[ECOLOG-L] Disseminating scientific thought to the general public: are scientists making science readily accessible?

2011-04-07 Thread Laura S.
Dear all:

I am interested in your thoughts. If needed, I can elaborate more on these
questions.

Are scientists making scientific findings readily accessible to the general
public? 

What can scientists do to improve dissemination of scientific information to
the general public? 

Do scientists need to be involved in teaching the public about the
scientific method?

Thank you,
Laura

 


[ECOLOG-L] BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY : A COMMON HERITAGE

2011-04-07 Thread Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
  

Dear All,

Pl. See our recent article

 





   

Dear All, 

Pl. See our recent article ‘Biological Diversity: A common
Heritage’ in EPW (http://epw.in/epw/uploads/articles/15899.pdf). 

Regards 

Priyan 

   

_ 

Priyadarsanan
Dharma Rajan, Ph.D.

Senior Fellow 

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)

Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore - 560 064, India. 

Ph:91-80-2363

(R) 91-80-23665726; Fax: 91-80-23530070

Other ID: priyadar...@gmail.com

URL: www.atree.org/priyan.html  

   



 





[ECOLOG-L] small grants for non-students (responses)

2011-04-07 Thread Hayley Kilroy
Thanks to everyone who replied to my question about small grants for aiding
research for non-students.  I got quite a few responses:

- Several people suggested Fulbright grants.  This is a larger grant than I
was thinking of for my specific needs, but it is definitely a great resource
for people in the stage I'm in right now (recently completed a degree).
It's a great program for those who want to spend a year doing research and
traveling.

- More along the lines of what I was thinking, the Rufford Small Grants for
Conservation (http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/) offer several grants,
and also have a rolling application so there is no deadline.

- The American Museum of Natural History (
http://rggs.amnh.org/pages/academics_and_research/fellowship_and_grant_opportunities)
offers a few grants for young professionals, particularly if you work in
ornithology.

- Sigma Xi grants-in-aid (http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/) were also
recommended to me, but these need to be applied for by a student.



I also got a question from Denise, who I think meant to send it to the whole
list.  Here is what she said:



Hello!

I, too have finished my Masters but as yet, am not affiliated.

This botanist has been invited to accompany and help the National Museums of
Kenya collect orchid species for their collection from Kakamega Forest this
June. The Museum wants all species represented in their collection; they
have 130 of the 280 national species.

All grants that I have applied for exclude collection travel. Is anyone
aware of a grant available to cover expenses?  Perhaps an institution could
obtain permits for me to take along, and I could supply plant material to
them.

Denise C Wilson
den...@denisecwilson.com


-- 



*Pressed Flower Necklaces:*
*botanicalbling.etsy.com* http://botanicalbling.etsy.com
*
*
*My Poetic Computer Program:*
*Poesytron575.blogspot.com* http://Poesytron575.blogspot.com


[ECOLOG-L] Job: Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator

2011-04-07 Thread Becky Gajewski
Seasonal Employment: Natural Resources Volunteer Aide at the Huron-Clinton 
Metroparks

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority is a regional park system 
consisting of 13 Metroparks encompassing approximately 24,000 acres of 
land within a five county area in southeast Michigan.  The Metroparks are 
located along the Huron and Clinton Rivers, and provide excellent 
recreational and educational opportunities while serving as stewards of 
its natural resources.  Our efforts are guided by the belief that the use 
of parks and exposure to natural environments enhance society’s health and 
quality of life.

DESCRIPTION:  Under the supervision of the Chief of Natural Resources and 
the Natural Resource Technician, the Natural Resource Volunteer Aide will 
perform a wide range of tasks in the field of volunteer coordination and 
assist in the implementation of the Natural Resource Management Plan for 
the Metroparks.  The Aide will assist with the scheduling and 
implementation of volunteer workdays, including advertising workdays on 
the web and in social media, coordinating workday activities with various 
Metroparks staff, supervising volunteers during workdays, and related 
tasks as apparent or assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  The candidate should be highly motivated, well-organized, 
and possess enthusiasm for working with volunteers and park staff, as well 
as the physical endurance to work outdoors. Candidates should have 
knowledge of common and invasive plants of Southeast Michigan, and a 
strong commitment to conservation and the environment. Individuals with 
prior experience working with volunteers and those either possessing or 
working towards degree in natural resources or a related field will be 
given preference. Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.  

