[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement: Multi-species Survey (20)- Idaho

[shannon ehlers]

Interested in climate change and its effect on various
species? Come to the mountainous Idaho panhandle and join an effort to collect 
climate
data and conduct surveys for a variety of species that no one has looked for in
years.  Spend your days hiking and exploring
coniferous forests, spruce bogs and alpine lakes. Spend your nights camping
under the stars. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is seeking  
approximately 15 field technicians and 3-5
crew leaders for the Multi-species Baseline Initiative (MBI) 2013 summer field
season.
Technicians will conduct surveys for taxon such as
gastropods, insects, and amphibians and will co-locate climate loggers on
survey plots. Duties may include setting gastropod cover traps, digging pitfall
traps, conducting timed searches for gastropods and other invertebrate species,
collecting and preserving gastropod and insect specimens,  collecting water 
samples, dip netting for
amphibians and recording all observations of species of interest.  Plots are 
accessed by driving 4x4 trucks on unimproved
mountain roads and hiking with a heavy pack (≥30lbs) off-trail through dense
brush and rough terrain. 
Crew leaders will be responsible for 3-5 technicians, in
addition to conducting their own surveys. Crew leaders’ duties may include
ensuring correct plot set up, data accuracy, technician safety, training and
gear allocation among other obligations. 
All employees will be required to work alone during the day
and therefore, must be self-sufficient and comfortable working alone and as
part of a team. All employees must also be willing to work long hours in
variable weather conditions (rain, snow, wind) and biting animals (mosquitos,
black flies, grizzly bears). Primitive camping, often without phone service and
facilities, will be required. When not in the field, technicians will be 
organizing
samples and entering data. Work schedule will be 9 days on and 5 days off. Pay 
will
start at $12.31/hour for technicians and $14.81/hour for crew leaders. Positions
will start in early May (with some starting in early-April) and will continue
through August. 
Qualifications: Applicants must be physically fit,
self-motivated, have a positive attitude, and be able to work independently. 
Desired
qualifications include: 1) the ability to camp and work alone in grizzly bear
country, 2) experience navigating primitive dirt roads and cross country with
maps, compasses and GPS units, and 3) the ability to accurately collect data
with an attention to detail. Applicants should have at least one season of
field work experience and some college level natural resource-related course
work. Taxonomic knowledge of gastropods, insects, other invertebrates,
amphibians, and reptiles would be beneficial, but not required. 
Those wishing to be considered for the crew leader positions
must also have at least three seasons of field work experience and previous
experience in a leadership position.  Previous
experience leading field crews would be beneficial. Competition for the crew
leader positions will be fierce. Please indicate in your cover letter if you
would still be interested in a technician position if the crew leader positions
are filled. 
To Apply:  For all
positions no later than February 20, email a resume, contact information for 3
professional references and a  cover
letter specifically illustrating your worst day in the field, previous 
experience
camping and working independently (500 words or less). Those wishing to be
considered for the crew leader position should also include a description of 
your
previous leadership experience in the cover letter. Please send all documents
in ONE document to:
Shannon Ehlers
Wildlife Research Biologist
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
baseline...@gmail.com

[ECOLOG-L] Toolik Field Station Environmental Data Center Manager

[Syndonia Bret-Harte]

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to manage the
Environmental Data Center (EDC) for the Toolik Field Station (TFS). The goal
of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental drivers and
biological responders to climate change in the local Toolik environs. This
baseline data is provided to the science community of Toolik for their use
as background and context for framing specific questions and hypotheses
about plant and animal adaptation to the Arctic, the structure and function
of arctic ecosystems, and responses and feedback of the arctic environment
to climate change. Please see http://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/ for more
information. Duties include: (1) Manage the collection of data on plant
phenology and arrival, departure, status and abundance of birds in the
Toolik region, (2) summarize these data, develop protocols, provide quality
assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and provide metadata, (3) integrate
availability of all EDC data (including climate data collected and QA/QC’d
by our meteorological group) with GIS and web-based server team and make
them available to the public via the EDC website, (4) assist in the further
development of the Biodiversity/phenology program with guidance from TFS
management and the external EDC science advisory committee, (6) manage core
and general-use field and laboratory equipment for TFS scientists and (5)
supervise summer seasonal staff. This position requires residence at TFS
half to three-quarters time from mid-May through September of each year;
otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The
desired candidate will possess: (1) Familiarity with biological monitoring
protocols developed in other arctic settings, and knowledge of arctic birds
and vegetation, (2) strong written and oral communication and quantitative
skills, (3) self-motivation, independence and the ability to work with
minimal supervision, as well as ability and willingness to work with site
investigators, (4) excellent organizational and documentation skills, and
(5) prior supervisory experience. Desired qualifications include M.S. in the
Biological Sciences with a background in plant ecology, population biology
of plants or animals, and/or significant experience. For more information
about the position, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte
, the supervisor for this position. 

This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following
link: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=79939.  In your
application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, email
addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In your cover
letter, explain how your experience, training, and professional goals apply
to this project, and anything you think will convince us you are the right
person for the job. For full consideration, you must apply by February 15,
2013. 

Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with the
provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 1986 and
must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident Aliens must
provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is
an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational
institution. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska
is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing reasonable
accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should
contact the Assistant Director at 474-6259. 

UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

[ECOLOG-L] Google+ community on Biocultural Landscapes and Seascapes

[Jean-Baptiste Pichancourt]

We have created the Google+ community "Biocultural landscapes and
seascapes (BCLS)". It is a place designed for Scientists, Managers, 
Landowners, NGOs, Community or State representatives and other Stakeholders 
from civil society, around how we understand the interaction between the 
Ecology, Economy, Sociology, and Cultural identity in landscapes and 
seascapes across the world. The goal is to discuss and learn how to make 
better decisions that balance these different objectives for the long-term 
sustainability of our landscapes, riverscapes, seascapes ...

We are currently >150 members who are sharing daily our passion with other
Ecologists, conservation practitioners, invasion biologists, Economical 
Ecologists (ecosystem services, cost-effectiveness ...), Political 
Ecologists (environmental governance, econometrics ...), Cultural ecologists 
(Ethnoecologists, human ecologists ...), Agroecologists/forestry/seafarming, 
Decision scientists (optimal control for multi-objective, multistakeholders) 
from across the world around this topic. This community is a good place to 
learn from the different approaches around the globe and confront different 
visions from different cultures.

We have created different sections in relation with BCLS for you, including 
job advertisements, promotion of your papers, of your videos, of your power-
point presentations, your ongoing projects to discuss with landowners,
managers, decision makers ...

Hope to see you at this address:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110834970079444098643

Very sincerely,
JB

[ECOLOG-L] Staff Scientist - Ecological Statistics @ NEON

[Steve Berukoff]

This ad is also available at 
http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/ecologicalstatistics


Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar
observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land
use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON
will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale
across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use
cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will
capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable,
and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor
soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample
populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading
edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this
information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the
first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological
change at continental scales.

Summary:
NEON’s measurement systems collect a wide variety of data obtained from
instruments, gathered by observations of several organismal taxa, and
derived from samples from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as
data from airborne hyperspectral, LiDAR, and high-resolution optical
imaging. In addition, NEON is contributing to, and leveraging from,
community-built models of land surface dynamics, aquatic and terrestrial
biogeochemistry, hydrology, and vegetation canopy structure. All of these
efforts are geared toward providing high-quality data products to NEON’s
user communities, both as value-added scientific contributions to
understanding driver-response feedbacks in ecosystems, but also as examples
of how to utilize NEON data and data products for leveraging NEON as a
platform for such studies. A major component of this effort is architecting
statistically defensible algorithms contributing to our understanding of
these processes, and reporting these approaches in conjunction with NEON
data products. Such approaches run the gamut of applications, from simple
methods to gauge data quality to highly advanced methods utilizing networked
models or model-data fusion.

The Staff Scientist-Ecological Statistics, will utilize their extensive
expertise in statistical methods and deep background in the environmental,
ecological, or earth sciences, to drive the development and implementation
of community-vetted, state-of-the-art statistical methods as applied to the
universe of NEON data products. This will involve working closely with all
NEON science teams, including the Cyberinfrastructure, Systems Engineering,
and Engineering teams, to develop, implement and document these approaches.
Further, the incumbent will work as a resource for the NEON Science
Division, utilizing interdisciplinary statistical methodologies applied to
NEON scientific goals, broadly applied across its diverse measurement
systems. This position reports to the Assistant Director Data Products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Contribute to the definition and optimization of NEON’s approach to
continental scaling of ecological processes.
• Help refine NEON’s approach to addressing high-level science questions,
such as those enabling research into terrestrial-aquatic biogeochemical
links, gradient themes, and combined use of biogeochemical and microbial
data, utilizing cutting-edge spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal
statistical techniques, such as hierarchical modeling, multi-model
inference, and data assimilation.
• Develop production-grade, state-of-the-art algorithms for combining
heterogeneous data and data products from NEON measurement and observation
systems, spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales.
• Integrate deeply across NEON science teams, effectively leveraging and
incorporating planned and existing scientific designs into algorithmic
architecture.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and operationalization of
statistical techniques used by other NEON science and engineering teams.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Cyberinfrastructure and Systems
Engineering teams.
• Create and make presentations at professional meetings, and reports.
• Travel to national conferences (1-3 times per year).

