[ECOLOG-L] compiling oil spill & environment databases
Dear Colleagues, 1. I'm compiling a list of national and international databases devoted to effects of oil or cleanup procedures. 2. I'm primarily after Arctic information, but really, I'd welcome any information on a good resource/database that addresses scientific data on the broad set of effects of oil or cleanup disturbances on species, communities, or ecosystem processes and how to monitor/ implement recovery. Would much appreciate your input for this list of resources (which I shall share with everyone). Thank you for your help. Julie --- Julie C. Hagelin Senior Research Scientist Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks julie.hage...@alaska.edu phone: 907-455-4414 fax: 907-474-6967 cell: 408-621-2526
[ECOLOG-L] LUMCONs 2012 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program: Application Deadline Extended to February 27, 2012
LUMCONs 2012 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program: Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) invites undergraduates to apply for our NSF-sponsored, 2012 REU program in Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments. We are recruiting highly motivated undergraduates from around the country interested in gaining hands-on research experience. Successful applicants will receive a $5000 stipend, room and board at the Marine Center, funds to support transportation to and from LUMCON, and research and small boat use funds. Each student will spend ten weeks (May 28th August 3rd) at LUMCON conducting independent research projects with guidance from scientific mentors/mentor teams while interacting with peers participating in other aspects of LUMCONs summer field program. Each student is paired with a scientific mentor based on mutual research interests. Areas of research for this summer include biogeochemistry, benthic ecology, coastal geology, coastal hypoxia, wetland science, ecosystem ecology, fisheries and aquaculture, phytoplankton ecology, and Gulf Oil Spill impacts. The program is open to current undergraduates (typically rising juniors and seniors) who are US citizens or permanent residents. Students from underrepresented groups in science, from small colleges, and first generation college students are encouraged to apply. Applications are due February 27, 2012. More information about the program and application materials can be found at http://www.lumcon.edu/REU. Prospective applicants may also send questions to r...@lumcon.edu. LUMCON, located in Cocodrie, LA, was formed in 1979 to coordinate and stimulate Louisiana's activities in marine research and education and is situated within a dynamic coastal habitat that inspires a myriad of research questions along a freshwater to saltwater continuum. LUMCON faculty and their research teams focus on a variety of related research themes across these diverse habitats, including river/ocean interactions, coastal productivity, delta formation and degradation, human and environmental impacts (including the immediate and long-term impacts of the recent Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill), and organismal ecology. LUMCONs setting combined with expertise of the faculty and mentor pool provide a unique opportunity for REU students to participate in a scientific research and professional mentoring program that interfaces fundamental research questions in dynamic coastal ecosystems to science-based policy and management activities.
[ECOLOG-L] 4 faculty positions - Dept. Natural Resources Mgt., Texas Tech Univ.
4 Tenure-Track Faculty Position positions in the Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX Review of applicants will begin March 1, 2012 and will continue until the positions are filled. Anticipated start date is fall semester, 2012. To be considered for these positions applicants must use the online employment website at http://jobs.texastech.edu . For full position descriptions see "Employment Opportunities on the Departmental web page http://cherokee.tosm.ttu.edu/ttunrm/index.php . After completing the application, the applicant should attach a complete vita and a statement of research/teaching philosophy. In addition, applicants should arrange to have five letters of reference and original transcripts forwarded to the appropriate contact. employment website at http://jobs.texastech.edu __ ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN AQUATIC SCIENCES Job #85072 RESPONSIBILITIES: Teaching may include undergraduate course in Freshwater Bioassessment and graduate class in area of expertise and interest. Incumbent will develop and maintain research program. Service activities for the department, college, and university are expected. QUALIFICATIONS: Strong commitment to research and teaching; Ph.D. degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences or closely related field. Preference given to field-oriented scientists with expertise in fish population/conservation genetics; native species; limnology; environmental flows; impacts of climate variability; or human dimensions. CONTACT: Reynaldo Patiño, Search Committee Chair, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Box 42125, Lubbock, Texas 79409; reynaldo.pat...@ttu.edu , 806-742-2842. When accessing website, please consult requisition number 85072. __ ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN FIRE ECOLOGY AND MODELING Job #84926 RESPONSIBILITIES. The area of expertise and research interest should include use of prescribed fire for habitat restoration and manipulation, fuel reduction management, and wildland-urban interface ecology. The successful applicant will be expected to develop and maintain an active research program conducting prescribed fire and training students in the use of prescribed fire. Primary teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate courses in Conservation, Fire Ecology, Prescribed Burning, and a graduate course in the area of expertise. QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified candidates should have an appreciation for the rangeland and wildlife habitat resource including modeling the effects of fire on multiple landscapes while addressing climate change, habitat restoration and manipulation using prescribed fire, fuel reduction management, and fire risk assessment. CONTACT: Dr. Ernest B. Fish Search Committee Chair, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Box 42125, Lubbock, Texas 79409; ernest.f...