Weekly News and Events | December 9, 2024 | | |
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A Tribute to Professor James L. Krupa: Weaving the Tapestry of Life's Story
For 33 years, Professor Jim Krupa has been much more than an educator—he has been a master storyteller, weaving the grand narrative of life's evolution for undergraduate students. As he steps away from the lectern, we celebrate a career that has illuminated the complex web of evolution, sparked curiosity, and inspired wonder in the hearts of young learners.
Much like Charles Darwin, whose transformative ideas reshaped our understanding of life's diversity, Professor Krupa has inspired undergraduate students to see the world through the lens of evolutionary biology. His lectures were never dry recitations of facts, but captivating journeys through time, painting vivid pictures of ancient landscapes and the creatures that once roamed them.
In the spirit of Aldo Leopold, Professor Krupa instilled in his undergraduate students a land ethic—teaching them to honor the delicate balance of ecosystems. He helped young minds understand that life is not isolated, but interconnected, and that preserving these relationships is vital to sustaining the planet. His advocacy for conservation has been a call to action, reminding students of their responsibility as stewards of the Earth.
Much like Wendell Berry's call to find our place in the natural world, Professor Krupa encouraged undergraduates to see themselves as part of the vast, intricate tapestry of life. To understand evolution is to understand our own story and our role in shaping the future of life on Earth. His passion for the natural world has left an indelible mark, inspiring students to embrace their shared responsibility for the future.
As he retires on December 31, 2024, Professor Krupa leaves behind more than just a legacy of academic achievement. He has planted a forest of curiosity in the minds of undergraduate students, each question sparked, and each moment of awe ignited will grow into future discoveries and conservation efforts. His teachings will continue to echo in lecture halls and laboratories, as the passion he sparked fuels the next generation of evolutionary biologists and conservationists.
Professor Krupa, your impact on undergraduate education is immeasurable, and your stories will live on in all the minds you've touched. As you step into this new chapter, know that the ripples of your work will continue to shape the world for years to come. Thank you for 33 years of inspiration, dedication, and for showing undergraduate students the beauty in the ever-unfolding story of life.
Service to the Community:
- Management of UK Mathews Garden: 2000–present
- Management Consultant for Hazeldell Nature Preserve: 2012–present
- Science Advisory Committee, Living Arts & Science Center, Lexington: 2012–present
Academic Career at University of Kentucky:
- Professor: 2013–present
- Associate Professor: 2002–2013
- Assistant Professor: 1996–2002
- Assistant Research Professor: 1991–1995
- Postdoctoral Researcher: 1989–1991
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Department News and Events
Ribble Seminars will return in the new year.
Teacher Course Evaluations (TCE) for a majority of Fall 2024 courses are active. Please remind students that any electronic device can be used to complete the TCE. Instructors can check their course response rate by logging into Explorance Blue with your linkblue sign-in.
Last Day of Classes: December 11
Shipping Deadlines: December 16
Finals Week: December 16-19
Commencement: December 20
Biology Office Closure: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Spring 2025 Semester Begins: January 13, 2025
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Graduate Student Important Dates and Deadlines:
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December 13: Last day candidates for a December 2024 degree can submit their thesis/dissertation for formation review to the Graduate School via UKnowledge.
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December 20: December 2024 Commencement at 3:00 PM in Rupp Arena.
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December 20: Last day for December 2024 degree candidates to submit final revised thesis/dissertation (ETD) to the Graduate School for students who first submitted December 13th.
Fellowship and Funding Opportunities:
Graduate School Fellowships: Discover and apply for current fellowship openings here.
External Funding: Explore and apply for current external funding Opportunities here..
Kuehne Fellowship: The main purpose of the Biology Department's Kuehne Fund is to provide support for the field work of a graduate student in biology.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for awards up to $1,000.
Please contact Dr. Jessica Santollo, Biology DGS, if you have any questions.
Resources for Students
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Professional Development
CELT Events
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December 10, 11am-noon: Designing Slides to Reduce Cognitive Load & Support Memory
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December 12, 3-3:30pm: Ignite Learning: Impact of Instructor Mindset on Learning Info Session
View schedule of upcoming CELT Events here.
Research Events: Lunch and Learn Series
All Lunch and Learn workshops are held via Zoom on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. View the complete Fall 2024 schedule here.
College of A&S Concur Open Lab Schedule:
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Tuesday, December 10, CP 303, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
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Friday, December 13, JSB 361M 10 AM - 11 AM
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Friday, December 20, POT 245, 10 AM - 11 AM
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Scientific Meetings
Upcoming conferences and symposiums:
Cold Spring Harbor - Single Cell & Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis
Dates: June 26 - July 14, 2025
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Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
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Arrival: June 26th by 6pm EST
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Departure: July 14th around 12pm EST
Course Details:
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) course is an intensive, full-day program that often includes evening and weekend sessions. Students are expected to attend all sessions and reside on campus for the duration of the course.
