[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship available in Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology
My lab is broadly interested in the evolution and conservation of plants, often focusing on plant hybridization and mating patterns. My research program broadly aims to understand the evolutionary consequences of global climate change, species invasions, and species rarity. More specifically, I study (1) the mechanisms regulating genetic diversity, phenotypic evolution, and population demography in rare and invasive plants and (2) how evolutionary processes (hybridization, adaptation) and properties (mating systems, genetic diversity) affect the ecological function of plant populations (e.g., reproduction, extinction). As such, my research touches on a variety of sub-disciplines, including conservation biology, agricultural ecology, and population dynamics using a combination of field, greenhouse, and eco-informatic approaches. Students are expected to develop their own independent projects but will also have opportunities to collaborate on funded investigations of hybridization in North American agricultural and natural plant ecosystems. Ryersons Chemistry and Biology department program boasts an exceptionally active and growing faculty. Areas of emphasis include environmental and molecular biology. Financial support is available for graduate students. I am accepting applications from prospective MSc or PhD students to start a graduate program in September 2010. If you are interested, please email me (l...@rice.edu) a statement of your research interests with your CV and the names and email addresses of at least 2 references.
[ECOLOG-L] Smithsonian CBI's Advanced GIS Course Offered in May
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is offering the following advanced GIS and remote sensing course: Measuring Landcover Change and its Impact on Endangered Species. May 24-28 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This one-week advanced GIS and remote sensing course provides conservationists with an opportunity to learn how GIS and remote sensing can be used to assess the conservation status of endangered species. Each participant will be provided with their own desktop computer for all lab exercises. During the hands-on exercises participants will use the Internet, ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Fragstats, and other spatial analysis programs. Instructors will lead participants step-by-step through the process of: * conduct a regional conservation assessment using GIS to determine critical conservation areas for an endangered species * acquiring multi-date satellite imagery to quantify land cover change and to map the extent of the remaining habitat * using landscape analysis to determine optimal landscape configurations for conserving the endangered species. * And, for the first time, we will be including a two-part module: SPATIAL DATA ANALYSIS USING THE R STATISTICAL PACKAGE, which will introduce conservationists to this powerful free software environment (part 1) and show how it can be used for spatial data analysis (part 2) Visit the following web address for more details and registration information. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/advanced_GIS/ Contact: GIS Course Coordinator 1500 Remount Road Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-6535 (GIS Lab) 540-635-6506 (FAX) giscou...@si.edu **Note: An introductory course will be offered May 17 - 21 For more information on any of our other courses please see: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/
[ECOLOG-L] Smithsonian CBI's Introduction GIS Course Offered in May
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is offering the following course: GIS REMOTE SENSING FOR WILDLIFE MANAGERS An Introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems Remote Sensing in Conservation and Wildlife Management May 17-21 Increasingly, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing - the mapping of features using imagery acquired either from an aircraft or a satellite - have become important tools for decision-making and the applied management of natural resources. Many federal agencies and NGO's rely on GIS and satellite data for their work and are starting to produce their own spatial databases. However, there are few training opportunities for wildlife managers to learn the application of GIS in everyday management situations. We are offering a course for wildlife managers that will provide hands-on experience for the collection of data, GIS analysis of the data, and map-making using the latest ESRI (ArcGIS) and ERDAS software. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION This short course will provide wildlife managers with a working knowledge about the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to the monitoring and management of wildlife and forest vegetation. Exercises in establishing locations with a Global Positioning System (GPS), data input into a GIS, and spatial analysis techniques for GIS will provide hands-on and real world experience during the course. Based on examples about habitat selection in songbirds and white-tailed deer, course participants will learn how to: * Collect GIS data in the field using survey techniques and GPS. * Differentially correct GPS data. * Input GPS data into GIS. * Input field data into GIS. * Use GIS for management of large data sets from multiple sources. * Design and perform analysis using GIS data and spatial analysis techniques. * Integrate data with ancillary data, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and State Agency databases. Visit the following web address for more details and registration information: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/introduction/ Contact: GIS Course Coordinator 1500 Remount Road Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-6535 (GIS Lab) 540-635-6506 (FAX) giscou...@si.edu **Note: An Advanced Course is offered during the following week, May 24-28, 2010 For more information on any of our other courses please see: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/
[ECOLOG-L] Special symposium at NSF
