CS GSA :: Latest News and Announcements

Latest News and Annonuncements from the CS GSA

The latest news and announcements from the CS GSA are displayed below. Previous news and announcements can be accessed from the monthly archive on the right.

CS GSA News Archive 11 - Sep 2008

- CS GSA Elections - Call for nominations - 9/30/08

Dear CS Graduate Students,

Hello! The current CS GSA committee would like to welcome you all to the new academic year of 2008-09. Last year, the CS GSA committee was elected at the beginning of the Fall quarter and keeping in tradition, we would like to announce the call for nominations for the CS GSA committee of '08-'09.

About CS GSA:
CS GSA, or the Graduate Student Association of the CS Dept., is a constituent of the University wide Graduate Student Governance Association (GSGA). Among other things, the CS GSA is responsible for representing and protecting the interests of their members, organizing events and activities that promote academic and research excellence in the Dept. as well a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the members, and assisting the students in availing the student travel grants from the GSGA.

CS GSA Officers:
We have 4 positions in the CS GSA committee - the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary and the Treasurer. The detailed description of the responsibilities of each of these positions can be read from the CS GSA constitution and bylaws ( http://cs.uc.edu/~csgsa/constitutionCur.php ).

Election Rules and Deadlines:

All CS Dept. graduate students are eligible to contest in any of the four officer positions. Students are also welcome to contest as a slate (i.e. as a group of size less than or equal to 4, for different positions). See the CS GSA constitution for details.
For nomination, email csgsa@ececs.uc.edu with the subject "CS GSA Election Nomination". The email should include the name(s) of the person(s) and should clearly indicate the position(s) that he/she/they are contesting along with contact information. Candidates are welcome to include any additional information about themselves or their proposed agenda in their email; all this information will be made available in the CS GSA website.
Your nominations must be received by the end of Tuesday, Sep 30, 2008. The election will be held in the first week of October in conjunction with the ECE GSA election. The candidates will be contacted with further details.

A note to all students from the current committee:
We would like to encourage as many people as possible to contest in the CS GSA elections. Being a committee member of the CS GSA is an unique leadership position that allows you to interact closely with not only the students and faculty in our Dept but also with a lot of people from other areas in and outside the University. It offers you an ideal opportunity to strive for improving the quality of life of fellow graduate students and also provides you an insight on the workings of the University. We hope to see several nominations for each position.

Information on the election will also be posted on the CS GSA website: http://www.cs.uc.edu/~csgsa/ . If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at csgsa@ececs.uc.edu or contact Aravind, the current secretary of CS GSA, at rangana@email.uc.edu

Thanks,
--CS GSA

- Research Talks, CS Dept. - 10/03/08, 10/17/08

The following two research Talks have been scheduled as part of CS research colloquia for this quarter. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the talks you have interest in.

Title: Multivariable Public Key Cryptosystems by Prof. Jintai Ding of Maths Department, UC
Date: Oct 3rd, 2008
Time & Place: Baldwin 645 from 4PM - 5PM
Title: Is Quantum the Holy Grail of Computing? by Prof. Subhash Kak, Oklahoma State University
Date: Oct 17th, 2008
Time & Place: Baldwin 645 from 4PM - 5PM
Abstract: Some quantum computing algorithms can be orders of magnitude faster than the fastest classical algorithms. The talk will take a look at quantum computing to see what we can expect from it in the near future. The prospects for building efficient quantum gates and implementation of quantum algorithms will be examined.

- Nominate Your Research Advisor Now! - ASAP

Attention postdocs and graduate students of the University of Cincinnati:

Have you received outstanding scientific training from your research mentor/advisor?

Would you give an enthusiastic recommendation to an incoming postdoc/graduate student to join your lab due to your advisor's ability to both suggest innovative research, and train you to do it successfully and ethically?

This is your chance to tell your advisor how much their training has helped you. Please nominate him/her to speak on our upcoming faculty panel concerning the state of postdoctoral/graduate training at the University of Cincinnati. This seminar will involve a brief introduction to some of the important issues facing today's postdocs and graduate students, followed by a faculty panel discussion on the best practices for handling these issues. We really need your help to identify these highly qualified research advisors - so if you feel that the training you are receiving at the University of Cincinnati has been outstanding, please let us know which research advisor is providing it for you!

Thank you!
-- The University of Cincinnati Postdoctoral Association and the Office of Research

Please reply to cincypdfa@gmail.com .

- Graduate Student and Family Housing Closings Committee

We need two members to participate in our Graduate Student and Family Housing Closings Committee. This committee will be essential in doing benchmarking and research to tackle the GFH closing issues. As you know, UC administration formed another task force to address the GFH closings, and now is our chance to make our case the best we can.

