Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season?
Jason and other Jason fans: I once heard of a teacher who offered an A in the course to any student who could ask one intelligent question. Yes, Jason, you do seem to have a knack for asking good questions. It seems to me, to pick up on Aaron's line, that if getting a Ph.D. accelerates your intellectual development more than whatever alternative you have in mind, it might be worth the time and expense, but if it's just bragging rights you're after, the process might undermine your growth instead. I've spent most of my life off the track, and I can tell you there can be hell to pay--especially if you expect to be treated kindly by those who have suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous academic politics and are convinced that anyone who hasn't is ipso facto a lesser being. The trick is to ignore those and concentrate on the handful who, despite those bruises and wounds, have stuck with it through hell and high water and released themselves from bondage--yea, even in the midst of absurdity cloaked in pretension. But this will invite being burned at the stake, not protect you from attack. You have to shrug that off too, and just go forward. If bussing butt is required, move on rather than try to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I'm not sure how I might change my life if I had it to do all over again. Lordy knows I've made mountains of mistakes. Maybe a better education would have saved me all that trouble and grief. On the other hand, maybe all that trouble and grief that kept me off the gravy-train got me onto the rods, at least, of a Blue Plate Special more to my liking. As you can tell (verbally at least), I'm a ramblin' man. But I could have made more of my life if I had done more in my off seasons than I did. I should have done more and rambled more, not less. And, if I had it to do all over again, I would go to the places where the talent was and take courses from the best people I could find and study widely not narrowly. WT PS: More than a decade ago, I sold my 21-year consulting business to a young, freshly-minted Ph.D. who ran the business into the ground in five years and skipped with a bunch of my gear and the worthless contract we had for a teaching job at a university. He didn't return my emails or calls for quite a spell, figuring I might sue him I guess. It isn't the Ph.D. that marks you as being a success, and it's not a position. It's what you actually DO, and how you do it. That's another dimension of life that is often left out of the equation. Jason, I think you'll do just fine. They tell us we are wasting time--but we are wasting our LIVES! --Eric Hoffer - Original Message - From: Aaron T. Dossey bugoc...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 6:40 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season? I wouldn't recommend a Ph.D. The market is flooded with us to the effect of our 10+ years in school not paying any dividends for that investment - see studies such as a recent one on Florida associates degree holders making more on average than those with Bachelor's degrees - a Ph.D. is an even more exaggerated example of that. The years you'll invest in that (graduate tech position) and, subsequently, in postdoc after postdoc tech position are better spent gaining real world experience and seniority in your field. In doing so, you become more valuable and irreplaceable at wherever you work. And hey, in the mean time, you're working on your own career, not someone else's. Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology On 2/13/2011 6:32 PM, malcolm McCallum wrote: There are only two ways to get ahead, but neither gives instant gratification... 1) keep getting more education whether it means adding courses, degrees (in same and other disciplines) or what. I have a phd and just finished a course on using the program R. There is always more to learn. This does not guarantee you will succeed, but at least you are doing something. Sitting waiting for your next gig just keeps you falling behind in both skills and knowledge. 2) publication. If you can figure out a way to get peer reviewed pubications out of your work, it will generally lead to permanent jobs, even if those are not research posts. Malcolm On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 2:49 PM, Wayne Tysonlandr...@cox.net wrote: Jason, David, and John (and Ecolog): I forgot that when I decided to give up my cushy high-paid job, I individually typed, on an old Underwood typewriter, forty applications to forty National Forest offices. I got one response, but all I needed was one job. I'm sure glad I didn't stop at 39. WT PS: Tis friction's brisk, rough rub, that provides the vital spark! --A. R. Martin - Original Message - From: John Winkowski john.winkow...@gmail.com To:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:56 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season?
