PDP Update....

PDP Update: Grad Schools

Identify 5 grad schools and 5 programs at those schools; identify admission requirements, test dates, application dates, start date.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities:

Program: Biochemistry, Molecular Bio; Biological Sciences; Biomedical engineering; Chemistry; Education; Special Education; Microbiology, Immunology, Cancer biology…etc.

Admission Requirements:

-Unofficial transcripts and official transcripts if accepted

-3.0 GPA

-Letters of recommendation

-GRE exam scores (may not accept if older than 5 years)

Test dates: Take senior year of undergraduate work (available year round)

Application date: January/February 2012

*submit 2 weeks before actual due date

Start date: Fall 2013

University of Minnesota-Duluth:

Program: Chemistry MS, Education EdD, Criminology MA, Special Education, Biochemistry, Molecular Bio, Biophysics-MS, PHD, Pharmacology MS PHD

Admission Requirements:

-Unofficial transcripts and official transcripts if accepted

-3.0 GPA

-Letters of recommendation

-GRE exam scores (may not accept if older than 5 years)

*Varies by program of choice

Test dates: Senior year of Undergraduate work (spring or Summer)

Application date: January/February 2012 *varies by program choice

Start date: Fall 2013

University of Wisconsin-Madison:

Program: Biochemistry PHD, Biotechnology MS, Cancer Biology PHD, Kinesiology MS PHD, Microbiology PHD, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology PHD

Admission Requirements:

-3.0GPA

-Bachelor’s Degree from a 4 year university

Test dates: *Senior year of Undergraduate

Application date: (biotechnology) Application dates for Fall:

31 March-Application/Recommendations , No Fellowship, GRE subject required-no

*will take applications after 31 march if program spots aren’t filled.

Start date: Fall 2013

University of Rochester:

Program: Biochemistry, Biology PHD, Chemistry PHD, Neuroscience PHD, Biomedical Engineering MS PHD, Nursing

Admission Requirements: Biochemistry:

Only 10-15 new students/ year

GRE Manditory

Personal or phone interview

Test dates: Senior year of Undergraduate

Application date:  January 1^st.

Start date: only fall start date

All students admitted receive:

• Full tuition scholarship
• Paid health insurance
• Annual stipend ($26,000 in academic year 2011-12)

Stanford University:

Program: Biochemistry, Biology, Cancer Biology, chemistry, Developmental Biology, Microbiology and immunology, Stem Cell biology and regenerative medicine

Admission Requirements:

-GRE general and subject tests

$125 application fee

Test dates: Senior year of Undergraduate but within 5 years of applying to graduate school

Application date: Fall before start date

Start date: Fall 2013

Entrepreneurship

Blog Post 15: Entrepreneurship

Choose a focus of either your final project topic or your career plan to develop an entrepreneurial assessment of yourself. This should be about a "1-page" activity. Some of these questions may help guide your thoughts: Do you want to be a "businessperson or an entrepreneur?" What traits and/or strengths do you see in your PDP that aligns with your thought? What weaknesses or opportunities for improvement do you notice that you would like to address to become a "businessperson or an entrepreneur?" Is entrepreneurship just about starting a business? Or is it much deeper and holistic than that? As the world quickly changes, which type of folks do you feel will be more on their "toes" and less on their "heels." Who do you think will achieve and live the happinesses that they seek in life?


 

