September 2023

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 around KY



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!

Stay updated on all things KAS! Like and follow the Kentucky Academy of Science
 
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 KAS Channel

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.

 

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 Annual Meeting November 2-4, 2023

KAS Annual Meeting
November 2-4, 2023
Northern Kentucky University logo

 
Top Ten Reasons to Join the KAS Annual Meeting at NKU
10. Field Trips to Big Bone Lick and two Kentucky Field Stations
9. A STEM Career Fair on Friday with employers and Graduate Schools
8. A Junior Academy kickoff on Thursday evening with Planetarium shows, open labs, and a scavenger hunt
7. Hundreds of papers and posters from your fellow Kentucky scientists, in 21 different sections
6. NINE different Workshops where you can build career skills with a fellow KAS member
5. Special Sessions on Aerospace Research and Paleohistology
4. Nearby hotels offering discounts for KAS
3. Free Registration for K-12 Teachers, and Junior Academy scientists in Middle School & High School
2. Scientists' Night Out Friday evening at the Newport Aquarium is included in your registration
1.  The KAS Annual Meeting is the Kentucky's biggest science event of the year! Be there!

Registration and Abstract Submission is open! Visit the Annual Meeting page at the KAS website for all details. 

Ky Junior Academy of Science meets with KAS at NKU

The 2023 Kentucky Junior Academy of Science meeting will be held in conjunction with the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting at Northern Kentucky University, November 3rd and 4th. There is no charge for K12 Teachers, Middle School or High School Students. Registration is now open!



We invite Middle & High School Students who are doing STEM research to register and submit an abstract. HS students who present a talk about their research are eligible to be considered to serve as a Kentucky Delegate to the American Junior Academy of Science. We hope to see you there!
 

Participate as a Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Employer

We wold like to thank our 2023 Annual Meeting Host: NKU's Office of Graduate Education, Research, and Outreach!

It is not too late to become a sponsor or participate as an exhibitor!
Find out more about how to Become a Sponsor.
Find out more about the Career Fair & Exhibitors Tables.
Find out how to Become an Affiliated Industry Member.

“Bench Talk” radio show going strong after five years

Rob Weber

“Considering that the median podcaster only produces 12 episodes and is on the air only about six months before they quit in frustration, our 178 episodes produced steadily over the past five years is something we are proud of." Dave Robinson, Bench Talk



Bench Talk: The Week in Science” celebrated its fifth year on Louisville’s Forward Radio (WFMP-LP, 106.5 FM) in its usual way: by treating its listeners to entertaining and informative reports from the world of science.
 

Continue reading and learn more about Bench Talk.

Science Education & Outreach Award Nominations due Sept 30

Do you know someone, or a group of people, who are doing terrific science education and outreach work?  Each year KAS recognizes a member with our Science Education and Outreach Award.  We're seeking nominations by September 30th
2022 KAS Outreach Award winners, Taking Flight- Next Level
Nominate someone by clicking on this link. The nomination process is much simpler this year! Additional details about the KAS Science Education and Outreach Award including instructions for nominating a colleague can be found on this page. Contact Dr. Lili Zyzak for any questions. 

Happy Hour Sept 13 with Union of Concerned Scientists

Union of Concerned Scientists
Happy Hour: You're Invited!

Meet members and staff from the Union of Concerned Scientists and find out more about their Climate and Energy work. Drinks and snacks provided!

Wednesday, September 13
6:30-8:30 pm ET
West 6th NuLu
817 E Market St.
Louisville, KY 40206


Click here for details about the speakers and to RSVP.






 

2024 KAS Research Grant Applications now open

KAS members at Academic Institutions are eligible to apply for KAS grants. Grant applications are now open and are due on November 15, 2023!


For 2024 we have updated the Terms and Conditions for all KAS Grants requiring grantees to submit something for publication. Please familiarize yourself with the updated Terms and Conditions.
Kentucky Academy of Science awards grants in several categories:
  • Marcia Athey and Botany Funds
  • Special Research Program
  • Undergraduate Research Program
  •  Supply grants
  • Summer Research Grants
  • Athey Science Education & Outreach Grant

Click here to find out more about the grants, the new Terms and Conditions, and also to see the past research that we have funded!