As for education, you go as far as you want to go. A person who is PHD material will be miserable as a BS tech. Likewise, someone who is emotionally and dedication-wise a tech will be miserable with a PHD. ALL FIELDS are glutted, whether you are a machinist or a PHD. However, my intention was not to recommend everyone go get a PHD but rather that you continue to improve yourself. IF that means you go for a PHD fine, but getting a masters, adding a profesional masters (MPA, MBA, Ed.D./ME) doesn't really matter. Even if you are just picking up a certificate in GIS or a few courses in computer science or something to demonstrate a desire to improve yourself and also to set yourself apart from others. Malcolm On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 8:40 PM, Aaron T. Dossey bugoc...@gmail.com wrote: I wouldn't recommend a Ph.D. The market is flooded with us to the effect of our 10+ years in school not paying any dividends for that investment - see studies such as a recent one on Florida associates degree holders making more on average than those with Bachelor's degrees - a Ph.D. is an even more exaggerated example of that. The years you'll invest in that (graduate tech position) and, subsequently, in postdoc after postdoc tech position are better spent gaining real world experience and seniority in your field. In doing so, you become more valuable and irreplaceable at wherever you work. And hey, in the mean time, you're working on your own career, not someone else's. Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology On 2/13/2011 6:32 PM, malcolm McCallum wrote: There are only two ways to get ahead, but neither gives instant gratification... 1) keep getting more education whether it means adding courses, degrees (in same and other disciplines) or what. I have a phd and just finished a course on using the program R. There is always more to learn. This does not guarantee you will succeed, but at least you are doing something. Sitting waiting for your next gig just keeps you falling behind in both skills and knowledge. 2) publication. If you can figure out a way to get peer reviewed pubications out of your work, it will generally lead to permanent jobs, even if those are not research posts. Malcolm On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 2:49 PM, Wayne Tysonlandr...@cox.net wrote: Jason, David, and John (and Ecolog): I forgot that when I decided to give up my cushy high-paid job, I individually typed, on an old Underwood typewriter, forty applications to forty National Forest offices. I got one response, but all I needed was one job. I'm sure glad I didn't stop at 39. WT PS: Tis friction's brisk, rough rub, that provides the vital spark! --A. R. Martin - Original Message - From: John Winkowski john.winkow...@gmail.com To:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:56 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season? I graduated in 2007 from St Lawrence University with my B.S. (double major in Biology and Environmental Studies) and was in the same boat. Essentially, as soon as you are hired and begin one seasonal job, the best thing to do is start applying, or at least looking, for the next. You are competing with 1,000s of people that are struggling to have continuity in employment as entry level biologists. You need to apply to many positions to keep your options open and hopefully have some options to work with. If you end up getting hired onto a project (and you hopefully like that project) keep contact with your boss upon completion of a season because this could be a great option for next year. Generally, supervisors like to hire employees back due to the fact that you are already trained with their protocol, you know the backcountry where field sites are, they know you've managed to complete a season before, and you can help train new employees. I managed to sort of cycle between 3-4 jobs throughout a 3 year period and it worked out really well. It is quite the struggle and I suggest meeting a lot of friends along the way to be prepared to couch surf. It's a period of time that you always have to be on your toes and most likely live out of your car. Between short seasons, layoffs, etc you need to keep your options open and always be on the hunt for new positions if you really want to have work throughout the year (it is possible!). Although frustrating and challenging at times, the process is necessary and I thought very enjoyable. Once you begin to build on your post-graduation experience you will notice interviews will become more common and job offerings as well. I found that my experiences took me to places I never would have gone before and I was able to see the most beautiful parts of this country while being paid. I saw the time I spent working seasonally more as an incredible experience than anything. I wouldn't trade those times for anything. In fact, I
[ECOLOG-L] R book for pl
Hi there, Looking to buy a good graphics book for R. Any recommendations on which book I should get? Thanks Miguel
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship: Temporal dynamics of fragmentation impacts on Neotropical bats