A special symposium will be held on April 15 (Thrusday afternoon) at NSF, organized by NSF and CHANS-Net (International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems, www.chans-net.org). More info about the symposium is available at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=116687
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant for Black Cohosh study
The Department of Biology at Western Carolina University and the Bent Creek Institute of the NC Arboretum are seeking a Research Assistant to participate in a 2-year grant funded study of black cohosh population genetics and breeding. The individual must be able to conduct laboratory research in molecular genetics, primarily STR genotyping, as well as basic plant cultivation and data collection activities. The individual will be required to commute between Cullowhee and Asheville. We expect 25% of the duties to take place at the Arboretum (primarily June-August), and 75% of the duties to take place in the molecular systematics lab at WCU. Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to commute between Cullowhee and Asheville, NC, approximately 50 miles apart. To apply, please fill out the application at the link: https://jobs.wcu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51922 Questions may be directed to Kathy Mathews: Katherine Mathews, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biology Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC 28723 828-227-3659
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Leader, NY Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Assistant Unit Leader - Ecologist; New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit The Cooperative Research Units Program of the U. S. Geological Survey is currently filling the position of Assistant Unit Leader - Ecologist at the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This position is with the U. S. Geological Survey and is located at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The incumbent will be appointed to the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell at an academic ranking commensurate with experience. Qualification Requirements: Basic Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. Demonstrated Qualifications: 1. Ability to conduct of applied ecological research on vertebrates with an emphasis on landscape ecology that focuses on the spatial and temporal response of populations, communities and/or ecosystems to environmental stressors (e.g., climate change, invasive species, urbanization, hydrologic alterations). Demonstrated expertise in spatial analysis and modeling, and the ability to work across taxonomic lines in aquatic and/or terrestrial habitats. 2. Knowledge of the application of structured decision making and/or adaptive management to natural resources. 3. Ability to interact successfully and cooperate with professional natural resource organizations, state and federal natural agencies and university faculty. 4. Ability to communicate research results through authorship of scientific publications and presentations to professional audiences. 5. Ability to participate in graduate-level, academic instruction and research programs. To Apply: The position is open for online application at http://www.usajobs.gov/ http://www.usajobs.gov/, job announcement number ER-2010-0220. The open period is from 13 April 2010 to 14 May 2010. For additional information, please contact: Bill Fisher, Unit Leader, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Fernow Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; 607-255-2839, mailto:william.fis...@cornell.edu william.fis...@cornell.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Marine Science Instructor Intern Position Available
*Job Title: *Marine Science Instructor Intern *Agency: *Sanibel Sea School *Location: *Sanibel Island, FL *Description:* Sanibel Sea School is seeking Marine Science Instructor Interns to assist with our Summer Camp 2010 programs. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation through experiential education. A detailed description of Sanibel Sea School and our summer camp offerings can be found on our website: www.sanibelseaschool.org. Marine Science Instructor Intern is a full-time seasonal position (June 12 – September 10). Responsibilities include: -Assist with the planning and delivery of summer camp programs. -Supervise young children (ages 6-13) in a variety of outdoor and marine environments. -Foster an appreciation for marine ecosystems and encourage campers to practice ocean stewardship. -Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment. *Qualifications:* -Currently enrolled in college, with a background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Early Childhood Education, Plant Biology, or some combination thereof. -Have or be capable of obtaining certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. -A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of Southwest Florida. -Be a strong and competent swimmer, comfortable in outdoor settings and physically capable of leading groups of children in a variety of natural environments. -Be capable of lifting 40 pounds and working in the sub-tropical conditions of Southwest Florida for eight-hour workdays. -Have a desire to promote marine conservation by sharing your passion and knowledge of the natural world with students. *Salary: *A weekly stipend will be provided.* * *Application Materials:* Please submit a letter of application explaining why you desire this job and what qualifies you for the position, along with your resume or CV and copies of college transcripts (they may be unofficial initially). Include contact information for three references able to elaborate on your capabilities to meet the minimum requirements. You can submit application materials by mail to: Sanibel Sea School, PO Box 1229, Sanibel, Fl 33957; or you may submit documents electronically to j...@sanibelseaschool.org. Inquiries may be made to Bruce Neill, Ph.D., Executive Director at j...@sanibelseaschool.org. *Apologies for any cross postings. Best Fishes, Emily Eng -- Emily Eng Ocean Advocate Sanibel Sea School 239.472.8585 Visit us online! www.sanibelseaschool.org Read our blog: http://sanibelseaschool.wordpress.com/ Become a fan of Sanibel Sea School on Facebook for news and updates!