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
• Ph.D. in Statistics, Ecology, Biology, Environmental or Earth Sciences,
Astronomy, or Physics.
• Three or more years’ experience.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with foundational statistics, both
frequentist and Bayesian.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience of two or more ecological sciences
as relevant to NEON.
• Peer-reviewed journal publications and high standing in the statistics and
ecology communities.
• Extensive knowledge of statistical inference and its application to
ecological sciences.
• Extensive knowledge of spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal statistical
technique

[ECOLOG-L] Staff Scientist - Ecological Informatics @ NEON

[Steve Berukoff]

This ad is also available at 
http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/ecologicalinformatics

Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar
observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land
use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON
will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale
across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use
cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will
capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable,
and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor
soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample
populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading
edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this
information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the
first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological
change at continental scales.

Summary:
NEON’s measurement systems collect a wide variety of data obtained from
instruments, gathered by observations of several organismal taxa, and
derived from samples from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as
data from airborne hyperspectral, LiDAR, and high-resolution optical
imaging. As part of NEON’s mandate to ensure free and open access and
interoperability of this data, assuring2 that NEON data products are both
standardized and standards-based is a key responsibility of the Data
Products team.

The Staff Scientist-Ecological Informatics will work to both define and
refine NEON’s strategy for data, data product, and metadata architecture as
applied to the heterogeneous data products NEON will produce. This involves
understanding NEON’s data and sample acquisition systems, the computational
impacts of organizing this information, the scientific drivers for
collecting these data, and the community’s needs for this data, weaved
through interactions with NEON staff scientists, its Cyberinfrastructure
team, and internal and external working groups providing expertise and
feedback. The incumbent will also provide high-level expertise in designing,
developing, and implementing state-of-the-art tools for finding, utilizing,
and analyzing scientific data, as well as providing full documentation
enabling provenance and traceability. This position reports to the Assistant
Director for Data Products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Help guide development of an integrated approach to data and metadata
architecture useful and appropriate for NEON data and data products.
• Contribute to the development of NEON’s data and sample acquisition
systems architecture, using an understanding and consideration to the
computational impacts of organizing the ecological information, the
scientific drivers for collecting these data, and community needs for this data.
• Coordinate and collaborate with NEON staff scientists and engineers to
gather requirements for metadata architecture design and implementation.
• Provide expertise and feedback in designing, developing, and implementing
state-of-the-art tools for finding, utilizing, and analyzing scientific data.
• Prepare and provide full documentation of the rationale for, and design
of, data product and metadata architecture.
• Develop process improvements for organizing diverse ecological data.
• Investigate and recommend effective techniques to organize, standardize,
and deliver comprehensive and diverse NEON data and supporting documentation
for diverse audiences.
• Travel to national conferences (1-3 times per year).

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
• M.S. (Ph.D. Preferred) in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences,
Astronomy, Computer Science or Physics.
• Two or more years experience.
• Expertise with major data and information technologies and standards,
including World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Information Standards
Organization (ISO), Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC), and Open
Geospatial Consortium (OGC).
• Extensive knowledge and experience with biodiversity informatics project
architecture, including that of DataONE, LTER, Earth Microbiome Project, and
GBIF.
• Experience with scientific data formats, including NetCDF, HDF, EML, XML,
and others.
• Experience with data structures, such as ISO 19123 and 19109 standards,
OGC Common Data Model.
• Expertise with metadata standards, including ISO 19115, Darwin Core and
extensions, FGDC, and NetCDF CF conventions.
• Experience with scientific data repository architectures, such as USGS
EROS, or NASA DAACs.
• Demonstrable knowledge of modern programming languages, such Java, Python,
and C++.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
• Data modeling experience (relational and unstructured).
• Experience as a user community-facing data provider.
• Extensive knowledge of data and metadata standards co

[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Technology and Management Degree

[Phyllisa Best]

Recent graduate with a BS in Environmental Technology seeking full time
employment or research opportunities in the Raleigh area. Any suggestions?
Looking to start immediately.

[ECOLOG-L] How do I field for research-based employment?

[Arnell Limberry]

Hello All,

I am a University of Maryland student majoring in Geographic Information
Systems & Computer Cartography, a minor concentration in Geographic
Information Science. I would like to pursue graduate research in
Hydrogeology in the Northeast, particularly in New Hampshire or Vermont,
and I am currently in the process of submitting an application to Dartmouth
College(albeit, beyond the deadline for preferential consideration).

Regardless of my acceptance status, I plan to move to New Hampshire, or an
adjacent area of Vermont, to be closer to the school and the environment in
which its faculty conducts its research. I would like to begin looking for
jobs in that area, but I know that I will not be moving there until at
least July. Additionally, I do not have field experience using GIS, outside
of the classroom. Since many positions require or prefer previous work
experience, could anyone advise me on how to prepare myself for a
protracted entry-level research-based job hunt in a 6 month time frame?

 I am currently taking one course to satisfy a degree requirement, and work
about 30 hours/week as an Office Manager for a branch of the Maryland Fund
for Excellence. Since I have worked for the MFE in progressive capacities
since 2008, I value my current position as HRM experience that I will
inevitably be able to employ after I have performed research at the
graduate level.

Thanks for your consideration, and I hope that you all have an amazing
Superbowl Weekend ( Go Ravens!).

Best,
Arnell Limberry

-- 
Arnell Limberry
B.S. Geographic Information Systems & Computer Cartography, 2013
University of Maryland College Park

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Measuring the Human Mind Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[David L. McNeely]

Wayne, the case you cite is quite different from the matter of the single datum 
of a GRE score.  It also sounds like the department and faculty member were 
arrogant, but I was not there .. .  Too bad for your friend.  That 
clearly was not the place for her.  But it sounds like it was the supposedly 
"inferior" program she had been in rather than GRE scores that mattered at the 
time when she originally entered the "flagship" school.

For what it is worth, I have known high falutin' programs that advised students 
without research experience as undergraduates (formerly almost no one had it, 
now it seems that many grad programs demand it as a prerequisite for entrance, 
even if not explicitly stated) that they would stand a better chance for 
admission if they got into a MS program first, including at a regional state 
university, and applied after completing a thesis there.  I have known students 
for whom that approach worked, and consequently have advised others that it 
might be a good move for them.

david mcneely

 Wayne Tyson  wrote: 
> McNeely and Ecolog:
> 
> "I have never known one [adviser] who, faced with two applicants, opted for 
> the one with the higher GRE scores rather than the applicant whose prospects 
> for success in science were higher otherwise." --David McNeely
> 
> Is this universally true, or does McNeely live in some academic paradise far 
> from the maddening crowd?
> 
> I have zero data on this, but do have anecdotes of other cases where, for 
> example, a top student who had an M.S. from a (what do you call them, 
> "second tier?") state University that used to be a mere "College" wanted to 
> get her Ph.D. from the "top" state university, which required her to take 
> the M.S. program all over again before they would admit her to the Ph.D. 
> program. Not only that, the student was required to practically prostrate 
> herself at the feet of the department chair and major professor and be on 
> campus practically all the time. The student had several jobs teaching and 
> working at a museum (all relevant to her major, just to pay for her 
> education and eat a sumptuous meal of beans and weenies (or their equivalent 
> in luxury). She took it for a while, then left (forced out) and got her 
> Ph.D. at Oxford at huge additional  expense. I knew this woman very well, 
> and, with the exception of my wife, I have never known a more  tireless 
> scholar and worker. In addition, she will be paying off, with huge interest, 
> the student loan burden she incurred in the process, for the rest of her 
> life.
> 
> I know the professor well enough to get the distinct impression that she has 
> a grand impression of herself.
> 
> The students are finally demonstrating about extremely high tuition rates 
> and huge golden parachutes for retiring (some with as little as three years 
> at the university) officials.
> 
> NOTE: No student or professor dare make this kind of comment on a Forum of 
> this kind and you will notice how circumspect I had to be, careful not to 
> name names.
> 
> WT
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "David L. McNeely" 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 6:53 AM
> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. 
> program
> 
> 
> Each individual school has a score age after which it expects new results. 
> However, AFAIK one can take the exam as often as one wants to pay the money 
> and spend the time and effort.  The most recent score is the one reported. 
> So, for a person whose scores are "high enough," retaking is foolish (may be 
> risky?).  For a person with low scores, retaking may make sense.  For a 
> person with "seasoned" undergraduate training, some brush-up might be 
> appropriate.
> 
> I doubt retaking would make the difference in admission to a program unless 
> it is a matter of a cutoff score, and one is able to move the score above 
> that mark.  Especially for a seasoned applicant, performance in the work 
> world would be more important to a prospective adviser (and having a 
> prospective adviser who wants you is the single most important factor in 
> admission to many programs).  Many programs that have a cutoff score for the 
> GRE treat that as a "pass-fail" condition.  If one makes the cutoff, then 
> other variables are considered, but the GRE is of no further consideration. 
> That may not be true for some programs, but I have never met a faculty 
> member who looked beyond pass-fail on the cutoff score.  All I have met 
> looked at other variables.  Another way of putting that is that I have known 
> situations where a prospective adviser said to an applicant, "I couldn't 
> take you because the Graduate School turned you down for GRE scores.  If you 
> can get your GRE scores up to the Graduate School's cutoff, then we can try 
> again."  I have never known one who, faced with two applicants, opted for 
> the one with the higher GRE scores rather than the applicant whose prospect

[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician Position: Carbon Cycling in the Florida Everglades Watershed

[Brian Benscoter]

A research technician position is available in the Plant Ecology Lab at Florida 
Atlantic University 
(www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab) in 
support of a Department of Energy-funded project investigating carbon cycling 
in the Florida Everglades watershed.