@ttu.edu , 806-742-2841 When accessing website, please consult requisition number 84926 _ ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN NATURAL RESOURCE PLANNING Job #85076 RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful applicant will be expected to develop and maintain an active research program focusing on regional planning of natural resources. The specific areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to water resources, urban ecology, energy development, or land use planning. Extramural support through grants and contracts and peer-reviewed publication of research results is expected of departmental faculty. Primary teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate courses in ecology and conservation of natural resources, regional planning and management of natural resources, and a graduate course in the area of expertise. QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in a natural resources management-related field with a research focus in planning and management. Qualified candidates should have an appreciation for modeling the effects of resource management decisions on multiple landscapes in the face of climate change and ongoing management activities. Preference will be given to individuals with demonstrated modeling and quantitative skills, ability to bridge social and ecological science disciplines, and proven ability to obtain extramural funding and to publish research findings. CONTACT: Dr. Carlos Villalobos, Search Committee Chair, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Box 42125, Lubbock, Texas 79409. c.villalo...@ttu.edu 806-742-2841. When accessing website, please consult requisition number 85076 _*** * ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN QUANTITATIVE APPLIED ECOLOGY Job #85073 RESPONSIBILITIES: Primar
[ECOLOG-L] Announcing the Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Ecology Research Coordination Network (RCN)
We are pleased to announce a new NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (RCN) on tropical montane cloud forest ecology. A central purpose of this RCN is to increase interaction and information exchange between scientists, students, managers and educators interested in tropical montane cloud forest ecology and management. The RCN will sponsor a series of workshops, symposia, research exchanges, and training programs to advance the science. Tropical montane cloud forests are unique ecosystems found on high, mist-covered mountains throughout the tropics. They play a critical role in biodiversity protection, water resources, and human livelihoods, yet they remain one of the world’s least studied ecosystems. The RCN will build an international research network to help bridge this gap. Currently, our understanding is constrained by: (1) limited cross-site and methodological compatibility, (2) limited discourse across disciplinary boundaries, and (3) limited synthesis of current research. An RCN is needed to help standardize scientific techniques, promote new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, and synthesize datasets across large scales. Please note: the RCN’s kick-off meeting will take place at the Ecological Society of American Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, August 2012. We have a Special Session entitled “Towards a unified ecology of tropical montane cloud forests”. The main goal is to meet as a group and begin laying out the vision and objectives for the RCN. A separate email will be sent to organize this session once the scheduling details have been finalized. A website will be launched soon to foster open discussion of themes for meetings, methodological issues, ecological interpretation, and other RCN-related questions. We look forward to moving the field forward together. Patrick Martin Heidi Asbjornsen Tom Giambelluca Fred Scatena Ken Young Dr. Patrick Martin Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1173 http://landscapeecology.agsci.colostate.edu/index.html
[ECOLOG-L] JOB OPPORTUNITY: UW-Madison Center for Limnology Research Specialist
Employer: University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology Position Vacancy Listing # 72660 Working Title: Cascade Technician Degree and area of specialization: BA or BS in relevant disciple required; background experience in limnology field work is helpful, and practical experience is necessary. License/certification: Qualification to drive Wisconsin state motor vehicles is required. The applicant must pass online courses in Animal Care and Boating safety through UW Risk Management. Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience: Basic understanding of routine limnological field measurements and practices Experience working in laboratory for water chemistry and microscopy analyses Knowledge of automated sondes and data-loggers Knowledge of data management and analysis using Excel, Access, and R Boat and lake experience Experience working on a small team Excellent organizational skill Ability to work as a team player Responsibilities include: [1] Field Work on Experimental Lakes and Additional Survey Lakes: Work with a team to collect needed samples for water quality, stable isotope, and other analyses. Daily field work conducted during the May through September field seasons under variable weather conditions. Biting insects at the field site can be severe. [2] Laboratory analysis and operation of equipment. Extensive time during the field season is spent in the laboratory performing analyses of biological and chemical samples. Water samples are examined microscopically to measure abundance of plankton and to sort samples for stable isotope analyses. During the non-field season portion of the year (approximately Sept. 15 - May 15), incumbent will work in laboratory on sample analysis, data analysis, and equipment operation. [3] Overall support of research program. The projects supporting this position are multi-investigator and multi-institutional. Incumbent will support the needs of investigators by organizing data, responding to requests, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, generally contributing to the team effort. Effective collaboration abilities are essential. In addition the position will support the general laboratory activities of the supervisor including organizing and running the laboratory and working with students. Duties: 20% Organize and execute supply purchases for the annual program of field work; work with supervisor to organize annual planning meeting of the project 10% Handle search-and-screen process for undergraduate field assistants for the project 40% Conduct field work on the experimental lakes and neighboring lakes; process samples that require immediate attention in the laboratory; maintain spreadsheets and online databases of project findings. 