Applications are invited to fill a graduate research position currently available in the Center for Environmental Biology, University of Lisbon, Portugal (http://cba.fc.ul.pt). The student will participate in a collaborative project funded by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) to investigate the temporal dynamics of fragmentation impacts on Neotropical bats. Field research will be conducted at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (BDFFP, http://pdbff.inpa.gov.br) near Manaus, Brazil, the worlds largest and longest-running experimental study of habitat fragmentation. Based on baseline data from a previous study conducted at the BDFFP, this comparative follow-up study aims at providing insights into the longer-term dynamics of fragmentation effects on Neotropical bats. Interested students should hold a M.S. degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field, and have a keen interest in community ecology and fragmentation research. Preference will be given to students wishing to pursue a PhD and to applicants with previous field experience in the tropics and/or working with bats. Candidates should have strong English writing skills and a demonstrated aptitude in data analysis and statistical modeling. Proficiency in a statistical software package (preferably R) and an interest in learning novel analytical approaches is a definite plus. The project involves extensive fieldwork in Brazil and the ability to work long hours at night under harsh field conditions is essential, as is the ability to work well in a team. The ability to communicate in Portuguese is desirable. The Assistantship includes a stipend, renewable each year for up to 3 years, health insurance, as well as research and conference travel support. Interested applicants should email a cover letter outlining their interests and experience, a CV, transcripts, as well as contact information for three references to Dr. Christoph Meyer (cme...@fc.ul.pt). The expected start date is April 2011 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Applications will be considered until March 7th 2011. Dr. Christoph Meyer Centro de Biologia Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa 1749-016 Lisboa Portugal Email: cme...@fc.ul.pt http://cba.fc.ul.pt/members/christoph_meyer.php
Re: [ECOLOG-L] R book for pl
R Graphics by Paul Murrell Check web site of the book for information. http://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/~paul/RGraphics/rgraphics.html -- From: Miguel Barbosa(Gmail) migo...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 12:45 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] R book for pl Hi there, Looking to buy a good graphics book for R. Any recommendations on which book I should get? Thanks Miguel
[ECOLOG-L] New MS in Conservation Medicine Degree Program at Tufts University
NEW MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONSERVATION MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA. 01536 USA http://www.tufts.edu/vet/mcm/ The continued emergence of new diseases from wild animals, the effects of human activities on endangered species, and the impact of climate change on biodiversity are just a few of the topics to be examined in a new and novel Master of Science in Conservation Medicine degree program at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The MS in Conservation Medicine is designed to prepare students from varied backgrounds for a career in conservation medicine. Tufts University's program in Conservation Medicine is an intensive 12-month professional master's degree, which will build upon the expertise each student brings to the program. It is designed to provide graduates with foundational knowledge in the various contributing fields of conservation medicine, and develop their team building, organizational and leadership skills necessary for successful implementation of real world conservation efforts. Since many disciplines are involved in conservation medicine, the MS in Conservation Medicine seeks a diversity of backgrounds, including; veterinarians, natural and social scientists, engineers, public health and medical professionals, lawyers, policy and wildlife professionals, and others interested in applying their expertise to conservation medicine issues. Deadline for applications is 1 April 2011. Classes start Fall 2011. For more information and to apply on-line visit our program website at: http://www.tufts.edu/vet/mcm/ Learn more about Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine at: http://www.tufts.edu/vet/ccm/
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position - parasite/host plant/insect interactions, meta-analysis
Postdoc at the University of South Florida, Tampa Department of Integrative Biology I am seeking a postdoctoral candidate to be a part of a diverse research program involving: the ecology and evolutionary biology of parasite-host interactions (including plant-insect interactions); macroevolutionary and coevolutionary theory; invasive biology; ecological statistics; and meta-analysis. The successful candidate will have excellent field/lab based skills, and/or strong analytical skills (e.g., simulation or analytical modeling). I am expecting the candidate to collaborate closely with me on several research objectives -- one of the objectives will be field and lab based research on palm trees and the invasive red palm mite (Raoiella indica). Another objective is developing statistical methods for meta-analysis. The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and be able to provide references testifying to the following skills: (1) field/lab and/or analytical skills, (2) an