Duties will include:
Coordination and participation in field data collection campaigns
Maintenance of field and lab instruments
Supervision of undergraduate assistants
Participation in laboratory analyses and data collection
Data QA/QC and project database management
Applicants must be willing to participate in multi-day off-campus field 
campaigns and conduct rigorous field work in Florida wetland conditions.  
Applicants must have a valid US driver's license, good driving record, and must 
be bondable (for insurance purposes), as well as a Bachelor's or Master's 
degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (e.g., 
biology, chemistry, geosciences). The successful candidate will be detail 
oriented with an aptitude for conducting scientific research. Prior field 
research experience is preferred, as are skills in personnel and/or data 
management, statistics, gas exchange measurement (eddy covariance or chamber 
incubations), use of dataloggers, airboat operation, and soil or plant ecology.

Base salary is $10/hr (negotiable, commensurate with experience).
Duration is up to 2 years, with potential for further renewal contingent upon 
funding availability.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until 
the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV or 
resume, and names and contact information of two references to Dr. Brian 
Benscoter (bbens...@fau.edu) via email.


**
Brian W. Benscoter, MSc PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Florida Atlantic University
3200 College Ave
Davie, FL 33314 USA

Office: DW437  Lab: DW434
Tel: 954.236.1141  Fax: 954.236.1099
Email: brian.bensco...@fau.edu
Webpage: 
www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Positions: Ecosystem and Fire Ecology of the Everglades

[Brian Benscoter]

Graduate research positions (MSc) are available in the Plant Ecology Lab at 
Florida Atlantic University (http://www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab), starting 
in the summer or fall 2013.  We are seeking students interested in fire ecology 
and/or carbon cycling in the Florida Everglades watershed to participate in 
projects funded through the US Geological Survey and US Department of Energy. 
Research in the Plant Ecology Lab focuses on the influence of disturbances 
(particularly fire and drought) on plant community structure and ecosystem 
carbon cycling in peat-forming wetlands from the Everglades to Alaska. 
Interdisciplinary collaborations and multi-biome studies avail opportunity for 
synergistic activities with other on-going research projects.



Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, or a 
related field (currently or prior to enrollment). Successful candidates must 
demonstrate an aptitude for research and the ability to work independently.  
Prior research experience in fire ecology, carbon cycling and/or plant ecology 
is preferred, as is the ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote 
settings. A current, valid U.S. driver's license is preferred.



Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until 
the positions are filled. The application deadline for the Environmental 
Sciences Master's program (http://www.science.fau.edu/biology/envirosci/ ) is 
March 15, 2013.  Applicants should send a written statement of graduate 
research interest, a copy of their CV or resume (including GPA and GRE scores), 
and names and contact information for two references via email to Dr. Brian 
Benscoter (bbens...@fau.edu).


**
Brian W. Benscoter, MSc PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Florida Atlantic University
3200 College Ave
Davie, FL 33314 USA

Office: DW437  Lab: DW434
Tel: 954.236.1141  Fax: 954.236.1099
Email: brian.bensco...@fau.edu
Webpage: 
www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement -- Biological Technician Plants -- Northern Research Station USDA Forest Service WV

[Huebner, Cynthia D -FS]

From: Huebner, Cynthia D -FS
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 4:03 PM
To: 'ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU'
Subject: Job Announcement -- Biological Technician Plants -- Northern Research 
Station USDA Forest Service WV


Please post this job announcement  and share widely.  Thank you.



USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Morgantown, WV

Job Title:  Field Technicians/Botanists (3 positions)
Series and Grade: 0404 and GS 3 or 4, Temporary ( $11.95 or $13.41/hr)
Location (Duty Station):  Morgantown, WV
Time Period:  Mid-May - mid August, 2013, possible earlier start dates in April 
and extensions through September for one or more of the 3 three positions

Duties:  The selected persons will assist in surveying 56 research plots for 
three invasive plant species.  The goal of this project is to evaluate invasive 
species growth and survival in sites with 1) no treatment, 2) prescribed burn, 
3) shelterwood harvest, and 4) diameter-limit harvest, all with and without 
deer herbivory control. The research plots are located in WV, OH, and VA.  A 
second project will require re-sampling 24 clear-cut forests in WV that are now 
25 years old since the initial harvest.  A third project consists of evaluating 
competitive interactions between tree of heaven and black locust sites in WV.

While botanical and taxonomic skills are not required, a strong interest in 
understory vegetation and ability to learn to identify these plants is 
necessary.  Good orienteering skills are desired.  There will also be a need to 
tear down, establish, and re-establish some plots which could require carrying 
relatively heavy equipment in and out of sites on variable terrain.  Those 
selected may also help with greenhouse, growth chamber, and common garden 
studies as well as enter data, and mount herbarium specimens.

The selected persons must be willing to relocate to Morgantown, WV.  They must 
also be a licensed driver, willing to travel extensively (with reimbursement 
and in provided government vehicles), and able to drive 4WD vehicles.  
Willingness to work in rough terrain and in over-grown vegetation with the 
possibility of encountering insects, ticks, snakes, and black bears, as well as 
in all kinds of weather is required.  The persons should also work well 
independently as well as with others.

Application Procedure: The vacancy announcements for these positions are posted 
at www.usajobs.gov  under TEMPOCR-0404-03-GEN-DT and 
TEMPOCR-0404-4-PLANTS-DT. Search on these job titles, with Morgantown, WV as 
your location. Those who wish to be considered for these positions must apply 
by March 4, 2013.   All qualified applicants who have applied to the 
announcement on or before March 4, 2013 will be considered.  Before applying, 
you will need to set up your account on the USAJobs website.  Be sure to 
include WV in your desired localities and to apply to both the 03 and 04, if 
you wish to be considered for both grade levels.

Please also submit your resume to Dr. Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service, 
Northern Research Station, 180 Canfield St., Morgantown, WV 26505, 
chueb...@fs.fed.us; (304) 285-1582 by March 4, 2013 
or preferably earlier so that your application status can be confirmed.

Contact Dr. Huebner if you have questions.




Cynthia D. Huebner, PhD
Research Botanist
Ecology and Management of Invasive Species and Forest Ecosystems
USDA Forest Service
Northern Research Station
180 Canfield St.
Morgantown, WV 26505-3180
(304) 285-1582 (phone)
(304) 285-1505 (fax)
chueb...@fs.fed.us
http://nrs.fs.fed.us/people/chuebner






This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for 
the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the 
use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and 
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received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email 
immediately.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Sean Clawson]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses, encouragement, and advice!   After 
the weekend I 
will write a synopsis of email and on-list advice.  Many have asked for 
confidentiality so I will 
write a synopsis in my own words and not mention any names.
Although I have taken the GRE the scores are now greater than 5 years old and 
no longer valid 
(I've been at this for awhile!).   Scores were 580 verbal, 720 quantitative.   
Generally my 
strategy has been to write professors inquiring if they will be taking students 
and providing my 
resume and a one page letter describing my situation and interests as they 
relate to the 
professors research.   I provide my old scores and offer to take the GRE again 
if I am being 
considered for a position.  Invariably the responses are along the lines of "My 
lab is full and I 
will not be accepting new students".   I think often times they actually do 
have room but don't 
want to be discouraging: a number of times they have posted openings shortly 
after the 
correspondence.   

Again, I am very grateful for all the input.   Thank you very much.

-Sean

[ECOLOG-L] Wildlife Vet Wanted!

[John Blacksmen]

To all the folks who work with a variety of wildlife everyday - this is your 
last chance to introduce 
yourself to Lucky Dog Films and possibly get your own TV show doing what you 
love!   If you're a 
credible and independent wildlife vet, researcher, caretaker or wildlife 
rehabilitator that gets urgent 
calls every week to work with a variety of animals in the wild -  we want to 
hear from you.  A big 
personality a must, a desire to be on TV a plus!  

Please write i...@luckydogfilms.com  - Do it now, before it's too late!

Thank you.

John

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Joy Cytryn]

I have been reading this with interest.  As a 55+ graduate student in
geography, I have found the program extremely accepting and supportive.  I
am attending Hunter College part of the City University of New York.  This
is my second masters degree the first being an MBA at NYU's Stern School of
Business (where I was not a star student).  The contrast between a large,
wealthy private school and an city college with a limited budget is on the
surface quite amazing.  However the faculty at Hunter is terrific.  I
started searching for an advisor and subject for my thesis when I had
completed almost all of my class work. I realized that I should have started
the search much earlier in the program than I did.  A number of faculty
members were concerned that I had to few credits available to take classes
in subjects that would be helpful to my thesis and where hesitant to take me
on.  In addition, my initial area of interest was well outside the
department's expertise and I was not encouraged to pursue it.  In
retrospect, it was prudent since it would have been overwhelming to start a
thesis on something I knew nothing about and not had any academic support.
The most resistance I faced was due to my interest in GIS.  (That I am sure
is an another subject for conversation)  There was never any indication that
age was a problem.

Hunter (actually it was the choice of the individual faculty members)
supported both working with a faculty member drawing out something from
their research or finding a research subject on their own.  My thesis
subject was a combination of both.

BTW, I did not find the young, 20/30 somethings intimidating at all.

I took additional classes both undergrad and grad in subjects that supported
my interests. 

I did not have to take the GRE's for admission to business school.  So at
55+ I took them for the first time.  My math skills were old and abysmal.  I
took studying for the GRE's as a way to improve my math skills not just a
means to improve my scores and I am very proud of my success.  As a student
of science I found the new knowledge extremely helpful.

