Physics and Astronomy (first class honors), 1972, University College London; Ph.D., Atomic and Molecular Physics, 1975, University College London. University of Michigan: Researcher and Professor of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, 1978-2000 Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory 1993-1998 Associate Vice-President for Research, 1997-2000. Visiting senior scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 1992. Program Committee, American Association for the Advancement of Science; Council Member, American Meteorological Society; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics; Chair, Jerome K.Weisner National Policy Symposium on the Integration of Research and Education, 1999. Authored over 140 publications, 57 in AGU journals. Significant publications include: Interaction of low energy positrons with gaseous atoms and molecules, Atomic Physics, 4, 1975; Energetics and dynamics of the thermosphere, Reviews of Geophysics, 1987; The upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, AGU Geophysical Monograph, 1995, Excellence in Teaching and Research awards, College of Engineering, University of Michigan; recipient of two NASA Achievement Awards; former chair, NASA Space Physics Subcommittee; former chair, National Science Foundation (NSF) Coupling, Energetics and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program; former member, NSF Advisory Committee for Geosciences, and chair of NSF's Atmospheric Sciences Subcommittee, 1999-2002 member, NASA Earth Science Enterprise Advisory Committee; member of various National Academy of Science/National Research Council Committees; cochair, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Plans of Mice and Men: From Bench Science to Science Policy

PubMed Central

Simon, Ian D.

2011-01-01

The transition from bench science to science policy is not always a smooth one, and my journey stretched as far as the unemployment line to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol. While earning my doctorate in microbiology, I found myself more interested in my political activities than my experiments. Thus, my science policy career aspirations were born from merging my love of science with my interest in policy and politics. After receiving my doctorate, I accepted the Henry Luce Scholarship, which allowed me to live in South Korea for 1 year and delve into the field of science policy research. This introduction into science policy occurred at the South Korean think tank called the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI). During that year, I used textbooks, colleagues, and hands-on research projects as my educational introduction into the social science of science and technology decision-making. However, upon returning to the United States during one of the worst job markets in nearly 80 years, securing a position in science policy proved to be very difficult, and I was unemployed for five months. Ultimately, it took more than a year from the end of the Luce Scholarship to obtain my next science policy position with the American Society for Microbiology Congressional Fellowship. This fellowship gave me the opportunity to work as the science and public health advisor to U.S. Senator Harry Reid. While there were significant challenges during my transition from the laboratory to science policy, those challenges made me tougher, more appreciative, and more prepared to move from working at the bench to working in the field of science policy. PMID:21966041

Plans of mice and men: from bench science to science policy.

PubMed

Simon, Ian D

2011-09-01

The transition from bench science to science policy is not always a smooth one, and my journey stretched as far as the unemployment line to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol. While earning my doctorate in microbiology, I found myself more interested in my political activities than my experiments. Thus, my science policy career aspirations were born from merging my love of science with my interest in policy and politics. After receiving my doctorate, I accepted the Henry Luce Scholarship, which allowed me to live in South Korea for 1 year and delve into the field of science policy research. This introduction into science policy occurred at the South Korean think tank called the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI). During that year, I used textbooks, colleagues, and hands-on research projects as my educational introduction into the social science of science and technology decision-making. However, upon returning to the United States during one of the worst job markets in nearly 80 years, securing a position in science policy proved to be very difficult, and I was unemployed for five months. Ultimately, it took more than a year from the end of the Luce Scholarship to obtain my next science policy position with the American Society for Microbiology Congressional Fellowship. This fellowship gave me the opportunity to work as the science and public health advisor to U.S. Senator Harry Reid. While there were significant challenges during my transition from the laboratory to science policy, those challenges made me tougher, more appreciative, and more prepared to move from working at the bench to working in the field of science policy. Copyright © 2011.

Earth in Space: A CD-ROM Version for Pre-College Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedigo, P.

2003-12-01

Earth in Space, a magazine about the Earth and space sciences for pre-college science teachers, was published by AGU between 1987 and 2001 (9 issues each year). The goal of Earth in Space was to make research at the frontiers of the geosciences accessible to teachers and students and engage them in thinking about scientific careers. Each issue contained two or three recent research articles, rewritten for a high school level audience from the original version published in peer-reviewed AGU journals, which were supplemented with short news items and biographic information about the authors. As part of a 2003 summer internship with AGU, sponsored by the AGU Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) and the American Institute of Physics, this collection of Earth in Space magazines was converted into an easily accessible electronic resource for K-12 teachers and students. Every issue was scanned into a PDF file. The entire collection of articles was cataloged in a database indexed to key topic terms (e.g., volcanoes, global climate change, space weather). A front-page was designed in order to facilitate rapid access to articles concerning specific topics within the Earth and space sciences of particular interest to high school students. A compact CD-ROM version of this resource will be distributed to science teachers at future meetings of the National Science Teachers Association and will be made available through AGU's Outreach and Research Support program.

Retirement Income for an Aging Population. A Report Prepared by Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, with Analytic Support from the Congressional Budget Office. Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Congressional Research Service.

This document presents an extensive report on retirement income prepared by the Congressional Research Service at the request of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. The report consists of an executive summary, an overview of the issue, and a series of background papers. Part I provides an overview of retirement income for an aging population and…

In Memoriam; Recent Ph.D.s; Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James Bush died this year, at age 83. He had been an AGU member (Ocean Sciences) since 1950. Faure Hugues died this year. He had been an AGU member (Hydrology) since 1986. Murphy Manson died this year. He became an AGU member (Planetology) in 2002. Edgar O. McCutchen died this year, at age 78. He had been an AGU member (Ocean Sciences) since 1966. Willard James Pierson, Jr. died on 7 June 2003, at age 81. He was an AGU Fellow (Ocean Sciences) who joined in 1948.Atmospheric Sciences:Evaluation of land surface models using ground-based point-scale measurements, Lifeng Luo, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Alan Robock, May 2003.Hydrology: Studies of solute transport through fractured till in Iowa, Martin F. Helmke, Iowa State University, Ames, William W. Simpkins and Robert Horton, May 2003.; Controls on the persistence of water within perched basins of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, northern Canada, Daniel Lee Peters, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Terry D. Prowse and James M. Buttle, January 2003.Ocean Sciences: Oceanographic conditions around the Galapagos Archipelago and their influence on cetacean community structure, Daniel M. Palacios, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Bruce R. Mate, April 2003.Klaus Keil has received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, in recognition of his contributions to the understanding of the mineralogy and petrology of meteorites and the early history of the solar system.Richard (Rick) Sibson has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, U.K.

AGU Presidential Forum: Science and Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winchester, S.

2011-12-01

British author and journalist Simon Winchester has a knack for finding fascinating people and events to write about. Fueled by curiosity, passion, and a journalist's instinct for what makes "good copy," Winchester has explored the obscure, arcane, and idiosyncratic, resulting in bestselling books that have been called "extraordinary," "mesmerizing" and "both epic and intimate."

Comment on “On AGU's Position Statement, ‘Human Impacts on Climate’”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Rob

2009-08-01

Regarding the Forum by Cyril Galvin (Eos, 89(46), 459, 2008), while I understand AGU's willingness to present both sides of the coin, as it were, I am disappointed that this Forum appeared in Eos. One major point in question is the assertion by Galvin that “nowhere on the sandy ocean shores of the world is there a beach whose erosion has been documented to be caused by sea level rise.” This point disregards the fact that coastal barrier systems have been moving landward for the last several thousand years, driven by rising sea level. Yes, the picture is complex, and yes, wave action and storms, in addition to constraints on sediment supply—many of them heavily influenced in the present day by societal actions—are also important: Some beaches will erode without rising sea level if they are starved of new sediment to replace that removed by wave-driven, alongshore currents, and it is of course the waves that move the sediment around.

The Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program: innovations in the federal funding of biomedical research.

PubMed

Young-McCaughan, Stacey; Rich, Irene M; Lindsay, Gaylord C; Bertram, Kenneth A

2002-04-01

In response to the lobbying efforts of the women's advocacy movement, in 1993 Congress authorized funds for a substantial increase in support of new and promising research aimed at the eradication of breast cancer. This appropriation resulted in a major expansion of the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. The Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs was established within the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command to facilitate the management of the expanded extramural research program. Since that time, the programs have grown to include not just breast cancer but also prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and neurofibromatosis. The unique appropriations to the Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs has resulted in a number of programmatic innovations. These include development of unique mechanisms of grant support, inclusion of consumer advocates on peer and programmatic review panels, and the introduction of criteria-based evaluation and scoring in peer review. This article describes these novel scientific management strategies and outlines their success in meeting program visions and goals.

Yemen: DOD Should Improve Accuracy of Its Data on Congressional Clearance of Projects as It Reevaluates Counterterrorism Assistance

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

Section 1206 project was grounded in October 2014 because it lacked spare tires , resulting in a loss of medium-lift capability for the Yemeni Air Force...Testimony Order by Phone Connect with GAO To Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Federal Programs Congressional Relations Public Affairs Please Print on Recycled Paper.

Role of Public Outreach in the University Science Mission: Publishing K-12 Curriculum, Organizing Tours, and Other Methods of Engagement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dittrich, T. M.

2015-12-01

Much attention has been devoted in recent years to the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in K-12 curriculum for developing a capable workforce. Equally important is the role of the voting public in understanding STEM-related issues that impact public policy debates such as the potential impacts of climate change, hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas exploration, mining impacts on water quality, and science funding. Since voted officials have a major impact on the future of these policies, it is imperative that the general public have an understanding of the basic science behind these issues. By engaging with the public in a more fundamental way, university students can play an important role in educating the public while at the same time enhancing their communication skills and gaining valuable teaching experience. I will talk about my own experiences in (1) evaluating and publishing water chemistry and hazardous waste cleanup curriculum on the K-12 engineering platform TeachEngineering.org, (2) organizing public tours of water and energy sites (e.g., abandoned mine sites, coal power plants, wastewater treatment plants, hazardous waste treatment facilities), and (3) other outreach and communication activities including public education of environmental issues through consultations with customers of a landscaping/lawn mowing company. The main focus of this presentation will be the role that graduate students can play in engaging and educating their local community and lessons learned from community projects (Dittrich, 2014; 2012; 2011). References: Dittrich, T.M. 2014. Adventures in STEM: Lessons in water chemistry from elementary school to graduate school. Abstract ED13E-07 presented at 2014 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 15-19 Dec. Dittrich, T.M. 2012. Collaboration between environmental water chemistry students and hazardous waste treatment specialists on the University of Colorado-Boulder campus. Abstract ED53C

Let's be sure to do our homework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grew, Priscilla C.

A strong federal budget for geophysical research requires the active support of Congress. AGU needs to raise the general level of awareness among members of key congressional committees and their staffs of the importance of geophysical phenomena to society and the contributions geophysicists can make in providing scientific information as an ingredient in the formulation of public policy.Effective communication with any legislative body, be it a state legislature or Congress, requires long-term repeated contact—not just a sudden appearance at the final stage of a budget deliberation or during a crisis when some geophysical event like a catastrophic earthquake or volcanic eruption captures the attention of legislators.

Program Evaluation: A Variety of Rigorous Methods Can Help Identify Effective Interventions. Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO-10-30

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kingsbury, Nancy

2009-01-01

Recent congressional initiatives seek to focus funds for certain federal social programs on interventions for which randomized experiments show sizable, sustained benefits to participants or society. The private, nonprofit Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy undertook the Top Tier Evidence initiative to help federal programs identify interventions…

Joint Congressional Hearing on the Changing Information Needs of Rural America: The Role of Libraries and Information Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, Washington, DC.

Topics of importance to rural America in three general areas--rural community and individual information needs, available answers to these needs, and policies and strategies to meet these needs--were addressed in a joint congressional hearing held at the Fourth General Assembly of the World Future Society in July 1982. This transcript presents…

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

Members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on January 3, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. Shown here at MSFC's Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory are (left to right): Dr. Eberhard Rees, MSFC; Congressman George P. Miller, Democratic representative of California; Congressman F. Edward Hebert, Democratic representative of Louisiana; Congressman Robert R. Casey, Democratic representative of Texas; and Werner Kuers, MSFC.

Information Literacy in the Study of American Politics: Using New Media to Teach Information Literacy in the Political Science Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cope, Jonathan; Flanagan, Richard

2013-01-01

Students have access to a vast amount of information about American politics through new media outlets (e.g., the Internet). We survey the perils and promise of this new landscape through a case study of a political science class at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York (CUNY), that examined congressional races in the 2010…

Teachers Explore Earth Science in South America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passow, Michael; Krusche, Nisia; Carneiro, Celso D. R.

2010-11-01

Rain, Rocks, and Climate: A Geophysical Information for Teachers Workshop; Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, 8-9 August 2010; Classroom teachers and university professors from two continents joined to learn about “rocks, rain, and climate” in the Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) workshop at the AGU Meeting of the Americas held in Brazil. This was the first GIFT workshop in South America. GIFT workshops have long been part of AGU Fall Meetings in San Francisco, European Geosciences Union Spring Meetings in Vienna, and other AGU conferences. Two Brazilian geoscience professors, Celso Dal Ré Carneiro of State University of Campinas and Nisia Krusche of Federal University of Rio Grande, organized the program, together with a high-school teacher from the United States, Michael J. Passow of Dwight Morrow High School, Englewood, N. J. Joining the presenters were 15 Brazilian teachers and another teacher from New Jersey.

The potential for congressional use of emergent telecommunications: An exploratory assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, F. B.

1974-01-01

A study of the use of newly emerging communications technology for improving the understanding between members of Congress and their constituents was conducted. The study employed a number of specific methodologies such as interdisciplinary systems model building, technology analysis, a sample survey, and semi-structured interviews using sketches of the emergent channels. The following configurations were identified as representative of emergent channel characteristics: (1) the teleconference, (2) the videoconference, (3) the videophone, (4) cable television, (5) cable television polling, and (6) information retrieval. Analysis of the interview data resulted in an overview of the current congressional-constituent communication system and an assessment of the potential for emergent telecommunications, as perceived by congressmen and senior staff from 40 offices in the stratified judgement sample.

Enhancing the Communication of Climate Change Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerville, R. C.; Hassol, S. J.

2011-12-01

Climate scientists have an important role to play in the critical task of informing the public, media and policymakers. Scientists can help in publicizing and illuminating climate science. However, this task requires combining climate science expertise with advanced communication skills. For example, it is entirely possible to convey scientific information accurately without using jargon or technical concepts unfamiliar to non-scientists. However, making this translation into everyday language is a job that few scientists have been trained to do. In this talk, we give examples from our recent experience working with scientists to enhance their ability to communicate well. Our work includes providing training, technical assistance, and communications tools to climate scientists and universities, government agencies, and research centers. Our experience ranges from preparing Congressional testimony to writing major climate science reports to appearing on television. We have also aided journalists in gathering reliable scientific information and identifying trustworthy experts. Additionally, we are involved in developing resources freely available online at climatecommunication.org. These include a feature on the links between climate change and extreme weather, a climate science primer, and graphics and video explaining key developments in climate change science.

Food Assistance: Financial Information on WIC Nutrition Services and Administrative Costs. United States General Accounting Office Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, Robert E.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded nutrition assistance program administered by the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Responding to Congressional requests for information regarding program costs, this report provides information on: (1) funding…

Education Financial Management: Weak Internal Controls Led to Instances of Fraud and Other Improper Payments. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calbom, Linda M.

This report to Congressional Requesters is concerned with internal control problems found in the U.S. Department of Education. Significant internal control weaknesses in the U.S. Department of Education's payment processes and poor physical control over its computer assets made the department vulnerable to (and in some cases resulted in) fraud,…

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather first-hand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Marned Space Flight. Headed by Representative Olin E. Teague of Texas, other members were James G. Fulton, Pennsylvania; Ken Heckler, West Virginia; R. Walter Riehlman, New York; Richard L. Roudebush, Indiana; John W. Davis, Georgia; James C. Corman, California; Joseph Waggoner, Louisiana; J. Edgar Chenoweth, Colorado; and William G. Bray, Indiana.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather first-hand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Marned Space Flight. Headed by Representative Olin E. Teague of Texas, other members were James G. Fulton, Pennsylvania; Ken Heckler, West Virginia; R. Walter Riehlman, New York; Richard L. Roudebush,, Indiana; John W. Davis, Georgia; James C. Corman, California; Joseph Waggoner, Louisiana; J. Edgar Chenoweth, Colorado; and William G. Bray, Indiana.

A Comprehensive Climate Science and Solutions Education Curriculum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrne, J. M.; Cook, J.; Little, L. J.; Peacock, K.; Sinclair, P.; Zeller, C.

2016-12-01

We are creating a broadly based curriculum for a multidisciplinary University/College course on climate change science and solutions. Climate change is a critical topic for all members of society and certainly for all students in postsecondary education. The curriculum will feature a wide range of topic presentations on the (i) science of climate change; and (ii) multidisciplinary solutions to climate change challenges. The end result will be an online textbook featuring short contributions from session participants and other invited specialists. First authors in this AGU Education Session will provide a 20-minute comprehensive lecture that will be recorded and shared as part of the online textbook. The recorded talks will be merged with author provided PowerPoint slides and appropriate high definition video footage to support the discussion, where possible. Authors will be asked to sign a waiver allowing the video recording to be part of the online textbook. Access to the videos and textbook chapters will be provided online to students registered in recognized university classes on climate change science and solutions for a modest fee.

Creationism in the Grand Canyon, Texas Textbooks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Folger, Peter

2004-01-01

AGU President Bob Dickinson, together with presidents of six other scientific societies, have written to Joseph Alston, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, pointing out that a creationist book, The Grand Canyon: A Different View, is being sold in bookstores within the borders of the park as a scientific explanation about Grand Canyon geologic history. President Dickinson's 16 December letter urges that Alston clearly separate The Grand Canyon: A Different View from books and materials that discuss the legitimate scientific understanding of the origin of the Grand Canyon. The letter warns the Park Service against giving the impression that it approves of the anti-science movement known as young-Earth creationism, or that it endorses the advancement of religious tenets disguised as science. The text of the letter is on AGU's Web site http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/policy/sci_pol.html. Also, this fall, AGU sent an alert to Texas members about efforts by intelligent design creationists aimed at weakening the teaching of biological evolution in textbooks used in Texas schools. The alert pointed scientists to a letter, drafted by AGU, together with the American Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society, the Optical Society of America, and the American Astronomical Society, that urged the Texas State Board of Education to adopt textbooks that presented only accepted, peer-reviewed science and pedagogical expertise. Over 550 scientists in Texas added their names to the letter (http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/policy/texas_textbooks.pdf ), sent to the Board of Education on 1 November prior to their vote to adopt a slate of new science textbooks. The Board voted 11-5 in favor of keeping the textbooks free of changes advocated by groups supporting intelligent design creationism.