ability to work with others, including mentoring of undergraduates, and (3) a commitment to productivity and communication of results in publications and contributed talks at national and international meetings. Experience with grant writing is a plus. I currently have 2 years of funding for this position. The University of South Florida, Tampa, affords a high quality of living for people interested in outdoor activities and city life. The university is located blocks away from Busch Gardens, 20-30 minutes way from several beaches, and one hour away from Orlando, FL. Please send the following: (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and abilities with reference to the skills outlined above, and (2) an academic CV. If these materials are competitive, I will ask you to have two letters of reference sent. Start date is flexible but preferably during the summer/fall of 2011. Applications will be considered until April 15th, 2011. Send your cover letter and CV to: Marc Lajeunesse, lajeune...@usf.edu Cheers, Marc J. Lajeunesse Assistant Professor Department of Integrative Biology University of South Florida Tampa, FL Lajeunesse lab: http://lajeunesse.myweb.usf.edu Department of Integrative Biology: http://biology.usf.edu/ib/ University of South Florida, Tampa: http://www.usf.edu
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season?
Jason and all, I've seen some really good advice posted in the past few days for seasonal techs figuring out what to do for the off-season. Someone mentioned working in the desert... that was a strategy I made great use of. I was always able to get at least two (sometimes 3) seasonal jobs in per year, one in spring and summer working in the mountains, and a winter job in the desert. I also found that while I wasn't exactly making a ton of money in any of these jobs, I didn't have many expenditures either, and was able to do quite a bit of travel in between jobs. I spend a few months in New Zealand playing Ultimate Frisbee one year; spent about a month backpacking in the Yucatan, and another stint car camping in Baja... I know it's a luxury not everyone can afford, but if you can, I would highly recommend taking time to travel (and try and get some international conservation volunteering in while traveling). Now that I'm not a seasonal anymore, there's NO WAY I could take 6 weeks off for a road trip. The seasonal lifestyle afforded me a degree of freedom few get to take advantage of. My mother was not impressed. Emily Orling Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:13 -0500 From: lists...@listserv.umd.edu Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 12 Feb 2011 to 13 Feb 2011 (#2011-44) To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU There are 15 messages totalling 1123 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. What do technicians do in the off season? (11) 2. post-doc position for macroecologist/landscape ecologist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology 3. faculty position: water sustainability 4. Japanese translation of 'Beginner's guide to R' 5. MS opportunity: Biogeochemistry University of Alabama -- Date:Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:01:01 -0500 From:Zurijanne Kelley zuri...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: What do technicians do in the off season? Jason, I share your same predicament. I completed a technician job this past September and who knows how many jobs I've applied to. For me though one of the things I've done to make it through the time (partly because student loans required that I do something) was to go to a temp agency. After that temp job, completely unrelated to my schooling, I started volunteering at a wildlife rehab center and with the humane society. Partly, for my sanity and also to demonstrate that I'm active in the wildlife field and quite serious about a career. Through volunteering I was offered a part time job whose boss works with me so that I can still volunteer (since she is a rehabber with the lady I volunteer for) and it helps pay the gas. One of the biggest things I've been able to do is network. For me Twitter has served as a platform that I can be exposed to a vast array of current events in conservation via blogs and news media essentially making contact with professionals/organizations I wouldn't have otherwise. I'm also taking Wendee Holtcamp's nature writing course to further skills in writing for my own blog, and burgeoning freelance writing career. Lastly, it has served as a great time to work on improving my KSA, resume, and cover letters with every application sent out. I'm not an established professional and I look forward to hearing what others recommend but seek out ways to increase your skills by considering the area you want to improve the most. Continue to apply to jobs as they pop up and don't disqualify yourself unless you are absolutely certain you don't qualify. Consider applying to unrelated career jobs the closer it comes to the end of your job term just so that job can serve as a cushion until you get an offer. Zuri Kelley Clemson University Alumni 2009 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Jason Hernandez Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:30 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season? I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for my next job. Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with predicts I could have a permanent position within two years. But I must still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now
