UVI Students Win Again at National Science Conference
Two University of the Virgin Islands students won awards at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) held in Orlando, Florida from Nov. 5-8. More than 700 universities participated in the symposium and almost 3,000 people attended. Marine biology major Kavita Balkaran won the best oral presentation award and biology major Howard Forbes won the best poster award in the physiological sciences category. Both students are from St. Croix and attend UVI's St. Thomas campus. A news release is available from the UVI home page – www.uvi.edu.
Historian to Speak on Food Sources for Enslaved in the Danish West Indies
Malnutrition was one of the underlying factors of the high mortality and low birth rates among the enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies. Dr. Niklas Thode Jensen will speak on "The Problem of Food, Nutrition, Economy and Environment among the Enslaved Population on St. Croix, 1803-1848" at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in the Great Hall of UVI's North West Wing. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Society of Virgin Islands Historians and UVI's Division of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Thode Jensen, a Ph.D. fellow at the University of Copenhagen, will look at the economics that kept expenses for the planter to a minimum and allowed the workforce to survive – but only on the edge of survival. The Danish colonial government continually faced the danger of revolt and the threat of economic disaster. Thode Jensen will look at the four sources of food: rations issued by the planters, provisions the enslaved planted, the natural environment, and trade and theft.
The lecture is free of charge and open to the public. For details, call Dr. Kula Francis at 692-4067 or Dr. Betsy Rezende at 998-4147.
U.S. Geological Survey EROS Team to Visit UVI for Informal Discussions
A team from the U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., will visit UVI's St. Thomas campus from Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 18-20, to discuss areas for potential collaboration with the University. Drs. Larry Tieszen, Michelle Anthony and Chandra Giri will discuss topics such as management of large environmental geospatial databases, remote sensing and climate change research, and global mangrove research. The informal discussions are open to anyone with an interest and can be teleconferenced, by request, to the St. Croix campus. For more information, contact Dr. Meri Whitaker at 693-1478, Nasseer Idrisi at 693-1478 or Simon Pittman at 693-1179. Details on USGS-EROS are available at this web site: http://edc.usgs.gov/index.html.
Spanish Culture Society on St. Thomas Plans Free Cultural Movie Night on Nov. 18
The Spanish Cultural Society on UVI's St. Thomas campus will host a free Movie Night at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The film will be shown in Chase Auditorium (Business 110). It will be open to the entire community. The movie will be based on either Spanish or Hispanic culture, lifestyle and heritage. Snacks will be on sale and donations will be accepted.
NASA Summer Student Internships Offered Via TMCF; Apply by Nov. 19
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is seeking students interested in applying for a summer internship program with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Student Internship Program is an intensive, 10-week, summer research project for diverse undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in aerospace-related fields.
Selected interns will work at the Goddard Space Flight Center in support of ongoing research projects. Applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in engineering, science, mathematics, computer science, physics, or related aerospace programs. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 19. For details, contact UVI's Counseling and Placement Offices at 692-4187 on St. Croix or 693-1087 on St. Thomas. Information is also available from the UVI Office of Institutional Advancement at 693-1043.
ABY Club Sets Final Bake Sale on Nov. 19
The UVI ABY – Always Believe in Yourself – club will hold its final bake sale of the semester from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Classroom Administration Building on the St. Thomas campus. Proceeds from the bake sale will go towards the ABY "Self-Togetherness Award," which will be awarded on Dec. 3. Call 244-0114 to place orders.
Dec. 19 Deadline Set for Submissions to V.I. Agriculture and Food Fair Bulletin
The 38th Annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands will be held from Feb. 14 through16, 2009, on St. Croix. The theme is "Agriculture: The Future-Yours and Mine." The deadline to submit articles for the 2009 Fair Bulletin is Dec. 19. All articles must be submitted via email to – cclarke@uvi.edu. Additionally, UVI Departments needing exhibit space at the fair should send an email request to Clarice Clarke as soon as possible. The deadline for placing space requests is Dec. 12.
Resume Writing, Interviewing Workshop Slated for Nov. 19 on St. Croix Campus
The Counseling and Career Center will host a resume writing and interviewing workshop from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Evans Center room 716 on UVI's St. Croix campus. The workshop title is: "Tools for a Better Tomorrow: Building a Professional Resume and Interviewing Skills." Faculty and staff are asked to encourage student workers and students who are in their senior year to attend the workshop. For more information, call 692-4180 or 4187.