In Memoriam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robert D. Elliott died on 12 April 2002, at age 87. He was a retired life member (Atmospheric Sciences) who joined AGU in 1944.Karen Harvey died on 30 April 2002, at age 59. She had been an AGU member (Heliospheric Physics) since 1992.

Child Care: States Exercise Flexibility in Setting Reimbursement Rates and Providing Access for Low-Income Children. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaul, Marnie S.

In order to promote low-income parents' job preparation and work efforts, states were given greater flexibility to design programs using federal funds to subsidize child care for low-income families. At Congressional request, this report from the General Accounting Office describes how states set reimbursement rates and calculates the extent to…

Educational Technology: Computer-Based Instruction. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Technology and Competitiveness of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, First Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

This hearing on computer assisted instruction and the use of educational technology in classrooms was held in response to a presidential request that instructional innovation be given special attention, particularly in science and mathematics education, in every congressional district. This transcript of the hearing includes statements presented…

Stephen Hall Receives 2012 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-Features: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, Helen

2013-01-01

Stephen Hall, a freelance science writer and science-communication teacher, received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-Features at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 5 December 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. Hall was honored for the article "At Fault?" published 15 September 2011 in Nature. The article examines the legal, personal, and political repercussions from a 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy for seismologists who had attempted to convey seismic risk assessments to the public. The 6.3 magnitude quake devastated the medieval town and caused more than 300 deaths. Six scientists and one government official were subsequently convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison for inadequately assessing and mischaracterizing the risks to city residents, despite the inexact nature of seismic risk assessment. The Sullivan award is for work published with a deadline pressure of more than 1 week.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. The subcommittee was briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program. In this photograph, MSFC Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun and Richard L. Roudebush, Republican representative of Indiana, discuss Apollo models.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. The subcommittee was briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program. In this photograph, MSFC Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun and Joe Waggoner, Democratic representative of Louisiana, discuss Apollo models.

The more things change...: the federal government's role in the evaluative sciences.

PubMed

Wennberg, John E

2003-01-01

The unfortunate political history of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) illustrates the risks to the agencies attempting to evaluate the common practices of medicine and reform clinical decision making to take account of patients' preferences. The evaluative sciences have yet to regain the congressional attention they had when Senators George Mitchell and David Durenberger championed their cause. But the fundamental problems remain, and they are getting worse. Sooner or later Congress will need to revisit the debate over where in the federal government the evaluative sciences should find their base, and questions concerning the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be raised once again, as they were at the time of AHCPR's founding.

Communicating Science to Policymakers: Lessons from a Year on Capitol Hill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trapani, J.

2006-12-01

Geoscientists communicate with policymakers for many reasons, including providing policymakers with scientific information that may help inform decision-making, and emphasizing the importance of their research in the context of funding needs. I spent the last year as the American Geophysical Union Congressional Fellow, and will discuss the fellowship program and my experiences communicating science to policymakers as a fellow working full-time on the legislative staff of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). In particular, I will compare and contrast the issues I faced as a fellow with those scientists may face in communicating with their elected officials and their staffs. As a fellow, my duties in the Senator's office with respect to handling scientific information boiled down to three essential functions: 1) synthesis: I was called upon to survey and synthesize scientific information related to various policy issues; 2) translation: I was expected to explain technical concepts and place scientific information in policy-relevant context; and 3) fact-checking: I was asked to assess the quality of scientific information. These are functions that most Congressional staff members cannot perform because they lack the background to do so. I will talk about how a Congressional office is organized, where I fit in, and my successes and failures in trying to put scientific information in policy context. One of the main limitations I faced was that I worked only to advance the legislative agenda of my host office, rather than more broadly to help policymakers understand and use science in their decision- making. Scientists who wish to communicate with their elected officials will not face this limitation, but may need to work to establish and maintain access. Successfully scheduling, meeting, and establishing a relationship with policymakers (and their staffs) is outside the usual experience of many scientists. I will discuss how and when to schedule a meeting, how to prepare

James Cameron discusses record dive and science concerns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy; Balcerak, Ernie

2012-12-01

James Cameron, the explorer and filmmaker, led a 4 December panel at the AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco to discuss his daring dive on 26 March to the bottom of the ocean in a one-person vertical "torpedo" submarine, the Deepsea Challenger, and to present some initial science findings from expedition samples and data. The dive touched the bottom of the Challenger Deep, a valley in the floor of the nearly 11-kilometer-deep Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean. The vessel landed close to the same depth and at a location similar to where Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard descended in the Trieste bathyscaphe on 23 January 1960 at a then record-setting depth of 10,911 meters.

Middle and high school students shine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asher, Pranoti; Saltzman, Jennifer

2012-02-01

Middle and high school students participating in after-school and summer research experiences in the Earth and space sciences are invited to participate in AGU's Bright Students Training as Research Scientists (Bright STaRS) program. The Bright STaRS program provides a dedicated forum for these students to present their research results to the scientific community at AGU's Fall Meeting, where they can also learn about exciting research, education, and career opportunities in the Earth and space sciences. Last year's program included 33 abstracts from middle and high school students involved with the Stanford University School of Earth Sciences; Raising Interest in Science and Engineering summer internship program sponsored by the Office of Science Outreach at Stanford; Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Santa Cruz; California Academy of Science; San Francisco State University; the University of Arizona; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Their work spanned a variety of topics ranging from structural geology and paleontology to environmental geology and polar science. Nearly 100 Bright STaRS students presented their research posters on Thursday morning (8 December) of the Fall Meeting and had a chance to interact with scientists, AGU staff, and other meeting attendees.

GES DISC Datalist Improves Earth Science Data Discoverbility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, A.; Teng, W. L.; Hegde, M.; Petrenko, M.; Shen, S.; Shie, C. L.; Liu, Z.; Hearty, T.; Bryant, K.; Vollmer, B.; Meyer, D. J.

2017-12-01

At American Geophysical Union(AGU) 2016 Fall Meeting, Goddard Earth Sciences Data Information Services Center (GES DISC) unveiled a novel way to access data: Datalist. Currently, datalist is a collection of predefined data variables from one or more archived datasets, curated by our subject matter expert (SME). Our science support team has curated a predefined Hurricane Datalist and received very positive feedback from the user community. Datalist uses the same architecture our new website uses and have the same look and feel as other datasets on our web site. and also provides a one-stop shopping for data, metadata, citation, documentation, visualization and other available services. Since the last AGU Meeting, we have further developed a few new datalists corresponding to the Big Earth Data Initiative (BEDI) Societal Benefit Areas and A-Train data. We now have four datalists: Hurricane, Wind Energy, Greenhouse Gas and A-Train. We have also started working with our User Working Group members to create their favorite datalists and working with other DAAC to explore the possibility to include their products in our datalists that may also lead to a future of potential federated (cross-DAAC) datalists. Since our datalist prototype effort was a success, we are planning to make datalist operational. It's extremely important to have a common metadata model to support datalist, this will also be the foundation of federated datalist. We mapped our datalist metadata model to the unpublished UMM(Universal Metadata Model)-Var (Variable) (June version) and found that the UMM-var together with UMM-C (Collection) and possible UMM-S (Service) will meet our basic requirements. For example: Dataset shortname, and version are already specified in UMM-C, variable name, long name, units, dimensions are all specified in UMM-Var. UMM-Var also facilitates ScienceKeywords to allow tagging at variable level and Characteristics for optional variable characteristics. Measurements is useful

GES DISC Datalist Improves Earth Science Data Discoverability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, A.; Teng, W.; Hegde, M.; Petrenko, M.; Shen, S.; Shie, C.; Liu, Z.; Hearty, T.; Bryant, K.; Vollmer, B.;

From Lab to Legislation: Communicating Science to Congress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormick, Colin

2005-04-01

After finishing my physics PhD in 2003, I spent a year as a science policy advisor to U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts. My duties included summarizing developments and giving advice to Rep. Markey on issues ranging from nuclear proliferation to space exploration to radiological materials security. I worked with him and his staff on writing legislation, speeches, press releases, and opinion columns, and met a variety of scientists, diplomats, military officers, and government officials along the way. In this talk I will discuss some of the lessons learned by myself and the 30 other scientists sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to spend a year working in Congress. As quickly became clear, it was less our specific scientific knowledge that was valuable to the legislators we worked for, but rather our ability to communicate with both scientists and politicians, and to help make each group a little less inscrutable to the other. Although many scientists would like to ignore it, the impact of Washington policymakers on American science is enormous, and programs like the Congressional Science Fellows are vital in helping to make that impact as positive as possible.

Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiske, Peter S.

This is the first of an occasional column in which the author or authors of a book recently published byAGU will be interviewed and their new book discussed.In this issue, Eos talks with Peter S. Fiske, the author of Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists. This is an update to his 1996 best-seller, To Boldly Go: A Practical Career Guide for Scientists, which became a best-seller for its comprehensive, hands-on guidance to scientists and scientistsin-training about the full range of professional opportunties open to them—including non-traditional ones—and how best to achieve success in them.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. Standing at the Apollo Applications Program Cluster Model in building 4745 are (left-to-right): Dr. Wernher von Braun, MSFC; Congressman Joe D. Waggoner, Democratic representative of Louisiana; Congressman Earle Cabell, Democratic representative of Texas; Subcommittee Chairman Olin E. Teague, Democratic representative of Texas; Congressman James G. Fulton, Republican representative of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, associate MSFC director for science. The subcommittee was briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program.

Children and Youths: About 68,000 Homeless and 186,000 in Shared Housing at Any Given Time. Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Program Evaluation and Methodology Div.

In compliance with Section 724 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of July 22, 1987 (Public Law 100-77), this GAO report to Congressional Committees provides estimates of the number of homeless children and youth in all states. Estimates are reported, along with additional information on subgroups for whom it was not possible to…

Science Organizations Remind Senators of Consensus on Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chell, Kaitlin

2009-11-01

AGU and 17 other scientific organizations sent an open letter to the U.S. Senate on 21 October reminding senators of the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. The letter was sent 1 week before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works began a series of hearings on climate change legislation, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (Senate bill 1733). The letter states, “Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver. These conclusions are based on multiple independent lines of evidence, and contrary assertions are inconsistent with an objective assessment of the vast body of peer-reviewed science.”

AGU testifies on NASA Budget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simarski, Lynn Teo

Witnesses from outside the U.S. government—including Frank Eden, representing AGU—testified about the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's budget on March 12 before the House Science Committee's subcommittee on space. One major topic of the hearing was familiar: what should NASA's top priority be, space science or human exploration of space.“Obviously this committee has a huge job of trying to set priorities—consistent with the budget restraints—that will end up giving the American taxpayer the most bang for his buck, as well as providing direction for our space program,” said F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.), the subcommittee's ranking Republican. Another recurring topic, cited by the subcommittee's new chairman, Ralph M. Hall (D-Tex.), as well as by other committee members, was how to translate NASA-developed technologies into commercial gain for the U.S. in the global marketplace. Hall and others also posed a number of questions on a topic the chairman called a special concern of his: whether it would be economically and scientifically plausible for the U.S. to use the Soviet space station Mir for certain activities, such as medical applications.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. The subcommittee was briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program. In this photograph, MSFC Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun, bids farewell to Texas Democratic Representative Olin E. Teague before departure at the Redstone Arsenal Airstrip.

A Resource Center for Informal Science Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickow, B.

2011-12-01

Informal science education (ISE) is playing an increasingly important role in how and where the public engages with science. A growing body of research is showing that people learn the majority of their science knowledge outside of school (Falk & Dierking, 2010). The ISE field includes a wide variety of sources, including the internet, TV programs, magazines, hobby clubs and museums, all sectors of the informal science education field. These experiences touch large numbers of people throughout their lifetimes. If you would like to share your research with the public, ISE can be an effective conduit for meaningful science communication. However, because the ISE field is so diverse, it can be overwhelming with its multiple entry points. If you already are part of an ISE initiative, knowing how to access the most useful resources easily can also be daunting. CAISE, the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education, is a resource center for the ISE field funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). CAISE can help connect you to the knowledge and people of ISE, through its website, products and in-person convenings. The proposed CAISE presentation will outline the diversity of the field and concisely present data that will make the case for the impact of ISE. We will focus on examples of successful programs that connect science with the public and that bring together AGU's science research community with practitioners and researchers within ISE. Pathways to various ISE resources in the form of current CAISE initiatives will be described as well. The presentation will include an interview section in which a CAISE staff member will ask questions of a scientist involved in an ISE initiative in order to detail one example of how ISE can be a valuable tool for engaging the public in science. Time for audience Q&A also will be included in the session.

Guidance on the Use of Best Available Science under the U.S. Endangered Species Act

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Dennis D.; Weiland, Paul S.

2016-07-01

The Endangered Species Act's best available science mandate has been widely emulated and reflects a Congressional directive to ensure that decisions made under the Act are informed by reliable knowledge applied using a structured approach. We build on a standing literature by describing the role of the best science directive in the Act's implementation and best practices that can be employed to realize the directive. Next we describe recurring impediments to realizing determinations by the federal wildlife agencies that are based on the best available science. We then identify the types of data, analyses, and modeling efforts that can serve as best science. Finally, we consider the role and application of best available science in effects analysis and adaptive management. We contend that more rigorous adherence by the wildlife agencies to the best available science directive and more assiduous judicial oversight of agency determinations and actions is essential for effective implementation of the Act, particularly where it has substantial ramifications for listed species, stakeholder segments of society, or both.

Guidance on the Use of Best Available Science under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

PubMed

Murphy, Dennis D; Weiland, Paul S

2016-07-01

The Endangered Species Act's best available science mandate has been widely emulated and reflects a Congressional directive to ensure that decisions made under the Act are informed by reliable knowledge applied using a structured approach. We build on a standing literature by describing the role of the best science directive in the Act's implementation and best practices that can be employed to realize the directive. Next we describe recurring impediments to realizing determinations by the federal wildlife agencies that are based on the best available science. We then identify the types of data, analyses, and modeling efforts that can serve as best science. Finally, we consider the role and application of best available science in effects analysis and adaptive management. We contend that more rigorous adherence by the wildlife agencies to the best available science directive and more assiduous judicial oversight of agency determinations and actions is essential for effective implementation of the Act, particularly where it has substantial ramifications for listed species, stakeholder segments of society, or both.

Trusted Sources: The Role Scientific Societies Can Play in Improving Public Opinions on Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, C.; Cairns, A.; Buhrman, J.

2012-12-01

Public acceptance of the scientific consensus regarding climate change has eroded and misinformation designed to confuse the public is rapidly proliferating. Those issues, combined with an increase of politically motivated attacks on climate scientists and their research, have led to a place where ideology can trump scientific consensus as the foundation for developing policy solutions. The scientific community has been, thus far, unprepared to respond effectively to these developments. However, as a scientific society whose members engage in climate science research, and one whose organizational mission and vision are centered on the concepts of science for the benefit of humanity and ensuring a sustainable future, the American Geophysical Union can, and should, play an important role in reversing this trend. To that end, in 2011, AGU convened a Leadership Summit on Climate Science Communication, in which presidents, executive directors, and senior public policy staff from 17 scientific organizations engaged with experts in the social sciences regarding effective communication of climate science and with practitioners from agriculture, energy, and the military. The discussions focused on three key issues: the environment of climate science communication; public understanding of climate change; and the perspectives of consumers of climate science-based information who work with specific audiences. Participants diagnosed previous challenges and failings, enumerated the key constituencies that need to be effectively engaged, and identified the critical role played by cultural cognition—the influence of group values, particularly around equality and authority, individualism, and community; and the perceptions of risk. Since that meeting, AGU has consistently worked to identify and explore ways that it, and its members, and improve the effectiveness of their communication with the public about climate change. This presentation will focus on the insights AGU has

Communicating the Science of Global Warming — the Role of Astronomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, Jeffrey

2018-06-01

Global Warming is one of the most important and issues of our times, yet it is widely misunderstood among the general public (and politicians!). The American Astronomical Society has already joined many other scientific organizations in advocating for action on global warming (by supporting the AGU statement on global warming), but we as astronomers can do much more. The high public profile of astronomy gives us a unique platform — and credibility as scientists — for doing our part to educate the public about the underlying science of global warming. And while astronomers are not climate scientists, we use the same basic physics, and many aspects of global warming science come directly from astronomy, including the ways in which we measure the heat-absorbing potential of carbon dioxide and the hard evidence of greenhouse warming provided by studies of Venus. In this session, I will briefly introduce a few methods for communicating about global warming that I believe you will find effective in your own education efforts.

Want change? Call your representative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischhoff, Ilya R.

2011-07-01

During my tenure as an AGU Congressional Science Fellow, which began in September 2010 and continues until November 2011, my time has been shared between working with the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resource Committee Democratic staff and in the office of Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass., ranking Democrat on the committee). I appreciate getting to work with staff, fellows, and interns who inspire me, make me laugh, and know their issues cold. Much of my work on the committee is related to fish, wildlife, oceans, lands, and water issues and is directly related to my background in ecology and evolutionary biology (I studied zebra ecology and behavior in Kenya). My assignments have included asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about why it has not changed the allowed usage of certain pesticides that the National Marine Fisheries Service has found to jeopardize the recovery of endangered Pacific salmon; helping to identify research needs and management options to combat the swiftly spreading and catastrophic white nose syndrome in North American bats; and inquiring as to whether a captive-ape welfare bill, if passed without amendment, could thwart development of a vaccine to stop the Ebola virus from continuing to cause mass mortality in endangered wild apes.

Communicating Our Science: Three Workshops at the Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cifuentes, Inés; Landau, Elizabeth

2010-01-01

Earth and space scientists are highly knowledgeable about many important things. For instance, they know about the role of greenhouse gases in climate change, the places in the world where earthquakes are most likely to occur, and how to find planets outside our solar system. Many scientists, however, do not know how to talk to anyone aside from other scientists. At the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, members of the AGU strategic communications and outreach (SCO) staff held three workshops for scientists, in particular for students and those beginning their careers, on communicating with people who are not scientists.