LOCATION:  Metroparks Administrative Office, 13000 High Ridge Drive, 
Brighton, Michigan 48114

HOURS of WORK: 20 hours/week Flexible Hours; term to not exceed April 1 – 
October 1 

RATE of PAY: $9.05/hour plus completion of term bonus of $ 0.30/hour 
worked during the term of employment 

CONTACT: Please submit a resume and cover letter to: 

Becky Gajewski, Natural Resource Technician
810.227.2757 x6082
becky.gajew...@metroparks.com

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

-
Becky Gajewski
Natural Resource Technician
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
becky.gajew...@metroparks.com
810-227-2757 x6082


[ECOLOG-L] Internship opportunities, Hato Masaguaral, Venezuela

2011-04-07 Thread David Inouye

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT HATO MASAGUARAL
VENEZUELA

Great Wilderness is a 501 c California-based, international, 
non-profit, conservation organization. Great Wilderness partners 
closely with Ecuadorian and Venezuelan non-profits, as well as 
private biological reserves in the common mission to
conserve and preserve threatened tropical forest and its ecosystems 
while improving standards of living in rural communities. GW is 
dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and works with local 
people to protect natural resources and develop

sustainable ways of living.
GW supports the Tropical Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) at 
Hato Masaguaral (HM) in the Llanos of Venezuela. HM is a private 
preserving reserve whose main mission is the conservation of the 
endemic neo-tropical fauna such the Caiman del
Orinoco and ecosystems of Los Llanos of Venezuela. Both the HM and 
the TCEC function as one unit promoting active stewardship of the 
local and international community through various ongoing activities. 
Such projects include environmental education
and awareness programs in local communities and schools, captive 
breeding and reintroduction programs of endangered species such the 
Caiman del Orinoco, and local involvement as a strong voice for the 
protection of the environment in Los Llanos de

Venezuela and the region.
As a growing organization GW and Hato Masauaral welcome the help and 
knowledge of interns who are willing to whole heartedly devote their 
time and knowledge towards safeguarding, promoting and enforcing our 
main mission. Great Wilderness extends a
call to interested persons to volunteer as interns with HM through 
the Tropical Education Centre Internship Program.
A visit to Hato Masaguaral: 
http://www.forums.repashy.com/miscellaneous-reptile-discussion/11229-crocodiles-masaguaral.html


Main Goal of the Internship Program:
To offer interns first hand experience working with ongoing programs 
within Hato Masaguaral and in the the TCEC .


Specific Objectives:
a. Animal Managements Program
Interns will be expected to:
Assist in the care and maintenance of endangered Orinoco Crocodile. 
Interns will be responsible for understanding the specific needs of 
all enclosed individual within their captive environment.
Assist in wildlife interpretative tasks for Masaguaral visitors and 
tour groups e.g. handling and exhibiting a young crocodile to visitor 
while relating its life history, present conservation status and 
answering questions about the specimen.
Be involved in ongoing wildlife conservation programs at the HM such 
as the forpus project, caiman breeding center, monitoring, 
reintroduction program, etc.
Contribute to exhibit design and enrichment; this includes the 
betterment of animal enclosures, enhancement of viewer experiences 
and visitor, enhancement of activities and positive enrichment for 
the crocodile center, improvement of the environment
for the animals and landscaping of trails, paths and signs within the 
hato masaguaral.