GIS Annual Conference Set for Nov. 19-21 on St. Thomas
The Virgin Islands Geospatial Information Council (VIGIC) will hold its Fourth Annual GIS Conference Nov. 19-21 on St. Thomas. This year's theme is "Regional and Local Integration of GIS Technology through Business and Intergovernmental Collaboration." UVI is a partner of the VIGIC.
The conference will bring together citizens, public and private resources managers, GIS related technical experts and vendors, and a host of other critical partners.
As the crisis of global warming continues to astound and baffle people around the world, it is important to understand the role that geospatial information and technology plays in the larger vision of securing and safeguarding the environment and critical infrastructure. GIS serves as an accountability management tool in building and maintaining GIS data resources. For more information call Stevie Henry at 693-1033.
Senior Class Meeting Set Nov. 20 on St. Thomas Campus
A meeting of the Senior Class on UVI's St. Thomas campus is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20. It will be held in Education building room 216. This is a follow up session for individuals who could not attend the meeting on Nov. 2.
Educator Dr. Dennis Watson to Speak on Nov. 20 on St. Thomas Campus
Two dynamic presentations by nationally known educator Dr. Dennis Watson are scheduled on UVI's St. Thomas campus for Thursday, Nov. 20. The sessions are sponsored by UVI's Student Activities Office and the Student Government Association's Black Heritage Committee.
Dr. Watson's first presentation is titled "100 Challenges Facing Students of Color." It will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. in Business room 110. Leadership and the importance of academic success will be covered. The second presentation is titled "Black Love in the Afternoon." It is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. in the Dining Pavilion. It will include reasons why black men and black women must love and respect each other.
Dr. Watson has been described as a cross between Jesse Jackson and Bill Cosby. He empowers people with current information for positive thinking and gives them the power and training t
o make the best of themselves. Dr. Watson is the recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Youth Leadership Award from the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has spoken at universities across the nation and is considered one of the nation's most influential educators.
For details, call the Student Activities Office at 693-1111.
VIMAS Invites St. Croix Community to Free Movie Night on Nov. 21
The UVI-Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service invites the community to attend a free family movie night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the UVI Great Hall on the St. Croix campus. The family favorite "Shark Tales" will be shown. There will be free popcorn and drinks for sale. Representatives from the International Year of the Reef 2008 committee will provide a brief update on upcoming community events. For more information contact Emily Tyner at 692-4144
Paradise Jam 2008 Action Begins Friday, Nov. 21, in Sports & Fitness Center
As a new NCAA college basketball season opens, a significant portion of the sport's fans will turn their attention to the action in the 2008 edition of the Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament which opens next Friday, Nov. 21, in the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. Sixteen Division I teams, eight men's and eight women's squads, will play over the next two weeks. Games conclude on Nov. 29.
The men's tournament includes Connecticut, Iona, La Salle, Miami, San Diego, Southern Miss, Valparaiso and Wisconsin. The women's field consists of Baylor, California, Central Florida, Iowa, South Florida, Texas Tech, Villanova and Wisconsin. Details are available from the Paradise Jam web site: www.paradisejam.com. To view a tournament video blog visit: www.sportzu.tv/channel/paradise-jam.
Free Family Snorkel Clinic Slated Nov. 22 on St. Croix
A free family snorkel clinic is planned for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 22, on St. Croix. The event, sponsored by UVI's Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, will take place at Green Cay Beach next to Chenay Bay. Snorkeling gear will be provided. Land-based educational activities are also planned. Participants must already know how to swim to participate in the snorkel clinic. For more information contact Emily Tyner at 692-4144.
Upward Bound Parents Association Plans Breakfast Fundraiser Nov. 22 on St. Croix
The Upward Bound Program Parents Association will present a West Indian breakfast sale from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Campus Pavilion on the St. Croix campus. On offer will be smoked herring or saltfish with boiled eggs, salad, bread, johnny cakes, okra-spinach chop chop, bush tea or juice, and corn meal pop or oatmeal. The cost is $10 per place, with the proceeds going to help fund the Upward Bound college tour. Deliveries can be made to groups with five or more orders.