Observing the Greatest Earthquakes: AGU Chapman Conference on Giant Earthquakes and Their Tsunamis: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, Chile, 16–20 May 2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Atwater, Brian F.; Barrientos, Sergio; Cifuentes, Inés; Cisternas, Marco; Wang, Kelin

2010-01-01

An AGU Chapman Conference commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the 1960 M 9.5 Chile earthquake. Participants reexamined this earthquake, the largest ever recorded instrumentally, and compared it with Chile's February 2010 M 8.8 earthquake. They also addressed the giant earthquake potential of subduction zones worldwide and strategies for reducing losses due to tsunamis. The conference drew 96 participants from 18 countries, and it reached out to public audiences in Chile.

Bringing Hands-on Activities and Real Scientists to Students: Bishop Museum's X-treme Science Exhibit, Holoholo Science Program, and Planned Science Learning Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hills, D. J.; Fullerton, K.; Hoddick, C.; Ali, N.; Mosher, M. K.

2002-12-01

Bishop Museum developed the "X-treme Science: Exploring Oceans, Volcanoes, and Outer Space" museum exhibit in conjunction with NASA as part of their goal to increase educational outreach. A key element of the exhibit was the inclusion of real scientists describing what they do, and fostering the interaction between scientists and students. Highlights of the exhibit were interviews with local (Hawaii-based) scientists involved in current ocean, volcano, and space research. These interviews were based on questions that students provided, and were available during the exhibit at interactive kiosks. Lesson plans were developed by local teachers and scientists, and provided online to enhance the exhibit. However, one limitation of the museum exhibit was that not all students in the state could visit, or spend enough time with it. To serve more remote schools, and to provide for additional enrichment for those who did attend, the education department at Bishop Museum developed a traveling program with the X-treme Science exhibit as the basis. The Holoholo (Hawaiian for "fun outing") Science program brings a scientist into the classroom with a hands-on scientific inquiry activity. The activity is usually a simplified version of a problem that the scientist actually deals with. The students explore the activity, reach conclusions, and discuss their results. They are then given the opportunity to question the scientist about the activity and about what the scientist does. This allows students to understand that science is not something mystical, but rather something attainable. A key element of Holoholo remains the active participation of real-life scientists in the experience. The scientists who have participated in the program have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. Bishop Museum is developing a science learning center, with the objective of meeting local and national science standards using inquiry based science. The unifying theme of all three of these projects is

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. Pictured from left-to-right are Congressman Ken Hechler, Democratic representative of West Virginia; Dieter Grau, MSFC; Congressman John W. Davis, Democratic representative of Georgia; Congressman Joe Waggoner, Democratic representative of Louisiana; Congressman Richard L. Roudebush, Republican representative of Indiana; Congressman R. Walter Riehlman, Republican representative of New York; Congressman James G. Fulton, Republican representative of Pennsylvania; Dr. Wernher von Braun, MSFC; and Congressman Olin E. Teague, Democratic representative of Texas.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. They were briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program. Pictured left-to-right are Dieter Grau, MSFC; Konrad Dannenberg, MSFC; James G. Fulton, Republican representative for Pennsylvania; Joe Waggoner, Democratic representative for Louisiana; and Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of MSFC.

Linking Research, Education and Public Engagement in Geoscience: Leadership and Strategic Partnerships - Chris McEntee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, C.; Moosavi, S. C.; Laj, C. E.; Chambers, L. H.; Harcourt, P.; Spellman, K.; McEntee, C.

2017-12-01

The American Geophysical Union is the world's largest Earth and space science society. Under a strategic plan adopted in 2010, AGU has been steadily expanding science outreach and public engagement through a variety of different types of strategic alliances and partnerships at the local, national, regional and global levels. Building on its strength as a convener, AGU has been assuming leadership and forging strategic partnerships within and outside the scientific/research community in areas that are advancing global commitment to open data, building broader coalitions in science policy, addressing harassment in the scientific work environment, and forging scientific-community relationships to address local problems arising from climate change, hazards and disasters and natural resource limitations.

Reply [to “Gentler term proposed for “borrowers’”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cicerone, Ralph

The author's basic point is a sound one— that not all inappropriate behavior is misconduct in science. I also appreciate Thomas Peterson's good humor. And perhaps it would be useful to have a word or phrase to help us deal with a sloppiness of scientific habit where there is no intent to mislead. However, just because a problem arises through inattention, misjudgment, or misunderstanding does not mean that the problem should not be taken seriously. AGU takes all such problems seriously, as evidenced by the Union's policy on Misconduct in Science, available at the AGU web site

Sripathi Receives 2009 Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2010-03-01

Samireddipalle Sripathi has been awarded the AGU Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award in Sun-Earth Systems Science. The award recognizes an individual scientist from a developing nation for making outstanding contributions to research in Sun-Earth systems science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society. Sripathi's thesis is entitled “VHF radar studies of E-region plasma irregularities at low latitude.” He was formally presented with the award at the Space Physics and Aeronomy section dinner during the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, held 14-18 December in San Francisco, Calif.

Pacific Northwest regional AGU meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyndman, Roy

The 27th Annual Pacific Northwest Regional American Geophysical Union Meeting, held September 25 and 26, 1980, was hosted by the Pacific Geoscience Centre at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, near Victoria, British Columbia. A total of 79 papers was presented to the 150 registrants in six general sessions: seismology; electromagnetic induction; general geophysics; volcanology; hydrology; and oceanography, and in three special symposia: ‘The Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault system and other active faults of the Pacific Northwest’ ‘Coastal circulation in the northeast Pacific’ and ‘Studies of the eruption of Mount St. Helens.’

Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ledley, Tamara S.; Sundquist, Eric; Schwartz, Stephen; Hall, Dorothy K.; Fellows, Jack; Killeen, Timothy

1999-01-01

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), as a scientific organization devoted to research on the Earth and space sciences, provides current scientific information to the public on issues pertinent to geophysics. The Council of the AGU approved a position statement on Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases in December 1998. The statement, together with a short summary of the procedures that were followed in its preparation, review, and adoption were published in the February 2, 1999 issue of Eos ([AGU, 1999]. The present article reviews scientific understanding of this issue as presented in peer-reviewed publications that serves as the underlying basis of the position statement.

Career planning resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

To Boldly Go: A Practical Career Guide for Scientists, written by Peter S. Fiske and published by AGU, is aimed at professionals and students considering nonacademic careers. Beginning with an assessment of the current job situation in academia, this book examines other opportunities in science, shows how to explore possibilities, and diagrams job search strategies. Outlines and samples illustrate clear and effective curriculum vitae, resumes, and cover letters. For more information, see http://www.agu.org/careerguide; call 1-800-966-2481 in North America to order; elsewhere, call 202-462-6900. The price for AGU members is 13.30 per copy, 19.00 for nonmembers.

Charles L Drake (1924-1997)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AGU has lost a former President and staunch supporter with the death of Chuck Drake from a heart attack on July 8. A member of AGU since 1950, Drake was a Union Fellow and President of the Union from 1984-1986. His other leadership positions and scientific honors included fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the presidency of the Geological Society of America.

Lumley and Miller Student Scholarships Awarded to Ramos-Garcés and Ahmed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Lauren

2013-03-01

As part of the strategic plan, AGU works to enhance engagement and involvement of students and early-career scientists with the scientific community and uses its position as a diverse and inclusive organization to build the global talent pool in Earth and space science. Student travel grants, awards, and scholarships are a few of the essential ways students and early-career scientists get involved in AGU every year.

Assessing the Publication Productivity and Impact of Eminent Geoscientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laird, Jennifer D.; Bell, Robin E.; Pfirman, Stephanie

2007-09-01

Publication is a critical component of modern science. By publishing their findings, scientists can ensure that their results are disseminated and substantiated. This brief report analyzes the publication and citation histories of American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellows to elucidate different styles of productivity in the geoscience community. AGU Fellows are arguably the most eminent Earth scientists, recognized by their peers for their leadership within and outside the community.

On Award to Crichton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbett, Kevin

2006-10-01

The recent Eos Forum article from the Council of the American Quaternary Association (AMQUA) attacking the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)(Eos, 87(36), 364, 2006) goes beyond the pale of reasonable promotion or defense of AGU's position regarding global climate change and is a lamentable low for AGU in overarching political demagoguery. It is certainly within the purview of AGU to adopt a position concerning anthropogenic forcing of current global warming, as the association did in 2003. However, to challenge the competency, integrity, and intent of another scientific organization whose council and members read the data differently is truly reprehensible. The tone of the letter and AGU' position in promoting this view are nothing short of evangelical environmentalism with a dark shade of inquisitional environmental repression. Truly, the credibility, impartiality, and integrity of AGU are at question in the debate over climate science. Evidently, AMQUA believes its position to be so righteous that it should sit in judgment on all other professional scientific societies. Such a poorly reasoned and self-justifying position screams political bias.

An Insider's View of the Role of Science and Scientists in Public Policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zwicker, Andrew

2016-10-01

In many ways, advances in fusion energy sciences and the amount of federal funding received are a case study of how the perception of a scientific endeavor can have a greater influence than actual scientific advances. Clearly, outreach by scientists to both legislators and the general public has a critical role in modifying this perception. This might include presenting current research results to the general public, advising an elected official on a piece of legislation, arguing for an increase in science funding, and more. As a new member of the NJ General Assembly, and as the first physicist ever elected to the NJ Legislature, I have had an opportunity to witness first hand how non-scientists judge science funding, scientists, and scientific advances. As expected, this can be based upon a lack of understanding of how science is conducted rather than results. There is no doubt that there is a clear need for scientists as policy advisors at all levels of government. I will discuss the importance of crosspollination between science and public policy and my experiences during my first year in public office, including my work to create a science fellowship similar to the APS/AAAS Congressional fellowship in the NJ Statehouse.

Creating a Linked Data Hub in the Geosciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narock, T. W.; Rozell, E. A.; Robinson, E. M.

2012-12-01

Linked data is a paradigm for publishing data on the Web by using, among other things, non-proprietary data formats and resolvable identifiers for things in your dataset. One linked data initiative, DBPedia, is widely used as a "crystallization point" for linked data on the Web. It serves as a hub for links from external datasets covering a broad variety of domains. Within the Earth Science Information Partnership (ESIP) efforts have begun to create a similar crystallization point for linked data in the geosciences. The initial project was created by converting more than 100,000 abstracts from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) into linked data using the Resource Description Framework. Like the Wikipedia data DBPedia is derived from, AGU publications have extremely broad coverage of topics in the geosciences. To better characterize the network, we have linked this AGU data to ESIP meeting and membership data, as well as to National Science Foundation-funded research projects. In doing so, we can visualize connections between different collaborative clusters like the ESIP Community or NSF grantees within the broader Geosciences communities that attend AGU conferences. Efforts to extend this project include - the ability to annotate abstracts, provide links to referenced tools or datasets, and the enabling of a crowd-sourcing approach to co-reference resolution.

New strength at headquarters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bush, Susan

1992-10-01

“The new departmental structure at headquarters focuses the talent of four senior professionals on the major program areas critical to the membership. I am delighted that Pat Setser, Mary Ann Emely, and Gene Bierly have joined Judy Holoviak and me,” said Executive Director Fred Spilhaus on the completion of a staff restructuring at AGU. The new structure will provide a base for the Union's future growth as the needs of the geophysical sciences grow and their importance to society is more broadly recognized, he added.The most recent addition is Eugene W. Bierly, who heads the Education and Research Programs directorate. He came to AGU on September 21 from the National Science Foundation's Division of Atmospheric Sciences, where he was director since 1974.

Comment on ``Communicating Government Science''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lins, Harry F.

2006-05-01

Soroosh Sorooshian's editorial in the 18 April issue of Eos (87(16) 2005) is a timely reminder of the need for unambiguous guidelines governing the interactions between government scientists and the media. His comments implicitly recognize the central role that science plays in a modern democratic society, which includes informing policy at the highest levels of government and educating the general public about the world we inhabit. Federal research scientists, who constitute approximately 15 percent of the AGU's U.S. membership, have a unique public responsibility. They would welcome a consistent policy for the review and approval of publications, oral presentations, and media communications. An example of the value and success that such a policy can have to both science and the nation is evident in the operations of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). For more than a century, the USGS has had clear policies and procedures for ensuring the communication of accurate, high-quality, and impartial scientific information. These policies and procedures are set forth in the USGS Manual under sections entitled ``Approval by the director for outside publication and oral presentation,'' ``Review of USGS publications and abstracts of oral presentations for policy-sensitive issues,'' and ``News release and media relations policy.'' These policies are available online at http:// www.usgs.gov/usgs-manual/500/500-9.html (.../500-8.html and .../500 5.html).

Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-05-01

Among the new members elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in May are five AGU members: Richard Edwards, George and Orpha Gibson Chair of Earth Systems Sciences and Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; T. Mark Harrison, director, Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, and professor of geology, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles; David Sandwell, professor of geophysics, Institute for Geophysics and Planetary Physics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (president of the AGU Geodesy section); Benjamin Santer, physicist and atmospheric scientist, Program for Climate Model Diagnosis and Intercomparison, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, Calif.; and Steven Wofsy, Abbott Lawrence Rotch Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Four AGU members are among the 2011 prizewinners announced by the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society on 19 May. The prizes will be presented at the joint meeting of DPS and the European Planetary Science Congress in October. William Ward of the Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Tex., is the recipient of the Gerard P. Kuiper Prize for outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science. DPS indicated that Ward originally proposed and evaluated “many dynamical processes that are now cornerstones of current theories of how planets form and evolve” and that his “visionary ideas form the foundation for a significant portion of current work in planetary formation and dynamics.”

Lester Machta (1919-2001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, Dian; Angell, Jim

Lester Machta, the former director of the NOAA Air Resources Laboratory and an AGU Fellow, died August 31, 2001, of leukemia. For more than half a century, he led pioneering research programs in air quality that addressed some of the key environmental issues of our times, and he did so with a rare devotion to both science and public service. He had been an AGU member since 1950 (Atmospheric Sciences).A native New Yorker, he obtained a B.A. in mathematics (cum laude) from Brooklyn College and, after the war, he completed an M.S. in meteorology at NYU and an ScD. in meteorology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Revised congressional budget request, FY 1982. Conservation and renewable energy program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1981-03-01

Programs dealing with conservation and renewable energy are reprinted from the Revised Congressional Budget Request FY 1982. From Volume 7, Energy Conservation, information is presented on: buildings and community systems; industrial programs; transportation programs; state and local programs; inventor's program energy conversion technology; energy impact assistance; and residential/commercial retrofit. From Volume 2, Energy Supply Research and Development, information and data are presented on: solar building applications; solar industrial applications; solar power applications; solar information systems; SERI facility; solar international activities; alcohol fuels; geothermal; and hydropower. From Volume 6, Energy Production, Demonstration, and Distribution, information and data on solar energy production,more » demonstration, and distribution are presented. From Volume 3, Energy Supply and R and D Appropriation, information and data on electric energy systems and energy storage systems are included. From Volume 4, information and data are included on geothermal resources development fund. In Volume 5, Power Marketing Administrations, information and data are presented on estimates by appropriations, positions and staff years by appropriation, staffing distribution, and power marketing administrations. Recissions and deferrals for FY 1981 are given. (MCW)« less

The Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: Lessons from The Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, T.; Steiner, A.; Fiore, A.; Hastings, M.; McKinley, G.; Staudt, A.; Wiedinmyer, C.

2007-12-01

The Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN) is a grassroots organization that began with the meeting of six women graduate students and recent Ph.D.s at the Spring 2002 AGU meeting in Washington, DC. Since then, the group has grown to over 400 members, completely by word of mouth. We provide an informal, peer-to-peer network developed to promote and support careers of women in the Earth sciences. Through the network, women have found jobs, established research collaborations, shared strategies on work/life balance, and built a community stretching around the world. We maintain an email list for members to develop an expanded peer network outside of their own institution, and we have recently launched a co-ed jobs list to benefit the wider geoscience community. We will present a summary of strategies that have been discussed by group members on how to transition to a new faculty position, build a research group, develop new research collaborations, and balance career and family.

Planning for Sea Level Rise: An AGU Talk in the Form of a Co-Production Experiment Exploring Recent Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behar, D. H.; Kopp, R. E.; DeConto, R.; Weaver, C. P.; White, K. D.; May, K.; Bindschadler, R.

2017-12-01

Global sea level rise (SLR) may present the most urgent climate change adaptation challenge facing coastal communities today. The direction is clear, impacts are manifesting now, and the pace of rise is likely to accelerate. As a result, many coastal communities have begun planning their adaptation response and some are quite far along in the process. At the same time, evolving science provides new observations, models, and understanding of land-ocean dynamics that can increase clarity while also in many ways increase uncertainty about the scope, timing, and regional nature of SLR. The planning, design, and construction of water infrastructure has a relatively long timeline (up to 30 years), and thus the evolution of scientific knowledge presents challenges for communities already planning for SLR based on previous information. When does science become actionable for decision-makers? Are there characteristics or thresholds that could cause communities decide to move from one set of scenarios to another, or change approaches altogether? This talk focuses on two important studies different in kind but dominating the conversation about SLR adaptation planning today. First, DeConto and Pollard (2016) have suggested significantly higher upper end projections for Antarctic ice sheet melt, which increase both global and regional SLR above most previously assumed upper limits. Second, probabilistic projections using model output and expert elicitation as presented in Kopp et al (2014) are increasingly appearing in federal reports and planning-related documents. These two papers are pushing the boundaries of the science-to-planning interface, while the application of this work as actionable science is far from settled. This talk will present the outcome of recent conversations among our diverse author team. The authors are engaged in SLR planning related contexts from many angles and perspectives and include the aforementioned Kopp and DeConto as well as representatives of

Handman and Senson Receive 2003 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism-Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Bob; Handman, Jim; Senson, Pat

2004-03-01

Patric Senson and James Handman received the Sullivan Award at AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on 10 December 2003, in San Francisco, California. The award honors ``a single article or radio/television report that makes geophysical material accessible and interesting to the general public.'' ``Jim Handman is one of the best kept secrets at CBC Radio. For more than 20 years he has been a bastion of integrity and an endless source of wit and has consistently produced award-winning programs in radio news and current affairs. ``Jim is currently the senior producer of Quirks & Quarks, our national science radio program, now in its 27th season, but this role is only one of many over the course of his extensive broadcasting career.

