CaSTL supports the development of the next generation of scientists by employing undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in center-related research. Students work in research groups led by one of the Center’s Senior Personnel. In addition to funded research positions, CaSTL is involved in the following activities:
CaSTL supports students and postdocs to attend national and international conferences to present their research, to meet with perspective students for recruitment purposes, and to expand his/her own networking and career opportunities. This includes conferences targeted at under-represented groups in STEM, such as SACNAS. Additionally, CaSTL staff and a graduate student participated in the 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting and Family Day as part of a large NSF booth. For the whole three-day event, CaSTL had an outreach exhibit consisting of a slide show presenting CaSTL highlights, demonstrations and take-home material (e.g., UV-beads, acid-base reactions) for elementary and middle school children and higher level demonstrations (e.g., AFM demonstration, computer games, papers) for visitors with more advanced knowledge.
The CaSTL Diversity Fellowship is a one-time award in the amount of $5000 given to first-year Ph.D. students at UC Irvine who exhibit exceptional promise in the study of chemistry. Special consideration is given to students with Physical Chemistry research focus. Students from traditionally under-represented and under-served in science and higher education are given priority.
2015-2016 Recipients
2014-2015 Recipients
2013-2014 Recipients
2012-2013 Recipients
Once per academic year, the Newport Corporation offers a $1,000 travel grant for CaSTL graduate students and post-doctoral candidates to participate in professional development training through attendance at a major technical national or international conference. CaSTL will solicit faculty for student nominees each year. Students are asked to write a short statement about their qualifications, work that has earned them this nomination, and their intended use of the funds. Selection decisions are made by the CaSTL management team.
Newport Travel Grant Recipients
2016 - Shaowei Li and Nick Tallarida |
2015 - Junghoon Jahng |
2012 - Alejandro Rodriguez Perez |
2012 - Natalie Gruenke |
2010 - Shawn Perdue |
2009 - Desiré Whitmore |
CaSTL hosts a weekly speaker series highlighting Center research through faculty and graduate student-led presentations as well as inviting outside scholars. The weekly sessions are available via video conference to include representation from all partner institutions.
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CaSTL seeks opportunities to enhance graduate students' and postdoctoral researchers' educational experiences through professional development workshops and seminars which have included the following:
CaSTL hosts yearly retreats to provide an opportunity for the students and postdocs to interact with each other and Center faculty. The retreats focus on professional development by hearing relevant research talks and thinking critically about future CaSTL research goals. Fall 2011 tutorials and discussions included:
To strengthen intra-campus collaboration, CaSTL supports student and faculty travel to research and study at partner institutions.