Having been successful in my selection of a university, my GRE scores, my
academic achievement (GPA score) and thrilled by my area of study I now face
something to which I have grave concerns, finding a job.  I believe that
academia is much more forgiving of age then the private sector, government
or NGO community will be. At an age when many are beginning to think about
retirement, I am beginning a new career. Wish me luck.

One more point.  The best introduction to employment I have seen is through
internships.  The faculty at Hunter is proactive in helping their students
locate internships throughout New York City and elsewhere.

I hope that sharing my story is of some help.  The key is do what it
takes... and if takes time, well, if it's what you want it's worth it.
Best,
Joy

Joy Cytryn
Research Assistant/ MA candidate
Department of Geography
Hunter College
New York City


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Katharine Miller
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 12:33 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S.
program

As a non-traditional student who will be defending her PhD next week (!), I
can tell you that it can be very difficult to overcome the resistance to
older students in graduate school.  Despite having a lot of practical
experience and an extremely strong academic record, I met serious resistance
from Profs with whom I interviewed.  One of them even told me that Profs
like to "make students in their own image" by which she meant to indicate
that, since I was approx. her same age, I was too old to be molded. I think
that for some, a student with lots of experience outside academia may be
threatening.  

It can be very difficult to figure out which Profs and programs will take
older students. I would start by finding someone who is working in an area
that interests you and contacting one or more of his/her students to ask
what the relative ages and experience levels of the grad students are. I
would also talk to professionals in the field you are interested in - those
who have adv. degrees and especially those with connections to a University
(either teaching or research). They may be able to provide an introduction
to an adviser.

I was lucky enough to find an adviser who actually prefers students who have
some experience outside of school (I am in an oceanography program), and I
am sure there are many like that out there in lots of ecological fields -
they can just be difficult to find.

Good luck!  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Eimy Rivas Plata]

A very dear friend of mine (age 46) just started his Masters, after losing
almost a decade when he couldn't decide if he was going to start or not...

That said, when we first met and he shared the idea, I strongly encouraged
him to go ahead, resistance from some teachers to students their age is
expected as is also from some students to young teachers..., there will
always be some people that will discourage the idea, my advice,* if you
really want this, GO AHEAD*.

It is a bit tricky, though, and I would plan a strategy to be as efficient
as possible, because let's face it, you want to start, but you also want to
finish and of course, we cannot predict how the job market will be in
two-four years but you might want to keep in mind the ideal position in
case it comes up while you're in the program:

I agree with Katharine (btw, bravo and congratulations Katharine!), I would
ask around and meet with as many teachers as possible, what's the worst
that can happen? that they say no, but then you'll also learn about them,
because the first meeting is not just to say: "hey, I have this idea, what
do you think?", it's more to have a feeling of the interests of the
professor, afterwards, you'll go ahead and explain your idea if you think
it'll be a win/win situation...

On that note, I don't have anything against inserting yourself in a lab,
for as long as *they are pursuing questions that are also interesting for
you*, of course, I do have to say, my committee found very refreshing when
in our first meeting I had my research already in mind (as I think you do,
you might have something in mind beyond a group of organisms)...

However, the most important element..., the key, is the advisor, which is
why you need to get to know several professors and their interests, and if
it turns out that you guys have great chemistry and are in sync with your
interests and ideas, then you found it!, otherwise, if after the interview
you feel that it's not the right fit (which usually happens both sides), at
least you built a potential collaboration...

Best of lucks!

Eimy

-- 
--
Eimy Rivas Plata, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Lutzoni Lab
Department of Biology
Duke University
&
Research Assistant - Lichenology
Department of Botany
The Field Museum

-- Life is the most spectacular show on Earth --

On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 12:42 PM, Elsa Youngsteadt wrote:

> Liane articulates many of the thoughts I also had on this subject.
>
> I would add that refusing to work independently and creatively as a grad
> student--thereby protecting your own ideas for later use--could backfire if
> you ever need your colleagues and supervisors to vouch for your ability to
> generate and execute independent, creative ideas.
>
> You can learn important methods and critical thinking from a mentor and a
> lab group in the context of a project that is motivated by your own
> curiosity and ideas. That, in my opinion, is a favorable situation.
>
> Of course the correct approach invariably depends on individual
> personalities, goals, and unique life situations--grad school is not
> one-size-fits-all.
>
> Cheers,
> Elsa
>
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM, Cochran-Stafira, D. Liane
> wrote:
>
> > Aaron,
> > I very strongly disagree with your statement about not coming up with
> your
> > own research idea.  My advisor expected all PhD candidates to work on
> their
> > own projects - not feed off of his.  Masters level students were held by
> > the hand much more, and they did projects that were spin-offs from my
> > mentors line of interest.
> >
> > PhD's should be "creative" and the best place to learn this is in grad
> > school where your creativity can be monitored and mentored.  Just working
> > as another pair of hands in the lab is a waste of time.  My mentor asked
> > only to be second author on the first paper that came from the part of
> the
> > project that involved his greatest level of mentoring and help.  He
> clearly
> > stated that all other papers were solely mine.  I have continued to work
> > with the same system since grad school, and there has been no issue with
> > him stealing my ideas.
> >
> > I learned an incredible amount by working out how to do the experiments I
> > needed to do; how to carry out statistical analyses I never learned about
> > in class.  I could go on, but you get the idea.  I am quite amazed at
> your
> > strongly negative opinion about this approach to grad school.  And, by
> the
> > way, I am one of the 14% (as reported in the a recent article in
> BioScience
> > ) of female students who was successful in landing a desired academic
> > position - so there was no effect on my career.
> > Liane
> >
> > 
> > D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
> > Associate Professor
> > Department of Biological Sciences
> > Saint Xavier University
> > 3700 West 103rd Street
> > Chicago, Illinois  60655
> >
> > phone:  773-298-3514
> > fax:773-298-3536
> > email:  coch...@sxu.edu
>

[ECOLOG-L] Wetland Ecology Field Technicians - Colorado

[Lemly,Joanna]

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University (CSU) 
seeks 4 to 6 experienced field technicians for summer field work assessing the 
condition of wetlands throughout the lower South Platte River Basin. All 
positions require field botany or ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy 
and species identification required. Preferred qualifications include 
experience in wetland or riparian ecology, knowledge of local flora, and 
familiarity performing field work for long days (10+ hours). Fieldwork will 
take place in randomly selected wetlands in urban areas, agricultural areas, 
and more remote natural areas as part of a river basin scale wetland condition 
and wildlife habitat assessment. Standard duties will involve driving and 
hiking to field sites; in-field plant identification and in-office plant 
identification with a microscope; extensive collection of vegetation, soil, 
wildlife habitat, and environmental data; detailed completion of field survey 
forms; and landowner interactions. Salary range: $2000 - $2800/month, plus per 
diem when traveling. Timeframe: 3-5 months (approx. mid-May-Sept 2013).
To apply and view a complete position description, please visit: 
http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html.  First 
consideration of applicants will begin February 15, 2013. Applications will be 
accepted until July 31, 2013.  CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and conducts 
background checks on all final candidates.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Clara B. Jones]

..."protecting your own ideas for later use" is a statement, in one form or
another, that i've heard from quite a few "early-career" biologists over
the years...long-story-short...your peers and Established Scientists are
very, very bright...it is unlikely that an "idea" is so unique or
precious that someone has not mentioned it before in the literature and/or
that, while Early Career is wating for the propitious moment, one of
her/his very, very bright peers or an Establishe Scientist will fail to
come up with the same or a similar "idea"...furthermore, due to changes in
international copyright laws & conventions, Intellectual Property rights
are less & less protected...better to initiate a "game", to open up new
ways of thinking about something...better to get feedback & engage in the
discourse...IF the "ideas" do, in fact, turn out to have some utility to
Science and/or Industry...a person initiating the discourse will be
acknowledged in one way or another, directly or indirectly...clara

On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 12:42 PM, Elsa Youngsteadt wrote:

> Liane articulates many of the thoughts I also had on this subject.
>
> I would add that refusing to work independently and creatively as a grad
> student--thereby protecting your own ideas for later use--could backfire if
> you ever need your colleagues and supervisors to vouch for your ability to
> generate and execute independent, creative ideas.
>
> You can learn important methods and critical thinking from a mentor and a
> lab group in the context of a project that is motivated by your own
> curiosity and ideas. That, in my opinion, is a favorable situation.
>
> Of course the correct approach invariably depends on individual
> personalities, goals, and unique life situations--grad school is not
> one-size-fits-all.
>
> Cheers,
> Elsa
>
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM, Cochran-Stafira, D. Liane
> wrote:
>
> > Aaron,
> > I very strongly disagree with your statement about not coming up with
> your
> > own research idea.  My advisor expected all PhD candidates to work on
> their
> > own projects - not feed off of his.  Masters level students were held by
> > the hand much more, and they did projects that were spin-offs from my
> > mentors line of interest.
> >
> > PhD's should be "creative" and the best place to learn this is in grad
> > school where your creativity can be monitored and mentored.  Just working
> > as another pair of hands in the lab is a waste of time.  My mentor asked
> > only to be second author on the first paper that came from the part of
> the
> > project that involved his greatest level of mentoring and help.  He
> clearly
> > stated that all other papers were solely mine.  I have continued to work
> > with the same system since grad school, and there has been no issue with
> > him stealing my ideas.
> >
> > I learned an incredible amount by working out how to do the experiments I
> > needed to do; how to carry out statistical analyses I never learned about
> > in class.  I could go on, but you get the idea.  I am quite amazed at
> your
> > strongly negative opinion about this approach to grad school.  And, by
> the
> > way, I am one of the 14% (as reported in the a recent article in
> BioScience
> > ) of female students who was successful in landing a desired academic
> > position - so there was no effect on my career.
> > Liane
> >
> > 
> > D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
> > Associate Professor
> > Department of Biological Sciences
> > Saint Xavier University
> > 3700 West 103rd Street
> > Chicago, Illinois  60655
> >
> > phone:  773-298-3514
> > fax:773-298-3536
> > email:  coch...@sxu.edu
> > http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/
> >
> > 
> >
> > ___
> >  From: Aaron T. Dossey 
> > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> > Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 8:25 PM
> > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S.
> > program
> >
> > If you do for some reason (which I cannot currently imagine) to go to
> > graduate school, here is some advice that will help you get the most out
> of
> > it without putting the future of your career at risk: 1) pick a very
> > HANDS-ON professor who spends a lot of time with his or her students and
> > postdocs (eg: they spend lots of time in the lab) in a successful lab
> with
> > a great reputation (lots of publications, with students and postdocs who
> > have left it and have successful careers currently who can attribute it
> to
> > having worked in that lab) and 2) insist that you ONLY will work on work
> > that is from the professor's own ideas - from their grants and based on
> > their ideas.  Do not fall into the trap of working for a professor who
> > expects you to come up with your own projects.  You are there to learn
> from
> > them primarily, and also to do parts of their research.  If you already
> > have a certain skillset and can come up with your own research pro