Sea Turtle Surveys to Continue Nov. 22 at UVI's St. Thomas Campus
Volunteers are sought for another sea turtle survey and tagging event scheduled at the MacLean Marine Science Center on UVI's St. Thomas campus beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. Participants will work with green sea turtles in the morning and hawksbill turtles in the afternoon. Participants are reminded to bring snorkeling gear, sun protection and lunch, if you plan to stay the whole day. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, contact Dr. Paul Jobsis, who is organizing the surveys, via email at pjobsis@uvi.edu. This ongoing study is supported by VI-EPSCoR, the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
Student Music Recital Set Nov. 23 on UVI's St. Thomas Campus
The Music Area of Humanities and Social Sciences Division will present a student recital at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. The recital, which will take place in the Music Building on the St. Thomas campus, will feature performances by students from each studio. The public is welcome. Admission is free.
St. Thomas/St. John Alumni to Hold Meeting on Nov. 24
The St. Thomas/St. John Chapter of the UVI Alumni Association will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, in the second floor conference room of the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center. All alumni are welcome to attend.
UVI Seeking Firms Interested in a Wind Turbine Partnership
The University of the Virgin Islands – Office of Capital Projects, in accordance with UVI's VISION 2012 strategic plan, is seeking summaries of qualifications and completed project lists from firms interested in entering into a power purchase agreement with the University to provide the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses with electrical power generated from wind turbine technology at costs lower than current utility rates. Upon review of all submittals, interviews with selected qualified parties will be scheduled to discuss the project specifics, terms of services and rates of compensation. It is the intent of the University to select the successful party from those firms chosen to be interviewed. All submittals must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.
For more information and a vendor pre-qualification form are available from the "Latest Links" menu of the UVI home page – www.uvi.edu.
Graduate, Summer Opportunities Offered for UVI Students from Howard University
Two study opportunities for UVI students interested in international affairs are being offered by Howard University in Washington, DC. Included are the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program and a six-week International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program.
The Rangel International Fellowship is designed for individuals interested in careers in diplomacy in the U.S. Foreign Service. It includes up to $32,500 per year for two years toward a graduate degree in international affairs or a related discipline at a U.S. university, paid internships working for a Member of Congress on international affairs issues and at a U.S. Embassy overseas and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program. There is a three-year service obligation.
Summer enrichment program is for students majoring in such areas as political science, foreign languages, English, economics, business, history, anthropology, engineering and others. It includes up to 9 credit hours of academic credit, while covering tuition, travel, room and board and providing a stipend of $3,500.
Details about the programs, and eligibility and application requirements are available from the Counseling and Career Offices on both UVI campuses. On St. Croix, call Doris Farrington-Hepburn at 692-4187. On St. Thomas, call Verna Rivers at 693-1087. Information is also available from the Howard web site: www.howard.edu/rjb/rangelprogram.htm.
Submissions Deadline is Nov. 30 for 23rd Edition of The Caribbean Writer
The Caribbean Writer, UVI's annual literary anthology of works with Caribbean themes, has issued a call for submissions for its 23rd edition. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 30. Writers are encouraged to submit poems, short stories, personal essays and one-act plays. Only previously unpublished work will be considered.
A news release is available from the UVI home page – http://www.uvi.edu. Details are also available at www.TheCaribbeanWriter.org or by calling 340-692-4152.
Annual UVI Christmas Concert Set Dec. 6 at Reichhold Center
The UVI Music Program's Annual Christmas Concert will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Professor Martin J. Lamkin will direct the Jazz Ensemble, Shenelle Warner will direct the Steel Pan Ensemble, and Professor Lorna Young-Wright will direct the Concert Choir. This seasonal celebration will also include pianist Louis Taylor as a guest artist.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They may be purchased at the Reichhold Center Box Office, Dockside Bookstore in the Havensight Mall, the UVI
Bookstore, the Humanities Division Office and from ensemble members.
The concert is presented by UVI's Humanities and Social Sciences Division.
UVI to Host Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Special Needs on Dec. 4-5
Health care professionals and others who serve people with special needs are invited to a free Emergency Preparedness Workshop at the University of Virgin Islands from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5. It will be videoconferenced between both UVI campuses. Dr. Andrew Garrett, the director of planning and response at Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness will be the keynote speaker.
The workshop is sponsored by the Westchester Institute for Human Development University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities. A news release is available from the UVI home page – www.uvi.edu. To register for continuing education credits call Shammi Carr at 693-1173.
For more about the University of the Virgin Islands, visit the Web site: www.uvi.edu.