[ECOLOG-L] Biological Research Technician Opening
Research Technician Position Available I seek a highly motivated individual to assist with a conservation biology/ecology research project in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri. This project will examine how natural and anthropogenic factors affect the observed distribution and densities of the imperiled Coldwater Crayfish Orconectes eupunctus across multiple spatial scales. Work will include stream field sampling, office work, and other duties as assigned. JOB DESCRIPTION: One full-time research position is available. Start date is May 2011 (flexible) and end date is November 2011 (flexible). Salary is $1,000 per month. DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS: The technician will be aiding a graduate student both in the field and office. Field sampling will be conducted as part of a team that includes members of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other agencies. Field work will involve collecting, identifying, and recording crayfish, as well as recording a suite of environmental variables. Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to endure long, hot hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions. Applicants must also be willing to travel and spend nights away from home. Travel related expenses will be paid. Previous work in streams and with crayfish is desirable, but not required. Office duties may include data entry/collection, maintenance of sampling gear, travel preparations, etc. GIS knowledge is desirable, but not required. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are a must. HOW TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, list of relevant courses and grades, and resume with names, phones numbers and email addresses of three references to msno...@uark.edu or: Matthew Nolen Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Biological Sciences-SCEN 509 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 For more information e-mail msno...@uark.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Field Technicians: Mountain Pine Beetle and Fuels
Job description: 3 field technicians (1 crew lead, 2 techs.) needed to assist in setting up and measuring plots in south central Oregon lodgepole pine forests in areas of post mountain pine beetle epidemic. Work duties will include setting up plot boundaries, measuring stand structure, tree regeneration, surface and crown fuels, and identification of plant communities. Work may often occur in inclement conditions (heat, rain, mosquitoes, etc.). Strong attention to details and a willingness to QA/QC field records is necessary. Work will be based out of Pringle Falls, OR (near bend, OR), but work will also be conducted near Lakeview, OR. Housing in Pringle Falls will be provided. Multi-day camping and/or backpacking trips to the Lakeview area may occur. Camping per diem will be provided on these occasions. Qualifications: Experience performing basic forest measurements, basic plant identification, as well as experience hiking off-trail in forested environments and navigating cross-county with compass preferred. Must be able to live, travel, and work with people in a friendly and professional environment. Timeline: Work will start June 13th and run through September 2010. Earlier start date may be negotiable for crew lead position. Pay Range: $12-14/hour depending on experience. To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume, names and contact information for 2 references, and any questions to Travis Woolley travis.wool...@oregonstate.edumailto:travis.wool...@oregonstate.edu. Application deadline March 15th. Travis J. Woolley Faculty Research Assistant Forest Engineering, Resources and Management 214 Richardson Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5752 phone: (541) 737-3826 fax: (541) 737-4316 travis.wool...@oregonstate.edumailto:travis.wool...@oregonstate.edu http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/ferm/People/woolley.php http://www.cof.orst.edu/coops/sncc/index.htm
[ECOLOG-L] Visiting faculty position, Biology, Bard College, NY
The Biology Program at Bard College is seeking applicants for a full-time, one-year visiting faculty position at the assistant level, beginning in the fall of 2011. The successful candidate will teach a biostatistics course, a 100-level course each semester, and an advanced seminar course one semester. The candidate’s specific area of expertise is flexible but should complement the program’s existing strengths in ecology, evolution, microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. and will be expected to involve undergraduates in their research. More information about the curriculum and current faculty research can be found at http://biology.bard.edu. Bard is a highly selective private liberal arts college with approximately 1,900 students, located 90 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and the contact information for three references by email only to: Professor Philip Johns at hr11...@bard.edu. Review of applications will begin on March 21st and will continue until the position is filled. Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from candidates who contribute to our diversity. AA/EOE.
