Got this in my email today...

[miraje]

"The Discovery Channel is supporting a science project and filming a documentary about storm chasing this spring. We are looking for students interested in storm chasing to join our team as on-camera scientists and crew. Candidates must be available 15 April through 15 June. Meteorology students and other students with strong science backgrounds are encouraged to apply and should be comfortable appearing and speaking on TV. Women and minorities are encouraged strongly to apply. All traveling and living expenses, as well as stipend, are provided. Please send a cover letter, resume and a photograph to [email]."

While that sounds like an amazing opportunity (I'd SO love to do it again), they'll probably be hard-pressed to find any students that are available by the middle of April. There might be a few PhD students that have the luxury of having no classes this semester and somehow miraculously do not have any pressing research to work on, but that's about it. I wonder who they'll be focusing on for the documentary. I mean...surely it's not just going to be a bunch of students out on a joy ride, and anyone affiliated with a university would have grad students of their own working on the project. Hmm...

I'm a little surprised that they want a photo submitted with the application. If it's supposed to be scientific, then why the hell do they care what the students look like? I didn't think the Discovery Channel would by that shallow.

Comments

[alchemi.livejournal.com]

So are you applying/able to do it?

[miraje.livejournal.com]

I don't think I'm going to apply. I have three classes, TA work, and research to worry about this semester. I'll go chasing a little bit on my own after the semester is over.

[in-a-box.livejournal.com]

That would be so cool! But you're right...why do they want a photograph...?

[jgehrts.livejournal.com]

And why do they specifically ask for women and minorities?

Seriously, are those two groups of people STILL that intimidated? "Ohhhh I don't know, this sounds like a great opportunity, but I bet it's more for guys and/or whites ... I better stay out of it..."

Heather, I know you'll give me an honest answer on that.

[miraje.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's about intimidation at all. Instead I think it's a pretty blatant hint that women and minorities will be given some extra points in the application process because Discovery has to show a certain amount of diversity in their programming. Now I just have to wonder whether they'll look at the pictures and pick the hot ones over ones with better qualifications. It is cable tv, afterall, and sex sells.