Assist the HM's manager with daily activities at the Hato.

b.Environmental Education
Interns will be expected to:
Be actively involved in introducing visiting school groups to the 
caiman breeding center and Hato Masaguaral i.e. the Masaguaral's 
mission and objectives as well as its importance and specific 
function towards the conservation of ecosystems, and to
help in the development of posters, signs and slogans promoting the 
conservation and protection of endangered caiman del Orinoco.
Help in delivering and developing environmental education and 
awareness lessons to visiting school groups to the hato and caiman 
center, and to participate in the brainstorming of ideas to better 
educate the local and international community about
the importance of the masaguaral for the conservation and development 
of stewardship in the local and international community.
Participate in community outreach programs currently being held by 
the Hato Masaguaral and caiman center.

Write grants and do fundraising campaigns
Update Masaguaral's website
Develop a network nationally and international for Masaguaral's 
conservation initiatives



How to apply:
Submit a letter of inquiry to Great Wilderness Soraya Delgado 
(Director of Latin American Programs, sor...@greatwilderness.org, 
607-379-1599) stating:

Reasons for applying to the internship program
Specific area of interest
Brief summary of educational background, any previous volunteer work 
and what he/she expects to gain through the internship.
Submit Resume, C.V. along with any other merits of qualification or 
experience and two references.
Submit a medical certificate signed by a practicing physician stating 
health status including any allergies, or medication requirements, 
and proof of standard vaccinations against tropical diseases if needed.


Selection Process:
The application package should be sent well before the expected time 
of internship.
Applications will take two weeks 

[ECOLOG-L] Two job listings for field technicians

2011-04-07 Thread David Inouye
FIELD TECHNICIANS (2) needed May 1st through August 15th for research 
on shrub/scrub bird ecology in New Jersey.  Duties include conducting 
point count surveys in the NJ Highlands using distance sampling 
methodologies, data entry and some data analysis.  Point count 
experience and the ability to identify birds of the eastern U.S. by 
sight and sound required.  Proficiency with GPS and range finders 
required, knowledge of MS Excel and ArcGIS preferred.  Applicants 
must be able to work independently, and be willing to work in 
occasionally hot and buggy conditions and potential rough 
terrain.  Salary $1,800 - $2,200 per month, depending on 
experience.  Must have own vehicle.  Reimbursement for gas 
provided.  Send cover letter of interest, resume, and three 
references by April 25th to Kristin Munafo, New Jersey Audubon, 
Wattles Stewardship Center, 1024 Anderson Road, Port Murray, 
NJ  07865, mailto:%20kristin.mun...@njaudubon.org 
kristin.mun...@njaudubon.org.





FIELD TECHNICIAN (1) needed May 1st through August 15th for research 
on coastal marsh bird ecology in New Jersey.  Duties include 
conducting point count surveys in coastal areas of Northern NJ, 
including the NJ Meadowlands and Raritan Bay, using distance sampling 
methodologies.  Duties may also include data entry, data analysis and 
assistance with other projects.  Point count experience, the ability 
to identify birds of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound and 
willingness to conduct surveys by canoe or kayak 
required.  Proficiency with range finders, and knowledge of MS Excel 
and ArcGIS preferred.  Applicants must be able to work independently, 
and be willing to work in occasionally hot and buggy 
conditions.  Salary $1,800 - $2,200 per month, depending on 
experience.  Must have own vehicle.  Reimbursement for gas 
provided.  Send cover letter of interest, resume, and three 
references by April 25th to Kristin Munafo, New Jersey Audubon, 
Wattles Stewardship Center, 1024 Anderson Road, Port Murray, 
NJ  07865, mailto:%20kristin.mun...@njaudubon.org 
kristin.mun...@njaudubon.org.


Re: [ECOLOG-L] Disseminating scientific thought to the general public: are scientists making science readily accessible?

2011-04-07 Thread Stephen Caird
I hate sounding cynical, but sometimes I wonder if the problem isn't
so much scientists not getting the word out--I feel as though most
scientists are thrilled with an opportunity to explain the
innerworkings of whatever it is they study in much detail, say, the
role of carbohydrates in biofilm formation--but moreso a problem with
the general public ::not caring:: about the explanations to be given
for natural phenomena.