30% Analyze archived samples (ones that can be preserved for analysis during the winter following the field work); maintain spreadsheets and online databases for these samples. Additional Information: The Incumbent will spend 4 months per year (approximately May 15-Sept. 15) at the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center near Land o' Lakes, Wisconsin. Housing at the field station is provided. A criminal background check will be performed. This is a renewable position and anticipated project duration is 2 1/2 years. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring and a period of evaluation will be required. * Appointment type: Academic Staff Department(s): L&S/RSCH-NATURAL SCI Full time salary rate: Minimum $29,094 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications Term: This is a renewable appointment. Appointment percent:100% Anticipated begin date: MAY 14, 2012 Number of positions:1 To ensure consideration, applications must be received by: APRIL 15, 2012 HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send a single PDF file containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references (containing only name, phone number, email address and relationship to the applicant) to Valerie Seidel at (vsei...@wisc.edu). Please refer to Position Vacancy Listing # 72660 in your application. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. NOTE: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Dragonflies, ecosystem engineering and extinction risk
Dragonflies, ecosystem engineering and extinction risk: Graduate positions in ecology: University of Waterloo Investigation of the role of species modification of the abiotic environment (ecosystem engineering) on population and community dynamics. We are particularly interested in the effects on invasive and endangered species. Field-based project will examine role of crayfish burrows, and water table fluctuations, on the extinction risk of a small population of Hines emerald dragonfly. The ideal candidate will combine experimental and mathematical approaches to produce powerful conclusions regarding insect dynamics. A background in ecology is required. To be considered, candidates must be eligible for admission to the Biology graduate program at University of Waterloo (http://biology.uwaterloo.ca/graduate). Note: this position requires an April or May start date. Stipend: Candidates receive financial support through a combination of teaching and research stipend. Travel funds to attend scientific conferences are available. Contact: Dr. Kim Cuddington Department of Biology University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario Email: kcuddingATuwaterlooDOT.ca
[ECOLOG-L] Plant shape, microclimate and pest species dynamics
Plant shape, microclimate and pest species dynamics: Graduate positions in ecology: University of Waterloo Funding is available for the investigation of plant morphology on microclimate conditions and insect population dynamics. Using a pea/pea aphid system, the successful applicant will develop equipment to measure microclimate at fine spatial scales, and measure microclimate impacts on aphid populations. The ideal candidate will combine experimental and computational approaches to produce powerful conclusions regarding insect dynamics in plant canopies. A background in either ecology related disciplines (e.g., agricultural science) or quantitative science (e.g, computer science) is required. To be considered, candidates must be eligible for admission to the Biology graduate program at University of Waterloo (http://biology.uwaterloo.ca/graduate). Note: The latest start date for this position is September 2012. Stipend: Candidates receive financial support through a combination of teaching and research stipend. Travel funds to attend scientific conferences are available. Contact: Dr. Kim Cuddington Department of Biology University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario Email: kcuddingATuwaterlooDOT.ca
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Assistant and REU, Alaska
SUMMER FIELD ASSISTANTS, ALASKA The Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research program seeks applications from motivated persons who will help support ongoing ecological research projects located at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. Information about the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is available at http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/ARC/ and information about the Toolik Field Station is available at http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/. These positions are term appointments limited to the summer of 2012. More than one position is available, as noted below. POSITIONS AND DUTIES: Summer Field Assistant: The successful candidate will participate in research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems in the Toolik Field Station research area. Duties include monitoring physical parameters in streams, collection and analysis of water samples, benthic samples, and juvenile and adult fish. Basic laboratory skills, familiarity with spreadsheet software, and some knowledge of stream ecosystems preferred. Undergraduate (REU) Scholar: The successful candidate will participate in research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems in the Toolik Field Station research area. REU scholars will work closely with a senior mentor to identify a personal research project that advances the scholars knowledge of stream ecology, hydrology, and/or biogeochemistry in the arctic and contributes to the overall goals of the Arctic LTER Streams research program. REU scholars will continue to interact with their mentor after the summer field experience and are expected to produce a final report on their research project by 31 December 2012. SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Applicants for the Summer Field Assistant should be recent college graduates (BS or MS) with substantial course work and/or field experience in environmental sciences. Some background in aquatic ecology, hydrology, chemistry, fish ecology and/or ecosystems ecology preferred. Applicants for the Undergraduate (REU) Scholar position may come from any field related to environmental sciences. The ideal REU Scholar candidate will be a returning senior student who has completed basic courses in biology, chemistry, math, and statistics and may have completed courses in general ecology, physics, biogeochemistry, hydrology, or related disciplines. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to both positions should be in good health, capable of rigorous outdoor activity, and prepared to live in a field camp where cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and living accommodations are spare and simple. Maturity and self- motivation are essential. Wilderness or outdoor experience is highly desirable. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Candidates for these jobs should be available to live at the Toolik Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July and August. Travel to Toolik Field Station will be paid as well as the cost of room and board at the station. Successful candidates will be offered an hourly wage or seasonal stipend commensurate with their level of experience. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applicant review will begin March 1 and continue until suitable candidates are identified. Applicants are encouraged to apply by March 30. TO APPLY: Send a cover letter (or email), resume, copy of transcripts, names, addresses, telephone number and email contacts for 3 references to: Elissa Schuett at the Rubenstein Ecosystems Science Lab, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401. E-mail: elissa.schu...@uvm.edu. We accept and encourage complete applications as attachments to an E-mail message. Clearly indicate the position for which you wish to be considered. UVM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Non-smoking workplace. SUMMER FIELD ASSISTANTS, ALASKA The Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research program seeks applications from motivated persons who will help support ongoing ecological research projects located at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. Information about the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is available at http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/ARC/ and information about the Toolik Field Station is available at http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/. These positions are term appointments limited to the summer of 2012. More than one position is available, as noted below. POSITIONS AND DUTIES: Summer Field Assistant: The successful candidate will participate in research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems in the Toolik Field Station research area. Duties include monitoring physical parameters in streams, collection and analysis of water samples, benthic samples, and juvenile and adult fish. Basic laboratory skills, familiarity with spreadsheet software, and some knowledge of stream ecosystems preferred. Undergraduate (REU) Scholar: The successful candidate will participate in research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems in the Toolik Field Station research area. REU
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Are editors coercing citations?
Nadine Lymn wrote: > Colleagues- > > Please consider this actual example. A scholar receives a letter from the > managing editor of a journal saying his article had been accepted for > publication. Sometime later, the author receives another letter from the > senior editor of the same journal asking the author to add citations from his > journal. Specifically the editor writes, "you only use one (name of my > journal) source which is unacceptable. Please add at least five more > relevant-(name of my journal) sources." > > Notice that this citation request does not mention omitted content or > shortcomings in the manuscript's analysis; it simply asks the authors to cite > related articles in the editor's journal. > > This practice is controversial. Some view it as inappropriate behavior, > padding citations and diluting the value of the reference list. Others see > it as a legitimate way to introduce readers to past literature in the > editor's journal. This continuing study investigates this issue and we need > your help. Would you please take a moment to complete the following > survey?-it will take only a few minutes. If you consent to this survey just > follow the link provided below. > > As required by our Institutional Review Board, individual identities will not > be revealed or linked to specific responses. In fact, SurveyMonkey(c) does > not connect responses to responders; we cannot identify you. IRB contact > information: i...@uah.edu > > Thank you for your help. Certainly a reviewer or an editor is within reason (and indeed within responsibility) if an author has neglected relevant, important information from the literature in pointing that out. To simply request (or worse, require) additional citations, without consideration of specifics, is inappropriate. David > > Link to survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/listserves > > > > Allen Wilhite > Department of Economics > University of Alabama in Huntsville > wilhi...@uah.edu > > Eric A. Fong > Department of Management > University of Alabama in Huntsville > fo...@uah.edu -- David McNeely
[ECOLOG-L] Sherman
I have some Sherman traps from Forestry Suppliers http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=5132&title=Sherman+Aluminum+Folding+Live+Capture+Traps The product I have is the item number 35949 the ventilated *Large Size *.020" aluminum body, stainless steel springs and wires, 3" x 3-1/2" x 9" set, 3-1/4" x 1/2" x 9" folded. If interested please send me an email! I am located in southern georgia...
[ECOLOG-L] Are editors coercing citations?
