Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences – Bethesda, MD
Contact: Dr. J Mauri Hamilton, Deputy Vice President for Recruitment & Diversity
Phone: (301) 295-9561
Email: jhamilton@usuhs.mil
Web Site: http://www.usuhs.mil/

F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine
Combine a career as a physician with that of a military officer. Students pay no tuition or fees to attend medical school, receive residency training, and serve on active duty as commissioned officers. Students receive an annual officers salary and benefits. Free medical care for students and families, tax free housing allowance, and 30 days annual leave. Medical graduates serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Public Health Services.

Graduate Education in the Basic Sciences
USU also offers offers program leading to a PhD in the following disciplines: Emerging Infectious Diseases, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Environmental Health Sciences, Medical Psychology, Medical Zoology, Pathology, Applied Human Biology, Undersea Medicine, Public Health, and Aerospace Physiology. Masters degrees are possible in Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and Military Medical History. Civilian applicants are welcomed and encouraged to apply and are provided with financial support in the form of stipends that begins at $21,000 per year. Tuition, fees and books are also provided free and no service obligation is incurred.

Information Link
Would you like to learn about the programs and opportunities at our member graduate/professional schools? Click here to access information. If you correspond directly with the contact person, please remember to mention that you are a Ventures Scholar.

Questionnaire
If you would like to share your academic and career goals with the member graduate and professional schools, please go to http://www.venturescholar.org/undergrad/gradinquiry.asp and you will receive a response from the selected institutions.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Jenny Zilaro, Manager of Education Programs
Phone: (919) 547-5214
Email: jzilaro@sigmaxi.org
Web Site: www.sigmaxi.org

The international honor society of science and engineering, Sigma Xi (Xi is pronounced with a "Z" sound--Sigma "Zi"--as in "xylophone) has nearly 65,000 members who were elected to membership based on their research potential or achievements. More than 500 Sigma Xi chapters in North America and around the world provide a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research at colleges and universities, industry research centers and government laboratories. Nearly 200 members have won the Nobel Prize.

Sigma Xi hosts an array of programs and activities. Many are administered directly through more than 500 local chapters. There are many long-standing programs of the Society, which continue to be central to the Society's overall mission. These include American Scientist magazine, the 75 year old Grants-in-Aid of Research Program, a number of prestigious prizes and awards, and the college of Distinguished Lecturers. The Sigma Xi Annual Meeting is also accompanied by the Sigma Xi Student Research Conference which highlights outstanding research by undergraduates and exceptional high school students.

The growing portfolio of Sigma Xi programs include newer offerings that capitalize on the Society's unique strengths and characteristics, such as the Media Resource Service and the Science Advocacy Program. Grants from the National Science Foundation have supported the development of chapter-based programs in both education and ethics, and Sigma Xi offers small grants to support education programs at the chapter level. Partnerships with other organizations provide opportunities for Sigma Xi chapters to participate in mentoring networks and workshop opportunities, to name a few.

Information Link
Would you like to learn about the member professional associations? Click here to access information. If you correspond directly with the contact person, please remember to mention that you are a Ventures Scholar.

Questionnaire
If you would like to ask questions to the professional associations and organizations, go to http://www.venturescholar.org/scholars/assocquest.asp and complete this form.

Take time to read some of the articles in the News and Views section. Do you feel the excitement of the Ventures Scholars who completed internships! Take their advice.

To access additional information about internships, go to http://www.venturescholar.org/resource/research_process.html

The Ventures Scholars Program is developing a list of links to assorted internships and fellowships.

Go to http://www.venturescholar.org/resource/internship_listing.html

There are many links to free personality and career assessments. Take a few and see if you’re on track!

Go to http://www.venturescholar.org/resource/assessments-ug.html.