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Applications: HPC Application of R and Other Code for Biological Applications, a NIMBioS Tutorial
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for its tutorial, *Migration from the Desktop: HPC Application of R and Other Code for Biological Applications** *to be held May 9-11, 2011, at NIMBioS. *Objectives: *As the number and size of available datasets continue to grow across all areas of biology, so do the computational resources required to analyze such datasets. Whether the researcher is a molecular or ecosystems biologist, questions that exceed the capabilities of desktop computers and that require the use of high performance computing (HPC) toolkits are now common. The goal of this workshop is to introduce the skills, strategies and techniques necessary to make the jump from desktop computing to HPC environments. The workshop will include lectures, case-studies, hands-on labs and small group discussions. The workshop will begin with the basics such as outlining the key differences between desktop computing and HPC, how to identify and access appropriate HPC resources, and choosing problems well-suited to the HPC environment. Visualization tools will also be introduced, as will topics in data management and best practices in development. Case studies, which are expected to include projects focused on sequence evolution, systems biology, and species distribution modeling, will provide concrete examples of how the shift from desktop to HPC computing can be achieved. We will present ways of using non-parallel code, for example R functions, in an HPC environment as a way to take advantage of the historical computational resources of the biological community. The tutorial is geared toward biologists (including students, postdocs and faculty) whose research has grown beyond what desktop computers can handle and require HPC to progress further. Participants will leave this tutorial with the skills to identify appropriate high performance computing resources for their research, perform a parameter sweep, address data storage issues, and use some common HPC tools in data analysis and visualization. *Location: *NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville *Co-Organizers: *Michael Gilchrist (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and NIMBioS, UTK); Jian Huang (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and RDAV, UTK); Eric Carr (HPC Specialist NIMBioS); Amy Szczepanski (Education, Outreach, and Training Coordinator, RDAV) For more information about the tutorial and a link to the online application form, go to http://nimbios.org/tutorials/TT_hpc If needed, applicants may request travel and lodging support. Participation is limited, and those selected to attend will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline. *Application deadline: March 13, 2011* The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Catherine Crawley, Ph.D. Communications Coordinator National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) University of Tennessee 1534 White Avenue Knoxville, TN 37996-1527 Phone: (865) 974-9350 Fax: (865) 974-9461 Email: ccraw...@nimbios.org http://www.nimbios.org http://twitter.com/nimbios /To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here. http://www.nimbios.org/wordpress/subscribe2updates// /To sign up to receive our bi-monthly newsletter, click here. http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001RgvbKVLa7a4Psoj8H7c43A%3D%3D/
[ECOLOG-L] New Book - Life in a Shell: A Physiologist's View of a Turtle (Hardcover), Donald C. Jackson
New Book Life in a Shell: A Physiologist's View of a Turtle Hardcover, Donald C. Jackson, Hardcover, 192 pages, Harvard University Press, $29.95 plus $6.00 SH Product Description Trundling along in essentially the same form for some 220 million years, turtles have seen dinosaurs come and go, mammals emerge, and humankind expand its dominion. Is it any wonder the persistent reptile bested the hare? In this engaging book physiologist Donald Jackson shares a lifetime of observation of this curious creature, allowing us a look under the shell of an animal at once so familiar and so strange. Here we discover how the turtles proverbial slowness helps it survive a long, cold winter under ice. How the shell not only serves as a protective home but also influences such essential functions as buoyancy control, breathing, and surviving remarkably long periods without oxygen, and how many other physiological features help define this unique animal. Jackson offers insight into what exactly its like to live inside a shellto carry the heavy carapace on land and in water, to breathe without an expandable ribcage, to have sex with all that body armor intervening. Along the way we also learn something about the process of scientific discoveryhow the answer to one