Application Link: CSHL Course Application
The Ninth Cold Spring Harbor: Brain Barriers Conference:
April 8-12, 2025 | 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 8th | concluding on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Abstract Deadline: January 24, 2025
For more details and to register, please visit the Brain Barriers meeting website.
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Job Opportunities
Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Faculty Position
Position: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track
Department: Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, NY, USA
Focus: Global Biodiversity and Ecoinformatics
Start Date: July 2025 (negotiable)
Salary: $90,000 - $130,000
Position Summary:
Cornell University seeks an Assistant Professor specializing in global biodiversity and ecoinformatics. The candidate will develop a research program using large-scale biodiversity datasets to address global biodiversity loss. This includes integrating data from diverse sources (e.g., DNA, remote sensing, citizen science) to inform conservation efforts and policy.
Responsibilities:
- Research (50%): Lead an internationally recognized, externally funded research program using advanced data science and computational methods to explore biodiversity trends and processes.
- Teaching (50%): Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in data science and biodiversity informatics; mentor students.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in quantitative biodiversity science, computational biology, environmental science, or ecology/evolution, with expertise in ecoinformatics.
- Experience in biodiversity research and computational methods.
Application Materials:
- Cover letter, CV, research and teaching statements, diversity statement, 4 relevant publications, 3 reference contacts.
- Apply online: academicjobsonline.org
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024 (early applications preferred)
Questions: Dr. Matt Hare (mph75@cornell.edu).
Biology Teaching Professor - University of Notre Dame
Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2025.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Ryan Sensenig at rsenseni@nd.edu.
To apply, please visit the Interfolio advertisement: https://apply.interfolio.com/159088
Tufts IRACDA (Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards Program)
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Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (for fall 2024 start)
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with no more than 2 years of postdoctoral experience
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Inquiries: Tufts IRACDA website
Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Sex Chromosome Evolution
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Campus and Lexington Area Events | |
Whether you're looking to expand your academic knowledge, connect with peers, or simply unwind with some fun activities, the University of Kentucky Campus has something for everyone! | |
The Bluegrass region of Kentucky offers a rich blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you're hiking, touring distilleries, or discovering local art, the Bluegrass area has something for everyone. | |
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If you’re looking for something truly spectacular to do in the weeks ahead—and want to stay warm and cozy in your car—check out Lights Under Louisville! This one-of-a-kind holiday light display takes place inside the Louisville Mega Cavern, right beneath the city!
Grab your friends and family, hop in the car, and head over to the Mega Cavern for a bigger and brighter-than-ever holiday experience. With over 7 million points of light lighting up the cavern’s vast spaces, Lights Under Louisville is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. Wander through themed displays, meet your favorite holiday characters, enjoy festive music, dazzling lasers, and so much more. Whether it’s your first time or you're a returning fan, this underground wonderland promises to make lasting memories for everyone!
While there is a fee to experience this magical event, trust me, it’s totally worth it! Lights Under Louisville runs through January 4, 2025. For more details, visit Lights Under Louisville or check out their Facebook page. Louisville is always a great place to visit, and while you can zip-line in the cavern all year long, just a heads-up—you’ll have to wait until the holiday lights are gone for that!
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Beyond Biology: Community Awareness | |
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Big Blue Pantry The Food Pantry is an emergency relief program that is designed to meet the short-term food security needs of all current UK students. Email: bigbluepantry@uky.edu
LGBTQ+ Resources
LGBTQ* Resources is the University of Kentucky's central hub for accessing information, groups, and services related to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Housed in the Office for Student Success, we are a campus-wide office that works to make sure that our community is a welcoming, safe, and supportive place for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Email: LGBTQ@uky.edu
Starting in December, the CaTS team will be providing free Professional Headshots for all Arts and Sciences faculty and Staff. Walk-in sessions on the first Wednesday of each month from 11 AM - 1 PM in POT 918 (student work room). You can also book a 15-minute appointment on select Thursday's with Sophie Morgan for as-needed headshots.
COVID, Flu Vaccines now available at UK Retail Pharmacies. For additional information regarding the vaccinations available at UK click here.
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Feedback and Weekly Newsletter Submissions
The weekly newsletter, along with future updates, will be posted on the Biology website under the Departmental Newsletter and Weekly News tab. Any edits or updates will be reflected on this page.
If you notice anything that needs editing or if you have information to share in the next newsletter, please email Jacqueline Burke at jacqueline.burke@uky.edu.
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Department of Biology | 101 T.H. Morgan Bldg., 195 Huguelet Dr. l | 859-257-4711 | biology@uky.edu |
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