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Weeds and Invasives, Arguments and Distinctions
Wayne, you bring up a thorny issue...one of my favorite conundrums. A weed by any other name, eh? From the wiki entry you provided, I see many references to weeds as undesirable or nuisance plants with little use to humans. I agree that the term weed in its general sense is a subjective one, without any classification value, since a 'weed' is not a weed when growing where it belongs or is wanted. (Emphasis mine) For instance, dandelions are unwanted nuisances when a person wants a well-manicured, well-behaved lawn. To the wine-maker and the child, however, dandelions are very desirable. Japanese knotweed is a scourge to many who own river-front property infested with the tall plant; bee-keepers, however, are very grateful for their late-season profusion of blooms providing needed nutrition for their fuzzy little wards. Weediness, it seems, is in the eye of the beholder. I am fascinated by Prof. Lewontin's definition of a weed as a plant that creates environmental conditions in which it cannot reproduce. Pine trees as weeds...Interesting concept! By that definition, a pine grove, left undisturbed by fire or man's axe, would die off of its own accord? Would that apply to all evergreens, or just pines? I'll have to look him up and read some of his research, see if I can delve deeper. I know there has been a concerted effort over the past few years to define invasive as well; not sure if that effort is making any headway or if it, too, is somewhat subjective. I, for one, consider poison ivy to be both invasive and noxious, but it's only noxious to humans, apparently. Were we covered in fur or feathers, the urushiol oil could not contact our tender skin and cause the burning rash so famous among hikers and Boy Scouts. By the same token, my daughter loves Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy, and can spend hours nibbling the delicate little purple flowers for their minty essence. There is also the question of abundance and aggressiveness. What some call aggressive growth could be seen as successful adaptation to environmental pressures, could it not? Japanese knotweed is a first responder, so to speak, in volcanic situations in Japan, being one of the first (if not THE first) plant to re-colonize after a lava flow. It was introduced to the US as an ornamental at first and then as a stream bank stabilizer to hold soil in place. It has since spread very successfully all over the country. There are critters that use it (bees, ants, other insects) and it is edible when very young and relatively tender. So I guess that, ultimately, we ought to pony up and admit that most definitions of weed and invasive are going to distill down to what we humans value and desire. And that our needs, values and desires are going to change over time. Respectfully, Kelly Stettner Black River Action Team www(dot)BlackRiverActionTeam.org blackriverclea...@yahoo(dot)com Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:49:58 -0700 From: Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net Subject: Plants Colonizing Weedy or Ruderal or Invasive Arguments and Distinctions? Ecolog:=20 Fools rush in where the exalted fear to tread, but here goes: A certain certainty seems to persist around the subject of colonizing species or weeds. I have visited a couple of sites (one highly professional, but still confusing) which contain what appear to me to be quaint statements, hidden amongst the valid phrases. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weed and its associated pages, for example, may be sowing the seeds of confusion far and wide. I do not know how widespread these alien, ruderal, or feral ideas are, or whether I am persistently misinformed. It seems that with respect to weed in particular, authors prefer to hedge rather than clarify or qualify--at least sufficiently, in my view. An ecological view seems to be lacking, even for balance. I do not want to lead others down the garden path, but I think is it high time this confusion was clarified and settled, at least to the point where differences are made distinct. Are you similarly disturbed or confused? Would you please participate in getting to the root of the matter, right here on Ecolog? Thank you all for your help. WT
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Field Assistant Needed
Volunteer Field Assistant Needed for a project on stress reaction in the rufous-and-white wrens in response to nest parasitism by striped cuckoos in Nicaragua. June 1-Sept 30, 2010. Food and lodging in rustic conditions is provided (no electricity nor running water), as well as a small stipend for incidental costs. Airfare is not covered. Assistants should expect 8 hour work days in hilly and rainy field conditions in forest and shade coffee farms. Assistants will work 6-7 days on, with 1-2 days off and can access the large town of Esteli within 2 hours. Assistants will be responsible for mist netting, banding, territory mapping, nest searching, blood draw and plasma extraction, and data entry. Preference will be given to those with experience in these techniques and to whom the experience will benefit their future career plans. We work predominately in Spanish, and some knowledge of the language is a plus. Please send a C.V., 2 referees that can be contacted by email, and a short (1-2 paragraph) letter explaining your interest in the position to mm3...@columbia.edu. The deadline for applications is May 1st.