[ECOLOG-L] Job: senior wetlands permitting specialist

[David Inouye]

We’re Growing – Come Join Our Team!

“Cardno ENTRIX is an environmental and natural 
resource management consultancy providing a broad 
suite of services in Water Resources Management, 
Natural Resources Management, Permitting & 
Compliance, and Liability Management. Clients 
turn to Cardno ENTRIX for help navigating complex 
environmental, natural resource, and business 
challenges because of our creative 
problem-solving and the successful track record of our multidisciplinary team.”


We provide a diverse, passionate, 
multi-disciplinary team of colleagues and many 
opportunities for highly-motivated and dedicated 
scientists and engineers to engage in 
environmentally-critical management solutions. A 
position on the Cardno ENTRIX team offers a 
highly-motivated, qualified candidate an 
opportunity to shape the future and to make a 
real difference regarding the management of natural resources.


We have an immediate need for the following 
position in our Houston, TX office:


· Senior Wetlands Permitting Specialist - 
Apply 
here


This position will work with a multidisciplinary 
team of accomplished biologists, ecologists, 
toxicologists, environmental scientists, 
engineers, economists and planners on a variety 
of natural resource projects throughout the United States.


This is a very exciting opportunity to work with 
some of the brightest minds in the environmental 
industry on fascinating projects that make a 
difference! Cardno has been around since 1945, we 
have 270+ locations worldwide and we’re growing larger every day!


The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s 
degree or higher in Environmental Science or 
related field; a minimum of 10 or more years’ 
experience including wetland delineation and 
individual 404 and nationwide permitting. The 
selected individual must have excellent 
communication and organizational skills, a 
positive, flexible and team-orientated approach 
and the desire to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.


If you, or anyone you know, is interested in 
exploring further, please submit your resume by 
clicking the “Apply here” link above. To view all 
our open positions, visit us at 
www.cardnoentrix.com/careers.


For immediate consideration and/or any inquiries, 
please email us at j...@entrix.com.


Denise Hawkins
HR | STAFFING ASSISTANT
CARDNO ENTRIX

Phone (+1) 813-664-4500 Fax (+1) 813-367-0953 Direct (+1) 813-367-0994
Address 3905 Crescent Park Drive, Riverview, FL 33578 USA
Email 
denise.hawk...@cardno.com 
Web www.cardno.com - www.cardnoentrix.com

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Elsa Youngsteadt]

Liane articulates many of the thoughts I also had on this subject.

I would add that refusing to work independently and creatively as a grad
student--thereby protecting your own ideas for later use--could backfire if
you ever need your colleagues and supervisors to vouch for your ability to
generate and execute independent, creative ideas.

You can learn important methods and critical thinking from a mentor and a
lab group in the context of a project that is motivated by your own
curiosity and ideas. That, in my opinion, is a favorable situation.

Of course the correct approach invariably depends on individual
personalities, goals, and unique life situations--grad school is not
one-size-fits-all.

Cheers,
Elsa



On Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM, Cochran-Stafira, D. Liane
wrote:

> Aaron,
> I very strongly disagree with your statement about not coming up with your
> own research idea.  My advisor expected all PhD candidates to work on their
> own projects - not feed off of his.  Masters level students were held by
> the hand much more, and they did projects that were spin-offs from my
> mentors line of interest.
>
> PhD's should be "creative" and the best place to learn this is in grad
> school where your creativity can be monitored and mentored.  Just working
> as another pair of hands in the lab is a waste of time.  My mentor asked
> only to be second author on the first paper that came from the part of the
> project that involved his greatest level of mentoring and help.  He clearly
> stated that all other papers were solely mine.  I have continued to work
> with the same system since grad school, and there has been no issue with
> him stealing my ideas.
>
> I learned an incredible amount by working out how to do the experiments I
> needed to do; how to carry out statistical analyses I never learned about
> in class.  I could go on, but you get the idea.  I am quite amazed at your
> strongly negative opinion about this approach to grad school.  And, by the
> way, I am one of the 14% (as reported in the a recent article in BioScience
> ) of female students who was successful in landing a desired academic
> position - so there was no effect on my career.
> Liane
>
> 
> D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
> Associate Professor
> Department of Biological Sciences
> Saint Xavier University
> 3700 West 103rd Street
> Chicago, Illinois  60655
>
> phone:  773-298-3514
> fax:773-298-3536
> email:  coch...@sxu.edu
> http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/
>
> 
>
> ___
>  From: Aaron T. Dossey 
> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 8:25 PM
> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S.
> program
>
> If you do for some reason (which I cannot currently imagine) to go to
> graduate school, here is some advice that will help you get the most out of
> it without putting the future of your career at risk: 1) pick a very
> HANDS-ON professor who spends a lot of time with his or her students and
> postdocs (eg: they spend lots of time in the lab) in a successful lab with
> a great reputation (lots of publications, with students and postdocs who
> have left it and have successful careers currently who can attribute it to
> having worked in that lab) and 2) insist that you ONLY will work on work
> that is from the professor's own ideas - from their grants and based on
> their ideas.  Do not fall into the trap of working for a professor who
> expects you to come up with your own projects.  You are there to learn from
> them primarily, and also to do parts of their research.  If you already
> have a certain skillset and can come up with your own research projects and
> successfully
>  execute them, you do NOT need to be a student (at least in that lab).
>  Pick a lab and a professor who have a lot to offer you in the form of
> TRAINING, connections and projects likely to be very fruitful.
>
> IF and when you have your own ideas you want to pursue, keep a log book of
> those and save those for when you graduate and are on your own/independent.
>  Otherwise, it can get ugly.  Many professors will, to put it bluntly,
> steal credit and reward for your ideas and independent work.  Might as well
> avoid that pitfall and keep everyone happy (and keep you learning) by doing
> whatever work originates from the professor - besides, it's their job to
> drive the research and come up with the ideas.
>
> Basically, pick a prof and lab who seems to have YOUR CAREER INTERESTS at
> heart and act like it.
>

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc opportunity in global change and grasslands – Fort Collins CO

[Blumenthal, Dana]

Postdoc Position: Grassland Responses to Global Change
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Salary:  $61,612/year

We are seeking a post-doc to contribute to ongoing global change research in 
mixed-grass prairie.  The Prairie Heating and CO2 Enrichment (PHACE) experiment 
presents a wide array of opportunities for understanding community and 
ecosystem-level responses to global change 
(http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=16754).  These opportunities 
include work with existing (7-year) datasets, and the generation of new 
datasets through intensive sampling in the final year of the study.  The PHACE 
study is a collaborative project, run jointly by the USDA-ARS, the University 
of Wyoming, and Colorado State University, and the PIs and collaborators 
provide a range expertise from which to draw.  Additional opportunities are 
available to evaluate relationships between climate, ecosystem processes, and 
productivity across the USDA Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research network 
(http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/programs/programs.htm?np_code=211&docid=22480).

The successful candidate should have expertise in plant ecology at the 
community or ecosystem level, including ecophysiology, plant-soil water 
relations, biogeochemistry, and/or global change ecology.  Requirements include 
a strong publication record, excellent writing skills, and proficiency in 
contemporary statistics (e.g., generalized mixed models, structural equation 
modeling, meta-analysis).

The two-year position will be located in Fort Collins, Colorado, with the 
USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Research Unit 
(http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-09-00-00).  Salary will 
be at the GS-11 level ($61,612/yr., plus benefits).   Expected starting date is 
April 1, 2013, but is negotiable.

To apply, please send a merged pdf containing a curriculum vitae, a cover 
letter describing research interests, up to two relevant publications, the 
abstract from your dissertation, and contact information for two references to 
ann.heck...@ars.usda.gov.  Application 
deadline:  March 1, 2013.  For additional information, please contact Dana 
Blumenthal (dana.blument...@ars.usda.gov; 
970-492-7122) or Justin Derner 
(justin.der...@ars.usda.gov; 307-772-2433, x 
113).

Citizenship restrictions apply. USDA/ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and 
Provider.