During the month of October communication science and disorders departments from across the country will invite high school and undergraduate students to their campuses to learn about the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Students will attend sessions that explain the coursework and requirements to practice in the profession, meet students and professionals that will share their day-to-day experiences, take a tour of the campus facilities, and participate in a hearing screening.

How can I get more information about CSD Career Awareness Month?

Visit the CSD Career Awareness Month Web site http://www.nsslha.org/NSSLHA/CSDmonth/ to learn more!

Take the time to attend a conference! You will learn about the latest activities in your career area and you’ll be able to network. Here is a link that provides you with conference opportunities in April, May, and June.

Read more:
http://www.justgarciahill.org/jghdocs/webevent.asp

About the Author: Joel W, from Rennselear Polytechnic Institute is interested in all types of research, including but not limited to: biomedical, physics, chemical, etc. He intends to declare his major as Nuclear Physics

Summer Research
I don’t know how everyone's summer went, but mine was quite amazing! Though it was hard work getting up at 6:00AM and not getting home until after 8:30PM every day, my summer research position provided me with one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Towards the end of my senior year at high school in Texas I received an acceptance letter from the King Foundation for Research. During the summer, I was rewarded with limitless opportunities for research everyday, all while doing this at one of the top cancer institutes in the world, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. I would highly recommend looking for internships NOW! Don't wait until summer comes. Do it now.

About the Author: Stacyann R. is a sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She is involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (regional finance chair), the Black Association of North Campus Students, the Communication Technology Scholars Program, and the Annual African American Heritage Festival (committee chair).

2005 Summer Internship at Cummins, Inc.
This summer I interned at Cummins Inc. in Columbus, IN. I worked in the product engineering department. While there I was able to work on the calibration and emmisions of the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 engines. I conducted a research on the use of alternate fuels and how it would effect the engine. In addition, I helped write the new engine building standards for the 2007 Dodge Ram. Cummins was an extraordinary company to work for. The employees were very nice and always went above and beyond their duty to help me with anything I needed. During the summer, there were several opportunities in which the top executive came and talked with the interns about the company culture and important factors to consider when choosing a job. The team I worked with was also very helpful and a lot of fun. I was able to learn so much about engines and how the courses I took freshman year will be applied in the real world. I give this internship an A+!

About the Author: Jessica J. is from Washington, D.C. and currently attends Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. She is a freshman "TRF" major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications.

My Summer Job
In the months leading up to graduation, I found myself in my Dean's office on the telephone with a Ms. Cole. I'd applied for a job in the entertainment industry, especially created for high school students, and she was calling to conduct an impromptu telephone interview. Completely unprepared, flustered, and in the middle of making an afternoon snack (Ramen noodles--meal of champions), I answered her questions as best I could, hoping I'd sound at least half-intelligent. When I put the phone down, I felt kind of defeated. I knew I hadn't given her what I THOUGHT she wanted to hear and I knew my background experience was probably nil in comparison to the hundreds of other kids that applied. Then three weeks later came the follow-up interview--from CNN in Washington, D.C. Yes. I spent my summer at CNN. I could tell you all about meeting Wolf Blitzer, sitting in the control room during the Situation Room's live broadcast, about one of my fellow interns who completed her own package [package: story developed over time, usually including the use of the video library, and requiring the writer to work with an editor and producer to broadcast the story, or even about the time I clocked in the HR File Room. However, those things are to be, and SHOULD be, expected when you take FULL advantage of the opportunities with which you are presented. To all you Ventures' Scholars out there, I hope that with every thread of a chance that comes your way, you grab hold for dear life. My experience in the field of TV consists of nothing more than a 10 minute documentary I did almost 4 years ago! However, through persistence, proven enthusiasm (this can be CRUCIAL!), and willingness to learn, I've conquered a major hurdle early in my career. My résumé thanks me for it, too. So next summer, when I return to CNN, I'll have a shot at--not just the file room--but the newsroom. To everyone who may read this, good luck in all of your future endeavors, and maximize EVERY chance to succeed.