Beautiful Earth: Inspiring Native American students in Earth Science through Music, Art and Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casasanto, V.; Rock, J.; Hallowell, R.; Williams, K.; Angell, D.; Beautiful Earth

2011-12-01

Spaceship Earth Scientist (SES) Module, featuring an Earth Scientist expert discussing the science seen in the presentation. Hands-on activities such as sea ice melting simulations will be held with participants. Results from these first pilot education experiences will be presented at the 2011 AGU.

Burke new Tectonics editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kevin C. Burke, National Academy of Sciences/ National Research Council (NAS/NRC), assumed responsibilities as Editor in Chief of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) journal Tectonics at the beginning of 1990, taking over from Raymond A. Price, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. Asger Berthelsen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, continues as the European Editor, and Paul F. Hoffman, Geological Society of Canada, assumes the task of North American Editor. Tectonics is a joint publication of AGU and the European Geophysical Society.

Assesment of publication practices in geosciences in developing countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazenave, A.; Barbe, V.

2003-12-01

We present results of a study which goal was to investigate in which journals scientists in geosciences (i.e., in the fields covered by the AGU) in developing countries publish most of their papers.We were interested in particular in looking at the percentage of publications in AGU journals. Using science indicators collected by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), we analysed publication practices for 1997-2002 in the following countries : India, China, Russia, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. We investigated the evolution of the number of publications through time, identified most used journals, determined times cited and impact factors of papers published in the top 15 most used journals. We also determined the percentage of articles published in AGU journals versus other journals. We found that for the 6 counties considered, this percentage varies from about 2 to 3 percent (Argentina, China) to about 8 percent (the other 4 countries). Investigation of authors addresses indicates that the majority of articles published in AGU journals are multi-countries publications, involving international collaboration mainly with scientists from North America and Europe. Implications on page-charge and access to AGU journals are also discussed.

Meaningful Engagement of Organizational and Agency Partnerships to Enhance Diversity within the Earth System Science Community: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyrtle, A. J.; Whitney, V. W.; Powell, J. M.; Bailey, K. L.

2006-12-01

The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative (MS PHD'S) was established by and for underrepresented minorities to facilitate increased and sustained participation in Earth system science community. The MS PHD'S launched its pilot program in 2003 with twenty professional organizations, agencies and institutions as partners. Each year partnership alliances have grown. In the second year or programming, thirty-one partnering agencies/institutions supported involvement of MS PHD'S student participants and for 2005-2006, representatives from forty-five agencies and institutions have provided similar support and exposure to the third cohort of student participants. Nineteen scientists served as meeting mentors during the MS PHD'S pilot program in 2003. By the following year, twenty-two additional scientists partnered with MS PHD'S mentees. During 2005-2006, twenty-one new scientists served as program mentors. Thus far, the MS PHD'S program has successfully engaged sixty-two minority and non-minority scientists as mentors to MS PHD'S student participants. AGU, AMS, ASLO, ESA, TOS, NAS OSB and JOI continue to serve as MS PHD'S Society Partners and hosts for MS PHD'S student activities in conjunction with their meetings. Each of the five professional society partners provided assistance in identifying mentors, provided complimentary memberships and meeting registrations for MS PHD'S student participants. AGU, AMS, ASLO, JOI and TOS have sponsored more than 90 conference registration and travel awards for the purpose of student participants engaging in MS PHD'S Professional Development Program Phase 2 activities at their international meetings. How did MS PHD'S establish meaningful engagement of organizational and agency partnerships to enhance diversity within the Earth system science community? This case study reveals replicable processes and constructs to enhance the quality of meaningful collaboration and engagement

Legislation may support STaRS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R, MI) has offered three bills in the House of Representatives that support K-12 science, math, engineering, and technology (SMET) education (Eos, April 18, 2000). Although no dollar amounts are mentioned, the three bills contain numerous provisions for improving and expanding SMET education activities at the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, and for tax incentives for pre-service teacher education and in-service professional development. Of particular interest is Section 15 of H.R. 4271, the National Science Education Act, which directs the NSF to provide scholarships for K-12 teachers to participate in research programs in government agencies, colleges and universities, or private research establishments. Such scholarships could support AGU's Science Teacher and Research Scientist (STaRS) effort, which is intended to provide opportunities for teachers to participate in research under the direction of AGU scientists, and for those same scientists to participate in science teaching under the teachers' direction.

The Arabian Gulf University College of Medicine and Medical Sciences: a successful model of a multinational medical school.

PubMed

Hamdy, Hossam; Anderson, M Brownell

2006-12-01

In the late 1970s, leaders of the Arabian [corrected] Gulf countries proposed a novel idea of a joint educational and cultural venture: establishing a new regional university based in the Kingdom of Bahrain that would be managed as a multinational consortium of Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. It was intended to promote higher education and research in the Gulf region; to serve the development needs of the region; to reflect the unique economic, social, and cultural attributes of the Gulf communities and their environments; and to respond to the health care needs of the member countries. Since its inception in 1982, the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS) at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has adopted the educational philosophy of problem-based learning (PBL) and self-directed, student-centered education. The curriculum is integrated, with early introduction of education to foster clinical skills and professional competencies. The strategic alliance with the health care systems in Bahrain and other Gulf regions has created a successful model of efficient and effective initialization of health care resources in the community. The experience that has accumulated at the AGU-CMMS from introducing innovative medical education has allowed it to take a leadership position in medical education in the Gulf region. The original goals of this unique experiment have been realized along with unanticipated outcomes of spearheading changes in medical education in the Gulf region. Old and new medical schools have adopted several characteristics of the AGU educational program. Several elements contributed to its success: a clear vision of providing quality medical education and realizing and sustaining this vision by a supportive leadership at the university and college levels; an alliance with the regional health care systems; a dedicated faculty who have been able to work as a team while continually

Climate Odyssey: Communicating Coastal Change through Art, Science, and Sail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klos, P. Z.; Holtsnider, L.

2016-12-01

Climate Odyssey (climateodyssey.org) is a year-long sailing expedition and continuing collaboration aimed at using overlaps in science and visual art to communicate coastal climate change impacts and solutions. We, visual artist Lucy Holtsnider and climate scientist Zion Klos, are using our complimentary skills in art, science and communication to engage audiences both affectively and cognitively regarding the urgency of climate change through story and visualization. In July of 2015, we embarked on the sailing portion of Climate Odyssey, beginning in Lake Michigan, continuing along the Eastern Seaboard, and concluding in May 2016 in the tropics. Along the way we photographed climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, interviewed stakeholders, scientists, and artists. We are now sharing our photographs and documented encounters through a tangible artist's book, interactive digital map, and blog. Each of our images added to the artist's book and digital map are linked to relevant blog entries and other external scientific resources, making the map both an aesthetic piece of art and an engaging tool for sharing the science of climate change impacts and solutions. After completing the sailing component of the project, we are now working to finalize our media and share our pieces with the public via libraries, galleries, and classrooms in coastal communities. At AGU, we will share with our peers the completed version of the artist's book, digital map, and online blog so we can both discuss public engagement strategies and showcase this example of art-science outreach with the broader science communication community.

Videos, tweet-ups, and training unite scientist communicators at Fall Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Mary Catherine; Ramsayer, Kate

2012-02-01

AGU's public information office held several events at the 2011 Fall Meeting designed to train, recognize, and reward member scientists who communicate with, or want to communicate with, nonscience audiences. On Sunday, about 90 researchers gathered at the Marriott Marquis hotel for an all-day science communications training event covering topics including journalism from the insider's perspective, storytelling, and using humor to share science. On Wednesday a communications panel focusing specifically on climate science shared tips on communicating with audiences via TV and the Web, among other outlets. At a social media soiree Monday evening, geobloggers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and others met in person and talked about how to share news and research across the many platforms of the Internet. Later in the week, bloggers from AGU's blogosphere and other sites met for lunch to discuss the online Earth and space science community.

"EARTH: The Operators' Manual" - a hybrid model (TV+online+in-person) to effectively communicate climate change science alongside sustainable energy solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haines-stiles, G.; Alley, R. B.; Akuginow, E.

2011-12-01

Recent public opinion surveys have found that Americans underestimate the degree of agreement by climate scientists about global warming and climate change, and - despite growing evidence of ice sheet loss, ocean acidification, sea level rise and extreme weather events - believe less in warming trends in 2011 than they did earlier. The issue has become politicized and controversial. "EARTH: The Operators' Manual" is an informal science education project supported by NSF, the National Science Foundation. Its ambitious goal is to use a hybrid mix of broadcast programs appearing on public television and hosted by Penn State geoscientist, Richard Alley, together with on-site outreach events and online resources and tools, to present core climate science in engaging ways, and to combine that presentation of objective research with an overview of sustainable energy solutions. The project's content and communication strategies have been shaped in response to analyses of public opinion such as the SIX AMERICAS study and aim to address common "skeptic" arguments and share essential climate science. Social science research has also found that audiences seem more open to scientific information where the possibility of a positive response is also offered. The first hour-long PBS program aired nationally in April 2011, has since been re-broadcast, and is also available online. Two more programs will air in 2012, and the presentation at the Fall AGU Conference will preview segments from both programs. Five regionally-diverse science centers (in San Diego, Raleigh NC, St. Paul MN, Fort Worth TX and Portland OR) have hosted outreach events, with Richard Alley and other project participants, and will continue with additional activities through summer 2012. The project's website includes video clips, case studies of energy-saving initiatives world-wide and across the USA, plus an interactive "Energy Gauge" inviting users to assess their current Home, Travel, Food, and Goods and

Does gender bias influence awards given by societies?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, Mary Anne; Asher, Pranoti; Farrington, John; Fine, Rana; Leinen, Margaret S.; LeBoy, Phoebe

2011-11-01

AGU is a participant in a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project called Advancing Ways of Awarding Recognition in Disciplinary Societies (AWARDS), which seeks to examine whether gender bias affects selection of recipients of society awards. AGU is interested in learning why there is a higher proportion of female recipients of service and education awards over the past 2 decades. Combined with a lower rate of receipt of research awards, these results suggest that implicit (subconscious) bias in favor of male candidates still influences awardee selection. Six other professional societies (American Chemical Society, American Mathematical Society, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Mathematical Association of America, Society for Neuroscience, and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics) are participating in the project. Volunteers from each participant society attended an Association for Women in Science (AWIS)-sponsored workshop in May 2010 to examine data and review literature on best practices for fair selection of society awardees. A draft proposal for implementing these practices will be brought before the AGU Council and the Honors and Recognition Committee at their upcoming meetings.

An investment in AGU—A comment from a federal scientist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostenso, Ned A.

In our country, progress in the geophysical sciences has been closely interwoven with progress of the many geophysical activities within the federal government. Substantial numbers of geophysicists traditionally have found their life's work in the ranks of the federal service, where they pursue scientific advancement in their field of work, in laboratory research, and in the management of geophysical science programs.To this large body of scientists the American Geophysical Union has always been a helpful and needed scientific organization. Access to high-quality journals is undoubtedly 1985 the most useful and cherished AGU benefit provided to the federal employees. Next in importance may be the many, many benefits that come by participation in the AGU scientific meetings. This is followed by opportunities afforded federal scientists to serve in policy and administrative roles on the committees and council of the Union. These AGU benefits, and many more not enumerated here, can bring an abundance of national recognition, intellectual maturity, and self-esteem to federal scientists, thus encouraging us to become better scientists and more proficient employees.

Film at Fall Meeting: Do-it-yourself flicks, Richard Alley preview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Mary Catherine

2011-11-01

Have you ever wished science had Hollywood star power? On Tuesday evening, 6 December, watch short science films and hear Hollywood filmmakers give advice to AGU scientists about these short films. Oceanographer-turned-filmmaker Randy Olson will host AGU's "The S Factor" video workshop along with screenwriter Sean Hood, cowriter of Halloween: Resurrection and the 2011 remake ofConan the Barbarian, and Jason Ensler, co-producer-director of TNT's Franklin & Bash. Olson is writer-director of the documentaries Flock of Dodos and Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy and author of Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style. The workshop starts at 7:00 P.M. in Moscone South, Room 300.

Preliminary Analyses of the Measure of Congressional Action Describing the Effects of Conservatism and Presidential Support on the 97th United States Congress as Defined by Selected Demographers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DuVall, Suzanne Carroll

Voting patterns in the 97th United States Congress (1981), in which the Senate was under Republican control for the first time in 30 years, are analyzed. The study measured conservatism from congressional voting analyses made by the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Americans for Constitutional Action (ACA), and the Conservative Coalition…

Defining Canadian Perspectives on Climate Change Science and Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieger, C.; Byrne, J. M.

2014-12-01

Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence of potentially disastrous change in global climate, little is being accomplished in climate mitigation or adaptation in Canada. The energy sector in Canada is still primarily oil and gas, with huge tax breaks to the industry in spite of well known harmful regional and global impacts of fossil fuel pollution. One of the largest concerns for the climate science community is the variable and often complacent attitude many Canadians share on the issue of climate change. The objective herein is twofold: (1) a survey tool will be used to assess the views and opinions of Canadians on climate change science and solutions; (2) develop better communication methods for industry, government and NGOs to share the science and solutions with the public. The study results will inform the Canadian public, policy makers and industry of practical, effective changes needed to address climate change challenges. A survey of Canadians' perspectives is an important step in policy changing research. The climate research and application community must know the most effective ways to communicate the science and solutions with a public that is often resistant to change. The AGU presentation will feature the results of the survey, while continued work into 2015 will be towards advancing communication. This study is both timely and crucial for science communicators in understanding how Canadians view climate change, considering, for example, devastatingly extreme weather being experienced of late and its effect on the economy. The results will assist in recognizing how to encourage Canadians to work towards a more sustainable and resilient energy sector in Canada and abroad.

Eliminating the OUCH in OUtreaCH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karsten, J. L.; Manduca, C. A.

2004-12-01

``I'm a scientist who knows how to conduct research, not an expert in teaching pre-college students!'' is a common complaint within the scientific community in response to recent funding agency mandates that research proposals explicitly address education, public outreach or other broader impacts. Yet, these new requirements address several important goals - fostering public support for research funding in the Earth and Space sciences, recruiting the next generation of talented geoscientists in the face of declining student enrollments, and educating the citizenry for informed decision making and advocacy, chief among them. Further, the phrase ``broader impacts'' is not meant to be synonymous with outreach to pre-college students and teachers - agency program managers actually encourage many different types of activity for meeting these obligations. AGU and its Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) are committed to offering an array of programs that facilitate our members' ability to meet these new education, outreach, and broader impacts criteria in support of the research enterprise. CEHR has an on-going need for scientists willing to speak about their research in Geophysical Information for Teacher (GIFT) Workshops, sponsored lectures at annual and regional conventions of the National Science Teachers Association, special symposia for minority high school students attending annual AGU meetings, and career planning workshops for students and early career investigators. More extensive involvement as meeting mentors for minority undergraduate and graduate students is available through AGU's partnership with the new MSPHDS initiative (A. Pyrtle, P.I.). A new AGU outreach web site now under development will make available scientist biographies and abstracts derived from recent scientific articles originally published in AGU journals, which have been rewritten for a public audience. This resource is expected to serve as an important vehicle for AGU members

America COMPETES Act: Programs, Funding, and Selected Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-22

Additional congressional actions also focused on increasing corporate spending on research and development in response to competitiveness concerns...NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service ,101 Independence...States may not be able to compete economically with other nations in the future due to insufficient investment today in science and technology research

Communicating science: Reflections of an AGU public affairs intern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huth, Tyler

2012-10-01

This past summer, I read a biography of the geologist and anthropologist John Wesley Powell. Among his many important accomplishments, Powell was a legendary explorer of the then largely unknown American West, a leader in the founding of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its second director, and the founder of the Cosmos Club in Washington, D. C. He was a student of the Earth from an early age, fought and lost an arm for the Union during the Civil War, advanced to the rank of major, led the first successful expedition down the entirety of the Grand Canyon, and then spent the rest of his life coupling scientific knowledge with public policy.

Frontiers in Ecosystem Science: Energizing the Research Agenda

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weathers, K. C.; Groffman, P. M.; VanDolah, E.

2014-12-01

Ecosystem science has a long history as a core component of the discipline of Ecology, and although topics of research have fluctuated over the years, it retains a clear identity and continues to be a vital field. As science is becoming more interdisciplinary, particularly the science of global environmental change, ecosystem scientists are addressing new and important questions at the interface of multiple disciplines. Over the last two years, we organized a series of workshops and discussion groups at multiple scientific-society meetings, including AGU to identify frontiers in ecosystem research. The workshops featured short "soapbox" presentations where speakers highlighted key questions in ecosystem science. The presentations were recorded (video and audio) and subjected to qualitative text analysis for identification of frontier themes, attendees completed surveys, and a dozen additional "key informants" were interviewed about their views about frontiers of the discipline. Our effort produced 253 survey participants; the two largest groups of participants were full professors (24%) and graduate students (24%); no other specific group was > 10%. Formal text analysis of the soapbox presentations produced three major themes; "frontiers," "capacity building," and "barriers to implementation" with four or five sub-themes within each major theme. Key "frontiers" included; 1) better understanding of the drivers of ecosystem change, 2) better understanding of ecosystem process and function, 3) human dimensions of ecosystem science, and 4) problem-solving/applied research. Under "capacity building," key topics included: holistic approaches, cross-disciplinary collaboration, public support for research, data, training, and technology investment. Under "barriers" key topics included: limitations in theoretical thinking, insufficient funding/support, fragmentation across discipline, data access and data synthesis. In-depth interviews with 13 experts validated findings

Drake appointed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AGU Past President Charles L. Drake has been appointed to the new President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The 13-member council, named February 2, is chaired by D. Allan Bromley, science advisor to President George Bush, and reports directly to the president. The last presidental science council served President Richard Nixon, who disbanded it in 1972.

Child Care: Child Care Subsidies Increase Likelihood That Low-Income Mothers Will Work. United States General Accounting Office Report to the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, House of Representatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Health, Education, and Human Services Div.