--
Dana Blumenthal
Rangeland Resources Research Unit
USDA-ARS
1701 Center Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 492-7122
dana.blument...@ars.usda.gov




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the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the 
use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and 
subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have 
received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email 
immediately.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Katharine Miller]

As a non-traditional student who will be defending her PhD next week (!), I 
can tell you that it can be very difficult to overcome the resistance to 
older students in graduate school.  Despite having a lot of practical 
experience and an extremely strong academic record, I met serious resistance 
from Profs with whom I interviewed.  One of them even told me that Profs 
like to "make students in their own image" by which she meant to indicate 
that, since I was approx. her same age, I was too old to be molded. I think 
that for some, a student with lots of experience outside academia may be 
threatening.  

It can be very difficult to figure out which Profs and programs will take 
older students. I would start by finding someone who is working in an area 
that interests you and contacting one or more of his/her students to ask 
what the relative ages and experience levels of the grad students are. I 
would also talk to professionals in the field you are interested in - those 
who have adv. degrees and especially those with connections to a University 
(either teaching or research). They may be able to provide an introduction 
to an adviser.

I was lucky enough to find an adviser who actually prefers students who have 
some experience outside of school (I am in an oceanography program), and I 
am sure there are many like that out there in lots of ecological fields - 
they can just be difficult to find.

Good luck!

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Cochran-Stafira, D. Liane]

Aaron,
I very strongly disagree with your statement about not coming up with your own 
research idea.  My advisor expected all PhD candidates to work on their own 
projects - not feed off of his.  Masters level students were held by the hand 
much more, and they did projects that were spin-offs from my mentors line of 
interest.  
 
PhD's should be "creative" and the best place to learn this is in grad school 
where your creativity can be monitored and mentored.  Just working as another 
pair of hands in the lab is a waste of time.  My mentor asked only to be second 
author on the first paper that came from the part of the project that involved 
his greatest level of mentoring and help.  He clearly stated that all other 
papers were solely mine.  I have continued to work with the same system since 
grad school, and there has been no issue with him stealing my ideas.
 
I learned an incredible amount by working out how to do the experiments I 
needed to do; how to carry out statistical analyses I never learned about in 
class.  I could go on, but you get the idea.  I am quite amazed at your 
strongly negative opinion about this approach to grad school.  And, by the way, 
I am one of the 14% (as reported in the a recent article in BioScience ) of 
female students who was successful in landing a desired academic position - so 
there was no effect on my career.
Liane
 

D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Saint Xavier University
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, Illinois  60655

phone:  773-298-3514
fax:773-298-3536
email:  coch...@sxu.edu
http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/

 

___
 From: Aaron T. Dossey 
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 8:25 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

If you do for some reason (which I cannot currently imagine) to go to graduate 
school, here is some advice that will help you get the most out of it without 
putting the future of your career at risk: 1) pick a very HANDS-ON professor 
who spends a lot of time with his or her students and postdocs (eg: they spend 
lots of time in the lab) in a successful lab with a great reputation (lots of 
publications, with students and postdocs who have left it and have successful 
careers currently who can attribute it to having worked in that lab) and 2) 
insist that you ONLY will work on work that is from the professor's own ideas - 
from their grants and based on their ideas.  Do not fall into the trap of 
working for a professor who expects you to come up with your own projects.  You 
are there to learn from them primarily, and also to do parts of their research. 
 If you already have a certain skillset and can come up with your own research 
projects and successfully
 execute them, you do NOT need to be a student (at least in that lab).  Pick a 
lab and a professor who have a lot to offer you in the form of TRAINING, 
connections and projects likely to be very fruitful.

IF and when you have your own ideas you want to pursue, keep a log book of 
those and save those for when you graduate and are on your own/independent.  
Otherwise, it can get ugly.  Many professors will, to put it bluntly, steal 
credit and reward for your ideas and independent work.  Might as well avoid 
that pitfall and keep everyone happy (and keep you learning) by doing whatever 
work originates from the professor - besides, it's their job to drive the 
research and come up with the ideas.

Basically, pick a prof and lab who seems to have YOUR CAREER INTERESTS at heart 
and act like it.

[ECOLOG-L] Announcing the 4th Annual Summer Soil Institute at Colorado State University

[colin bell]

Attending the Summer Soil Institute is your opportunity to gain an
integrated perspective with world-renowned faculty to address critical
questions using current analytical techniques, experimental approaches, and
instructional models. The Summer Soil Institute is designed for graduate
and advanced undergraduate students, post-docs, faculty and professionals. The
SSI Faculty Instructors include: Thomas Borch, Richard Conant, Francesca
Cotrufo, Gene Kelly, John Moore, Mary Stromberger, Joe von Fischer, Diana
Wall, and Matthew Wallenstein.


SSI will be held on *July 7-20, 2013*, and is located at Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO. The deadline to apply for the upcoming 4th Annual
Summer Soil Institute is rapidly approaching. *Applications due March 8,
2013. *


 For more information and *to apply*, please visit our website:
http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu. After reviewing the website, if
you are interested in attending SSI this year and would like more
information, please Email us at: s...@nrel.colostate.edu.



We hope that you can join us this year for the 4th Annual Summer Soil
Institute at Colorado State University.



Sincerely,



4th Annual Summer Soil Institute Committee

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
SSI Web: http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu/
SSI Email: s...@nrel.colostate.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Advanced Features of Discoverlife Identification Guides - Second of two videos

[Droege, Sam]

All:

Below is a link to a video demonstrating some of the more advanced (but
highly useful) features of Discoverlife Identification Guides.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ws4nwgOfm4

Features covered include:


   - Type ahead spell checking
   - Listing all the scored characters for a species (for double checking
   your work)
   - Jumping directly to a specific character (useful when you know you
   just need to look up a specific character
   - Comparing characters states for 2 or more species
   - Access to Pollen Host Data

The first video is located at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75klhCa2vEM

Our Tube Station is filled with all sorts of Bee related topics:

http://www.youtube.com/user/swdroege

Our slideshare Station covers additional topics:

http://www.slideshare.net/sdroege

Our flickr site is approaching 1000 hi resolution creative commons photos
available for your use:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml/

sam

Song of Nature

Mine are the night and morning,
The pits of air, the gulf of space,
The sportive sun, the gibbous moon,
The innumerable days.

I hid in the solar glory,
I am dumb in the pealing song,
I rest on the pitch of the torrent,
In slumber I am strong.

No numbers have counted my tallies,
No tribes my house can fill,
I sit by the shining Fount of Life,
And pour the deluge still;

And ever by delicate powers
Gathering along the centuries
>From race on race the rarest flowers,
My wreath shall nothing miss.

And many a thousand summers
My apples ripened well,
And light from meliorating stars
With firmer glory fell.

I wrote the past in characters
Of rock and fire the scroll,
The building in the coral sea,
The planting of the coal.

And thefts from satellites and rings
And broken stars I drew,
And out of spent and aged things
I formed the world anew;

What time the gods kept carnival,
Tricked out in star and flower,
And in cramp elf and saurian forms
They swathed their too much power.

Time and Thought were my surveyors,
They laid their courses well,
They boiled the sea, and baked the layers
Or granite, marl, and shell.

But he, the man-child glorious,--
Where tarries he the while?
The rainbow shines his harbinger,
The sunset gleams his smile.

My boreal lights leap upward,
Forthright my planets roll,
And still the man-child is not born,
The summit of the whole.

Must time and tide forever run?
Will never my winds go sleep in the west?
Will never my wheels which whirl the sun
And satellites have rest?

Too much of donning and doffing,
Too slow the rainbow fades,
I weary of my robe of snow,
My leaves and my cascades;

I tire of globes and races,
Too long the game is played;
What without him is summer's pomp,
Or winter's frozen shade?

I travail in pain for him,
My creatures travail and wait;
His couriers come by squadrons,
He comes not to the gate.

Twice I have moulded an image,
And thrice outstretched my hand,
Made one of day, and one of night,
And one of the salt sea-sand.

One in a Judaean manger,
And one by Avon stream,
One over against the mouths of Nile,
And one in the Academe.

I moulded kings and saviours,
And bards o'er kings to rule;--
But fell the starry influence short,
The cup was never full.

Yet whirl the glowing wheels once more,
And mix the bowl again;
Seethe, fate! the ancient elements,
Heat, cold, wet, dry, and peace, and pain.

Let war and trade and creeds and song
Blend, ripen race on race,
The sunburnt world a man shall breed
Of all the zones, and countless days.

No ray is dimmed, no atom worn,
My oldest force is good as new,
And the fresh rose on yonder thorn
Gives back the bending heavens in dew.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

-- 
*Bees are Not Optional*

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[David L. McNeely]

Each individual school has a score age after which it expects new results.  
However, AFAIK one can take the exam as often as one wants to pay the money and 
spend the time and effort.  The most recent score is the one reported.  So, for 
a person whose scores are "high enough," retaking is foolish (may be risky?).  
For a person with low scores, retaking may make sense.  For a person with 
"seasoned" undergraduate training, some brush-up might be appropriate.

I doubt retaking would make the difference in admission to a program unless it 
is a matter of a cutoff score, and one is able to move the score above that 
mark.  Especially for a seasoned applicant, performance in the work world would 
be more important to a prospective adviser (and having a prospective adviser 
who wants you is the single most important factor in admission to many 
programs).  Many programs that have a cutoff score for the GRE treat that as a 
"pass-fail" condition.  If one makes the cutoff, then other variables are 
considered, but the GRE is of no further consideration.  That may not be true 
for some programs, but I have never met a faculty member who looked beyond 
pass-fail on the cutoff score.  All I have met looked at other variables.  
Another way of putting that is that I have known situations where a prospective 
adviser said to an applicant, "I couldn't take you because the Graduate School 
turned you down for GRE scores.  If you can get your GRE scores up to the 
Graduate School's cutoff, then we can try again."  I have never known one who, 
faced with two applicants, opted for the one with the higher GRE scores rather 
than the applicant whose prospects for success in science were higher otherwise.