Have you ever tried to explain to someone what trans fats are, and
what effects they may be having on one's health? Few people care to
know the difference between trans- and cis- conformations, enzyme
specificity, etc., so as to actually be informed on the subject--in my
experience, many people are already placated with the understanding
they have of something, regardless of how close it is to the truth.

I may tell someone that our fat metabolism enzymes are very slow to
degrade trans-fats, and their response may be that they've been eating
margarine all their life with no problem, and that they like it more
than butter, so what?

Or someone, enthralled with nature, simply won't shake the ideas that
'everything in nature works together symbiotically toward a common
goal,' 'forest fires are all bad,' not considering, or willing to
consider, that competition happens, and that fire happens, species
have adapted to the conditions prevailing within their range on the
planet.

What a rant--I half-apologize for that...hardly--perhaps not one
bit--constructive, but that's my two cents for now.

Steve

On 4/7/11, Laura S. lesla...@gmail.com wrote:
 Dear all:

 I am interested in your thoughts. If needed, I can elaborate more on these
 questions.

 Are scientists making scientific findings readily accessible to the general
 public?

 What can scientists do to improve dissemination of scientific information to
 the general public?

 Do scientists need to be involved in teaching the public about the
 scientific method?

 Thank you,
 Laura





[ECOLOG-L] Summer research positions in plant ecology, Utah State

2011-04-07 Thread Peter Adler
Two summer research assistants needed in Peter Adler's lab at Utah State
University, Logan, UT. Job duties include surveys of plant species
composition in Idaho, Kansas, and New Mexico rangelands; digitizing of
mapped, permanent quadrats; harvesting and processing of biomass samples.
Plant identification skills are essential, GIS experience desirable but not
required. Work begins in early June and will continue through August.
Schedule will average 40 hours a week, but will vary depending on travel.
Pay is $10-12 per hour depending on experience. To apply, please email 1) a
cover letter, 2) resume or CV, and 3) contact information for three
references to peter.adler [at] usu.edu.


[ECOLOG-L] Three PhD graduate assistant positions available

2011-04-07 Thread Hanqin Tian
We are going to recruit three PhD students who will focus on the following 
research areas:

1) Large-scale Ecohydrology
2) Wetland Biogeochemistry
3) Agricultural Ecosystem

The candidates should have at least one degree in one of the following 
disciplines: hydrology, soil science, agronomy, forestry, meteorology/climate, 
ecology or biology. Background in computer programming, GIS and  remote sensing 
are desirable (but not required).
 
The positions will be available in Fall, 2011 or Sping 2012.

Individuals who are interested in these PhD student positions, please contact 
Dr. Hanqin Tian. 

---
Dr. Hanqin Tian 
Alumni  Dixon Professor
Director of International Center for
Climate and Global Change Research
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn, AL 36849, USA.

Phone: (334) 844-1059
Fax: (334) 844-1084
e-mail: tian...@auburn.edu 
website: https://fp.auburn.edu/sfws/tian/ 
---

  

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship in Integrated Sustainability Assessment of Forest Based Biofuels Supply Chain

2011-04-07 Thread Anthony Halog
Graduate Research Assistantship in Integrated Sustainability Assessment of
Forest Based Biofuels Supply Chain

Dear Colleagues and Students,

Please forward this Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) opportunity to
your colleagues and students who are interested to pursue graduate studies
and research at the University of Maine, USA.  This is open to those who are
interested to pursue a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Science or PhD in
Forest Resources. This GRA is only open to potential applicants who can
obtain admission to the Graduate School of University of Maine, USA.

The applicant should be interested to pursue graduate studies related to
environmental life cycle assessment, value/supply chain optimization, green
forest products, sustainability assessment of forest based products,
biofuels and bioenergy. The successful applicant should have an academic
background in any of the following disciplines (i.e. industrial and systems
engineering, industrial ecology/sustainable systems, computer science,
chemical engineering, operations management/management science/information
systems, applied mathematics, operations research,
biophysical/environmental/resource/energy/ecological/computational
economics, engineering systems, environmental engineering,
mathematical/computational biology, bioinformatics) with good academic
standing.  He/she should have previous training and preferably have
experience in database development, computational and systems modeling,
system dynamics, agent based modeling, complexity science. He or she should
develop passion in industrial ecology, life cycle assessment and integrated
sustainability assessment.

