Science Job Postings
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Throw us a few peanuts on your next shopping trip
If yo  u link your Kroger rewards card to the Kentucky Academy of Science we get a small quarterly donation as part of the Community Rewards program. Log in to your Kroger account, or ask at the store how to link your card. The more peanuts you buy, the more peanuts we will earn!
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Sharing Our Science: Challenges and Opportunities in Communicating STEM
Thursday May 9, 3:30 - 5pm
Virtual Event - All are Welcome!
3:30 - 4:15 Talk by Dr. Brandon Brown
4:15-5pm - Panel Discussion moderated by KAS' Melissa Dougherty
This event aims to explore twin universal concerns in communicating scientific work, for any audience. For one, we will describe and demonstrate elements of craft: distilled, actionable lessons from professional writers translated and applied to the unique challenges we face in relaying complex technical projects. These elements include familiar obstacles like jargon but also less familiar opportunities like basic narrative tension. For another, we will explore calibration: research from cognitive science and human brain evolution can serve us well in considering our audiences with savvy compassion. In sum, the talk seeks to improve the clarity, impact, and persuasive power of our work, with hopes of benefitting scientists and scientific staff at any stage of their careers.
Join the event using this link
STEM summer camp Directory
Kentucky Science Trail is now LIVE
Rob Weber 
The KAS Education and Engagement Committee is launching the Kentucky Science Trail this week!
Our online guide to Kentucky’s scientific wonders will help people across the state find more than 70 sites including museums, stargazing spots, engineering marvels, geological tours, sites with live animals, nature preserves, botanical gardens, educational centers and more.
The Kentucky Science Trail provides descriptions and links to each attraction’s website, as well as an interactive map that makes it easy to find attractions throughout Kentucky.
Share with friends & colleagues- Visit KAS' social media pages and share our posts about the The Kentucky Science Trail
Melony Stambaugh receives Governor's Service Award
Rob Weber 
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear honored Director of the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science Melony Stambaugh and other award winners at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards Ceremony on April 16.
Stambaugh was selected for a Volunteer Service Award for her dedication and leadership to fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among youth. She was among 30 award recipients honored at an awards luncheon in Frankfort.
“Today, we recognize selfless individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in our communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Even small acts of kindness can have a powerful effect by showing what is possible.”
Stambaugh was nominated by the Kentucky Academy of Science in recognition of her success at fostering scientific curiosity and offering encouragement to students at a pivotal stage in their development. Under Stambaugh’s guidance, students in the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science receive opportunities to present their scientific research to panels of professional scientists at an annual meeting. Select students are then given an opportunity to represent Kentucky as delegates at the American Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting, where they present their research on a national stage. Stambaugh serves as lead chaperone for the annual trips.
Congratulations, Melony, and thank you for your dedication to cultivating the next generation of Kentucky science leaders!
Watch a video of Melony receiving the award
Advocacy success: $2 million boost for KY land conservation
Rob Weber 
Advocates for Kentucky’s natural lands achieved a breakthrough in the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2024 session as lawmakers approved a $2 million supplement to the state’s main land conservation fund.
Members of the KAS Science Policy Committee are among those who have been pushing for years for greater state support for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund (KHLCF). As part of that effort, the Kentucky Academy of Science joined the Kentucky Land Trusts Coalition this year and partnered with the group’s advocacy committee to highlight the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems and biodiversity.
The Land Trust’s talks with Sen. Matt Deneen of Elizabethtown helped prompt the senator’s formal request for the $2 million appropriation as part of this year’s state budget-making process. When lawmakers approved that proposal in March, it marked the first time such an allocation had ever been approved for the KHLCF, which relies on funding mechanisms that have weakened over the years.
While $2 million doesn't restore KHLCF funding to its previous levels, it's a promising step forward. It underscores the progress made in fostering relationships with policymakers. It sets the stage for future discussions about land conservation. And it offers a shot of encouragement and hope to everyone dedicated to preserving the state's natural landscapes.
Spurred by the promise of the funding boost for land conservation, the Kentucky Land Trusts Coalition is holding a May 14 training in Frankfort to offer guidance on developing successful applications for Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund grants. For information, click here.
KAS Legislative Update
Madison Flory April brought the end of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly session. From January 2 to April 15, more than 1200 bills and resolutions were filed, and 200 were passed. The KAS Science Policy Team has been closely following 67 of those, with a range of themes including health, education, environment, and of course, the biennial budget. There were many bills with a scientific focus working their way through the legislature this year, including topics such as nuclear energy, PFAS, artificial intelligence, maternal health, math education, university research, and water fluoridation. A special recognition goes to KAS’s very own Trent Garrison, who championed a bill – that passed and was signed by the Governor – correcting the designations of the state gemstone, rock, and mineral!
