[ECOLOG-L] PhD fellows' Writing Competition 2009
The Science Jobs is pleased to announce the launch of an international competition to select new writers among those who are pursuing their PhD research. The doctoral fellows will get an opportunity to write a short monthly report (maximum of 1000 words) pertaining to their research for The Science Jobs 'Science Network'. Not only the research findings but new technological developments or any other aspects related to their research can be the topic of the articles. The research fellows should be able to describe how their experiences shape their future career choices. To begin: 1. Go to http://www.thesciencejobs.com for registration. It is free and a very simple process. 2. Activate your registration by clicking on the activation link in the first email received from us. 3. To consider for the award, submit at least one article every month continuously for one year starting from January 2009. Deadline for registration is December 15, 2008. Visit http://www.thesciencejobs.com for more details and registration links. Thripthi, The Science Jobs Editor theScienceJobs.com 1G, Horizon Park Althara Nagar, Vellayambalam Trivandrum 695010 Kerala, India Tel. +91 9895 211 299 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Studies in Ecology and Evolution at the University of Oregon
We seek highly motivated graduate students to join an integrated group of biologists in the Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (CEEB) at the University of Oregon. Our members have a broad range of interests such as host-pathogen interactions, the evolution of molecular systems, global climate change, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, the evolution of phenotypes in the wild, theoretical ecology and many others. More details on our group can be found at http://ceeb.uoregon.edu/. CEEB is an integrated component of a highly interactive group of scientists in the Department of Biology, and our research Centers and Institutes also facilitate robust interactions among members of the Anthropology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Geography and Psychology Departments (see http://biology.uoregon.edu/lifesci/). Many of our faculty share funded research programs across disciplines, and perform work all over the world. Our integrative approach to graduate education is supported by numerous NIH and NSF training grants, as is exemplified by our very successful NSF IGERT training grant in Evolution, Development and Genomics (http://evodevo.uoregon.edu/). The University of Oregon is one of the top research institutions in the country, with outstanding laboratory facilities on campus, and easy access to numerous field sites from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains and the high desert of Eastern Oregon. Eugene is a very livable city that is consistantly voted one of the top ten greenest and most active in the U.S. Applications to the Department of Biology can be submitted online through http://biology.uoregon.edu/graduate/apply.php For more information on CEEB contact Brendan Bohannan ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Bill Cresko ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), or individual faculty members in whose research you are interested. Specific inquiries about the graduate application process can be directed to the Biology Department Graduate Recruiting Coordinator, Lynne Romans ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). CEEB FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS Brendan BohannanMicrobial eology and evolution William BradshawExperimental and evolutionary genetics of seasonal and climatic adaptations Scott Bridgham Ecosystem and community ecology, biogeochemistry, wetlands, climate change, restoration George Carroll Mycology and ecology Dick Castenholz Microbial aquatic ecology, physiological ecology of photosynthetic microbes William Cresko Evolutionary developmental genetics, population genomics, vertebrate evolution Jessica Green Biodiversity and biogeography, theoretical ecology, microbial ecology, community genomics Patrick PhillipsEvolutionary genetics of sex, aging and behavior Barbara (Bitty) Roy Plant-fungus interactions, pollination ecology, and invasive species. Joe ThorntonEvolution of gene function, ancestral gene resurrection, evolution of molecular complexity Dan Udovic Dynamics of pollination mutualisms, population modeling, science education Michelle Wood Microbial ecology and evolution, biological oceanography *** ** ___ William A. Cresko Assistant Professor of Biology Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Oregon #5289 Eugene, Oregon 97403-5289 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.uoregon.edu/~wcresko ph: 541-346-4779 ___
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Data on lifespan vs. body size for plants?
I imagine there is also data on the negative relationship between the growth rates of plants/trees vs. longevity. Patrick -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Francisco de Castro Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:11 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Data on lifespan vs. body size for plants? Dear ECOLOGers, I wonder if someone could direct me to studies/webs/data on lifespan of plants, or rates of natural mortality (meaning excluding herbivory) as related to individual mass/size. More specifically: how long a plant will live (if is not eaten by an herbivore) given its size. I have searched the ISIWoK extensively and found some papers for trees (specially large trees) relating longevity to size at time of death, but nothing for small plants. I already have Marbá et al. 2007, PNAS 104(40), but in their estimates of lifespan, herbivory is included in mortality rates. Thanks to all, Francisco de Castro Ecology and Ecosystem Modelling. Univ. of Potsdam
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Data on lifespan vs. body size for plants?