Noting Congressional interest in encouraging low-income mothers to seek employment as an alternative to receiving welfare, this report describes a study of the impact of child care expenditures on mothers' decision to work and compares the differences in costs for poor, near-poor, and non-poor mothers. The study developed measures for predicted…

Defense bill: Earmarking as usual

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Earmarked funds in the $268 billion defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 1991 stirred congressional debate in late October. Senator Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, charged that the defense bill contains questionable projects totaling tens of millions of dollars. AGU opposes legislative earmarking of money for particular institutions, maintaining that the practice prevents the best use of federal funding by circumventing competitive review. Nunn noted on the Senate floor that the appropriations bill provided specific funds for cited institutions—contravening a federal law promoting competition. “ If these programs have merit, they will succeed in a fair and competent review in competition,” Nunn said. “If no other institution in the country is able to compete, there should be no fear whatever of competition… But no one else in the world is allowed to compete to work on these projects.”

Department of Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT and E): Appropriations Structure

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-13

Task Force on Defense Science and Technology Base for the 21st Century, June 1998. Appropriations Structure of Defense RDT&E Congressional Research...Technology Base for the 21st Century, June 1998. 22 Ibid, p. 45. Appropriations Structure of Defense RDT&E Congressional Research Service 18 Applied...funding streams. Among the many other factors that may affect the effectiveness of the performance of RDT&E are: organizational structures and

(Congressional) Center for Microplasma Science and Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-29

Flexible Tubing Plasma Jet (a.k.a plasma snake) We made the device using Ar and He as working gases, Teflon tubing, copper tape as electrode(s) and a...An advantage of these Cap‐DBDs over  planar or coaxial DBDs is their geometry; the open  space  surrounding each tube allows active species created by...plasma. The gap width between tubes influences both the area and shape of the Lissajous figures ( Figure 8, middle). For the larger spacing , the

New Federal Programs for Mathematics Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buccino, Alphonse

1985-01-01

Growing concerns in the late 1970s about weaknesses in precollege science and mathematics education are noted. Congressional response and the effects on funding for the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education are reported. (MNS)

Engaging with Congress: An unexpected encounter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutrow, Barb

2011-05-01

AGU sent an e-mail to all of its U.S. members on 15 March 2011, encouraging us to meet with our members of Congress and ask them to be mindful of cuts to scientific research. I decided to take the advice that I often give to students: Never miss an opportunity. I thank AGU and the public affairs staff for encouraging us to speak with our elected officials concerning science funding but, more important, for crafting and distributing “talking points” to get us over the activation energy barrier and make conversations flow coherently.

Data Science Careers: A Sampling of Successful Strategies, Pitfalls, and Persistent Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stocks, K. I.; Duerr, R.; Wyborn, L. A.; Yarmey, L.

2015-12-01

Data Scientists do not have a single career trajectory or preparatory pathway. Successful data scientists have come from domain sciences, computer science, library science, and other diverse fields. They have worked up from entry-level staff positions, have started as academics with doctoral degrees, and have established themselves as management professionals. They have positions in government, industry, academia, and NGO's, and their responsibilities range from highly specialized, to generalists, to high-level leadership. This presents a potentially confusing landscape for students interested in the field: how to decide among the varied options to have the best chance at fulfilling employment? What are the mistakes to avoid? Many established data scientist, both old-timers and early career professionals, expressed interest in presenting in this session but were unable to justify using their one AGU abstract for something other than their funded projects. As the session chairs we interviewed them, plus our extended network of colleagues, to ask for their best advice on what was most critical to their success in their current position, what pitfalls to avoid, what ongoing challenges they see, and what advice they would give themselves, if they could do it all over again starting now. Here we consolidate those interviews with our own perspectives to present some of the common themes and standout advice.

Climate Communication from a Science Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerville, R. C.

2012-12-01

Today, the world faces crucial choices in deciding what to do about climate change. Wise policy can be usefully informed by sound science. Scientists who are both climate experts and skilled communicators can provide valuable input into this policy process. They can help the public, media and policymakers learn what science has discovered about climate change. Scientists as a group are widely admired throughout the world. They can often use their prestige as well as their technical knowledge to advantage in publicizing and illuminating the findings of climate science. However, most scientists are unaware of the main obstacles to effective communication, such as the distrust that arises when the scientist and the audience do not have a shared worldview and shared cultural values. Many climate scientists also fail to realize that the jargon they use in their work is a significant barrier to communication, and that their messages requires skilled translation into the everyday language that people understand. Scientists need to recognize that lecturing is almost always poor communication. Speaking in a television interview or a Congressional hearing is completely unlike teaching a class of graduate students. The people whom one is trying to reach are rarely hungry for pure scientific information. Instead, they want to know how climate change will affect them and what can be done about it. Communicating climate science resembles skiing or speaking a foreign language: it is a skill that can be learned, but beginners are well advised to take lessons from expert instructors. Becoming adept at climate communication requires study and practice. Effective professional training in climate communication is available for those scientists who have the time and the willingness to improve as communicators.

Citation for Vladimir Cermak: 1995 AGU Flinn Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollack, Henry N.; Cermák, Vladìmír

“Vladimìr Cermák, Director of the Geophysical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, has for many years played a most remarkable role in bringing Earth scientists from the Eastern and Western Bloc countries together for scientific interactions. However anachronistic the concept of East and West political divisions may seem today, there are many who remember the nearly insuperable obstacles that prevented scientific exchange between those groups for decades prior to 1989. Vladimìr Cermák, through his organizing of small conferences and workshops in Czechoslovakia, accomplished the impossible. Through some extraordinarily deft diplomacy, Cermák obtained funding, secured visas, and mastered arcane currency regulations to enable small groups to meet in splendid castles and elegant country homes in rural Bohemia, facilities without urban distractions which had been placed under the custodianship of the Czech Academy of Science to serve as scientific retreats. Three meetings in the course of a decade stand out: at Liblice in 1982, and at Bechyne in 1987 and 1991, all dealing in general with heat flow and thermal aspects of lithospheric structure. These meetings were not just for prominent senior scientists, though of course many were in attendance. Of special significance were the opportunities for younger researchers to surmount the barriers that had been erected by forces well beyond the sphere of science. As one West German remarked as a graduate student in 1982, ‘I remember well how impressed I was…to learn the details of the daily personal and scientific life of an east German colleague of my own age.’ Cermák knew intuitively that the future belonged to the young, and he wanted to nurture their enthusiasm and stimulate their creativity.

Downscaling Climate Science to the Classroom: Diverse Opportunities for Teaching Climate Science in Diverse Ways to Diverse Undergraduate Populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, R. M.; Gill, T. E.; Quesada, D.; Hedquist, B. C.

2015-12-01

Climate literacy and climate education are important topics in current socio-political debate. Despite numerous scientific findings supporting global climate changes and accelerated greenhouse warming, there is a social inertia resisting and slowing the rate at which many of our students understand and absorb these facts. A variety of reasons, including: socio-economic interests, political and ideological biases, misinformation from mass media, inappropriate preparation of science teachers, and lack of numancy have created serious challenges for public awareness of such an important issue. Different agencies and organizations (NASA, NOAA, EPA, AGU, APS, AMS and others) have created training programs for educators, not involved directly in climatology research, in order to learn climate science in a consistent way and then communicate it to the public and students. Different approaches on how to deliver such information to undergraduate students in diverse environments is discussed based on the author's experiences working in different minority-serving institutions across the nation and who have attended AMS Weather and Climate Studies training workshops, MSI-REACH, and the School of Ice. Different parameters are included in the analysis: demographics of students, size of the institutions, geographical locations, target audience, programs students are enrolled in, conceptual units covered, and availability of climate-related courses in the curricula. Additionally, the feasibility of incorporating a laboratory and quantitative analysis is analyzed. As a result of these comparisons it seems that downscaling of climate education experiences do not always work as expected in every institution regardless of the student body demographics. Different geographical areas, student body characteristics and type of institution determine the approach to be adopted as well as the feasibility to introduce different components for weather and climate studies. Some ideas are shared

Facing Our Energy Challenges in a New Era of Science (2011 EFRC Forum)

ScienceCinema

Dehmer, Patricia M.

2018-04-26

Patricia Dehmer, Deputy Director for Science Programs at DOE, opened the May 26, 2011 EFRC Forum session, 'Global Perspectives on Frontiers in Energy Research,' with the talk, 'Facing Our Energy Challenges in a New Era of Science.' In her presentation, Dr. Dehmer gave a tutorial on the energy challenges facing our Nation and showed how the DOE research portfolio addresses those issues. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss 'Science for our Nation's Energy Future.' In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several 'grand challenges' and use-inspired 'basic research needs' recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

New GES DISC Services Shortening the Path in Science Data Discovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Angela; Shie, Chung-Lin; Petrenko, Maksym; Hegde, Mahabaleshwa; Teng, William; Liu, Zhong; Bryant, Keith; Shen, Suhung; Hearty, Thomas; Wei, Jennifer;

From GRID to gridlock: the relationship between scientific biomedical breakthroughs and HIV/AIDS policy in the US Congress.

PubMed

Platt, Matthew B; Platt, Manu O

2013-11-27

From the travel ban on people living with HIV (PLHIV) to resistance to needle exchange programmes, there are many examples where policy responses to HIV/AIDS in the United States seem divorced from behavioural, public health and sociological evidence. At its root, however, the unknowns about HIV/AIDS lie at biomedical science, and scientific researchers have made tremendous progress over the past 30 years of the epidemic by using antiretroviral therapy to increase the life expectancy of PLHIV almost to the same level as non-infected individuals; but a relationship between biomedical science discoveries and congressional responses to HIV/AIDS has not been studied. Using quantitative approaches, we directly examine the hypothesis that progress in HIV/AIDS biomedical science discoveries would have a correlative relationship with congressional response to HIV/AIDS from 1981 to 2010. This study used original data on every bill introduced, hearing held and law passed by the US Congress relating to HIV/AIDS over 30 years (1981-2010). We combined congressional data with the most cited and impactful biomedical research scientific publications over the same time period as a metric of biomedical science breakthroughs. Correlations between congressional policy and biomedical research were then analyzed at the aggregate and individual levels. Biomedical research advancements helped shape both the level and content of bill sponsorship on HIV/AIDS, but they had no effect on other stages of the legislative process. Examination of the content of bills and biomedical research indicated that science helped transform HIV/AIDS bill sponsorship from a niche concern of liberal Democrats to a bipartisan coalition when Republicans became the majority party. The trade-off for that expansion has been an emphasis on the global epidemic to the detriment of domestic policies and programmes. Breakthroughs in biomedical science did associate with the number and types of HIV/AIDS bills introduced

A Fiscal Cliff: The Current U.S. Federal Budget, Potential Cuts, and Impacts on Science Funding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlenbrock, K. M.; Landau, E. A.; Hankin, E. R.

2012-12-01

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill face challenges to reach an agreement on how to cut the deficit while growing the economy, scientists must join the discussion and outline the serious impacts cuts to federal science programs will have on our society. Consistent and sustained federal science funding (discretionary spending) is an ever increasing struggle with the rising costs of mandatory spending and decrease in revenues. In 2011 Congress passed the Budget Control Act, which will require automatic across-the-board cuts, known as sequestration, and will take effect on 2 January 2013. Estimated cuts of $1.2 trillion and discretionary spending caps set at Fiscal Year 2012 levels will trigger non-defense program cuts of 9.8% in the first year as reported by the Congressional Research Service. Funding from non-defense program agencies such as NSF, NASA, DOE, NOAA, USGS, and others drive science and technological innovation, support public safety, create jobs, educate generations of scientists, stimulate the economy, protect our environment, and enrich lives. With non-defense discretionary programs representing less than one-fifth of the federal budget, severe cuts to these programs will not alleviate our deficit, but instead restrict our growth.

77 FR 32648 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request; CareerTrac

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-01

... of 1995, the Fogarty International Center (FIC), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences...) within NIEHS, National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS), and National Cancer Institute (NCI... outcomes are achieved, comply with OMB Part requirements, respond to congressional inquiries, and as a...

Akuginow and Haines-Stiles Receive 2013 Robert C. Cowen Journalism Award: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alley, Richard

2014-01-01

From Cosmos to Mars and Pluto and back home, Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have invested their careers reporting the best modern science in novel, compelling, and accessible ways through documentaries, live events, print, and new media. They are outstanding recipients of the AGU Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism.

AGU President's Message: Obama Administration's Commitment to Scientific Integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael J.

2011-01-01

In March 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum on the subject of scientific integrity in which he stated emphatically, 'Science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions of my Administration on a wide range of issues, including improvement of public health, protection of the environment, increased efficiency in the use of energy and other resources, mitigation of the threat of climate change, and protection of national security.” The president charged John Holdren, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), with developing specific recommendations “for ensuring the highest level of integrity in all aspects of the executive branch's involvement with scientific and technological processes.” On Friday, 17 December, OSTP released federal department and agency guidelines for implementing the administration’s policies on scientific integrity.

Education and Policy in Soil Science: The U.S. Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharpley, Andrew; van Es, Harold; Dick, Richard; Bergfeld, Ellen; Anderson, Karl; Chapman, Susan; Fisk, Susan

2017-04-01

over 24,000 views a month. Probably, the most successful recent campaigns have been our "I Heart Soil" brand, which features an array of products with "I Heart Soil" now in 15 languages (including Klingon) and the "I Dig It! Secrets of Soil" exhibit. This exhibit, is a 375-square meter interactive display revealing the complex world of soil and how this underfoot ecosystem supports nearly every form of life on earth. Developed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History with support from SSSA, "Dig It!" includes interactive displays, hands-on models, videos, and 54 soil monoliths representing soils from each USA state. It was on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC for nearly two years, and in 2010, moved to museums in the states of Nebraska, Washington, Minnesota, California and then North Carolina. Another major outreach emphasis of SSSA is the development and promotion of soils-based policy initiatives, with Society policy expert staff located in Washington, DC dedicated to this critical activity. Information on their activities is located on our Society website at https://www.soils.org/science-policy and includes funding concerns, educational briefings, and position statements and reports. For example, our Frontiers in Soil Science activity identified critical needs to augment federal funding and to promote innovation through partnerships between public and private sectors. The Congressional Soils Caucus Alliance communicates with Congressional members and staff to enhance knowledge and understanding of the role that soil and soil science play in addressing the most pressing issues facing the USA and the world. These SSSA activities bore fruit recently, when on December 5, 2016, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced new steps to advance soil health. At the same time, the National Science and Technology Council released a Framework for a Federal Strategic Plan for Soil Science, which aims to identify needs, gaps, and

Mitchell Receives 2013 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Jonathan L.

2014-07-01

I am honored to receive this award in memory of Ron Greeley. Although I did not have the opportunity to know him, I had the pleasure of getting to know his wife, Cynthia, at a luncheon prior to the special awards session at the AGU Fall Meeting. Cynthia is an intelligent and elegant southern woman with a confident gaze. She spoke fondly of Ron and of her sincere respect for his work ethic and dedication to planetary science. What most impressed me, though, was the respect Ron showed to her and the kids by always "giving them the evenings"; no matter how busy things got, Ron always kept his evenings open for Cynthia. This clearly meant the world to her. As a family man, I can only hope that my wife and kids will speak so kindly of me many years from now. I would like to dedicate this award to them in gratitude for their seemingly unconditional love and support.

Role of Science in the Development of U.S. Climate Policy Legislation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staudt, A. C.

2009-12-01

Climate policy in the United States advanced substantially in 2009, including the development of the first comprehensive legislation designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whereas in prior years Congress actively sought out information on climate change science and impacts to help make the case for policy action, the emphasis recently shifted to economic implications and technological readiness for proposed policies. This shift reflected an acknowledgment among many, but not all, members of Congress that the debate about human-caused climate change is over and that they must focus on crafting policy solutions. The dozens of Congressional hearings held during 2008 and 2009 on climate solutions certainly were necessary for developing legislation. However, a question remains as to whether the legislation, in particular the selection of emissions reduction targets and timetables, was informed by the latest climate science. Of particular concern is to what extent recently published scientific studies indicating many climate changes are on pace with or exceeding the worst-case scenarios considered in the 2007 reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were considered. Furthermore, lacking official hearings on the topic of climate science, skeptical policy makers may have little exposure to the latest scientific findings. Environmental non-governmental organizations play an important intermediary role between the scientific community and policy makers to bridge both of these information gaps. Examples of NGO strategies for bringing the latest science to Congress and of ways that scientists can engage in these efforts will be presented.

Highlighting Your Science to NASA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharkey, C.

2003-12-01

An effort is underway to provide greater visibility within NASA headquarters, and to those who provide funding to NASA, of the outstanding work that is being performed by scientists involved in the Solar System Exploration Research and Analysis Programs, most of whom are DPS members. In support of this effort, a new feature has been developed for the NASA Headquarters Solar System Exploration Division web site whereby researchers can provide a synopsis of their current research results. The site (http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/spotlight/ - Username: your email address Password: sse) is an online submission area where NASA-funded scientists can upload the results of their research. There they provide their contact information, briefly describe their research, and upload any associated images or graphics. The information is available to a limited number of reviewers and writers at JPL. Each month, one researcher's work will be chosen as a science spotlight. After a writer interviews the scientist, a brief Power Point presentation that encapsulates their work will be given to Dr. Colleen Hartman at NASA headquarters. She will then present the exciting findings to Associate Administrator for Space Science, Dr. Ed Weiler. The information from some of these highlights can serve as a basis to bring Principal Investigators to NASA Headquarters for exposure to media through Space Science Updates on NASA television. In addition, the science results may also be incorporated into briefing material for the Office of Management and Budget and congressional staffers. Some spotlights will also be converted into feature stories for the Solar System Exploration website so the public, too, can learn about exciting new research. The site, http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/, is one of NASA's most visited. Over the past decade, there has been a trend of flat budgets for Research and Analysis activities. By giving more visibility to results of Solar System research, our goal is to encourage

Deadlines for the HHS Secretary and Other Federal Entities in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Through March 23, 2013: Addendum to CRS Congressional Distribution Memorandum Dated April 5, 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-05

Navajo Nation resides on the Navajo reservation that is located in parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Congressional Research Service 18...in developing such standards, to consult with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a working group composed of...March 23, 2011 4001(g) Requires the chairperson of the National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council to publish a national

Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-10-01

More than a dozen AGU members are among 94 researchers announced by U.S. president Barack Obama on 26 September as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award, which is coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President, is considered the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. This year's recipients include Jeffrey Book, Naval Research Laboratory; Jonathan Cirtain, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; Fotini Katopodes Chow, University of California, Berkeley; Elizabeth Cochran, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Ian Howat, Ohio State University; Christiane Jablonowski, University of Michigan; Justin Kasper, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; Elena Litchman, Michigan State University; James A. Morris Jr., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Erin M. Oleson, NOAA; Victoria Orphan, California Institute of Technology; Sasha Reed, USGS; David Shelly, USGS; and Feng Wang, University of California, Berkeley. Five AGU members are among 10 U.S. representatives recently selected for International Arctic Science Committee working groups. The AGU members, chosen as representatives through the U.S. National Academies review process, are Atmosphere Working Group member James Overland, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, NOAA; Cryosphere Working Group members Walter Meier, University of Colorado at Boulder, and Elizabeth Hunke, Los Alamos National Laboratory; Marine Working Group member Mary-Louise Timmermans, Yale University; and Terrestrial Working Group member Vanessa Lougheed, University of Texas at El Paso.