Free Professional development workshops for K12 Teachers
In June, Dr. Kate Bulinski of Bellarmine University and Mr. Alan Goldstein of the Falls of the Ohio State Park will team up to offer two different foundation-supported FREE K-12 professional development workshops on the campus of Bellarmine University in Louisville.
Waldron Shale Project
For the 10th year running, Bulinski and Goldstein will offer a professional development workshop: “The Waldron Shale Project: Fossil identification and analysis for K-12 Science Classrooms.”
The workshop will take place on Tuesday, June 11th on the campus of Bellarmine University.
This project is limited to just eighteen teachers who will receive training to perform a hands-on inquiry-based lesson using fossils in their classrooms.
Participants will receive:
- a day-long professional development paleontology workshop at Bellarmine University
- a bulk sample of fossil-rich shale
- a kit of classroom supplies including a digital microscope and
- ongoing professional support from Dr. Bulinski and Mr. Goldstein.
Sign up by clicking here.
The Environmental Stewardship Project
On June 13 th at Bellarmine University, Bulinski and Goldstein will offer a NEW professional development workshop: “The Environmental Stewardship Project.”
This project caps at eighteen educators. Content and materials will be provided for hands-on activities/actions involving environmental science in the classroom and on the school grounds.
Participants will receive:
- a day-long professional development environmental stewardship workshop at Bellarmine University
- a kit of classroom supplies for environmental classroom activities
- ongoing professional support from Dr. Bulinski and Mr. Goldstein.
Sign up here by clicking here.
Spaces are limited and will fill up fast so don't delay! The workshops are limited to just 18 participants each because of the cost of the giveaways and the cost to run the workshop.
To see announcements and photos from past workshops, visit the Waldron Shale Project Facebook page.
KAS Executive Director joins class of 2023 AAAS Fellows
 AAAS is excited to welcome 502 scientists, engineers, and innovators as 2023 AAAS Fellows—one of the most distinct honors within the scientific community.
This year, KAS Executive Director Amanda Fuller joins the ranks of AAAS Fellows in recognition of her leadership of KAS and the National Association of Academies of Science.
This year’s Fellows are at the forefront of discussions about emerging technologies, semiconductor production, environmental issues, science education, innovative therapies, and more, as the world grapples with societal concerns around these topics.
Read more about AAAS' newest class of Fellows here: https://brnw.ch/21wIWyy
Other AAAS Fellows from Kentucky:
Bertsch, Paul (2010) Geology and Geography - CSIRO
Bondada, Subbarao (2019) Medical Sciences
Martin, Nancy Caroline (1999) Biological Sciences - Univ of Louisville
Chappell, Joe (2009) Biological Sciences - University of Kentucky
Drach, John (2001) Pharmaceutical Sciences
Egli, Dennis (1995) Agriculture, Food, and Renewable Resources - Univ of Kentucky
Ettensohn, Frank (2015) Geology and Geography
Ferland, Gary (2022) Astronomy - University of Kentucky
Freytag, Paul H (1964) Biological Sciences
Haynes, Kenneth (2011) Biological Sciences - University of Kentucky
Hunt, Arthur (2017) Biological Sciences - University of Kentucky
Johnson, Alan (1991) Engineering
Kip Guy, Dean (2019) Chemistry
Little, Bert (2014)Anthropology - Univ. of Louisville
Palli, S R (2017) Biological Sciences - University of Kentucky
Suzuki, Yasuhiro (2021) Biological Sciences - University of Kentucky
Taylor, K Grant (1989) Chemistry
Van Eldik, Linda (2020) Neuroscience
THANK YOU to outgoing Communications & Policy Director Rob Weber
KAS bids a fond goodbye to Rob Weber, who has been serving as our Communications & Policy  Director since 2021. Thanks to Rob, Kentucky knows more about the work you do, and about science in general! You've met Rob at KAS' public events, heard him on the Bench Talk podcast, and he's kept you abreast of science policy in Frankfort. His latest videos on KAS' YouTube channel profile KAS Past President Julie Reizner and KAS President Noel Novelo, who have had some surprising twists & turns in their science careers.
Rob has passed off responsibilities to KAS' new Science Policy Specialist, Madison Flory, and our new Science Communication Specialist, Melissa Dougherty. Madison works closely with our Science Policy committee, and Melissa will be sharing Kentucky science out to the world - meet her at the Science Communication workshop May 9 and follow us on all the socials to see her work.
Rob has promised not to be a stranger, and says he's loved getting to know so many amazing scientists in Kentucky through his work with KAS. Rob, we hope we'll see you around!
THANK YOU to our outgoing newsletter editor Mark Vincent delaCerna
 KAS newsletter readers have Mark Vincent delaCerna to thank for an attractive & engaging newsletter every month. Mark has been KAS' Newsletter editor since 2021. He took on this volunteer role while still a graduate student at U of L, and has continued to serve us even as he's taken on a full lab as a faculty member in Georgia! Thank you Mark, for lending us your Science Communication skills - we know they will serve you well in your career! |