Businessperson or Entrepreneur…

In my career plan I see myself as more of a businessperson versus an entrepreneur.  In my career plan I will be working in a laboratory with others around me as part of a team or as the lead manager. I don’t see myself owning my own laboratory, business or company in my career plan I have made for myself. A businessperson is one who keeps himself or herself busy running a business that is already underway, they are the type of people how take care and pride in their work but do it from the safe side of things. The businessperson has other companies as competition. An Entrepreneur on the other hand is very specialized and skillful in running a corporation. They are a form of businessperson and are often risk-takers. They are the ones to more often start up their own business, open up a new store in the area, or to be the head manager of their company. The entrepreneur is often their own competitor. I personally want to be a businessperson at this point in my career. I don’t see myself opening up my own business and taking many risks; on the other hand I wouldn’t mind being a business manager or in my case possibly running a lab. In my Professional Development Plan I have a goal of going on to graduate school for more schooling. This will help me gain addition knowledge of how the business world will work and how it relates to my career path. Also in my PDP I value family time, job and money security and a business person can have all that. An entrepreneur on the other hand could spend a great deal of their time focused on their business and not much on the other aspects of life that I want. One area I could improve on to help me become a businessperson is my managerial skills. Through my work experience I have learned the basics but I would like to take some classes in business for management to help broaden my skill set and ultimately help me have a successful career. An entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business is about being able to take risks and having the ability to see where the business will be at in the future and see the profits that will come from the hard work and effort that was put in on day one of the business. The entrepreneur has to be able to make sacrifices for the better of their career/business or other parts of their life in general.  In the future I see the entrepreneurs to be more on their toes and less on their heels because when they are faced with hardships and challenges in their careers and businesses they will know how to cope with those problems and issues as they arise. On the other hand I feel the businessperson will be more apt to reach the live and happiness they seek in life; the entrepreneur will still be able to do this as well but may require some extra effort.

Lean/Quality of 5S Process

Blog Post 14: Implementing a Lean Process

Based on our discussion in class today, implement and document a quality improvement process to the project/situation in which you performed a 5S process. This implementation must be based on the muda listed on the lean manufacturing wiki site. (note: there are several additional more modern types that you could utilize if need be)

For the documentation, list/describe the waste you have identified and explain the process change you have implemented. Either collect some data that demonstrate your improvement, or realistically estimate the effect that your improvement will have on your process

I have noted waste in improper filing of papers and organizing markers that could be thrown away, etc. I have changed my process to file papers as soon as I get them rather than setting them on my dresser and/or randomly shoving them into a drawer. I estimate doing this will eliminate time lost due to rummaging through papers to find the one needed-it will be easier to find now that it has been organized into its correct place. Also I will avoid losing time in sorting through my markers to find one that works amongst the 3 that do not work. Overall I have eliminated some waste, although minor, it still counts as waste. 

Criteria for Evaluation

Blog Post 13: Criteria for Evaluation

Here are the Criteria discussed in class. Use these to shape the final criteria that will be used by your group. Post the final criteria and the process you will use to evaluate and rank the members of your team related to the final project.

-Attendance/Participation

-Tasks Accomplished

-Professionalism

-Communication

-Contribution

5S process

Blog Post 12: 5S process

Post a record of a 5S process that you have completed. Post a before and after picture. Also, post a short narrative of how you addressed each of the "8s's" of the 5S process. Due Nov 11.

As a part of my 5S process I cleaned and organized my storage/dresser space so that way it was easier to use and was easier to find items.

Before:

 After:

The basic 5s's:
sorting: I went through my desktop and floor space and removed and put away all unnecessary items that are not needed right now-ex the fan in the winter.
straightening:I placed everything in its appropriate place or in this case drawer/filing area.
systematic cleaning: I made sure and dusted the counter off and made sure the floor was clear of dirt/dust.
standardizing: All electronics/school supplies/etc. are all in the correct drawer and white board pens are always on the top of the dressers for ease of use with the whiteboard.
sustaining. I will make sure and not do the "drop and go" approach when new mail or paperwork arrives and also I will make sure and put away materials after I use them.

The extra 3s's:
safety: I no longer have a fan or paper work on the floor to trip over.
security: The important documents are now filed in a safe and secure place
satisfaction: I feel I have completed a job well done and may use this process in other areas that may need tidying up too.

Quality Management

Blog post 11: Quality Management

Identify and describe a quality management process that is utilized in your field of interest. Typically this process is in response or guided by a professional organization in that field. Identify that organization.

The Mayo Clinic

They say they are going to provide excellent health care to their patients and do research that will help persons and better treatment of health problems.
They do this by having some of the best health care available for their patients and being research orientated.
They show this by having good patient ratings, publishing surveys on the research that they have done.
They rethink this by having further studies or research done, and modifying patient care based on follow ups.

Their Organization:
-Doctors and researchers are patient focused
-Have some of the best Doctors and research facilities in the medical field
-Publish journals or articles on the latest findings and have statistics
-Value the outcomes of treatment and research.