question leads to new questions, how a chance observation can change the direction of study, and above all how new research always builds on the previous work of others. A clear and informative exposition of physiological concepts using the turtle as a model organism, the book is as interesting for what it tells us about scientific investigation as it is for its deep and detailed understanding of how the enduring turtle works. About the Author Donald C. Jackson is Professor Emeritus of Medical Science, Brown University. REMEMBER All Proceeds Go to HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly E-zine Which Reports on the Latest Reptile and Amphibian Science and Conservation News. A non-profit corporation. TO ORDER: 1) Send a check to Herpdigest/Allen Salzberg/67-87 Booth Street -5B/Forest Hills, NY 11375. Make the check out to Herpdigest. 2) By Paypal - our account is asalzb...@herpdigest.org 3) By credit card, Master or Visa, Discover and Amex, only, send us your credit card number, expiration date, billing and shipping address to asalzb...@herpdigest.org. (Though I haven't heard of this happening, a credit card number stolen from an email, I'm told to prevent this send ccard number divided into two emails.) And dont forget to include those last 3 numbers from the back of the credit card. The CVV numbers. 4) By phone, call us at 1-718-275-2190 Eastern Standard Time (NYC) - Any Day Of The Week, 11 A.M.- 6 P.M. If not in, leave message and we'll call back.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Recommended Readings? an information request.
Ecologgers: I wanted to share the extent of responses that have been received as recommended reads for a budding restoration ecologist. At this point we have a very well rounded conglomerate of reads. The results range from an inclusive textbook, to a series of books on different aspects of restoration, to a book on the relationships between restoration and culture. If additional recommendations come to my personal account I will add them to this page. 1. *Foundations of restoration ecology* By Donald A. Falk, Margaret A. Palmer, and Joy B. Zedler This text came as a recommendation by a few ecologgers, one commented, “a lot of practical examples, and all three of the editors are practicing restoration ecologists […] part of a series called Science and Practice of Ecological Restoration”. If you want to see what you’re getting, the text is available in an on line preview at: books.google.comhttp://books.google.com/books?id=5iUbP6IfYjgCprintsec=frontcoverdq=Foundations+of+restoration+ecology+By+Donald+A.+Falksource=blots=AlhuKGD2EZsig=--2HXPRJ1fZn8HNv8TUIBVIVBewhl=enei=HrhVTd2vKYSq8Aa9sNDhBgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1sqi=2ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepageqf=false 2. *Nature by Design* By Eric Higgs One person commented, “a good perspective of the social and cultural aspects of restoration ecologyperspective the the social and cultural aspects of restoration ecology”. Eric Higgs has a wikipedia biographical entry if you want to read up on a him a tid bit. This book can be found on the MIT webpage: Nature by Designhttp://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2tid=9595 3. *Book Serieshttps://mail.google.com/mail/html/compose/static_files/Bookspublished by SER (Society for Ecological Restoration) * This series of books has been recommended by a few ecologgers. I am currently reading *Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land”* by Steven Apfelbaum and Alan Haney. Apfelbaum's book in particular, is informative for planning restoration from start to finish, a practical guide to assessing the land and targeting priority areas of restoration, with some level of detail on different ecosystem types. An equivalent link to the series: *http://islandpress.org/ser* regards, Robert of Illinois
[ECOLOG-L] Needed: other listserves and job resources
I will be graduating this May and am currently looking for open positions. If anyone could recommend other resources to look into I would greatly appreciate it. I am particularly interested in animal behavior, kin relationships, evolution, and endocrinology. I will have a bachelors of science in zoology from Michigan State University. Thank you so Much, Toni Bode bodeh...@msu.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Invasive Species Conference-Deadline extended
