Donate to KAS

KAS

has been standing up for Science in Kentucky since 1914! We encourage aspiring scientists, promote science literacy, give science a voice in policymaking, and recognize those who make the future brighter through scientific discovery.

DONATE HERE

Science Job Postings

We have some terrific opportunities this month that you can view at our

jobs page

.

Please send any job announcements to executivedirector@kyscience.org and include contact information and closing date. 

Share your news with KAS members

If you have something to share in the monthly KAS newsletter, get in touch with our Newsletter editor,

Mark dela Cerna.

Follow us on social media!

Follow us on social media!

Publish in the KAS Journal

The

Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science

publishes work in the Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.

Digital issues are published as Issues-in-Progress which expedites publication for authors.  

Looking for Research Funding or Scholarships

News from Partners

EPSCoR & IDeA News Established Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA), including federal funding opportunities and more! EPSCoR is a program serving states such as Kentucky, to build capacity for federally funded scientific research.

Ky- INBRE Recent News  KY IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence supports biomedical researchers and educators within the Commonwealth. The purpose of the network is to develop infrastructure and capacity for biomedical research and training in the state. Their newsletter  has training events, funding leads, and job opportunities.  You can also subscribe at the above link.

How to Join the KAS Listserv

KAS has set up a listserv so our members can talk to each other, to share science-related news & announcements, offers, requests, questions and answers.

 Opt In to the listserv:

Log In at the KAS website (

https://kyscience.org/

)

In the Member Menu, go to Communication / Message Boards

Click to Opt In to the KAS Member Listserv (and choose the Daily Digest option if  you prefer)

To post to the listserv, send a message to

kyscience@memberleap.com

KAS to offer Science Advocates Workshops

Rob Weber

Spread the word! KAS’s popular Science Advocacy Workshops are once again being offered.
 
Designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, these workshops aim to empower participants with essential advocacy skills crucial for amplifying the science community's voice in shaping public policy. Though the workshops are tailored for students, all KAS members are welcome to gain insights about advocating for science and following issues throughout the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2024 session.


Upon completion of both workshops, each participant will receive certification as a “Kentucky Science Advocate.” Click here to register for free.  
Click here for full story!

Get more involved with KAS on one of our Committees

Do you care about how science is being used by decision makers in Frankfort? Come to a KAS Policy Committee meeting to promote better science in state policy. We are going to be reviewing bills being introduced in this 2024 legislative session and looking for opportunities to ensure the best science available is being taken into consideration. The committee currently meets (on zoom) 2nd Wednesdays at 12:30pm ET but we may set up more meetings during the legislative session--- and you can always review bills  on your own time! Contact Rob Weber or Amanda Fuller if you'd like to join.

Are you passionate about advancing science education, supporting teachers, and promoting science literacy more broadly in Kentucky? Come to a KAS Education & Engagement Committee meeting. We're developing resources & programs for K12 STEM teachers, and promoting our existing programs like Mentor Match and the Science Speakers Bureau.  Help us bring more science to more people in Kentucky! We currently meet (on zoom) on 4th Mondays at 10am ET. Contact Rob Weber or Amanda Fuller if you'd like to join.

The Industry Committee is building connections with our STEM colleagues in the private sector and working to diversify membership within KAS. If you have connections with STEM employers and researchers in the private sector in Kentucky, or if you'd like to help us make these connections, we'd love to have you on this team. Email us if you'd like to join!

Feel free to get in touch if interested or if you have questions about any of our committees and initiatives!

KAS Journal is seeking editor for Social Science & Science Education

The Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Sciences is seeking an editor to work with papers in the social sciences and science education. These are new fields of interest that have been added to the journal in the last four years. If you are interested in helping to work with regional papers dealing with these disciplines, please contact Editor in Chief, Frank R. Ettensohn, at

fettens@uky.edu

Thank you

General Assembly’s 2024 session underway

Rob Weber

During the first week of legislative activity, approximately 200 bills were introduced. Topics include PFAS "forever chemicals,” soil health, mathematics instruction, water fluoridation, and cancer screenings. You can find complete listing of bills in the General Assembly’s online record or you can see bills singled out for tracking by the KAS Science Policy Committee here.