State begins review process for academic standards for health, physical education

Rob Weber

The Kentucky Department of Education is seeking input from citizens regarding the state’s academic standards for health and physical education. Academic standards outline what students should know in content areas. While the standards apply to public schools statewide, the curricula that help schools meet the standards are developed at the local level.



You can offer feedback on the academic standards by completing an online public comment form at https://bit.ly/45Ba2gN. In addition to asking for citizen input, the Department of Education is also seeking applicants for panels that will review of the academic standards. Apply here: https://bit.ly/3qY35XS. Applications are due by Sept. 29.

Click here to read full story

KAS and partners to host screening of "Right to Read" film

Rob Weber

The Kentucky Academy of Science is partnering with Speed Cinema and the Louisville Courier Journal to host a screening of “Right to Read,” a documentary that highlights literacy as a civil rights issue while underscoring the importance of science-based literacy instruction.


 
The movie will be shown on Oct. 22 at the theater in Louisville’s Speed Art Museum. There is no cost to attend. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.



Click here to read full story.

Geologist highlights influence of ancient geology on modern life

Rob Weber

Dr. Drew Andrews, the Acting Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey and State Geologist, shed light on the profound influence of ancient geology on our daily lives at an August 9 event in Lexington organized by KAS. The “happy hour” event at Pivot Brewing drew geology enthusiasts, students, and curious onlookers eager to understand the geological forces shaping our state and world.


 
For those eager to explore the world of geology further, the Kentucky Geological Survey offers a wealth of online resources at https://www.uky.edu/KGS/.

Click for full story and more photos!

Speaker shines a light on dark skies and light pollution

Rob Weber

Thank you to KAS member and science educator Rachael Peake for offering a captivating talk about dark skies and the growing issue of light pollution in Louisville on August 7! KAS partnered with Louisville Underground Science to host the talk during a “happy hour” event at Against the Grain brewery. In addition to the informative and enlightening talk, the event gave scientists, advocates, and educators the opportunity to meet each other and discuss common interests.



For more information about the “Dark Sky” movement, view the DarkSky International site at https://darksky.org/.

Click here to read full story.

Become an S&T Policy Fellow

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) provide opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal policymaking process. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government in Washington. Each year, the program adds to a growing corps approximately 4,000 strong of policy-savvy leaders working across academia, government, nonprofits and industry to serve the nation and the world.



Application for the fellowship opens in the summer. Follow this link to watch out for the application and to submit your application.

Learn more about this program by visiting their webpage.

KAS is launching a Mentor Match pilot

The Kentucky Academy of Science is piloting a Mentor Match Program starting September 2023! If you area STEM professional, a student, or a teacher, you can participate. We are making 30 matches this year and seeking funding to build the program. If you fill out the Application below, we cannot guarantee you will get into the pilot this year, but if not, we will save your contact info for the next round.


Find out more about the KAS Mentor Match Application and fill it out by following this link. 

Possible matches for the program are the following:
  • Teacher <--> Scientist (Graduate/Professional)
  • Middle/High School Student <--> Scientist
  • Middle/High School Student <--> STEM UG Student
  • K-12 Science Club <--> KAS Scientist

KAS has a new home!

The Kentucky Academy of Science has a new home at the University of Louisville in Miller Information Technology Center (MITC LL014). Come say Hi!!

Our new mailing address is:
Kentucky Academy of Science
PO Box 806
Louisville, KY 40201

How to Become a Member of KAS

Please invite your new colleagues or new students on your campuses to become members of KAS!

Are you at a KAS Affiliated Institutions? If so, faculty, staff, and students at  your institution can become a member at no cost. Select your institution from the list on our website, and choose "Professional at Enhanced Institution" or "Student at Enhanced Institution."

Check out all our member benefits and become a member here.
 
KAS Newsletter - September 2023