A background in LCA, materials flow analysis (MFA), substance flow analysis
(SFA) or other industrial ecology methods is not required, but applicant
should be willing to learn the concepts/principles to pursue the challenging
research in sustainability science and engineering. Applicant should have
strong analytical and database skills, knowledge of basic statistics and
probability and be willing to learn new software packages (e.g. OPENLCA,
CMLCA, STELLA, POWERSIM, Netlogo, Starlogo, MATLAB). It is also desirable
that he/she has taken or will take a course in system dynamics, agent based
modeling, genetic algorithm, evolutionary programming and other complexity
science methods and tools.

He/she is passionate to pursue interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and
cross-disciplinary research projects and should be able to work alone or in
team environment. This interdisciplinary research investigates the economic,
social and environmental impacts of forest biorefinery (e.g. fuels, energy,
power and other products).  This research involves intensive data collection
in close collaboration with industries, government agencies, and the other
departments at the University of Maine.We are interested to investigate and
understand the coupling of human and natural systems to solve our pressing
societal concerns.
The successful applicant will also be involved in writing grant proposals
and journal articles.

Further information regarding research interests or topics and admission
information can be accessed at
http://forest.umaine.edu/faculty-staff/directory/anthony-halog/

If you are not educated in English medium of instruction, in addition to
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results, you should also have TOEFL (Test
of English as Foreign Language) or IELTS results for admission purposes.

If you think you have the right applications for this research
assistantship, please submit an application letter addressing how you meet
the qualifications and a detailed CV (including references) to Prof. Anthony
Halog at anthony.ha...@maine.edu. Please submit your application by May 15,
2011.

This research assistantship is contingent upon the approval of release of
grant funds.

-- 
Anthony Halog, PhD, MBA
Certified Life Cycle Assessment Professional
Research Group for Industrial Ecology, LCA and Systems Sustainability
(IELCASS)
University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall
Orono, Maine 04469-5775
Tel: +1-207-581-2944
Email: anthony.ha...@maine.edu
Website: http://ielcass.tripod.com/ilss/

“Understand the Implications of our Personal Actions to Global Awareness.
Or, Translate our One Global  Awareness into Respective Personal Actions”  -
Anthony Halog


Re: [ECOLOG-L] Climate Change Data

2011-04-07 Thread Eleanor J. Sterling
These materials produced by the Network of Conservation Educators and
Practitioners (or NCEP, an initiative of the American Museum of Natural
History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation) might be useful. 
These multi-component teaching resources for teachers and trainers of
conservation professionals - or modules - are available free-of-charge
on NCEP's website: http://ncep.amnh.org.  Note that in order to download
any of the teaching materials you would need to register first (also free
of charge).

- The Global Carbon Cycle and Climate Change directly addresses your area
of interest, discussing past variations in atmospheric carbon and modern
human perturbations of the carbon cycle from fossil fuel use to land use
changes.

- Exploring the Colorado River Basin: An Interactive Water Management
Exercise, a simulation-based Exercise newly developed by NCEP, has a
Climate Change Unit (see
http://ncep.amnh.org/colorado_simulation/climate_change/index.html). 
Students can explore how changes in temperature and precipitation will
change the amount of water that is available for water users and the
environment.

- NCEP is also planning to release a new module titled Observed Impacts of
Climate Change on Biodiversity in the next three months.

- Finally, while not focused on the issued of climate change, several
other modules touch upon the topic and could also be useful, including,
for example, Threats to Biodiversity: An Overview.