One of the most convenient ways to share your thoughts with lawmakers about bills under consideration is by calling the General Assembly’s toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You’ll find more ways to stay in touch with action at the State Capitol and provide feedback through the “Advocacy Toolkit” offered by KAS.
 
If you are interested in being part of the KAS Science Policy Committee, which meets online at 12:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, we’d be glad to welcome you! Please send a message to policy@kyscience.org to be added to the policy team’s email list.
Click here for the full story.

Appalachian Regional Commission Summer Study Programs

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2024, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers.

The

Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA)

 prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. AEA will be held from July 6-19, 2024, at the

Appalachian State University

. 

The

Appalachian STEM Academy

is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region.

The application deadline for both opportunities is on

February 2nd 2024

.

Click here to learn more about the programs.

KYTC Scholarships for Civil Engineering or Construction Management

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offers several scholarship opportunities, all due on February 1st 2024. Three scholarship programs are available in Civil Engineering, Civil Engeering Technology, and Construction Management. Additional details and application links to these scholarship programs can be found by following this link.



KYTC also offers co-op and internships programs for high school and college students, including a Minority Internship Program and Transportation Mechanic Apprenticeship Program. Details about this program are also available in the KYTC webpage.

Undergraduates: Apply now for summer research opportunities

It's time to apply for NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)! Most program deadlines are in mid-February.



The Kentucky Academy of Science has updated our list of undergraduate research opportunities for Summer 2024. Click here to find some of these Undergraduate Research Opportunities, including a link to search nationally for a program that fits your interests. 

Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) applications open until Feb 9

The Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) is a networking conference where younger scientists not only get to network with their peers, but also have the unique opportunity to meet the pioneers in their fields. Only 200 young researchers will be invited to Heidelberg every September and there is an open application until February 9th 2024.


 
Please share with undergraduate/graduate students or post-doctoral fellows in mathematics and computer science or closely related fields. Attending the HLF is a truly beneficial experience that provides the next generation of researchers not only with a resourceful network but also sustainable career development.

CASE workshop for students interested in Science Policy

Higher Ed Summit January 26 for Science educators

On behalf of the Higher Ed Summit Planning Committee and PIMSER, we are reaching out to request your participation in the annual Higher Ed Summit on Jan. 26th.  A goal for this event is to have a science and science ed faculty who teach a science course for teachers to represent each institution across Kentucky.  A primary goal of the event is to allow for sharing of expertise to support highly effective preparation programs across the state. The day is built around discussing challenges and solutions and sharing resources or identifying grant submissions to raise the quality of P-12 science teacher preparation. Sharing of information and initiatives from the KY Dept of Education Science consultants, Erica Baker and Amanda Prewitt, will be provided as part of the agenda.


Follow this link for more details, including session descriptions and registration. The program will accept registrations until January 24th 2024.

Teachers Apply by Feb 1-- National STEM Scholar Program

  • enjoys the creativity in teaching

  • is eager to share ideas with colleagues

  • is excited about networking with peers from across the U.S.

  • Would like financial and academic support for great ideas

Free Professional Development & service learning for faculty or grad students

Starting in January, Wiki Education is running a series of (free!) virtual training courses to guide scholars through the process of improving at least one high-visibility Wikipedia article related to the 2024 US Election. 



In this program, participants will meet with a team of experts for 8 weeks, learning the ins and outs of adding academic content to Wikipedia with a built-in peer support system. One of the foundations for a strong democracy is that the electorate has access to reliable information about elections, and we know people look to Wikipedia to guide them during election season. In fact, in 2020, Wikipedia’s article about the 2020 United States presidential election reached more than 25 million readers.

There's room to improve articles related to policy and law, candidates or other relevant figures, and even issues that will interest voters in 2024. Academics and graduate students are invited to sign up for one of these courses!

For questions, contact Jami Mathewson (jami_at_wikiedu.org), the Director of Partnerships at Wiki Education.

Did You Know? Free Pubs from the National Academies of Science

Science Fairs need judges

Science fairs are a great way to meet the next generation of Kentuckian scientists and to celebrate the scientific creativity of students in our state. Learn more by visiting the webpage for the following science fairs throughout Kentucky.