Francisco de Castro asks: I wonder if someone could direct me to studies/webs/data on lifespan of plants, or rates of natural mortality (meaning excluding herbivory) as related to individual mass/size. More specifically: how long a plant will live (if is not eaten by an herbivore) given its size. I have searched the ISIWoK extensively and found some papers for trees (specially large trees) relating longevity to size at time of death, but nothing for small plants. I already have Marbá et al. 2007, PNAS 104(40), but in their estimates of lifespan, herbivory is included in mortality rates. The correlation between size and longevity that was often talked about does not seem to hold as much water as it used to. The now-believed-to-be oldest plant in the world is only a bush, a vegetative creosote ring in the Mojave Desert, California: http://www.ourwindowonnature.com/2007/05/06/the-oldest-living-tree-is-a-bush/ The plant is estimated to be 11,700 years old, twice the age of its nearest competitor, a bristlecone pine, which is also a small tree. Vasek FC. 1980 Creosote Bush: long+lived clones in the Mojave desert. Amer. J. Bot. 67. 246-55. Larrea tridentata. Growth rates. Oldest clones may be c. 11,700 years. Growth, Zygophyllaceae Wirt Atmar
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty position in Theoretical Ecology, Univ of Wyoming
Mathematical/Theoretical Ecologist: The departments of Mathematics and of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming invite applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting August 2009; exceptional candidates may be considered at a higher level. We seek a theoretical ecologist with a strong background in both mathematics and ecology. Minimum qualifications are an earned Ph.D. in mathematics, ecology or related areas, and evidence of excellence in teaching and research. We expect the successful candidate to develop an externally funded research program, to collaborate with other ecologists and mathematicians at the University of Wyoming, to contribute to teaching undergraduate mathematics courses in the University's Life Sciences program, and to participate in the University's vigorous new interdepartmental graduate Program in Ecology. Strengths in the Department of Mathematics include combinatorics and graph theory, analysis and partial differential equation modeling, fluid dynamics, scientific computing, stochastic analysis and probability. The Department of Zoology and Physiology has strengths in evolutionary ecology, wildlife and fisheries ecology, neurophysiology, and comparative physiology. The successful candidate will receive a competitive start-up package. The University of Wyoming is located in a valley surrounded by magnificent mountains that offer outstanding opportunities for both recreation and ecological research. Interested applicants should submit their application, including curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, and electronic copies of up to three publications that represent their best work, through the website http://math.uwyo.edu/mathecol-position.asp. They should arrange for three letters of recommendation to also be submitted through this site, including at least one letter that addresses their teaching abilities and experience. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2008. For more information email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or see the following web sites: Dept of Mathematics: http://math.uwyo.edu/ Dept of Zoology Physiology: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/Zoology/ Program in Ecology: http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/PIE/
[ECOLOG-L] PRESS RELEASE - U.S. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED GOLIATH GROUPER
Contact: Mike Virgintino Phone: 516-885-3875 [EMAIL PROTECTED] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED GOLIATH GROUPER High Tech Sonogram Finds Baby Giants Tucked Away In Mangrove Nurseries Fort Pierce, Florida - November 19, 2008 - The Ocean Research Conservation Association (ORCA) and its collaborators announced today the world’s first use of an acoustic underwater camera to survey juveniles of goliath grouper in mangrove habitats. Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara, currently is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). The largest grouper fish in the Atlantic Ocean, goliaths can exceed six feet (2 meters) in length, weigh more than 1,000 pounds and can live more than 40 years. Juveniles (up to 3 feet, or 1 meter in length) spend almost the first decade of their lives in red mangrove nurseries. ORCA adjunct scientist Dr. Sarah Frias-Torres and her colleagues at the University of Miami successfully demonstrated how this camera system, originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense, can be used to conduct visual underwater surveys to evaluate the recovery of the species in the US (where it is protected) or the decline of the species in the Caribbean (where protection is lacking). In the past, such observations were often hindered by murky waters and low visibility typical of red mangrove habitat. Similar to the sophisticated sonar of dolphins, the acoustic camera (referred to as DIDSON, or dual-frequency sonar) can “see” individual fish species and habitat by using sound waves, without the need of light or good visibility conditions. The resulting image resembles a medical prenatal ultrasound used for monitoring the development of human babies. In a way, it is an ultrasound of Mother Nature. This technology allows me to see where human eyes can’t,” said Dr. Sarah Frias-Torres, ORCA adjunct scientist and lead author of the study. It's important to be able to show how the babies hide in the mangrove roots, because it provides critical information for protecting the species and a much stronger argument for protecting the habitat. The study was conducted in the fringing red mangrove shorelines of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This technique has previously been used to monitor salmon migrations entering rivers and detecting fish under ice. This is the first time this system has been used in mangrove habitat. Coastal mangroves are an