UC campus currently stands as the only campus among its benchmarked institutions that does not offer Graduate Student and Family housings. Please contact me, if you are interested. Your help will be much appreciated.

--Ezgi Akpinar, GSGA President, akpinae@email.uc.edu

- Fall Graduation Deadline - 10/03/08

If you plan to graduate in the Fall, December 13, 2008 graduation you must apply for graduation by October 3, 2008 .

There is a new on-line graduation application system starting this quarter. Please apply early so if there are any problems with your application we will have time to get them resolved. To apply go to https://www.grad.uc.edu/graduation/

All materials for this graduation must be submitted by November 21, 2008.

- Election Day Job - 9/30/08

UC Poll Cats gives students who are at least 17 years old the opportunity to work for the Board of Elections on Election Day, Tuesday November 4, 2008. The average age of a poll worker is 72, voting equipment and election laws are becoming much more complex, polling place hours are longer when voter turnout is high and working at the polls requires moving and setting up voting machines. As a result, current Poll Workers are retiring and the BOE seeks to recruit 18 to 31 year olds to assist voters with electronic voting equipment and new voting procedures.

In addition to compensation of $155 , the poll work enables students to acquire a real life-hands on civics lesson in the voting process, provides a meaningful community service experience, and an entry point for students to become engaged in the electoral process. Students will be paid for:

attending a 4-hour training class (classes are held across the county in various locations and times).
working from 7:00 -7:30 p.m. on Monday November 3, the night before Election Day to help set up the polling place.
working on Election Day from 6:00 a.m. to about 8:30 p.m.

In appropriate classes UC instructors may also agree by signing the student's application form to award credit for a course assignment in conjunction with the poll work. All poll workers must

be at least 17 years old
be US Citizens and residents of Hamilton County.
be registered to vote (even if they are 17 years old).
attend a 4-hour training course
come to Monday night Polling Place set up from 7-7:30 pm
provide their own transportation to the polls on Election Day.
not have a felony conviction, unless reversed, expunged or pardoned

Complete and submit the accompanying form by September 30 to apply. Keep this letter and the accompanying FAQ sheet for reference. The BOE website at http://www.votehamiltoncounty.org has extensive information on voter registration, polling locations, absentee ballots, and special guidelines to assist poll workers. Poll Cats applications can be downloaded at http://www.uc.edu/sald/default.html . For additional information contact either:

Howard Tolley, Jr.                              or                                 Joe Mallory, Elections Administrator
Professor of Political Science                                                 Hamilton County Board of Elections
ML 375                                                                                  824 Broadway, 2 nd Floor
University of Cincinnati,                                                           Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone:   556-3316                                                                   Phone: 513/632-7089
Email:   Howard.Tolley@uc.edu                                             Email: Joe.Mallory@hamilton-co.org

- FNL's Splash Bash - "Wanted" Screening @ CRC Pool - 9/19/08

UC's Friday Night Live have organized a screening of the the new movie "Wanted" (starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, & Angelina Jolie) at the CRC Leisure Pool at 9PM on Friday, 09/19/2008.

- Vote for Bearcat in the Capital One Mascot Challenge!

The 2008 Capital One Mascot Challenge voting is under way to elect the 2008 National Mascot of the Year. Unfortunately, Bearcat was not among the twelve mascots to receive a nomination for the 2008 election.

Despite the snub, UC's favorite mascot is hitting the campaign trail to prove that you can't hold a Binturong down.

Over the next few weeks Bearcat will be working tirelessly in the Greater Cincinnati community to obtain votes for the Capital One Mascot Challenge Write-In Competition. The winning mascot of the write-in competition receives $1,000 for the school's mascot program, and also receives a pedigree boost towards possible inclusion in the 2009 Capital One Mascot Challenge. Pedigree (Mascot Championships and Awards in the past 5 years) is among the top determining factors for inclusion in the Capital One Mascot Challenge for the National Mascot of the Year Award.

Bearcats Nation, this is your opportunity to make a difference. Every vote counts! Here is how the voting works:

The Write-In voting will be conducted over 14 weeks beginning September 8, 2008 (9:00 am ET) and ending on December 15, 2008 (8:59 am EST). In order to cast a write-in vote, you must first vote for the Capital One National Mascot of the Year Competition. Once you have voted for the National Mascot of the Year competition you will have the option of voting in the Write-in Contest. You will only be able to cast a Write-In vote immediately after voting for the National Mascot of the Year Competition . If you leave the site before casting a Write-In vote, you will not be able to vote for the Write-In Contest until the following day.

Visitors may cast one vote per day during for the Write-In Contest . The Write-In mascot with the most online votes at the end of the fourteen week voting period will be the Write-In Contest winner. The winning Write-In mascot will be announced on January 1, 2009 at capitalonebowl.com.

Vote Early, Vote Often, Vote Bearcat!