[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Management journal
Hello, I am looking for a hard copy of the journal *Environmental Management* from January 2010, Volume 45 number 1. If anyone out there has a subscription and gets the hard copy, and is not interested in keeping every copy, I would be grateful to have this volume of the journal. I can pay for the shipping costs: Beth Kaplin Dept of Environmental Studies Antioch University New England 40 Avon St Keene, NH 03431 Thanks so much in advance, Beth -- Beth A. Kaplin, Ph.D. Program Director, Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies Co-Director, Center for Tropical Ecology Conservation Antioch University New England Keene, New Hampshire, USA Office phone: 603-283-2328 Mobile in USA: 802-376-3800 Skype address: bethkaplin http://www.antiochne.edu/directory/employee_detail.cfm?ID=7160065291 http://www.CenterForTropicalEcology.org/ Technical Advisor, Conservation Biology Education Project Department of Biology, Faculty of Science National University of Rwanda Mobile in Rwanda: (250) 078 8664551 Address in Rwanda: BP 512 Butare
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Weeds and Invasives, Arguments and Distinctions
The term weed is undeniably subjective, in almost every use I've heard or seen. The desirability of the species in question to humans is part of most definitions of the word. In my experience, ecologists avoid the term weed in formal contexts precisely because it is only meaningful in terms of human values. In contrast, invasive is used rarely enough in common speech that ecologists feel more comfortable using that term. I don't think the big challenge of defining invasive for ecological purposes is any inherent subjectivity, but merely the same challenge we face with every semantic debate: finding a definition that is both precise and agreeable to all users. The difficulty of finding such a definition has not been an insurmountable obstacle to discussing invasive species intelligently. There's a mountain of literature about the effects of invasive species on native species, the invasibility of ecological communities, the traits that make an exotic species invasive, and the question of whether invasive species are an ecological problem or only a symptom of ecological problems. We can define invasive objectively enough; the subjective part is whether we care if ecological communities are invaded by exotic species. As for whether a pine grove would die of its own accord if left undisturbed, it depends on what other species are present. In northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (the region I'm most familiar with, ecologically), Jack pines, red pines, and white pines are all early- or mid-successional trees. In the absence of large-scale disturbances, they are eventually replaced by late-successional trees like sugar maple and eastern hemlock. The pines get displaced because they create environmental conditions (shade) in which they cannot reproduce. The hemlocks (which are also evergreens) and maples are able to reproduce in the environmental conditions that pines produce, as well as those they themselves produce, so they can persist as long as nothing else kills them. On the other hand, if every tree or large shrub species more shade-tolerant than white pine went extinct in the region, totally undisturbed forests there would come to be dominated by white pines. I have a hard time imagining what such forests would look like, given that white pines can get over 200 feet tall and live up to 450 years, but can't reproduce in their own shade. But then, the very concept of a totally undisturbed forest seems absurd to me. Incidentally, I would not agree that a weed is simply a plant that creates environmental conditions in which it cannot reproduce. That might be a definition of an early- or mid-successional plant (or maybe a ruderal or pioneer plant), but I think the term weed is just too laden with subjective baggage to be given a definition that doesn't include human values. That's with all due respect to Richard Lewontin, who's much smarter than I am. Jim Crants On Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 10:27 AM, Kelly Stettner blackriverclea...@yahoo.com wrote: Wayne, you bring up a thorny issue...one of my favorite conundrums. A weed by any other name, eh? From the wiki entry you provided, I see many references to weeds as undesirable or nuisance plants with little use to humans. I agree that the term weed in its general sense is a subjective one, without any classification value, since a 'weed' is not a weed when growing where it belongs or is wanted. (Emphasis mine) For instance, dandelions are unwanted nuisances when a person wants a well-manicured, well-behaved lawn. To the wine-maker and the child, however, dandelions are very desirable. Japanese knotweed is a scourge to many who own river-front property infested with the tall plant; bee-keepers, however, are very grateful for their late-season profusion of blooms providing needed nutrition for their fuzzy little wards. Weediness, it seems, is in the eye of the beholder. I am fascinated by Prof. Lewontin's definition of a weed as a plant that creates environmental conditions in which it cannot reproduce. Pine trees as weeds...Interesting concept! By that definition, a pine grove, left undisturbed by fire or man's axe, would die off of its own accord? Would that apply to all evergreens, or just pines? I'll have to look him up and read some of his research, see if I can delve deeper. I know there has been a concerted effort over the past few years to define invasive as well; not sure if that effort is making any headway or if it, too, is somewhat subjective. I, for one, consider poison ivy to be both invasive and noxious, but it's only noxious to humans, apparently. Were we covered in fur or feathers, the urushiol oil could not contact our tender skin and cause the burning rash so famous among hikers and Boy Scouts. By the same token, my daughter loves Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy, and can spend hours nibbling the delicate little purple flowers for their minty essence. There is also the