David McNeely

 Kyle Finn  wrote: 
> Someone mentioned retaking the GRE in a previous comment to this question. SO 
> at what point then are your GRE scores old enough to warrant retaking the 
> test?  



 From: Aaron T. Dossey 
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU 
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 8:25 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program
 
If you do for some reason (which I cannot currently imagine) to go to graduate 
school, here is some advice that will help you get the most out of it without 
putting the future of your career at risk: 1) pick a very HANDS-ON professor 
who spends a lot of time with his or her students and postdocs (eg: they spend 
lots of time in the lab) in a successful lab with a great reputation (lots of 
publications, with students and postdocs who have left it and have successful 
careers currently who can attribute it to having worked in that lab) and 2) 
insist that you ONLY will work on work that is from the professor's own ideas - 
from their grants and based on their ideas.  Do not fall into the trap of 
working for a professor who expects you to come up with your own projects.  You 
are there to learn from them primarily, and also to do parts of their research. 
 If you already have a certain skillset and can come up with your own research 
projects and successfully
>  execute them, you do NOT need to be a student (at least in that lab).  Pick 
> a lab and a professor who have a lot to offer you in the form of TRAINING, 
> connections and projects likely to be very fruitful.

IF and when you have your own ideas you want to pursue, keep a log book of 
those and save those for when you graduate and are on your own/independent.  
Otherwise, it can get ugly.  Many professors will, to put it bluntly, steal 
credit and reward for your ideas and independent work.  Might as well avoid 
that pitfall and keep everyone happy (and keep you learning) by doing whatever 
work originates from the professor - besides, it's their job to drive the 
research and come up with the ideas.

Basically, pick a prof and lab who seems to have YOUR CAREER INTERESTS at heart 
and act like it.


On 1/30/2013 8:49 PM, Michael Garvin wrote:
> All depends on what you want,
> 
> I went back at 35.  Best decision I ever made.  You can only go so far in the 
> scientific world with a BS.  Fact of life.  It's a card that opens doors.   
> But the most important thing is to enjoy what you are doing.  If you can do 
> that with a BS, do it.  If not, go back.  And I agree with previous posts.  
> Find someone who is studying what you want and convince them you have a skill 
> set to offer.  Worked for me.
> 
> M.
> On Jan 30, 2013, at 4:18 PM, "Aaron T. Dossey"  wrote:
> 
>> My advice is: forget about graduate school.  Find a way to get going with 
>> your dreams, passions interests and desired work rather than seeking 
>> "training" for it.  I am 35 and the only thing that would take me back to 
>> any kind of school would be if I wanted to go to law or medical school, or 
>> some sort of professional training with a very specific and targeted purpose 
>> in mind.  I CERTAINLY wouldn't do something like a postdoc or other similar 
>> type of temporary te

[ECOLOG-L] Call for proposals: U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation

[David Inouye]

We would like to bring to your attention that the U.S-Israel 
Binational Science Foundation (BSF) has issued two new CALLS FOR 
PROPOSALS in its special programs:


1. `Transformative Science`, a special program for ground breaking 
ideas in scientific research. You can find the CALL using the link:

http://www.bsf.org.il/data/FormsToDownload/BSF-Transformative-Call.pdf
2. `Prof. R. Rahamimoff Travel Grants for Young Scientists`, a 
special program supporting short, research related, trips of young 
American scientists to Israel, and young Israeli scientists to the 
U.S. You can find the CALL using the link:

http://www.bsf.org.il/data/FormsToDownload/BSF-TravelGrant-call.PDF


We would be most thankful if you could pass the information 
regarding the Prof. Rahamimoff to your PhD students.


Sincerely,

Dr. Heni Haring .
Assistant Director
United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation
8 Hamarpeh Street
P.O.Box 45086
Har Hotzvim
Jerusalem 91450 Israel
Tel: 972-2-5828239, Ext 110
Fax: 972-2-5828306
www.bsf.org.il

[ECOLOG-L] PhD position in climate change biogeochemistry

[Carol Adair]

Position: Ph.D. position in forest climate change biogeochemistry.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2013

Potential Start Date: Summer 2013

Project: The goal of the Northern Forest mesocosm climate change experiment
is to quantify how climate warming will alter the ability of forests to
retain and store C and nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P).
The ability of forests to retain C and nutrients has important consequences
for climate change mitigation, soil fertility and water quality. This
position is funded to examine cabon and nutrient losses and retention in
mesocosm soils and plant biomass, with a focus on microbial/soil processes. 

Responsibilities: The student will be work to quantify and potentially model
carbon/nutrient storage and fluxes. Duties will include writing a study
plan, implementing sampling protocols, analyzing data, supervising
technicians/undergraduate assistants, and preparing publications and
presentations for scientific and lay audiences. 

Qualifications: The student should demonstrate a strong interest in
biogeochemistry and climate change ecosystem ecology and have a BS/MS in
ecology, environmental science, plant and soil science or a related field.
In some cases, related work experience may substitute for prior academic
experience. Experience with field or lab work, including microbial and soil
analyses is highly desirable. Preference will be given to students with
strong quantitative and modeling skills, including statistical analyses and
programming in R. 

Application: Interested applicants should submit the following: letter of
interest, names and contact information of three references and CV to Dr.
Carol Adair. Applicants will need to apply to the Rubenstein School of
Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) Graduate School before final
acceptance (http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/graduate-application-process)

Full ad available at http://adairlab.weebly.com/ 

Carol Adair, Assistant Professor
RSENR, University of Vermont
carol.ad...@uvm.edu, 802.656.2907
http://adairlab.weebly.com/ 
http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/cadair/ 

[ECOLOG-L] Why Insects Should Be in Your Diet

[Aaron T. Dossey]

Enjoy:

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34172/title/Why-Insects-Should-Be-in-Your-Diet/

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34233/title/Bug-Buffet/

--
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
http://allthingsbugs.com/about/people/
http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
1-352-281-3643

[ECOLOG-L] MS - agricultural climate change mitigation

[Carol Adair]

Position: M.S. position in agricultural climate change mitigation
(biogeochemistry).

Application Deadline: March 1, 2013

Start Date: Summer 2013

Project: This long-term initiative works with farmers, agricultural service
providers, researchers and community organizations to evaluate and implement
on-farm climate change mitigation and adaptation practices. This position is
funded to focus on quantifying the mitigation capacity of agricultural best
management practices (BMPs) in terms of carbon storage and greenhouse gas
emissions. More information is available at
http://www.uvm.edu/~agroecol/?Page=Vtresearch.html & http://adairlab.weebly.com/

Responsibilities: The student will work with Dr. Adair and the
interdisciplinary Agricultural Resilience group to quantify carbon storage
in and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural BMPs throughout Vermont.
Duties will include writing a study plan, implementing sampling protocols,
analyzing data, supervising technicians/undergraduate assistants, and
preparing publications and presentations for scientific and lay audiences. 

Qualifications: The student should demonstrate a strong interest in
biogeochemistry and climate change ecosystem ecology and have a B.S. in
ecology, environmental science, plant and soil science or a related field.
In some cases, related work experience may substitute for prior academic
experience. Training will be provided, but experience with field or lab
workis highly desirable. While not required, preference will be given to
students with strong quantitative skills, including statistical analyses and
programming in R.

Application: Interested applicants should submit the following: letter of
interest, names and contact information of three references and CV to Dr.
Carol Adair. Applicants will need to apply to the Rubenstein School of
Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) Graduate School before final
acceptance (http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/graduate-application-process)

Carol Adair, Assistant Professor
RSENR, University of Vermont
carol.ad...@uvm.edu, 802.656.2907
http://adairlab.weebly.com/
http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/cadair/

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Erin Hayes-Pontius]

Hi Kyle,
They are valid for five years.

On 31 January 2013 13:04, Kyle Finn  wrote:

> Someone mentioned retaking the GRE in a previous comment to this question.
> SO at what point then are your GRE scores old enough to warrant retaking
> the test?
>
>
> 
>  From: Aaron T. Dossey 
> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 8:25 PM
> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S.
> program
>
> If you do for some reason (which I cannot currently imagine) to go to
> graduate school, here is some advice that will help you get the most out of
> it without putting the future of your career at risk: 1) pick a very
> HANDS-ON professor who spends a lot of time with his or her students and
> postdocs (eg: they spend lots of time in the lab) in a successful lab with
> a great reputation (lots of publications, with students and postdocs who
> have left it and have successful careers currently who can attribute it to
> having worked in that lab) and 2) insist that you ONLY will work on work
> that is from the professor's own ideas - from their grants and based on
> their ideas.  Do not fall into the trap of working for a professor who
> expects you to come up with your own projects.  You are there to learn from
> them primarily, and also to do parts of their research.  If you already
> have a certain skillset and can come up with your own research projects and
> successfully
>  execute them, you do NOT need to be a student (at least in that lab).
> Pick a lab and a professor who have a lot to offer you in the form of
> TRAINING, connections and projects likely to be very fruitful.
>
> IF and when you have your own ideas you want to pursue, keep a log book of
> those and save those for when you graduate and are on your
> own/independent.  Otherwise, it can get ugly.  Many professors will, to put
> it bluntly, steal credit and reward for your ideas and independent work.
> Might as well avoid that pitfall and keep everyone happy (and keep you
> learning) by doing whatever work originates from the professor - besides,
> it's their job to drive the research and come up with the ideas.
>
> Basically, pick a prof and lab who seems to have YOUR CAREER INTERESTS at
> heart and act like it.
>
>
> On 1/30/2013 8:49 PM, Michael Garvin wrote:
> > All depends on what you want,
> >
> > I went back at 35.  Best decision I ever made.  You can only go so far
> in the scientific world with a BS.  Fact of life.  It's a card that opens
> doors.   But the most important thing is to enjoy what you are doing.  If
> you can do that with a BS, do it.  If not, go back.  And I agree with
> previous posts.  Find someone who is studying what you want and convince
> them you have a skill set to offer.  Worked for me.
> >
> > M.
> > On Jan 30, 2013, at 4:18 PM, "Aaron T. Dossey" 
> wrote:
> >
> >> My advice is: forget about graduate school.  Find a way to get going
> with your dreams, passions interests and desired work rather than seeking
> "training" for it.  I am 35 and the only thing that would take me back to
> any kind of school would be if I wanted to go to law or medical school, or
> some sort of professional training with a very specific and targeted
> purpose in mind.  I CERTAINLY wouldn't do something like a postdoc or other
> similar type of temporary technician position.  Life's just too short.
> >>
> >> Consider positions with the government or even some sort of
> entrepreneurial track (the latter is what I am doing now - or maybe work
> for or start some sort of non-profit organization). Don't be afraid to
> apply for grants to do the work you want to do, particularly private
> organizations/foundations who care less about the unfortunate academic
> pyramid shaped ivory tower hierarchy or titles.
> >>
> >> You might find some useful information in the articles posted on this
> facebook page - email me if you would like me to send you a large list of
> them all in a single email.
> >> https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Postdoc-Union/275402225908673
> >>
> >> Good luck and feel free to email me directly if you would like any more
> specific information, etc.!
> >> ATD of ATB
> >>
> >> -- Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
> >> Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
> >> Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs
> >> Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
> >> http://allthingsbugs.com/about/people/
> >> http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
> >> 1-352-281-3643
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> On 1/30/2013 4:31 PM, Sean wrote:
> >>> Having graduated with an abysmal GPA from Colorado State University
> back in 2000 ( wildlife
> >>> biology 2.7), I have found it very difficult getting into graduate
> school.   Two winters ago I
> >>> completed two graduate level classes at Oregon State: Forest Wildlife
> Management and a
> >>> graduate Statistics course.   Unfortunately just a B+ on the
> statistics but A on the wildlife.   Of
> >>> course I have a ton of field experien

[ECOLOG-L] Royal Society Picture Library

[J. Michael Nolan]

An interesting image source that came across my desk.

  Site Name
 Royal Society Picture Library 
 
  Site URL
 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/home
 
  Site Author
 The Royal Society
 
  Suggested by
 Paul Ruscher
 
  Description
 “The Royal Society Picture Library is an online database of digital images 
of paintings, drawings and prints held in our collections. It has been created 
to inspire the exploration of science through its visual history.”
 



Thanks and have a great weekend.

Mike Nolan

--

If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, 
best time to return your call and your e-mail address.
 
After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Nolan, Director
 
Rainforest and Reef

**
"Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology"

Destinations and Field Courses that we Specialize in: 

North AmericaAlaska (Southeast and the Interior), Hawaii, British Columbia, 
the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park

CaribbeanThe Islands of Curacao and Dominica

Central AmericaBelize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panamá

South AmericaBolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and The Galápagos Islands and Péru

MexicoThe Baja Peninsula (especially during the Spring Whale Migration and 
Breeding season)

East AfricaKenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Island

Australia and New Zealand

Birding, Photography, Botanical Garden Tours are available upon request to most 
Destinations that we offer.

The following "Research Expeditions" are now also available upon 
request...Endangered Species of Brazil; Macaws and Primates of the Peruvian 
Amazon (Tambopata-Candamo Reserve Zone) and Endangered Sea Turtles of Costa 
Rica (widecast.org).

Spanish/Cultural Immersion Programs are available in Costa Rica, Panamá, 
Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and Spain.

Sea Kayaking is available in British Columbia, Southeast Alaska, Baja Mexico, 
Belize and The Galápagos Islands.

References/Comments from past Group Leaders and Individual Participants can be 
found at our Website (http://rainforestandreef.org/comments.htm), many more are 
available upon request. 

Rainforest and Reef
161 Main St. 
Coopersville, MI 49404 
Local/International Phone: 1.616.604.0546
Toll Free U.S. and Canada: 1.877.255.3721
Fax: 1.616.604.0546
Google Talk/MS IM/Skype: travelwithrandr
AOL IM: buddythemacaw
E-mail: mno...@rainforestandreef.org and travelwithra...@gmail.com
Note: Please send inquiries to both e-mail addresses
Web: http://rainforestandreef.org (under revision for 2013 and beyond)
**

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Don McKenzie]

That was my comment and I believe (unverified) that if they are more  
recent than a particular interval into the past, GRE scores are  
averaged rather than reported anew.  I think you can check


http://www.ets.org/gre/

for particulars.



On 31-Jan-13, at 10:04 AM, Kyle Finn wrote:

Someone mentioned retaking the GRE in a previous comment to this  
question. SO at what point then are your GRE scores old enough to  
warrant retaking the test?








Don McKenzie, Research Ecologist
Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Lab
US Forest Service
phone: 206-732-7824

Affiliate Professor
School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
University of Washington

[ECOLOG-L] !!!! LISBON EVOLUTIONARY PATTERNS CONFERENCE - server went down on January 30-31

[AppEEL Announcements]

Dear all,

 

We received confirmation from our Informatics Department that on the night of 
January 30th to January 31st, our university's server went down. 

If you submitted an abstract to the upcoming Lisbon Evolutionary Patterns 
conference on those days, and you did not receive an automatic confirmation 
e-mail, it means that your upload was unsuccessful. The server is currently 
running again, the problem has been fixed.

We already extended the submission deadline to February 5th, and we will also 
be accepting electronic submissions through e-mail, at evol...@fc.ul.pt.

We apologize for the inconvenience this might have caused you, and we want to 
kindly thank the people who brought this to our awareness.

We look forward to meeting you in a less virtual environment.

 

kind regards,

Nathalie 

 

Nathalie Gontier, PhD
Lisbon Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab
Centre for Philosophy of Science
Faculty of Science, University of Lisbon
http://appeel.fc.ul.pt


INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EVOLUTIONARY PATTERNS
Horizontal and Vertical Transmission and Micro- and Macroevolutionary 
Patterns of Biological and Sociocultural Evolution

May 27-29th, 2013 | Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal

Website: http://evolutionarypatterns.fc.ul.pt

Upon wide request, we are happy to inform you that we extended the deadline for 
submissions to February 5th


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The 3-day International Conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary 
platform where evolutionary scholars from the exact, technological, life, 
human and sociocultural sciences can exchange ideas and techniques on how to 
conceptualize, model, and quantify biological and sociocultural evolution. 
The Conference is organized by the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab of 
the Centre for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon, in 
collaboration with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and with the support 
of the John Templeton Foundation.

PLENARY AND INVITED SPEAKERS

Plenary Speakers
Michael Benton, Tal Dagan, John Jungck, Carl Knappett, Daniel McShea, Alex 
Mesoudi, Mark Pagel, Tyler Volk, and Richard Watson

Invited Speakers

Quentin Atkinson, Alberto Bisin & Thierry Verdier, Andreas Bohn, Michael 
Bradie, Jorge Carneiro, Claudine Chaouiya, Mark Collard, Alex de Voogt, Frank 
Kressing & Matthis Krischel, André Levy, Margarida Matos, Telmo Pievani, Luis 
Mateus Rocha,  Élio Sucena.

The conference website contains biographies of all speakers as well as the 
abstracts of their talk.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We call for bio-informaticians, evolutionary biologists, microbiologists, 
paleontologists, geologists, physicists, mathematicians, anthropologists, 
archeologists, linguists, sociologists, economists, and philosophers and 
historians of science to provide talks on the following topics:
1. Conceptualization, quantification and modeling of horizontal and vertical 
transmission in biological and sociocultural sciences
2. Conceptualization, quantification and modeling of micro- and 
macroevolution in biological and sociocultural sciences
3. Hierarchy theory and the units, levels and mechanisms of evolution
4. How the universal application of evolutionary theories enables new 
possibilities for inter- and transdisciplinary research and the unification 
of the sciences
We encourage submissions of (1) concrete models and simulations, (2) 
theoretical, reflexive talks, and (3) historical accounts on any of the 
above mentioned topics.

POSSIBLE FORMATS

We call for mini-symposia (3 or 6 talks), poster sessions (3 or 6 posters), 
as well as individual regular and poster talks.

IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline Submissions: February 5th, 2013
Notification of Acceptance: March 1st, 2013
Registration Deadline for all Presenters: April 1st, 2013
Registration Deadline Audience: May 1st, 2013
Conference Dates: May 27th-29th, 2013

REGISTRATION FEES

Professors: 300 euro | PhD and post-docs: 250 euro | Audience: 100 euro | 
Students: 50 euro

DOWNLOAD OUR POSTER

http://evolutionarypatterns.fc.ul.pt/docs/patterns.pdf

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILINGLIST

http://eepurl.com/n2DTL

FURTHER INFORMATION

http://evolutionarypatterns.fc.ul.pt; http://appeel.fc.ul.pt