Members of House Committee on Science and Astronautics Visited MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

The members of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 9, 1962 to gather firsthand information of the nation's space exploration program. The congressional group was composed of members of the Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight. The subcommittee was briefed on MSFC's manned space efforts earlier in the day and then inspected mockups of the Saturn I Workshop and the Apollo Telescope Mount, two projects developed by MSFC for the post-Apollo program. In this photograph, MSFC Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun meets with Congressmen in the MSFC boardroom. Pictured from left to right are: Jack Cramer, NASA Headquarters; Joe Waggoner, Democratic representative of Louisiana; John W. Davis, Democratic representative of Georgia; R. Walter Riehlman, Republican representative of New York; Olin E. Teague, Democratic representative of Texas; Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of MSFC; James G. Fulton, Republican representative of Pennsylvania; Ken Hechler, Democratic representative of West Virginia; and Erich Neubert of MSFC.

Harassment as an Ethics Issue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, Mary Anne; Marin-Spiotta, Erika; Schneider, Blair

2017-04-01

Harassment, sexual and otherwise, including bullying and discrimination, remains an ongoing problem in the science workforce. In response to monthly revelations of harassment in academic science in the U.S. in 2016, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) convened a workshop to discuss strategies for professional societies to address this pernicious practice. Participants included researchers on this topic and members from professional science societies, academia, and U.S. federal government agencies. We agreed on the following principles: - Harassment, discrimination and bullying most often occur between a superior (e.g., an advisor, professor, supervisor) and a student or early career professional, representing a power difference that disadvantages the less-powerful scientist. - Harassment drives excellent potential as well as current scientists from the field who would otherwise contribute to the advancement of science, engineering and technology. - Harassment, therefore, represents a form of scientific misconduct, and should be treated as plagiarism, falsification, and other forms of scientific misconduct are treated, with meaningful consequences. To address harassment and to change the culture of science, professional societies can and should: ensure that their Code of Ethics and/or Code of Conduct addresses harassment with clear definitions of what constitutes this behavior, including in academic, professional, conference and field settings; provide a clear and well-disseminated mechanism for reporting violations to the society; have a response person or team in the society that can assist those who feel affected by harassment; and provide a mechanism to revisit and update Codes on a regular basis. The Code should be disseminated widely to members and apply to all members and staff. A revised Code of Ethics is now being constructed by AGU, and will be ready for adoption in 2017. See http://harassment.agu.org/ for information updates.

Everything I Need to Know About Science Communication, I Learned from Local Television News (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorditch, E.; O'Riordan, C.

2010-12-01

According to the National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering Indicators for 2010, the general public in the USA relies on local television news more than any other medium for their science and technology news and information -- with the internet coming in as a fast-rising second. Ten years ago, the American Institute of Physics (AIP) created Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS) as a way to reach this large audience and provide them with accurate and reliable science information. DBIS is a syndicated science news service that distributes twelve 90-second news segments to local television stations throughout the USA and internationally each month. DBIS topics cover a range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics including everything from astronomy to zoology. DBIS has created a unique pathway for science communication. Story ideas go through a rigorous process of background research and peer review to make sure that they meet not only our science criteria, but also our television criteria standards to make sure that television stations will air the segments. The program is supported by a STEM coalition of over 20 organizations- including AGU - that work together to identify research breakthroughs in diverse fields of science. We will describe the creation of this service and the fine-tuning of the editorial process. We will also highlight results from a 2003-2007 NSF grant to study the impact DBIS has on viewing audiences. The study showed us that 78% of television viewers would like to see more STEM news segments during their local news broadcast. Another important finding from the study is that there is a statistically significant difference in television viewers support for STEM in cities where DBIS segments are broadcasted compared to cities where they are not showing that DBIS is having an impact in communicating science to the general public. Finally, we will summarize what we have learned about making STEM

Climate Odyssey: Resources for Understanding Coastal Change through Art, Science, and Sail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klos, P. Z.; Holtsnider, L.

2017-12-01

Climate Odyssey (climateodyssey.org) is a year-long sailing expedition and continuing collaboration aimed at using overlaps in science and visual art to communicate coastal climate change impacts and solutions. We, visual artist Lucy Holtsnider and climate scientist Zion Klos, are using our complimentary skills in art, science and communication to engage audiences both intuitively and cognitively regarding the urgency of climate change through story and visualization. Over the 2015 - 2016 academic year, we embarked on the sailing portion of Climate Odyssey, beginning in Lake Michigan, continuing along the Eastern Seaboard, and concluding in the tropics. Along the way we photographed climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, interviewed stakeholders, scientists, and artists. We are now sharing our photographs and documented encounters through a tangible artist's book, interactive digital map, blog, and series of K16 lesson plans. Each of our images added to the artist's book and digital map are linked to relevant blog entries and other external scientific resources, making the map both a piece of art and an engaging education tool for sharing the science of climate change impacts and solutions. After completing the sailing component of the project, we have now finalized our multi-media resources and are working to share these with the public via libraries, galleries, and K16 classrooms in coastal communities. At AGU, we will share with our peers the completed version of the series of K16 lesson plans that provide educators an easy-to-use way to introduce and utilize the material in the artist's book, digital map, and online blog. Through this, we hope to both discuss climate-focused education and engagement strategies, as well as showcase this example of art-science outreach with the broader science education and communication community that is focused on climate literacy in the U.S. and beyond.

Welcome Remarks and Introduction from the DOE Under Secretary for Science, Steve Koonin (2011 EFRC Summit)

ScienceCinema

Koonin, Steve

2018-01-04

In this video the DOE Under Secretary for Science, Steve Koonin, opened the 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum with welcoming remarks and an introduction of the keynote address. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss "Science for our Nation's Energy Future." In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

McSween Receives 2013 Whipple Award: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKinnon, William B.

2014-07-01

The Whipple Award is the highest honor given by the AGU Planetary Sciences section and is named for Fred Whipple, a famed space scientist most noted for his work on comets. This year, we have selected Harry "Hap" McSween Jr., Chancellor's Professor and distinguished professor of science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, as the 2013 Whipple Award winner.

Earth science information: Planning for the integration and use of global change information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lousma, Jack R.

1992-01-01

The Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) was founded in 1989 as a non-profit corporation dedicated to facilitating access to, use and understanding of global change information worldwide. The Consortium was created to cooperate and coordinate with organizations and researchers throughout the global change community to further access the most advanced technology, the latest scientific research, and the best information available for critical environmental decision making. CIESIN study efforts are guided by Congressional mandates to 'convene key present and potential users to assess the need for investment in integration of earth science information,' to 'outline the desirable pattern of interaction with the scientific and policy community,' and to 'develop recommendations and draft plans to achieve the appropriate level of effort in the use of earth science data for research and public policy purposes.' In addition, CIESIN is tasked by NASA to develop a data center that would extend the benefits of Earth Observing System (EOS) to the users of global change information related to human dimensions issues. For FY 1991, CIESIN focused on two main objectives. The first addressed the identification of information needs of global change research and non-research user groups worldwide. The second focused on an evaluation of the most efficient mechanisms for making this information available in usable forms.

Child Care: Current System Could Undermine Goals of Welfare Reform. United States General Accounting Office Testimony before the Subcommittee on Human Resources, Committee on Education and Labor, and Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. House of Representatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Jane L.

This statement by the associate director of Income Security Issues of the Department of Health, Education and Human Services Division addresses the Congressional welfare reform goal of self-sufficiency for welfare mothers through employment. It analyzes the problems of the current welfare subsidy system by examining the effect of child care…

Volunteers: A Critical Element in the New AGU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhaden, Michael

2010-02-01

We are in the midst of unprecedented change at the American Geophysical Union. Members have recently approved new bylaws to create a governance structure that better reflects the Union's diverse range of scientific interests and enables more efficient and transparent functioning of the organization. We have also embarked on a new strategic planning process to develop far-reaching organizational goals that will ensure continued global leadership in the Earth and space sciences. Finally, we are in the midst of hiring a new permanent executive director to lead our organization in the years ahead.

Emerging trends in technology assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coates, V. T.

1975-01-01

Recent trends and problems in technology assessment are discussed briefly. The Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and its performance are reviewed along with technology assessment activity in the National Science Foundation.

Science for Energy Technology: The Industry Perspective (2011 EFRC Summit, panel session)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wadsworth, Jeffrey; Carlson, David E.; Chiang, Yet-Ming

2011-05-25

A distinguished panel of industry leaders discussed how basic science impacts energy technology at the 2011 EFRC Summit. Panel members are Jeffrey Wadworth, President and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute; David E. Carlson, the Chief Scientist for BP Solar; Yet-Ming Chiang, Professor at MIT and the founder of A123 Systems; and Catherine T. Hunt, the R&D Director of Innovation Sourcing and Sustainable Technologies at the Dow Chemical Company. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss 'Science for our Nation's Energy Future.' Inmore » August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several 'grand challenges' and use-inspired 'basic research needs' recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.« less

Science for Energy Technology: The Industry Perspective (2011 EFRC Summit, panel session)

ScienceCinema

Wadsworth, Jeffrey; Carlson, David E.; Chiang, Yet-Ming; Hunt, Catherine T.

2018-05-08

A distinguished panel of industry leaders discussed how basic science impacts energy technology at the 2011 EFRC Summit. Panel members are Jeffrey Wadworth, President and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute; David E. Carlson, the Chief Scientist for BP Solar; Yet-Ming Chiang, Professor at MIT and the founder of A123 Systems; and Catherine T. Hunt, the R&D Director of Innovation Sourcing and Sustainable Technologies at the Dow Chemical Company. The 2011 EFRC Summit and Forum brought together the EFRC community and science and policy leaders from universities, national laboratories, industry and government to discuss 'Science for our Nation's Energy Future.' In August 2009, the Office of Science established 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers. The EFRCs are collaborative research efforts intended to accelerate high-risk, high-reward fundamental research, the scientific basis for transformative energy technologies of the future. These Centers involve universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit firms, singly or in partnerships, selected by scientific peer review. They are funded at $2 to $5 million per year for a total planned DOE commitment of $777 million over the initial five-year award period, pending Congressional appropriations. These integrated, multi-investigator Centers are conducting fundamental research focusing on one or more of several 'grand challenges' and use-inspired 'basic research needs' recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The purpose of the EFRCs is to integrate the talents and expertise of leading scientists in a setting designed to accelerate research that transforms the future of energy and the environment.

From GRID to gridlock: the relationship between scientific biomedical breakthroughs and HIV/AIDS policy in the US Congress

PubMed Central

Platt, Matthew B; Platt, Manu O

2013-01-01

Introduction From the travel ban on people living with HIV (PLHIV) to resistance to needle exchange programmes, there are many examples where policy responses to HIV/AIDS in the United States seem divorced from behavioural, public health and sociological evidence. At its root, however, the unknowns about HIV/AIDS lie at biomedical science, and scientific researchers have made tremendous progress over the past 30 years of the epidemic by using antiretroviral therapy to increase the life expectancy of PLHIV almost to the same level as non-infected individuals; but a relationship between biomedical science discoveries and congressional responses to HIV/AIDS has not been studied. Using quantitative approaches, we directly examine the hypothesis that progress in HIV/AIDS biomedical science discoveries would have a correlative relationship with congressional response to HIV/AIDS from 1981 to 2010. Methods This study used original data on every bill introduced, hearing held and law passed by the US Congress relating to HIV/AIDS over 30 years (1981–2010). We combined congressional data with the most cited and impactful biomedical research scientific publications over the same time period as a metric of biomedical science breakthroughs. Correlations between congressional policy and biomedical research were then analyzed at the aggregate and individual levels. Results Biomedical research advancements helped shape both the level and content of bill sponsorship on HIV/AIDS, but they had no effect on other stages of the legislative process. Examination of the content of bills and biomedical research indicated that science helped transform HIV/AIDS bill sponsorship from a niche concern of liberal Democrats to a bipartisan coalition when Republicans became the majority party. The trade-off for that expansion has been an emphasis on the global epidemic to the detriment of domestic policies and programmes. Conclusions Breakthroughs in biomedical science did associate with the

STEM Specialty Programs: A Pathway for Under-Represented Students into STEM Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alvarez, Charles Alex; Edwards, Douglas; Harris, Bonnie

2010-01-01

Addressing the under-representation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has been an initiative of the U.S. Congress for the past 30 years, but the challenge still remains unresolved. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Congressional Committee on Equal…

Panel Urges Colleges to Boost Production of Minority Scientists.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeLoughry, Thomas J.

1988-01-01

The congressionally appointed Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in Science and Technology calls for cooperation among schools, colleges, industry, and federal and state governments to increase the pool of science and engineering talent through programs similar to those following the Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957. (MLW)

Jian Receives 2009 F. L. Scarf Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2010-03-01

Lan Jian has been awarded the AGU F. L. Scarf Award, given annually to recent Ph.D recipients for outstanding dissertation research that contributes directly to solar planetary sciences. Jian's thesis is entitled “Radial evolution of large-scale solar wind structures.” She was formally presented with the award at the Space Physics and Aeronomy section dinner during the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, held 14-18 December in San Francisco, Calif. Lan Jian received her B.S. in geophysics from University of Science and Technology of China in 2003. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geophysics and space physics, under the supervision of Christopher T. Russell, at University of California, Los Angeles in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Her research interests include various structures in the solar wind, their origin and evolution, and their effect on the space environment of planets.

ESF EUROCORES Programmes In Geosciences And Environmental Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonckheere, I. G.

2007-12-01

through these distinctive research initiatives, to build on the national research efforts and contribute to the capacity building, in relation with typically about 15-20 post-doc positions and/or PhD studentships supported nationally within each Programme. Typical networking activities are topical workshops, open sessions in a larger conference, Programme conference, (summer / winter) schools, exchange visits across projects or programmes. Overall, EUROCORES Programmes are supported by more than 60 national agencies from 30 countries and by the European Science Foundation (ESF) with support by the European Commission, DG Research (Sixth Framework Programme, contract ERAS-CT-2003-980409). In the framework of AGU, a series of present EUROCORES Programmes in the field of Geosciences and Environmental Sciences are presented (e.g., EuroDIVERSITY, EuroDEEP, EUROMARGINS, EuroCLIMATE, and EuroMinScI).

Manned Space Exploration Can Provide Great Scientific Benefits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, S. Fred

2005-08-01

An AGU Council statement (NASA: Earth and space sciences at risk, available at http:// www.agu.org/sci_soc/policy/positions/ earthspace_risk.shtml) and an Eos editorial [Barron, 2005], addressing NASA's envisioned manned Moon-Mars initiative, implicitly assume a zero-sum situation between manned and unmanned space programs. They also imply that the NASA initiative will not contribute significantly to science but will ``impact on the current and future health of Earth and space science research.'' I wish to respond to these concerns. It is generally agreed that the International Space Station and shuttle program have limited value and need to be terminated. But one should not assume that funds freed up by elimination of manned programs will accrue to unmanned programs. On the contrary, without a manned component, NASA will probably cease to exist. Congress likely will not continue to fund unmanned planetary exploration over the long term, and Earth and space researchers will then have to compete for support with scientists using non-space techniques.

Geophysics in the public eye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The 1988 AGU Fall Meeting was attended by a record number of reporters from all types of media (see inset). Five news releases mailed before the meeting and seven scheduled news conferences drew reporters to the meeting, held December 5-9 in San Francisco. About 25 public information offices and individual scientists contributed 45 news releases for distribution at the meeting.Media liaisons were appointed by AGU section presidents to act as contacts between scientists and journalists. The liaisons assisted with news conferences, arranged interviews, and directed reporters to interesting papers. The section liaisons were Union, Christopher Harrison (Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, Miami, Fla.); Atmospheric Sciences, William H. Beasley (National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C.); Geodesy, Randolph Ware (University of Colorado, Boulder); Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism, Kenneth Verosub (University of Calfornia, Davis); Hydrology, George Leavesley (U.S. Geological Survey, Lakewood, Colo.); Planetology, Torrence Johnson (Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, Calif.); Seismology, Jan Garmany (University of Texas, Austin); Solar- Planetary Relationships, Vincent Wickwar (Utah State University, Logan); and Tectonophysics, Paul Segall (U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, Calif.).

Spring Meeting Preview: Sessions Focus on Astrobiology, Geoneutrinos, and International Science Years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mohi

2006-05-01

New technologies, such as the emerging field of geoneutrino research, and new data sets from the Cassini and Voyager spacecrafts have captured the attention of scientists, prompting them to freshly explore the furthest reaches of their fields, from the Earth's deep interior to the outer solar system and beyond. Several sessions at the 23-26 May 2006 AGU Joint Assembly in Baltimore, Md., will offer a glimpse into these new investigations, while others are devoted to discussing plans for coordinated research efforts during upcoming international science years. One session on ``Geoneutrinos: A New Tool for the Study of the Solid Earth'' (U41F) will take place on Wednesday, 25 May at 8:30 A.M. Geoneutrinos, which are anti-neutrinos produced by the radioactive decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium housed within the Earth, have been detected by Japan's Kamioka Liquid-Scintillator Anti-Neutrino Detector (KamLAND) apparatus. With such information, scientists for the first time can directly estimate the amount of radioactive elements present in different regions of the Earth.

AGU's Martinelli Travel Fellowships Awarded to Cubillo and Alfaro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Lauren

2013-03-01

Volcanologist Bruno Martinelli believed that to make progress in understanding any scientific topic, exchange and discussion between scientists are essential. While working with fellow volcanologists in South America, Martinelli encouraged them to bring their science to meetings outside Latin America and get exposed to new ideas, research, and methods while connecting with scientists from other parts of the world. At times, when his colleagues lacked funding, Martinelli paid for their travel himself.