important nursery and habitat for many fish and invertebrate species that eventually migrate to nearby coral reefs. Mangrove habitat is often threatened by coastal development and pollution. DIDSON offers great potential to complement underwater fish surveys in low visibility conditions, due to high turbidity, or during nocturnal surveys. “This is a wonderful example of how cutting edge technology can be used to protect the ocean and the species that live there,” said Dr. Edith Widder, ORCA president and senior scientist. The research was funded by NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, and conducted by researchers from the Ocean Research Conservation Association (ORCA) and the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. The full scientific article can be seen here: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2008/theme/Goliath/goliathpp4.pdf Learn more about ORCA’s innovative conservation technologies at www.teamorca.org The Ocean Research Conservation Association (ORCA) is dedicated to the study and protection of marine ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies and science based conservation action. An IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, ORCA operates from two Florida locations: the Duerr Laboratory for Marine Conservation housed within the Indian River State College on the Fort Pierce Inlet and ORCA’s Conservation Technology Center in Port St. Lucie. Sarah Frias-Torres, Ph.D. Marine Conservation Biologist ORCA, Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Fort Pierce, Florida USA
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Curator of Botany and Assistant or Associate Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), University of Colorado Boulder invite applications for a joint, tenure-track appointment as Curator of Botany and Assistant or Associate Professor. Primary responsibilities will be to curate and develop the Museum's botany collections, use phylogenetic and systematic approaches as a core part of their research program on any group of plants (including bryophytes and lichens), and teach in Museum and Field Studies and EEB. The successful individual will be expected to take a leadership position in advancing the role of the Herbarium. The Herbarium houses a diverse collection of approximately a half million specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens and has strong holdings from the southern Rocky Mountain region. This regional strength is enhanced by collections from western North America, the American Arctic, the Altai and the Caucasus Mountains of Central Asia, the European alpine, and the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Additional information about EBIO and the CU Museum and Herbarium can be found on the web at: http://cumuseum.colorado.edu and http://www.colorado.edu/eeb. Applicants must have a doctoral degree; curatorial experience is important. Apply at http://www.jobsatcu.com/ , Posting# 805528. The application package should include curriculum vitae, representative publications, statements of research, teaching, and curatorial experience and vision, along with names and addresses of four references. Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications begins January 1, 2009 until a successful candidate is identified. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Case Studies on Water-ecosystem Services, Drought, and Environmental Justice for 1st ESA Millennium Conference
Water-Ecosystem Services, Drought, and Environmental Justice: The 1st Millennium Conference of the Ecological Society of America November 9-12, 2009 Athens, Georgia http://esa.org/millenniumconf/2009/ CALL FOR CASE STUDIES Deadline for Submission: February 2, 2009 Water-ecosystem services in the United States and many places around the world are severely stressed from population redistribution, urbanization, water overdrafts, flood control, and limited institutions. This first ESA Millennium Conference seeks to integrate social science and ecological research to address the present and future complexities and challenges of water resources governance, decision-making and environmental justice at the local-to-regional and national levels in the United States and internationally. Building on the premise that drought is a normal, recurrent feature of climate that occurs in virtually all climatic zones, this conference aims to investigate how the impact of drought is exacerbated or mitigated by ecology, water resource infrastructure, policy, and human behavior, resulting in differential socio-ecologic vulnerability to drought from region to region, as well as within regions. The Conference Committee is calling for the submission of U.S. based and international case studies that showcase local or regional experiences with drought, and drought’s effects on water-ecosystem services and environmental justice. The Conference Committee strongly encourages submissions from individuals or teams of academic researchers, practitioners, media arts specialists, and others. Case studies should be visual stories that speak to socio-ecologic vulnerability to drought. They should specifically relate to the Conference goals for bridging knowledge about the biophysical and social processes underpinning the local-to-regional provision of water-ecosystem services and for enhancing environmental justice. Those case studies that present relevant findings or insights applicable to national and international water-ecosystem services management and governance are particularly encouraged. Through the stories they tell, the case studies are intended to create both a visual context and a shared set of references for conference participants. Review priority will be given to submissions that explore the complexities of a drought-related topic from interdisciplinary perspectives using multimedia presentations, photo essays and short videos. An example of a strong case study could be a narrated digital slide show that combines high definition, high quality photographs of a drought- related issue with a narrated script. The slide show would explore the author’s approach to understanding a drought-related water issue, the social and ecological