NCEP modules all include a Synthesis document bringing together key
background information and references for a topic; an easily modified
visual Presentation with notes and discussion questions; and a practical
Exercise for laboratory or field use.  Additionally, interdisciplinary
Case Studies highlight key concepts and questions that span the topics of
more than one module. Note that NCEP materials are mainly geared towards
the undergraduate level, so you may find it necessary to adapt the
materials for your specific needs (all files are in Word or PowerPoint
format and are easily modifiable).  Please feel free to peruse the website
for any additional resources that you may find useful.

Best,



-- 
Eleanor J. Sterling
Director
Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024


[ECOLOG-L] 2011 Belize Field Course - New Dates for Late Summer!

2011-04-07 Thread Caryn Self-Sullivan
Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Antillean Manatees, Bottlenose  
Dolphins  Hawksbill Turtles in the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon  
System:  A Unique Experiential Learning Field Course in Belize,  
Central America


Dates: 30 July – 12 August 2011 (inclusive of travel)

Website:  http://sirenian.org/2011FieldCourse.html

PI  Co-PI: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.(1, 2)  Katie S. LaCommare,  
Ph.D.(1, 3, 4)


Visiting Scientist:  Heather J. Kalb, Ph.D. (5)

Location: Drowned Cayes, Belize, Host: Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure  
Lodge http://belizeadventurelodge.com (passport required) + secondary  
field site TBA


Want to learn more about Marine Biology? Interested in Marine Mammals,  
Animal Behavior, Ecology, or Conservation Biology?  Join our research  
team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal  
behavior, ecology  conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose  
dolphins, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds in Belize!


Course Overview: This is a total immersion, experiential learning  
field course where you will live, work, and study from a marine  
science field station on a pristine, private island within the Belize  
Barrier Reef Lagoon System. Data collected during the course will  
contribute to our long-term manatee  dolphin research project  
established in 1998. You will learn through a variety of learning  
activities, literature review and discussion, independent and team  
projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun  
and spend 8-10 hours outdoors, including 3-4 hours on the water each  
day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a  
maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, coral patches, and the Belize  
Barrier Reef.  Extra-curricular activities are included: (1) diving or  
snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and (2) exploring an ancient Maya City.   
Additional, optional SCUBA dives are available as time and weather  
permits, but additional costs are involved.  Note:  You do not need to  
have your SCUBA certification to enroll in this course.


Optional Credit Hours:  The course provides 100 experiential learning  
and lecture hours in the field, plus approximately 35 hours of pre- 
field reading, research, and preparation; approximately 50 of the 135  
total hours include direct instruction by faculty.  This is comparable  
to a 3 credit hour university course and meets the US DOE criteria in  
34 CFR, SS600.2.  You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your  
advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be earned through  
your home university.  Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your  
school and you must fulfill any study abroad requirements of your  
school.  This course is divided into 4 major components: lectures and  
learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and  
assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3 hours  
per day), project development  implementation (~2 hours per day),  
presentation of pre-field research (~1 hour per day), and debate/group  
discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day).


Deadlines: Early registration  and deposit due May 1st, 2011; regular  
registration  deposit due June 1st, 2011; balance due July 1st, 2011.  
Late registration (after July 1st--if space available) incurs a $100  
late fee.


Minimum/Maximum Class Size: 8-24 students

Costs: $2995 includes all expenses for lodging, meals, field trips,  
ground  water transfer fees, research  materials fees; DOES NOT  
include airfare, books, restaurant/bar/dive/tour tips, or credit hour  
fees. Up to two (2) $500 Scholarships are available for students from  
low-income countries.  Recruit a Friend! Email car...@sirenian.org or  
call 540.287.8207 to learn about registration discounts for groups of  
two (2) or more students!