Specific Ethical Question

Blog Post 10: Specific Ethical Question

Ask/address an ethical question in your field of interest.
Develop/address arguments for each side of the issue, then defend your position on the issue.
this activity must include references
each student will then review this beginning on Nov 2.
Evaluation Criteria:

1-4 are evaluated by assigning a strong(S), medium(M) or weak(W)

1. Described field of interest and described question posed.
2. Both sides of argument were presented.
3. Appropriate references were included
4. Defended position is described clearly
5. provide one useful comment

The question: Is it ethical to be genetically modifying the human genome to better human survival (using Gene Therapy in Humans)?

My field of interest is in the Biotechnology field I like exploring how changing/adding one factor changes the next. The idea of using Gene Therapy in humans has always been an interesting topic and there are many expansions for research in this field, but there much controversy on the issue.  The basics of gene therapy are that genes are changed in an individual’s cell or biological tissues by way of inserting, altering or removing the genes. This technique is used in treatment of diseases that are gene related. It is a relatively “new” technique that has much use before it can be used on a large scale-if that happens. The basic idea is that non defective genes are inserted in the genome, existing genes are modified or taking out the defective gene altogether to produce a specific result.

On the pro side the main backing is that it can be used to treat/cure a disease or genetic problem. This can extend the life for the individual or greatly change how they function. Some diseases/genetic disorders that have been used with this technique include: X-CID “Bubble boy syndrome,” cancer, deafness, Huntington’s etc.  If the genes are altered the disorder will essentially be cured in all successive generations.

However there are some cons to this issue as well. When changing the genes of individual can produce undesirable results as in the case of the gene therapy treatment of “Bubble boy” in which the individual actually developed Leukemia. Other cons include high monetary costs and the religious backing on the issue. The procedure of gene therapy is relatively expensive and isn’t affordable to the average family on a regular basis.  Religious is basically saying that we were put on this earth to have these genes and we shouldn’t be messing with the blue prints.

My position on the ethical question of Gene therapy isn’t necessarily 100% for or against it. I believe it could be very useful in the future for practical use against disease therapy and cures. However, further studies need to be done to examine the success of the process. Also I see where the religious backing would discourage changing our genes that were passed down to us-it’s basically changing who we are as a person. But if we weren’t meant to change our genetic code, why give us the ability to learn the techniques?

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_therapy

http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~mcclean/plsc431/students98/fleck.htm

Project Title, Issue, and Action Plan

Blog Post 9: Project Title, Issue, and Action Plan

Post your team's project Title, Issue, and Action Plan.

Project Title: 

• Would installing solar panels on Jarvis Hall and Micheals Hall make economic sense?
• If not, at what point would it become cost effective to do so?

Issues:

• What does a solar panel cost?
• What is its lifespan?
• How much energy can you get from one?
• What laws cover installation and maintenance?
• What are the ethics of renewable energy use?
• Does it make business sense to use solar?
• How sustainable is solar, really?

Action Plan:

• Contact industry people and others who can advise us on the subject.
• Go look at the sand mine solar project and ask questions about how it was done along with benefits and drawbacks.

 

https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Aa9qXsL_NElfZGc1Z2o3djNfMGRqa2Q3OGhn

Ethical Question

Post 8

Is it ethical for a physician to accept Wild tickets from a pharmaceutical rep to take her family to the game?

Provide an argument for this based on the current ethical fabric of society and what is accepted in the organizations involved.

This is a tough call to make here but it comes down to what the circumstances are. If the tickets are intended as a bride to the physician to prescribe the drugs sold by the pharmaceutical rep in the intent of profit then no it wouldn't be ethical. On the other hand if the gift is intended as a friendly gesture between the two in witch mutual benefits will result then it is ethical. By this I mean if the physician doesn't sway his mind set on which pharmaceutical rep he will go with based on the gesture, he makes his mind up based on other factors. 

General Ethics

Blog Post 7: General Ethics

Post an ethical code/statement for your career field of interest that has been developed by a professional organization in your field.