complexities of the problem from a variety of science and management angles and discuss meaningful findings or lessons learned through the research or project. Case studies will be showcased during the opening reception of the conference and will need to be available for posting and public view on the conference website by late September 2009. Authors may also have the opportunity to work with ESA after the conference to expand their case study into an educational product. The Conference Committee will consider submissions in two categories, graduate student and open, and will select no more than a total of 20 case studies. The lead authors of the entries selected will be invited to attend the Millennium Conference, and lead graduate student authors of up to 10 case studies will receive ESA support for travel, accommodations, and conference expenses. A second call for traditional posters on all conference-related topics will be issued in early Spring 2009. Applicants are welcome to submit to both calls. CASE STUDY GUIDELINES The case study proposal should include a cover page with the following information: name(s) of authors; mailing and email contact information; presentation title; and, artistic medium (video, photo essay etc.). A second page should consist of a 500-600 word description that: * Introduces the case study area and highlights how it focuses on the complexities of water-ecosystem services delivery, drought and environmental justice in a particular place from a variety of scientific, artistic and/or management angles. * Explicitly addresses how the case study will integrate and discuss the social and ecological dimensions of drought, preferably in relation to a major domain of inquiry to be addressed in the conference: lake and stream ecology; landscape ecology and ecohydrology; disturbance theory and ecological forecasting; urban ecology; and, social vulnerability and environmental justice. * Discusses how meaningful findings or lessons learned through the research or project are applicable to national and/or international water governance and management issues; how water resource uncertainties were addressed; and
[ECOLOG-L] Last Call - Study abroad in Namibia
Dear Student/Colleague Please note that the deadline for applications for the study abroad program in Namibia is December 12, 2008. The Fisheries Wildlife Sciences program at North Carolina State University offers a three week study abroad program to Namibia (south western Africa) from May 17 to June 05, 2009. Namibia is one of Africas most stable and safe countries to travel to with a good infrastructure and a well developed tourism industry. This program focuses on African wildlife-, savanna- and desert ecology, park management, conservation and ecotourism with the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and the Cheetah Conservation Fund as the highlights. Students will visit various ecosystems, conduct field work, participate in discussions and field lectures, enjoy game drives and bushwalks. This is a unique opportunity for students to explore and experience Africa and gain valuable knowledge about its ecology, wildlife and conservation. The program will be directed by Dr Dörgeloh, a wildlife ecologist with extensive knowledge and many years experience in southern Africa. Students from other colleges and universities, as well as out-of-state are encouraged to apply. NOTE: The recent fall in the Namibian Dollar resulted in a favourable exchange rate, and if it stays high, we may be able to reduce the cost of the program. We are also in the process of registering the program as a permanent course where students will receive 4 graded credits. For further information about the program please visit http://cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/fishwild/index.html or contact the program director. Online applications are available through the NCSU Study Abroad Office at http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu I will appreciate it if you can distribute this notice amongst your students and colleagues. Sincerely WG Dörgeloh (PhD Wildlife Management) Program Director - Namibia North Carolina State University Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources Box 8002 Raleigh, NC 27695 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[ECOLOG-L] Doctoral Fellowships at University of Arkansas
Doctoral Fellowships - University of Arkansas The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas is actively recruiting Distinguished Doctoral Fellows (DDF) and Doctoral Academy Fellows (DAF) to begin graduate work in August 2009. The Distinguished Fellowships have a range of $30,000 to $35,000 for a 12-month stipend, and the DAFs have a range of $20,000 to $25,000 for a 12-month stipend. Both are available for up to 4 years of support based on satisfactory progress. Fellowships will require research and/or teaching depending upon the major professor chosen. In addition, fellowships include a full waiver of tuition and most fees. Outstanding students from all biological disciplines are encouraged to apply. Selection will be based on undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and undergraduate (B.S.) research experience or graduate (M.S.) research experience. Applicants should contact faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences whose research they may be interested in directly at http://biology.uark.edu/ For more information on departmental requirements, see http://biology.uark.edu/1255.htm or http://www.uark.edu/depts/gradinfo/recruit/funding/fellowships.html for general requirements. DAF applications can be made at any time and will be reviewed as received. Review of DDF applications will begin on 16 January 2009 with decisions made by the end of February. Those qualified applicants not chosen for a DDF will be offered a DAF. Contact Dr. Dan Magoulick ([EMAIL PROTECTED], 479-575-3251), Chair, Graduate Studies Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, for any further information or questions. * Kimberly G. Smith Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-575-6359 (note new phone number) fax:479-575-4010 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