NESTA Revolutionizing Teacher's Experiences at NSTA Conventions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ireton, F.

2002-05-01

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conventions are traditionally composed of short workshops, half or full day workshops, and lectures on science teaching or education research. Occasional science lectures such as the AGU lecture offer science content information. The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) will join the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the American Geological Institute (AGI) to bring teachers a suite of exciting and informative events at the (NSTA) 2002 convention. Events begin with a guided learning field trip to Mission Trails Regional Park and Torrey Pines State Reserve where Earth and space science teachers experience a model of constructivist leaning techniques. Most field trips are a "show and tell" experience, designed to transmit knowledge from the field trip leader to the field trip participants. In the "guided learning" environment, the leader serves as a facilitator, asking questions, guiding participants to discover concepts for themselves. Participants examine selected processes and features that constitute a constructivist experience in which knowledge acquired at any given location builds on knowledge brought to the site. Employing this strategy involves covering less breadth but greater depth, modeling the concept of "less is more." On Thursday NESTA will host two Share-a-thons. These are not what a person would think of as a traditional workshop where presenter makes a presentation then the participants work on an activity. They could be called the flea market of teaching ideas. Tables are set around the perimeter of a room where the presenters are stationed. Teachers move from table to table picking up information and watching short demonstrations. The Earth and Space Science Resource Day on Friday will focus on teachers needs. Starting with breakfast, teachers will hear from Soames Summerhays, Naturalist and President of Summerhays Films, about how he

AGU Journals Among Most Cited Publications in Climate Change Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sears, Jon

2010-03-01

Geophysical Research Letters (GRL) and Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres (JGR-D) both ranked among the top 10 of the most highly cited research publications on climate change over the past decade in a recent analysis by sciencewatch.com, an Internet tool published by the Thomson Reuters Web of Science® that tracks trends and performances in basic research. Although Nature and Science—the multidisciplinary heavyweights—led the field, GRL ranked fifth and JGR-D ranked sixth. The study was conducted by searching the Web of Science® database for terms such as “global warming,” “climate change,” “human impact,” and other key phrases in journal articles published and cited between 1999 and the spring of 2009. The analysis produced over 28,000 papers, from which sciencewatch.com identified the most cited institutions, authors, and journals. To see the analysis in full, visit http://sciencewatch.com/ana/fea/09novdecFea/.

GP Section selects Best Student Paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The AGU Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism (GP) Section has announced its selection of a paper entitled “Multicomponent Magnetization of the Upper Silurian-Lower Devonian Ringerike Sandstone, Adjacent Dikes, and Permian Lavas, Oslo, Norway” as the best GP student paper presented at the 1986 AGU Spring Meeting. The primary author, Dartmouth College Ph.D. candidate David Douglass, was assisted on the paper by a colleague from Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory. Douglass received his B.S. in geology from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1980, and in 1984, he received his M.S. in earth sciences at Dartmouth. His current studies examine the paleomagnetism, structure, and sedimentation of several North Atlantic old red sandstone basins.

Mass Media Fellow Westley spends summer publishing in Newsweek

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leifert, Harvey

If you are a subscriber to Newsweek, you probably remember these stories from the past few months: “Vaccine Revolution,” “Aliens Invade America!,” “A Gymnast's Long Fall,” “Is AIDS Forever?,” and a cover story, “Science Finds God.” They all had something in common, aside from their science focus: at the end of each article was the credit line, “With Marian Westley.” In addition, a story titled “A Long, Wacky Summer,” on recent weather patterns, carried Marian Westley's byline. Who, you may have wondered, is this Marian Westley, who reports with equal aplomb on matters as diverse as epidemiology, meteorology, the predations of nonnative plant species, and the interface between scientists and theologians? Actually, Westley is a graduate student in biological oceanography at the University of Hawaii and a member of AGU. She spent the summer of 1998 as the AAAS/AGU Mass Media Fellow at Newsweek in New York.

Policy offers protection from harassment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNutt, Marcia

We face a number of legal and ethical issues in our work as scientists and as AGU members. To uphold the highest ethical standards in our professional activities, the Council has adopted policies on free access to published material, ethics in publishing, and misconduct in science. But what about guidelines to govern the personal behavior that constitutes harassment, sexual or otherwise?For years the AGU headquarters staff has had a policy that offers protection from harassment and rules for dealing with it, but the membership went without one until 1994. That year the Council adopted a policy that extends to the membership as well as to the staff and the vendors they encounter at meetings. The law only requires a policy to prevent harassment in the workplace, but the Council felt that a harassment policy was particularly important for members because the subtle behavior that can constitute harassment is most likely to occur at events that combine work and social interaction, such as the meetings, conferences, and training seminars that AGU members attend.

To See Ourselves as Others See Us

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spilhaus, Fred

2005-03-01

Earth and space scientists and the 2004 AGU Fall Meeting were the subject of a recent column in The Washington Post Magazine (30 January 2005) by Post writer Joel Achenbach. Eos is taking the unusual step of reprinting the entire article to stimulate discussion of our role in society. Are we doing what we should to inform the public of what we know and don't know about looming natural hazards, resource shortages, and threats to the environment? If not, what more could and should we do within our purview and appropriate role as scientists? Achenbach is a long-time observer of AGU. He is the recipient of the 1990 AGU Walter Sullivan Award for journalism, the second writer to be given this award for making geophysical information accessible and interesting to the general public. This Union award is named for the renowned New York Times science writer who was its first recipient in 1989. Achenbach won the award for an article titled ``Second Thoughts,'' which was reprinted in Eos (vol. 71, no. 25, 19 June 1990).

Political conservatism, authoritarianism, and societal threat: voting for Republican representatives in U.S. Congressional elections from 1946 to 1992.

PubMed

McCann, Stewart J H

2009-07-01

The author found that the degree of national societal threat preceding congressional elections from 1946 to 1992 was positively associated with the mean state percentage of people voting for Republican representatives, supporting a conventional threat-authoritarianism hypothesis. However, threat was positively associated with the mean state percentage of people voting for Republican representatives in conservative states but not in liberal states, and the conventional threat-authoritarianism link was entirely driven by the relation in conservative states. The author classified states with a composite measure (alpha = .92) on the basis of state ideological identification, religious fundamentalism, composite policy liberalism, Republican Party elite ideology, and Democratic Party elite ideology. These results offer support to an interactive threat-authoritarianism hypothesis derived from the authoritarian dynamic theory of K. Stenner (2005), which postulates that only authoritarian persons are activated to manifest authoritarian behavior in times of normative threat. Also, the author discusses potential alternative explanations on the basis of system justification, need for closure, and terror-management theories.

Teaching Spatial Thinking in Undergraduate Geology Courses Using Tools and Strategies from Cognitive Science Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormand, C. J.; Shipley, T. F.; Dutrow, B. L.; Goodwin, L. B.; Hickson, T. A.; Tikoff, B.; Atit, K.; Gagnier, K. M.; Resnick, I.

2015-12-01

Spatial visualization is an essential skill in the STEM disciplines, including the geological sciences. Undergraduate students, including geoscience majors in upper-level courses, bring a wide range of spatial skill levels to the classroom. Students with weak spatial skills may struggle to understand fundamental concepts and to solve geological problems with a spatial component. However, spatial thinking skills are malleable. Using strategies that have emerged from cognitive science research, we developed a set of curricular materials that improve undergraduate geology majors' abilities to reason about 3D concepts and to solve spatially complex geological problems. Cognitive science research on spatial thinking demonstrates that predictive sketching, making visual comparisons, gesturing, and the use of analogy can be used to develop students' spatial thinking skills. We conducted a three-year study of the efficacy of these strategies in strengthening the spatial skills of students in core geology courses at three universities. Our methodology is a quasi-experimental quantitative design, utilizing pre- and post-tests of spatial thinking skills, assessments of spatial problem-solving skills, and a control group comprised of students not exposed to our new curricular materials. Students taught using the new curricular materials show improvement in spatial thinking skills. Further analysis of our data, to be completed prior to AGU, will answer additional questions about the relationship between spatial skills and academic performance, spatial skills and gender, spatial skills and confidence, and the impact of our curricular materials on students who are struggling academically. Teaching spatial thinking in the context of discipline-based exercises has the potential to transform undergraduate education in the geological sciences by removing one significant barrier to success.

Improving Communication Skills in Early Career Scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saia, S. M.

2013-12-01

The AGU fall meeting is a time for scientists to share what we have been hard at work on for the past year, to share our trials and tribulations, and of course, to share our science (we hope inspirational). In addition to sharing, the AGU fall meeting is also about collaboration as it brings old and new colleagues together from diverse communities across the planet. By sharing our ideas and findings, we build new relationships with the potential to cross boundaries and solve complex and pressing environmental issues. With ever emerging and intensifying water scarcity, extreme weather, and water quality issues across the plant, it is especially important that scientists like us share our ideas and work together to put these ideas into action. My vision of the future of water sciences embraces this fact. I believe that better training is needed to help early career scientists, like myself, build connections within and outside of our fields. First and foremost, more advanced training in effective storytelling concepts and themes may improve our ability to provide context for our research. Second, training in the production of video for internet-based media (e.g. YouTube) may help us bring our research to audiences in a more personalized way. Third, opportunities to practice presenting at highly visible public events such as the AGU fall meeting, will serve to prepare early career scientists for a variety of audiences. We hope this session, ';Water Sciences Pop-Ups', will provide the first steps to encourage and train early career scientists as they share and collaborate with scientists and non-scientists around the world.

FRAMEWORK FOR CUMULATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT (EXTERNAL REVIEW DRAFT)

EPA Science Inventory

Several reports have highlighted the importance of understanding the accumulation of risks from multiple environmental stressors. These include the National Research Councils 1994 report Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment and the 1997 report by the Presidential/Congressional...

Gerald L. Epstein, PhD: director, center for science, technology, and security policy, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Interview by Madeline Drexler.

PubMed

Epstein, Gerald L

2009-12-01

Over his entire career, Gerald Epstein has toiled at the nexus of science, technology, and security. From 2003 to 2009, he was Senior Fellow for Science and Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Homeland Security Program, where he worked on reducing biological weapons threats, improving national preparedness, and easing potential tensions between the scientific research and national security communities. Epstein came to CSIS from the Institute for Defense Analyses. From 1996 to 2001, he served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. And from 1983 to 1989, and again from 1991 until its demise in 1995, Epstein worked at the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, where he directed a study on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, alongside research on other global security topics. A recognized expert in biological risk reduction, Epstein was actually trained as a physicist, having received SB degrees in physics and electrical engineering from MIT, and a PhD in physics from the University of California at Berkeley. How, then, did he come to study the evolving threat from bioterrorism? "What compelled me about bioterrorism was that it was a stellar example of a topic that would lead to a train wreck between the scientific community and the security community unless they figured out how to work together," he said. "The distance between a laboratory and a very large consequence event is a lot shorter in biology than in any other field. I got into bioterrorism to help make sure that the security community doesn't get so scared of the science that it shuts it down, and that the science community isn't so oblivious of security concerns that it pays no attention to them." Epstein spoke on November 6, 2009, with contributing writer Madeline Drexler, author of Emerging Epidemics: The Menace of New Infections (Penguin, 2009), an updated version of an earlier volume. Drexler holds a visiting appointment at the

Tools for Engaging Scientists in Education and Public Outreach: Resources from NASA's Science Mission Directorate Forums

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buxner, S.; Grier, J.; Meinke, B. K.; Gross, N. A.; Woroner, M.

2014-12-01

The NASA Science Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) Forums support the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and its E/PO community by enhancing the coherency and efficiency of SMD-funded E/PO programs. The Forums foster collaboration and partnerships between scientists with content expertise and educators with pedagogy expertise. We will present tools to engage and resources to support scientists' engagement in E/PO efforts. Scientists can get connected to educators and find support materials and links to resources to support their E/PO work through the online SMD E/PO community workspace (http://smdepo.org) The site includes resources for scientists interested in E/PO including one page guides about "How to Get Involved" and "How to Increase Your Impact," as well as the NASA SMD Scientist Speaker's Bureau to connect scientists to audiences across the country. Additionally, there is a set of online clearinghouses that provide ready-made lessons and activities for use by scientists and educators: NASA Wavelength (http://nasawavelength.org/) and EarthSpace (http://www.lpi.usra.edu/earthspace/). The NASA Forums create and partner with organizations to provide resources specifically for undergraduate science instructors including slide sets for Earth and Space Science classes on the current topics in astronomy and planetary science. The Forums also provide professional development opportunities at professional science conferences each year including AGU, LPSC, AAS, and DPS to support higher education faculty who are teaching undergraduate courses. These offerings include best practices in instruction, resources for teaching planetary science and astronomy topics, and other special topics such as working with diverse students and the use of social media in the classroom. We are continually soliciting ways that we can better support scientists' efforts in effectively engaging in E/PO. Please contact Sanlyn Buxner (buxner@psi.edu) or Jennifer Grier (jgrier@psi.edu) to

Report from the banding lab

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tautin, J.

1995-01-01

Mr. Tautin reported on the seemingly everchanging structure of biological science units within the Interior Department. Current Congressional proposals would either change the name of the Bird Banding Lab's parent agency or make it part of the Geological Survey. The current Congress has not looked favorably on science budgets within the Interior Department, and the Banding Lab's budget is being squeezed ever tighter.

Press conference bring excitement of geophysical research to the public

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leifert, Harvey

“A Flare to Remember.” “Starbucks for Starfish.” “Earth's Rotation Slows for El Niño.” What do these catchy headlines have in common? They all resulted from presentations at AGU's Spring Meeting in Boston, Mass. Yes, geophysical science can be big news when presented in a way that is interesting to general audiences.Proof? Well, the “Flare to Remember” headline (in the Dallas Morning News) reported the discovery, via the SOHO spacecraft, that a solar flare had produced, deep inside the Sun, seismic disturbances of a magnitude never experienced on Earth. Researchers Valentina Zharkova of Glasgow University and Alexander Kosovichev of Stanford gave media representatives a preview of their session, supported by visual aids, in the AGU press briefing room.

Vaccines for Children: Critical Issues in Design and Implementation. Report to Congressional Requesters [and] Vaccines for Children: Major Implementation Hurdles Remain. Testimony of Kwai-Cheung Chan, before the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services, and Education, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC. Program Evaluation and Methodology Div.

In response to congressional request, this report provides information on the implementation plans developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Introductory material indicates that the VFC was created to increase vaccine coverage levels nationwide by creating an entitlement to free vaccine for…

(Congressional Interest) Institute for Science, Space and Security (ISSS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-19

Studies program between UCCS and University of Zagreb , Croatia (City of Zagreb funding). Conducted three days of meetings with City/University of Zagreb ...security and assist the University of Zagreb in establishing a regional (Eastern Europe) Center of Excellence in Homeland Security. In the long-term...UCCS will assist the University of Zagreb in maturing the Center of Excellence and designing, developing and delivering masters and doctoral degrees

Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-01-01

Nine AGU members are among the 102 researchers that U.S. president Barack Obama announced on 23 December as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Building a Community for Art and Geoscience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksson, S. C.; Ellins, K. K.

2014-12-01

Several new avenues are in place for building and supporting a community of people interested in the art and geoscience connections. Although sessions advocating for art in teaching geoscience have been scattered through geoscience professional meetings for several decades, there is now a sustained presence of artists and geoscientists with their research and projects at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union. In 2011, 13 abstracts were submitted and, in 2013, 20 talks and posters were presented at the annual meeting. Participants have requested more ways to connect with each other as well as advocate for this movement of art and science to others. Several words can describe new initiatives to do this: Social, Collaborative, Connected, Informed, Networked, and Included. Social activities of informal dinners, lunches, and happy hour for interested people in the past year have provided opportunity for presenters at AGU to spend time getting to know one another. This has resulted in at least two new collaborative projects. The nascent Bella Roca and more established Geology in Art websites and their associated blogs at www.bellaroca.org and http://geologyinart.blogspot.com, respectively are dedicated to highlighting the work of artists inspired by the geosciences, connecting people and informing the community of exhibits and opportunities for collaboration. Bella Roca with its social media of Facebook (Bella Roca) and Twitter (@BellRocaGeo), is a direct outgrowth of the recent 2012 and 2013 AGU sessions and, hopefully, can be grown and sustained for this community. Articles in professional journals will also help inform the broader geoscience community of the benefit of engaging with artists and designers for both improved science knowledge and communication. Organizations such as Leonardo, the International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology, the Art Science Gallery in Austin, Texas also promote networking among artists and scientists with

Technology assessment and the Congress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, R. A.

1972-01-01

The legislative branch is considered as the major focus for technology assessment, and the functions of the Congressional Research Service in supplying Congressmen with scientific and technological development is outlined, and the need for Congress to control, assess, and integrate the various and conflicting elements for the benefit of both technology and society is stressed. The organization of the Science Policy Research Division is mentioned, and its duties in gathering facts for the increased understanding by the members of Congress are indicated. Technology assessment aspects associated with congressional committees and hearings, adequacy of advice, trends in engineering education, and the public interest are also discussed.

Discovery of an operon that participates in agmatine metabolism and regulates biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Williams, Bryan J.; Du, Rui-Hong; Calcutt, M. Wade; Abdolrasulnia, Rasul; Christman, Brian W.; Blackwell, Timothy S.

2013-01-01

Summary Agmatine is the decarboxylation product of arginine and a number of bacteria have devoted enzymatic pathways for its metabolism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbours the aguBA operon that metabolizes agmatine to putrescine, which can be subsequently converted into other polyamines or shunted into the TCA cycle for energy production. We discovered an alternate agmatine operon in the P. aeruginosa strain PA14 named agu2ABCA′ that contains two genes for agmatine deiminases (agu2A and agu2A′). This operon was found to be present in 25% of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. Agu2A′ contains a twin-arginine translocation signal at its N-terminus and site-directed mutagenesis and cell fractionation experiments confirmed this protein is secreted to the periplasm. Analysis of the agu2ABCA′ promoter demonstrates that agmatine induces expression of the operon during the stationary phase of growth and during biofilm growth and agu2ABCA′ provides only weak complementation of aguBA, which is induced during log phase. Biofilm assays of mutants of all three agmatine deiminase genes in PA14 revealed that deletion of agu2ABCA′, specifically its secreted product Agu2A′, reduces biofilm production of PA14 following addition of exogenous agmatine. Together, these findings reveal a novel role for the agu2ABCA′ operon in the biofilm development of P. aeruginosa. PMID:20149107

Approaches to Reducing Federal Spending on Military Health Care

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

medical school, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), while expanding the number of scholarships provided to students... actuaries esti- 8. Department of Defense, Evaluation of the TRICARE Program— Access, Cost and Quality: Fiscal Year 2013 Report to Congress (February...DoD’s Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences —would be closed. 4. See Congressional Budget Office, Lessons from Medicare’s Demonstration

Implementing and Sustaining Data Lifecycle best Practices: a Framework for Researchers and Repositories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stall, S.