To cast your vote now, please follow this link: http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

- 5th Annual BioOhio Student Poster Competition - 10/20/08

Call for student posters: 5 th Annual BioOhio Student Poster Competition sponsored by: Diagnostic Hybrids and Edison Biotechnology Institute

Date: Monday, October 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm, Embassy Suites Dublin

Once again, BioOhio invites undergraduate and graduate students in any field of the biosciences to join the BioOhio Poster Competition. We have a preference for student lead authors. Recently presented posters ( excluding past BioOhio competition posters) are encouraged.

Topic Areas

Basic research in biology (e.g. genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, enzymology, microbiology, biochemistry, nanotechnology)
Applied research in biology and medicine (e.g. medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical research, toxicology, therapeutics, diagnostics, bioinformatics, nanotechnology)
Engineering applied to the biosciences (e.g. biomedical engineering, biomechanics, manufacturing, biophysics, nanotechnology)
Food and agriculture (e.g. functional foods and nutraceuticals, food processing, agricultural biotechnology and advanced agriculture)
Bioprocessing (e.g. microbial fermentation and cell culture, bioconversion, bio-fuels, manufacturing)
Business posters related to opportunities in the biosciences (e.g. market analysis, demand projection, commercialization plans)

Awards

Up to two student authors of each accepted poster will be given free registration to the 2008 BioOhio Annual Conference (Oct. 20-21). Lead authors who are students also will be provided $100 towards accommodation Monday night, Oct. 20, at the Embassy Suites, Dublin , where BioOhio is being held. Three awards ($100 Barnes & Noble gift certificates) will be announced during the annual conference (informal announcement at the conclusion of the poster session, and formal announcement Tuesday morning):

Most interesting scientific
Most interesting commercial potential
Best presentation of information

Abstract Submission and Acceptance Process

Student authorship is required (advisors may appear as co-authors). Submit an abstract no later than September 26 to Bill Tacon, Poster Committee Chair, btacon@bioohio.com. The Committee plans to accept 32 posters. Submitters of accepted posters will be notified by October 2.

Technology Transfer Office Approval

APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED FROM INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIES AS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN SUBMITTED ABSTRACTS. ALL POSTERS MUST BE APPROVED FOR PRESENTATION BY YOUR INSTITUTIONxS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICE. YOU ARE ENCORAGED TO SUBMIT FOR APPROVAL ALLOWING SUFFICIENT TIME FOR ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TO BE PROTECTED.

Poster Requirements: A 42-inch wide by 42-inch tall space will be permitted each poster. The mounting surface will be suitable for push-pins (no Velcro or tape).

To submit an abstract or for any questions, contact Bill Tacon, Poster Committee Chair, btacon@bioohio.com . More information on the 2008 Annual Conference can be found on the BioOhio website at http://www.bioohio.com/news/Annual-Conference.aspx

- Meet Lucy at UC Night at the Zoo! - 9/27/08

Bring your friends and visit Lucy, the real UC Bearcat, at UC Night at the Zoo – Saturday, Sept. 27, 5-10 p.m.

The zoo will be open only to the UC Community -- students, staff, faculty, alumni and retirees. Admission, entertainment, transportation and rides on the tram, train and carousel for only $6/person ! Come early for more chances to win great prizes!

A complimentary shuttle will run a continuous loop from campus to the zoo and back all evening long. Stops will be located at the Recreation Center, Campus Green and University Gate and the Zoo's Drury Avenue entrance. Or park at the zoo – parking is included in the $6 admission ticket.

Purchase tickets by Sept. 25 at the MainStreet Connection Center (you can use your Bearcat card!) or online through www.uc.edu/zoo/ . More details are available at www.uc.edu/zoo/ .

- NRC Awards for Post Docs and Senior Researchers

The National Research Council of the National Academies sponsors a number of awards for postdoctoral and senior researchers at federal laboratories. These awards provide generous stipends ($41,000 - $70,000 per year for recent Ph.D. recipients and higher for additional experience), and the opportunity to do independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the country.

We ask your assistance in informing doctoral students and faculty in your department of these opportunities by copying this message to each one.

Detailed program information, including instructions on how to apply online and a list of participating laboratories, is available on the NRC Research Associateship Programs Web site at: www.national-academies.org/rap

Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 (phone) or rap@nas.edu . There will be four review cycles annually. Upcoming deadline dates are:

August 1, 2008
November 1, 2008
February 1, 2009
May 1, 2009

Applicants should begin a dialogue with prospective Advisers at the lab as early as possible, before their anticipated application deadline.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely yours,
H. Ray Gamble
Director of the Fellowship Programs
National Research Council
The National Academies

National Research Council of the National Academies, 500 5th Street NW, Keck 568, Washington, DC 20001