Post this code/statement for the following countries: USA, India, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Israel

Mayo Clinic's Ethical Code:

Mayo’s policy is to prevent unethical or unlawful behavior, to halt such behavior as soon as possible after its discovery, and to discipline employees who violate the standards in the Code. all mayo employees must comply with the Code of Conduct, seek clarification when questions or issues arise through their Compliance office, and assist compliance personnel in investigating any allegations of wrongdoing. mayo’s Code of Conduct cannot cover all circumstances or anticipate every situation. Consequently, employees encountering situations not addressed specifically by this Code should apply the overall philosophy and concepts of this Code to the situation, along with the ethical standards observed by honorable people everywhere. mayo Clinic’s policy is to obey the law. Where the law is permissive, mayo will choose the course of honesty and integrity.  Mayo Clinic Code of Conduct all employees, business partners, and the public must understand that mayo cares how results are obtained, not just that they are obtained. Employees are encouraged to openly discuss issues with management, to record transactions accurately in books and records (including medical records), and to be honest and forthcoming with internal/external auditors. mayo expects honesty in all aspects of every employee’s work — patient care, records, bookkeeping, budget proposals, economic evaluation of projects, etc.

 Ethical Codes:

USA:

Code of Ethics for U.S. Government Service

Adopted July 11, 1958

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring}, That it is the sense of the Congress that the following Code of Ethics should be adhered to by all Government employees, including officeholders.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE 
Any person in Government service should: 
1. Put loyalty to the highest moral principals and to country above loyalty to Government persons, party, or department.
2. Uphold the Constitution, laws, and legal regulations of the United States and of all governments therein and never be a party to their evasion.
3. Give a full day's labor for a full day's pay; giving to the performance of his duties his earnest effort and best thought.
4. Seek to find and employ more efficient and economical ways of getting tasks accomplished.
5. Never discriminate unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not; and never accept for himself or his family, favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of his governmental duties.
6. Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of office, since a Government employee has no private word which can be binding on public duty.
7. Engage in no business with the Government, either directly or indirectly which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of his governmental duties.
8. Never use any information coming to him confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means for making private profit.
9. Expose corruption wherever discovered.
10. Uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/blethics.htm

India:

INDIA: Code of Ethics

(Ed. note: Students taking the police training program in human rights at the Human Rights Centre of the National Law School of India University use this code of ethics as the basis of the oath that they take at the completion of their training.)

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.

I WILL keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous and calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I WILL never act officiously or permit my personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favour, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I RECOGNIZE the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession - law enforcement.

(Source: A Training Manual for Police on Human Rights edited by N. R. Madhava Menon and published by the Human Rights Centre of the National Law School of India University, 1997, Bangalore, India. This code - the Professional Code of Ethics promulgated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1957 - is reproduced from Leonard and Max, Police Organization and Management, Police Science Series, The Foundation Press, 1971, New York.)

Posted on 2001-08-14

China:

** They have adopted a new code of ethics

Thailand:

1. Promote and maintain freedom of expression and news reporting.

2. Provide only accurate news information and arrange to correct those found to be inaccurate.

3. Be polite and honest in discharging function, especially in obtaining documents, photographs and other informative materials useful for news reports.

4. Respect the confidentiality of news sources.

5. Perform duties for the greatest benefit of the public and restrain from seeking self-gain and from being an instrument of any group of people.

6. Refrain from any act that may be damaging to the profession's integrity and image.

Saudi Arabia:

-Focus on religion

Israel:

-practice Jewish Ethics

Diversity

Blog Post 6: Diversity

Talk about what diversity means to you. And explain how valuing and championing diversity will help you in your career.

*Diversity means having a variety of options around you, whether it be people (races), a variety of objects or lots of ideas. I feel diversity is very important to have because it allows for new ideas and options and a broader perspective on things. For example: having input from others with a different perspective, because they come from a different background, may result in a great finding, new method or offer an issue or possibility that was overlooked. Valuing and championing diversity will help me in my career by allowing for more than one option or way to solve problems. Also it will make me an overall better individual with all the experience with a diverse range of people. 

Post the diversity statements from 5 companies or organizations in your field of interest, comment how they are similar and/or different. How do each of these fit with your own diversity values?

*All of these companies find it important to value diversity in race of employees/workers/students, as well as other major diversity categories. They differ in the ways diversity in the business is promoted, some have groups, programs, or workers within the company. They fit in with my diversity values because I find being diverse is important to a strong work situation and that is what they believe too.

1. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic's education enterprise promotes diversity and the added dimension that diverse students and faculty bring to each of its schools and ultimately to patient care. Such attributes include, but are not limited to, race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military veteran's status, and socio-economic status.
We strive to maintain and further develop a learning environment in which individual differences are valued, allowing all staff and students to contribute to, and develop their understanding of, local and global communities.
As a medical practice, we serve patients, families and one another with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness. A climate that nurtures and supports the contributions of every individual is essential to Mayo Clinic's success in patient care, education and research. Creating and sustaining this climate are the responsibilities of all who provide service and train at Mayo Clinic.
Our goal is to create a caring service environment in which individual differences are valued, allowing all staff to achieve their fullest potential.


2. Boston Scientific


We are committed to creating and sustaining a work environment and culture that promotes inclusiveness. We rely on the diversity of people, perspective and experience to achieve outstanding business results.
We sponsor Employee Resource Groups, voluntary communities dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Some current Employee Resource Groups are:

• Bridge - Making the Connection to Black Employees
• ¡HOLA! (Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement)
• PACE (People Accepting and Celebrating Equality)
• Pearl (Asian Pacific Employees in Leadership)
• SAIL (South Asians in Leadership)
• Women’s Network
• Young Professionals Network

3. Dow Chemical

Inherent in the human element that drives Dow, diversity is viewed as a source of advantage. We value the differing experiences, backgrounds and perspectives among our employees, and draw from those differences to fuel innovation. We are committed to building a vibrant, diverse and talented employee base – and helping each employee grow and develop as part of Dow's inclusive global community. 

4. Hennepin County Medical Center

Our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Since 1990, Hennepin has identified diversity and inclusion as a key initiative and an integral part of the care we provide.  The initial focus was concentrated on education of differences and how those differences impact productivity in the workplace. 

Though education and training are important aspects of the overall work, our continued commitment to diversity and inclusion has led us to adopt a five year strategy focused on four broad goals that take our work beyond education and training.  Within each of these goals we have multiple initiatives.  Our four goals are:

1. Expand leadership diversity

2. Strengthen workforce diversity

3. Provide culturally proficient patient care

4. Reflect the community we serve

5. University of Minnesota: Graduate School Commitment to Diversity

The Graduate School embraces the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity to encompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, disadvantaged educational background, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability. A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation.

Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Post 5: Complete PDP

Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Mission: To live a life full of fun, laughter, free of financial worries surrounded by the ones I love. All while financing my day to day activities by a career that I enjoy going to rather than dread going to.

Personal values: Family time, good friends, financial stability, a good meal, a home, love, nature, a good pair of tennis shoes, freedom of speech, and learning/education.

Strengths: I like to work to get things completed; I have a desire to help others; quick learner; both a team leader and a team player.

Weaknesses:  I take my time doing projects; I tend to be the quiet type.  

Goals:

Short term: Pass all my classes with A’s; get an internship for the summer 2012; create a course pan to graduate in December 2012; get information on Grad schools; be able to make up my mind in a timely manner.

Middle term: Graduate from UW-Stout with a degree in Applied Science-Biotechnology; visit some grad schools; go on a vacation somewhere nice- Las Vegas, California, France, Germany.

Long term: Obtain a position at a quality company to gain some science experience; get married; buy a house in a good neighborhood; have a family

What do I need to do to achieve those goals?:

-Study efficiently, talk with professors if I have questions, and complete homework ahead of time.

-Use stout career link to find an internship for the summer, and attend how to find a co-op seminars put on my career services.

-Use Access stout to make my course schedule, complete a degree audit

-Search grad school websites and request information

-Practice making quick decisions on less important issues-such as what to eat for dinner, what movies to watch, or where I want to go for the weekend.

-Network with companies

-Look up grad school preview days and get connected to visit

-Get a passport and save up some money for a vacation

Timeline for the goals:

-Study every day for at least 4 hours

-Find a summer internship by December 2011

-Apply for 2-3 internships by December 2011

-Attend a co-op seminar by Middle of November 2011

-Visit some grad schools by December of 2012