[ECOLOG-L] Autoclave vs Fungicide
Dear All: I'm starting a greenhouse experiment involving mycorrhizal fungi and I need to include a non-mycorrhizal component. However, I'm having an issue deciding if the best method to remove the effect of the mycorrhiza is through sterilization of field soil in the autoclave, or through application of a fungicide. Any insights into this issue would be very helpful. Thanks! Gretchen Wakeley Clemson University Department of Entomology, Soils, and Plant Sciences
[ECOLOG-L] NATIONAL NATIVE SEED CONFERENCE - EARLY REGISTRATION ENDING
Register by this Friday, April 16, and save $45 on your registration for the National Native Seed Conference: Native Plant Materials Development, Production Use in Habitat Restoration http://www.nativeseed.info/registration.html Conference speakers and titles of presentations are now available on the conference website. We have a great lineup - take a look for yourself: http://www.nativeseed.info/program.html Field trips are filling up, but there's still space to attend both the Milford Flat Fire Rehab and the Common Gardens Seed Facilities field trips. Reserve your space today! http://www.nativeseed.info/field_trips.html POSTERS STILL ACCEPTED Use this opportunity to share your work with a national audience through a poster presentation. The poster session promises to be a great, informal venue to interact with professionals working on all aspects of native seed development and use. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your efforts and forge new connections with conference attendees! http://www.nativeseed.info/posters.html SRM CEUs The National Native Seed Conference has been approved for 16 Continuing Education Units by the Society for Range Management. Certified professionals may pick up signed attendance certification forms at the meeting. Spring skiing! Snowbird still has great snow and lifts will be open weekends before and after the conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Rooms are offered to conference attendees at conference rates of $99 for these dates - so come early or stay late! Rob Fiegener Native Seed Network Institute for Applied Ecology 541.753.3099 x201 www.nativeseednetwork.org www.appliedeco.org ___ Register Now: National Native Seed Conference Snowbird, Utah May 17-21, 2010 Information: www.nativeseed.info
[ECOLOG-L] tool use in New Caledonian crows: 3-year postdoc position available
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY Postdoctoral Research Associate: Tool use in New Caledonian crows Grade 7, salary range: 28,983 -- 35,646 GBP p.a. A three-year postdoctoral position is available, from May 2010 onwards, to work on the ecological and social context of tool use in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). The post is funded as part of a 5-year BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship to Dr Christian Rutz, and will be based at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. The post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork in New Caledonia, South Pacific. The research project will chart the ecology and behaviour of wild, free-ranging crows, using detailed field observations, systematic surveys, and novel biologging technologies. In addition, specific hypotheses will be examined in controlled experiments with wild and captive subjects. This is an exceptional opportunity to conduct topical field research on animal tool use and culture in a high-profile study system, and to take a leading role in a prolific and expanding research project. The successful candidate will have a PhD in behavioural ecology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a related subject, and experience in conducting independent field research, preferably in remote study locations. Proven skills in writing and publishing papers in leading scientific journals are essential. Experience of supervision in a research context, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team are desirable. Previous field-ornithological experience, or a background in animal-cognition research, are not essential. Informal inquiries (with CV) should be addressed directly to Dr Christian Rutz (christian.r...@zoo.ox.ac.uk). Further particulars and application forms are available from http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/jobs or from the Personnel Office of the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford (Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK; phone: +44(0) 1865 271190; email: recr...@zoo.ox.ac.uk). Application forms, together with a CV and contact details of three referees, electronic copies of three publications, and a cover letter explaining how the candidate meets the selection criteria, as outlined in the further particulars, should be sent to the above address quoting reference number AT10013. The closing date for applications is 7 May 2010. Interviews with short-listed candidates are expected to take place in May. Dr Christian Rutz BBSRC David Phillips Fellow Department of Zoology University of Oxford South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS, UK +44/1865/271179 christian.r...@zoo.ox.ac.uk www.zoo.ox.ac.uk