2016-02-01

Emerging data management mandates in conjunction with cross-domain international interoperability are posing new challenges for researchers and repositories. Domain repositories are serving in this critical, growing role monitoring and leading data management standards and capability within their own repository and working on mappings between repositories internationally. Leading research institutions and companies will also be important as they develop and expand data curation efforts. This landscape poses a number of challenges for developing and ensuring the use of best practices in curating research data, enabling discovery, elevating quality across diverse repositories, and helping researchers collect and organize it through the full data life cycle. This multidimensional challenge will continue to grow in complexity. The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is developing two programs to help researchers and data repositories develop and elevate best practices and address these challenges. The goal is to provide tools for the researchers and repositories, whether domain, institutional, or other, that improve performance throughout the data lifecycle across the Earth and space science community. For scientists and researchers, AGU is developing courses around handling data that can lead toward a certification in geoscience data management. Course materials will cover metadata management and collection, data analysis, integration of data, and data presentation. The course topics are being finalized by the advisory board with the first one planned to be available later this year. AGU is also developing a program aimed at helping data repositories, large and small, domain-specific to general, assess and improve data management practices. AGU has partnered with the CMMI® Institute to adapt their Data Management Maturity (DMM)SM framework within the Earth and space sciences. A data management assessment using the DMMSM involves identifying accomplishments and

Defense Acquisitions: How and Where DOD Spends and Reports Its Contracting Dollars

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-20

Sargent Jr. Specialist in Science and Technology Policy Gabriel M. Nelson Research Assistant Ceir Coral National Defense Fellow December 20, 2016......Congressional Research Service Summary The Department of Defense (DOD) has long relied on contractors to provide the U.S. military with a wide range

An overview of the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership science and research synthesis: Chapter 1 in The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership science and research synthesis: science to support land management in southern Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chambers, Jeanne C.; Brooks, Matthew L.; Turner, Kent; Raish, Carol B.; Ostoja, Steven M.

2013-01-01

Maintaining and restoring the diverse ecosystems and resources that occur in southern Nevada in the face of rapid socio-economic and ecological change presents numerous challenged to Federal land managers. Rapid population growth since the 1980s, the land uses associated with that growth, and the interactions of those uses with the generally dry and highly variable climate result in numerous stresses to ecosystems, species, and cultural resource. In addition, climate models predict that the rate of temperature increase and, thus, changes in ecological processes, will be highest for ecosystems like the Mojave Desert. The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP; http:www.SNAP.gov) was established in 1999 to address common issues pertaining to public lands in southern Nevada. Partners include the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service and they work with each other, the local community, and other partners. SNAP agencies manage more than seven million acres of public lands in southern Nevada (95% of the land area). Federal land includes two national recreation areas, two national conservation area, four national wildlife refuges, 18 congressionally designated wilderness areas, five wilderness study areas, and 22 areas of critical environmental concern. The partnership's activities are mainly centered in Southern Nevada's Clark County (fig. 1.1), but lands managed by SNAP partner agencies also include portions of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Mohave County, Arizona, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service-managed lands in Lincoln and Nye Counties, Nevada, and all lands and activities managed by the Southern Nevada District Office of the Bureau of Land Management. These lands encompass nine distinct ecosystem types (fig. 1.2), support multiple species of management concern an 17 listed species, and are rich in cultural and historic resource. This introductory executive summary

Ideological Power in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laursen, Per F.

2006-01-01

This article agues that ideological power plays an important role in education and that it is part of a general trend in policy and social sciences to underestimate ideological and overestimate the role of political and economic power. The article sketches a concept of power in general and especially of ideological power based primarily on the…

Oltmans Receives 2013 Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award: Citation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Anne

2014-08-01

Samuel "Sam" Oltmans, an AGU Fellow since 2007, was head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Global Monitoring Division Ozone and Water Vapor group for more than 30 years. He is currently a senior research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences (CIRES) of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Formulating the American Geophysical Union's Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy: Challenges and lessons learned: Chapter 8

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gundersen, Linda C.; Townsend, Randy

2017-01-01

Creating an ethics policy for a large, diverse geosciences organization is a challenge, especially in the midst of the current contentious dialogue in the media related to such issues as climate change, sustaining natural resources, and responding to natural hazards. In 2011, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) took on this challenge, creating an Ethics Task Force to update their ethics policies to better support their new Strategic Plan and respond to the changing scientific research environment. Dialogue with AGU members and others during the course of creating the new policy unveiled some of the following issues to be addressed. Scientific results and individual scientists are coming under intense political and public scrutiny, with the efficacy of the science being questioned. In some cases, scientists are asked to take sides and/or provide opinions on issues beyond their research, impacting their objectivity. Pressure related to competition for funding and the need to publish high quality and quantities of papers has led to recent high profile plagiarism, data fabrication, and conflict of interest cases. The complexities of a continuously advancing digital environment for conducting, reviewing, and publishing science has raised concerns over the ease of plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, inappropriate peer review, and the need for better accessibility of data and methods. Finally, students and scientists need consistent education and encouragement on the importance of ethics and integrity in scientific research. The new AGU Scientific Integrity and Ethics Policy tries to address these issues and provides an inspirational code of conduct to encourage a responsible, positive, open, and honest scientific research environment.

A Science-Driven Photojournalistic Documentation of Climate Change (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braasch, G.; Rothlein, J. E.

2013-12-01

Office of the President; two original books (one for middle schools with a co-author); publication in hundreds of magazines, textbooks and public interest websites; use during university, government and civic seminars and scientific meetings; and distribution among and use by Congressional offices. Most recently the project inspired films about youth involvement in citizen science and climate change education; and co-developed Apps for the iPad and iPhone which graphically show climate-driven changes in repeat photographs and maps. Financial support for this work has come principally from publication fees and grants from small foundations and individuals (via Blue Earth Alliance of Seattle).

Simulating Issue Networks in Small Classes using the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Josefson, Jim; Casey, Kelly

2000-01-01

Provides background information on simulations and active learning. Discusses the use of simulations in political science courses. Describes a simulation exercise where students performed specific institutional role playing, simulating the workings of a single congressional issue network, based on the reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act.…

Roles and Resources of Federal Agencies in Support of Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council, Washington, DC. Div. of Medical Sciences.

Divided into two major parts, this report summarizes the findings, recommendations, and conclusions of the National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council's analysis of the current function and potential capacity of congressionally appointed federal agencies relative to providing emergency medical care services. More specifically, the…

The Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Caucus and the Congressional Academic Competition: History and Current

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-20

courses, and a tutorial for developing apps on Android phones and in Apples and Windows environments.10 Judging Members are free to select judges...onlinecao.house.gov/housenet- multimedia /code/stem-member-page.txt. The STEM Caucus and the Congessional Academic Competition: History and Current

Attracting Students Into Science: Insights From a Summer Research Internship Program for Community College Students in Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, S. P.; Smith, L. K.; Gold, A. U.; Batchelor, R. L.; Monday, B.

2014-12-01

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs commonly serve students already committed to careers in science. To spark student interest in the sciences early in their college career, the CIRES diversity initiative teamed with the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory to build an REU for Colorado community college students. A group of 7 students was selected from consideration of diversity, prior training, and personal statements. Each student was paired with a research science mentor. Field excursions and team-building exercises filled the first week of the 8-week program. Students received weekly training in science communication, responsible conduct of research, use of spreadsheet and graphing software, and statistical analysis. Each student presented their research in a poster session, an oral presentation, and a written report. Several aspects of this pilot program worked well. The students formed a very supportive cohort, despite the fact that they were not in residence. Cohesion grew out of the immersion in field trips, and was reinforced with weekly check-ins. The trainings were essential for seeing projects through to written and oral presentations. Teaming students for fieldwork was an effective strategy to build support, and reduce mentor fatigue. Each student produced useful data. In the future, we would include a workshop on personal finances to address a clear need. Transportation support will be provided. A residential program might attract some but could preclude participation of students with families or other life-issues. Personal tutoring tailored to research projects would address low math skills. All 7 students completed the program; several elected to submit to the undergraduate virtual poster session at Fall AGU. Students all reported enormous personal and academic growth. Some are discussing transfer and graduate school opportunities with their mentors. The enthusiasm and appreciation of the students was unparalleled.

Research Opportunities in Solid Earth Science (RESESS): Broadening Participation in Geology and Geophysics (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksson, S. C.; Hubenthal, M.

2009-12-01

RESESS is a multi-year, paid, summer research internship program designed for students from underrepresented groups. The students receive extensive mentoring in science research and communication and become part of a community that provides ongoing support. This has been possible in the initial 5 years of the program through collaboration with Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS), where solid earth students have been an integral part of the SOARS cohort, benefiting from social as well as educational interactions. 11 students have taken part in RESESS for at least one year and of these, four students have graduated in geoscience and entered graduate programs in geophysics and one was recently awarded an NSF graduate fellowship. Students have presented over 20 posters at national science meetings, and one has co-authored a peer-reviewed article. 23 scientists have mentored students over the past 5 years and 17 percent of these mentors are from underrepresented groups in science; 19 other scientists and university/science consortia staff have mentored students in written and verbal presentations and supported their integration into the local communities. Mentorship over a period of years is one important hallmark of this program as students have benefited from the support of UNAVCO, IRIS, USGS, and university scientists and staff during the summer, academic year, and at professional meetings such as AGU, GSA, NABGG, and SACNAS as well as consortia and project science workshops (UNAVCO, IRIS, and EarthScope). One goal of the project has been to educate the scientific community on the benefits of mentoring undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Increasingly, scientists are approaching RESESS to include this program in their implementation of broader impacts. RESESS has been funded by NSF for the next five years with plans to expand the number of students, geographic and scientific diversity, and sources of

The role of two families of bacterial enzymes in putrescine synthesis from agmatine via agmatine deiminase.

PubMed

Landete, José M; Arena, Mario E; Pardo, Isabel; Manca de Nadra, María C; Ferrer, Sergi

2010-12-01

Putrescine, one of the main biogenic amines associated to microbial food spoilage, can be formed by bacteria from arginine via ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), or from agmatine via agmatine deiminase (AgDI). This study aims to correlate putrescine production from agmatine to the pathway involving N-carbamoylputrescine formation via AdDI (the aguA product) and N-carbamoylputrescine amidohydrolase (the aguB product), or putrescine carbamoyltransferase (the ptcA product) in bacteria. PCR methods were developed to detect the two genes involved in putrescine production from agmatine. Putrescine production from agmatine could be linked to the aguA and ptcA genes in Lactobacillus hilgardii X1B, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 11700, and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. By contrast Lactobacillus sakei 23K was unable to produce putrescine, and although a fragment of DNA corresponding to the gene aguA was amplified, no amplification was observed for the ptcA gene. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 produces putrescine and is reported to harbour aguA and aguB genes, responsible for agmatine deiminase and N-carbamoylputrescine amidohydrolase activities. The enzyme from P. aeruginosa PAO1 that converts N-carbamoylputrescine to putrescine (the aguB product) is different from other microorganisms studied (the ptcA product). Therefore, the aguB gene from P. aeruginosa PAO1 could not be amplified with ptcA-specific primers. The aguB and ptcA genes have frequently been erroneously annotated in the past, as in fact these two enzymes are neither homologous nor analogous. Furthermore, the aguA, aguB and ptcA sequences available from GenBank were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, revealing that gram-positive bacteria harboured ptcA, whereas gram-negative bacteria harbour aguB. This paper also discusses the role of the agmatine deiminase system (AgDS) in acid stress resistance.

Shortage of Engineers and Scientists. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. United States Senate One Hundred First Congress, Second Session on Training Scientists and Engineers for the Year 2000--The National Science Foundation's Role.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

This document is the transcript of a Congressional hearing focusing on the status of the training of scientists and engineers in the United States and the role of the federal government in the improvement of this situation. Included are opening statements from Senators Albert Gore, Jr. (Tennessee), Robert W. Kasten, Jr. (Wisconsin), and Larry…

Water Resources Research supports water economics submissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, Ronald C.

2012-09-01

AGU's international interdisciplinary journal Water Resources Research (WRR) publishes original contributions in hydrology; the physical, chemical, and biological sciences; and the social and policy sciences, including economics, systems analysis, sociology, and law. With the rising relevance of water economics and related social sciences, the editors of WRR continue to encourage submissions on economics and policy. WRR was originally founded in the mid 1960s by Walter Langbein and economist Allen Kneese. Several former WRR editors have been economists—including David Brookshire, Ron Cummings, and Chuck Howe—and many landmark articles in water economics have been published in WRR.

The ESWN network as a platform to increase international collaboration between women in the Earth Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braker, Gesche; Wang, Yiming; Glessmer, Mirjam; Kirchgaessner, Amelie

2014-05-01

The Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN; ESWNonline.org) is an international peer-mentoring network of women in the Earth Sciences, many in the early stages of their careers. ESWN's mission is to promote career development, build community, provide opportunities for informal mentoring and support, and facilitate professional collaborations. This has been accomplished via email and a listserv, on Facebook, at in-person networking events, and at professional development workshops. In an effort to facilitate international connections among women in the Earth Sciences, ESWN has developed a password protected community webpage supported by AGU and a National Science Foundation ADVANCE grant where members can create an online presence and interact with each other. For example, groups help women to connect with co-workers or center around a vast array of topics ranging from research interests, funding opportunities, work-life balance, teaching, scientific methods, and searching for a job to specific challenges faced by women in the earth sciences. Members can search past discussions and share documents like examples of research statements, useful interview materials, or model recommendation letters. Over the last 10 years, ESWN has grown by word of mouth to include more than 1600 members working on all 7 continents. ESWN also offers professional development workshops at major geologic conferences around the world and at ESWN-hosted workshops mostly exclusively throughout the United States. In 2014, ESWN offers a two day international workshop on communication and networking skills and career development. Women working in all disciplines of Earth Sciences from later PhD level up to junior professors in Europe are invited to the workshop that will be held in Kiel, Germany. The workshop offers participants an individual personality assessment and aims at providing participants with improved communication and networking skills. The second focus will be to teach them how to

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-02-22

During a visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Congressional House Committee on Science and Astronautics toured the S-IVB workshop. Pictured here are MSFC’s Dr. Wernher von Braun (standing) and Congressman Miller, Democratic representative of California (sitting on the ergometer bicycle) inside the workshop.

Fall Meeting science covered widely in news and social media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Peter

2012-02-01

Journalists found a lot to report about at the 2011 Fall Meeting, which has so far generated about 1800 stories in news outlets worldwide. More than 135 reporters covered the meeting, representing a broad range of print, online, and broadcast news sources in the United States, Europe, and Japan. To assist those reporters, AGU staff conducted and Web-streamed an unprecedented 25 press events at the meeting—mostly press conferences bringing together scientists presenting newsworthy fndings and journalists eager for stories.

Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability: High School Students Teaching Environmental Science to Policymakers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, S.; Tamsitt, V. M.

2016-02-01

A two week high school course for high-achieving 10th-12th graders was developed through the combined efforts of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Graduate Students and UC San Diego Academic Connections. For the high school students involved, one week was spent at SIO learning basic climate science and researching climate-related topics, and one week was spent in Washington D.C. lobbying Congress for an environmental issue of their choosing. The specific learning goals of the course were for students to (1) collect, analyze and interpret scientific data, (2) synthesize scientific research for policy recommendations, (3) craft and deliver a compelling policy message, and (4) understand and experience change. In this first year, 10 students conducted research on two scientific topics; sea level rise using pier temperature data and California rainfall statistics using weather stations. Simultaneous lessons on policy messaging helped students learn how to focus scientific information for non-scientists. In combining the importance of statistics from their Science lessons with effective communication from their Policy lessons, the students developed issue papers which highlighted an environmental problem, the solution, and the reason their solution is most effective. The course culminated in two days of meetings on Capitol Hill, where they presented their solutions to their Congressional and Senate Members, conversed with policymakers, and received constructive feedback. Throughout the process, the students effectively defined arguments for an environmental topic in a program developed by SIO Graduate Students.

Cassak and Cully Receive 2008 F. L. Scarf Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2008-12-01

Paul Adam Cassak and Christopher M. Cully have been awarded the F. L. Scarf Award, given annually to recent Ph.D. recipients for outstanding dissertation research that contributes directly to solar-planetary sciences. They will be formally presented with the award at the SPA Section Dinner during the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting, which will be held 15-19 December in San Francisco, Calif.

Including Media in Field Research and Becoming Part of the Science Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelto, M. S.

2015-12-01

There are two primary strategies that I have pursued over the last decade to engage the media, policy makers, and public; after two decades of typical scientific publication methods. An effective method to engage the media with our ongoing 32 year glacier field research program has been to invite media members to join us in the field. From climate videographers to traditional reporters we have had a member of the media with us in nine of the last ten field seasons; two in 2015. The resulting stories have led to several awards for the journalists and an ongoing relationship with our research program. The second part of this science research communication strategy is to have readily available material on specific topics for the media to utilize; this requires social media outreach. The primary outlet media find is the AGU Blog: From a Glacier's Perspective. This blog pubishes two articles a week on a specific glacier's response to climate change. The blog yields on average a media contact on every fourth blog post in 2015. The contacts revolve around specific local glacier information published on the blog. The goal of each blog post is to tell a story about how each glacier is impacted by climate change.

Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-10-01

Sean C. Solomon, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, has been selected as one of 10 recipients of the National Medal of Science, the White House announced on 3 October. The medal is considered the highest U.S. honor for achievement and leadership in advancing the field of science. Solomon served as AGU president from 1996 to 1998 and currently is the principal investigator of NASA's MESSENGER mission to Mercury. He will receive the medal at a White House ceremony later this year.