Deadlines:  Regular Registration  $500 Deposit Due 1 June 2011;  
Balance Due 1 July 2011


Registration Form: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeRegistration.pdf

Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeSyllabus.pdf

Policy  Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizePolicy.pdf

Recruit a Friend Flyer: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeFlyer.pdf

Download a Complete Field Expedition Briefing (9MB):  
http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeBriefing.pdf

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact Dr. C:  Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. at car...@sirenian.org or  
540.287.8207


Visit our Facebook Event Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564

Faculty Affiliations:

1. Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA  
22401


2. Nova Southeastern University, Fischler School of Education,  
Oceanographic Center, North Miami, Florida


3. University of Massachusetts-Boston, Department of Biology

4. Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan

5. West Liberty University, Department of Biology, Wheeling, West  
Virginia


Posted by:
Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.
Consultant: Animal Behavior  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Disseminating scientific thought to the general public: are scientists making science readily accessible?

2011-04-07 Thread Alison Lipman
Dear all,

These questions are ones I'm most interested in, and I am currently working
on an online environmental education forum that addresses these very
questions (specifically, how to get regular people to care about
environmental issues).  I would be happy to explain more to anyone
interested.  My quick feelings on the general subject:

Many scientists try to make their findings available to the public, but they
largely fail in doing so.  Why?  Because they mostly publish in scientific
journals, and when they do approach the real public they don't know how to
leave scientific jargon behind and speak in normal speak.  They (we) don't
know how to filter what is interesting to the average person, from what is
only interesting to us.  For example, the public is most likely interested
in hearing about what type of fats are unhealthy for them to eat, but the
terms trans- and cis- conformations, enzyme specificity, is way over their
heads.  And, most people are mainly interested in things that affect them
personally (which is understandable).  As scientists, I think it is our job
to learn how to translate (i.e., dumb down, filter, and make interesting)
the most relevant scientific information to the public, especially if it
information that would help improve peoples' lives, the environment, etc.
Regarding the scientific method, I think it's important for people to
understand the basics, because then they will understand how scientists
reach the conclusions we reach.  But, does the average person need to know
what a null hypothesis is?  Probably not.

That's my two cents anyways,

Thanks for the discussion!

Alison





 On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 1:17 AM, Laura S. lesla...@gmail.com wrote:

 Dear all:

 I am interested in your thoughts. If needed, I can elaborate more on these
 questions.

 Are scientists making scientific findings readily accessible to the
 general
 public?

 What can scientists do to improve dissemination of scientific information
 to
 the general public?

 Do scientists need to be involved in teaching the public about the
 scientific method?

 Thank you,
 Laura

 __

 Alison J. Lipman, Ph.D. Ecology
 Founder / President
 SELVA International http://selvainternational.org/
 Conservation done right.


  *SELVA is offering an exclusive travel package to the Amazon that
 supports endangered species conservation.  Join us in September 2011!  Learn
 more here http://selvainternational.org/.*
 Follow SELVA on
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Selva-International/23652767907?ref=sgm
 Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Selva-International/23652767907?ref=sgm
 http://twitter.com/SELVAnews?utm_source=fbutm_medium=fbutm_campaign=SELVAnewsutm_content=26315651356ref=nf
 Twitterhttp://twitter.com/SELVAnews?utm_source=fbutm_medium=fbutm_campaign=SELVAnewsutm_content=26315651356ref=nf






Re: [ECOLOG-L] Disseminating scientific thought to the general public: are scientists making science readily accessible?

2011-04-07 Thread Wayne Tyson

Lara and Ecolog:

Good questions.

No.

Yes.

Yes, but they need to learn it themselves first. And the students need to 
learn what thinking is; for starters, they could try distinguishing thinking 
from believing--as could a lot of scientists who profess to know.


If needed, I can elaborate more on these questions.

WT


- Original Message - 
From: Laura S. lesla...@gmail.com

To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 1:17 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Disseminating scientific thought to the general public: 
are scientists making science readily accessible?




Dear all:

I am interested in your thoughts. If needed, I can elaborate more on these
questions.

Are scientists making scientific findings readily accessible to the 
general

public?

What can scientists do to improve dissemination of scientific information 
to

the general public?

Do scientists need to be involved in teaching the public about the
scientific method?

Thank you,
Laura




-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3511 - Release Date: 03/16/11
Internal Virus Database is out of date.