[ECOLOG-L] chemical ecology website
Hi A website of interest to chemical ecologists is: http://chemecol.ucdavis.edu/RECENT.htm UC Davis website with recent news, publications and research links of interest to chemical ecologists Ling Huang Chemistry Department Sacramento City College http://huangl.webs.com http://www.scc.losrios.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Grad student opportunity: Plant and Mycorrhizal Ecology
I am soliciting an outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant for Fall 2010 to investigate plant molecular ecology, field ecology, and/or mycorrhizal molecular ecology. The research program focuses on molecular and field ecology of natural populations of orchids and their fungal associates. REQUIREMENTS 1. An M.S. degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-based discipline in Plant or Biological Sciences, or a closely related field. 2. Background or strong interest in techniques and data analysis methods in molecular biology, i.e., DNA extraction, selecting suitable markers, PCR, molecular data analyses, sequencing, constructing and interpreting phylogenies, etc., for application toward plant population genetics and mycorrhizal diversity studies. 3. Keen attention to detail, organizational and coordination skills, and ability to communicate effectively. 4. Ability to complete all admission requirements for beginning the program in Fall 2010. International students, too, can apply if all required documents are in place. SALARY and BENEFITS Competitive salary. Varies with status (i.e., assistantship vs. fellowship). APPLICATION Please see: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/how.php Please submit: 1. A one-page letter of application describing interests and qualifications. The applicant should specifically address how their skills match the position description and requirements; 2. Curriculum Vitae, including names, complete address, phone, and e-mail for three references; 3. GRE scores; and 4. TOEFL scores (if applicable) to: jyotsna.sha...@ttu.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Black Bear Research Survey
My name is Megan Silsby and I am a Wildlife Science major at Virginia Tech. I am doing a formal report for on a proposed plan to re-open The Virginia Bear Research Center. The center, located in Blacksburg, Virginia was run by Professor Michael Vaughan and studied nuisance bears captured by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. After 10 years of research, the center closed in late 2009. If you have any interest or experience with the American black bear (Ursus americanus) and would like to donate 5 minutes of your time, please take the Virginia Bear Research Center survey by following the provided link: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1271182783069 The survey was designed for the faculty and student body at Virginia Tech, but other students and faculty members at other universities and establishments are welcomed to provide input. Thank you for your time and help, Megan Silsby Wildlife Science, Biology Virginia Tech 2012
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty position in ecology
Tenure-track faculty position in Ecology Department of Biological Sciences http://www.tru.ca/schs/biol/ Thompson Rivers University DUTIES: We are looking for an ecologist who can teach and develop a research program that will include some combination of population genetics, conservation biology, evolution and zoology, and with relevance to British Columbia. QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in a relevant discipline COMMENCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT: July 1, 2010 REVIEW DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be reviewed commencing May 03, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Thompson Rivers University is committed to the principle of employment equity. Please forward current curriculum vitae, quoting the Competition #10-034, along with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) referees and a copy of graduate transcripts. Please submit your application: -by mail, to: Job Opportunities, Human Resources Division Thompson Rivers University P.O. Box 3010 Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 5N3 Canada -or by email, to: job...@tru.ca -or by fax, to: 1-250-828-5338
[ECOLOG-L] Trypan blue vs Ink
Hi All, I am a graduate student at the University of Vermont working on a mycorrhizal ecology project. I have encountered an interesting 'problem' that I am currently trying to resolve and I would appreciate any input. I have been staining roots of grasses to quantify infection status. I have used two stains: ink and trypan blue. They provide very different results. Does anyone know if ink preferentially binds to mycorrhizal structures whereas trypan blue is a more general stain, picking up all fungal structures or if trypan blue is a better overall stain picking up mycorrhizal structures that ink misses? If so, I would appreciate any input and pointers to the literature on the efficacy and specificity of these two stains. Thanks in advance, Renee