Joint Meeting of the 2nd Kentucky Invasive Species Conference the 13th Annual Southeast EPPC Conference May 3-5, 2011 Lexington, Kentucky http://invasives2011.org The joint meeting of the 2nd Kentucky Invasive Species Conference and the 13th Annual Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council conference will encompass topics related to the research, management, outreach, education, and policy of invasive species in the eastern and central regions of the United States. We welcome contributions in the following major areas: 1. Ecology of invasive species and their impact on ecosystem functions and processes 2. Invasive species management 3. Invasive species education and policy Submission of Abstracts §Deadline for oral and poster presentation abstract is February 28, 2011 §Please submit your abstract electronically via http://invasives2011.org http://invasives2011.org/ , including the following information (1) type of submission Oral Presentation or Poster, (2) title of the submission, (3) the author(s) and their affiliations, (4) corresponding authors mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and email address, and (5) abstract (250 words or less). Publication §The conference will publish electronic proceedings. All presenters are encouraged to submit a full-length paper §All presentations will be published online unless a waiver form is signed. Questions may be directed to Songlin Fei at songlin@uky.edu. SongLin Fei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry 204 T.P. Cooper Bldg., Lexington, KY 40546-0073 Phone: 859-257-9760; FAX: 859-323-1031 http://www.uky.edu/~sfei2
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Researcher Position- Fire Ecology
Department of Plant Biology North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC We are seeking qualified applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to study fire ecology of longleaf pine savannas. This position is part of a larger project to improve predictability of vegetation response to fire through an improved understanding of the mechanisms by which individual plants, populations, and vegetation respond to burning. The research associate will undertake research in one or more of the following topics: plant physiological and population responses to fire, vegetation-fire feedbacks, or modeling of landscape fire, with opportunities to pursue related, independent research questions. The candidates should be self motivated, well organized, and able to work as part of a team. Individuals with experience in physiological ecology or modeling of fire impacts are particularly encouraged to apply. Expected start date is June 1, 2011, with funding available for 3 years. Salary is $38000-$4, commensurate with experience. Travel funds are available to present research results at national scientific meetings. Applicants should email a CV, a letter of interest, and contact information of three references to Bill Hoffmann at savannaecol...@gmail.com. For full consideration apply by February 25, 2011, but the position will remain open until filled. North Carolina State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation. William (Bill) A. Hoffmann Associate Professor Department of Plant Biology Campus Box 7612 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695-7612 USA Phone: (919) 513-7668 http://www4.ncsu.edu/~wahoffma/labhome/LabPage.html
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the off season?
You have already gotten some good answers, but here's my perspective as someone who spent her time in the seasonal trenches and now does a lot of seasonal hiring. * Hiring officials understand that biology work is thin on the ground during the off-season. Working as a waiter or ski patroller will not hurt your chances of getting next year's seasonal gig. * Volunteering can be a fun and affordable way to make it through the off season. Look into the Student Conservation Association's internship programs. * Consider traveling abroad in cheap countries. Once you pay for the plane ticket, your living expenses can actually be less than if you are paying rent and buying groceries in the US. (This was my favorite option when I was a seasonal). There are many international volunteer experiences available also, and if you are interested in a particular place or program, you can usually contact them and set up something individually if you are available for several months. Mexico, Central America, and much of Asia are particularly thrifty spots for traveling. * You usually qualify for unemployment to help defray costs if you worked in your seasonal position for 6 months. * Once you get your first seasonal gig, it's a lot easier to get the second one. * Live modestly both during the season and in the off-season. Now is not the time to buy a house (I've seen people try it!) or spend every night out on the town. * If you don't WANT to be a seasonal but are only doing it as a stopgap until you get year-round work, then focus your off season on your job search. The skills you gain and people you meet during your season could help you find what you really want. I think most folks who have done it will tell you that the seasonal years, while sometimes financially difficult, are some of the most enjoyable times of their careers. Best of luck and have a great season! Rebecca Weissinger