Colleagues- Please consider this actual example. A scholar receives a letter from the managing editor of a journal saying his article had been accepted for publication. Sometime later, the author receives another letter from the senior editor of the same journal asking the author to add citations from his journal. Specifically the editor writes, "you only use one (name of my journal) source which is unacceptable. Please add at least five more relevant-(name of my journal) sources." Notice that this citation request does not mention omitted content or shortcomings in the manuscript's analysis; it simply asks the authors to cite related articles in the editor's journal. This practice is controversial. Some view it as inappropriate behavior, padding citations and diluting the value of the reference list. Others see it as a legitimate way to introduce readers to past literature in the editor's journal. This continuing study investigates this issue and we need your help. Would you please take a moment to complete the following survey?-it will take only a few minutes. If you consent to this survey just follow the link provided below. As required by our Institutional Review Board, individual identities will not be revealed or linked to specific responses. In fact, SurveyMonkey(c) does not connect responses to responders; we cannot identify you. IRB contact information: i...@uah.edu Thank you for your help. Link to survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/listserves Allen Wilhite Department of Economics University of Alabama in Huntsville wilhi...@uah.edu Eric A. Fong Department of Management University of Alabama in Huntsville fo...@uah.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Survey on Authentic Research Experiences in Introductory Biology Laboratory Courses
Dear Colleagues: As a part of REIL Biology -- an NSF-funded Research Coordination Network in Undergraduate Biology Education on Research Experiences in Introductory Laboratories (REIL), we are conducting a national survey to assess the current state of authentic research experiences in introductory biology laboratory courses. The survey asks about essential components of authentic research experiences and barriers to the implementation of authentic research experiences. Individuals who are involved in introductory biology laboratory courses are asked to provide basic information about introductory biology laboratory courses at your institution, including degree of authentic research and demographic information, such as number of students taught and number of laboratory sections per semester. The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please disseminate this announcement to anyone that you know who is involved with introductory biology at your institution or other institutions. If you have received this announcement more than once, we apologize, but we are trying to disseminate it as broadly as possible. To complete the survey, go to http://www.ableweb.org/surveys/index.php?sid=47259&lang=en. If you have questions about this survey, please contact us. For information about REIL Biology, please visit rcn.ableweb.org. Thank you for participating in the survey. Dr. Christopher Beck and Dr. Rachelle Spell Department of Biology Emory University Atlanta, GA christopher.b...@emory.edu rachelle.sp...@emory.edu This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).
[ECOLOG-L] Call for applications: Phylotastic! hackathon at NESCent (June 4 to 8, 2012)
Every year, the number and size of available species phylogenies grows, with the largest trees now exceeding 10^5 tips. The information contained in these megatrees is tremendous, but there is no easy way to access and use it. To address this issue, a NESCent working group, named HIP (Hackathons, Interoperability, Phylogenies), has planned a hackathon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackathon) in which scientist-programmers will design and implement Phylotastic!, an open software system to extract a phylogeny for a named set of species from available megatrees, and optionally create mash-ups with data from online services. Phylotastic is envisioned as a set of web services that collectively provides the operations - pruning, grafting, name-reconciliation, branch estimation, translation - that will democratize using the Tree of Life, making it accessible and computable for researchers throughout the life sciences, from community ecology to comparative genomics Applications are now being accepted to participate in the Phylotastic hackathon, which will take place June 4 to 8 at NESCent headquarters in Durham, NC (see below, How to Apply). Support for travel and meal expenses will be available to each successful applicant, according to his or her stated needs. We urge you to apply if you are enthusiastic about the goals of the project, and you have one or more of the following skills: o development, adaptation and use of software for megatree informatics, o grafting & pruning trees, o branch length estimation, o NeXML support, o provenance annotation, o mashups (semantic integration), o taxonomic name resolution, o phylogenetic visualization, o construction of and programming with web service interfaces, and o assembling web-services into executable workflows . We also welcome your application if you can envision a role for yourself based on other attributes not listed, including non-programming skills (e.g., generating documentation) and expert knowledge of use-cases (i.e., real-world problems). To understand how you might be able to contribute, please review a brief slide presentation (ppt format, http://bit.ly/xGvwRr, or PDF format, http://bit.ly/wcQzMI). If further information is needed, consult the Phylotastic project wiki (http://www.evoio.org/wiki/Phylotastic), or contact a member of the HIP leadership team (listed below). Sincerely, Hilmar Lapp(*) hl...@nescent.org * on behalf of the HIP (Hackathons, Interoperability and Phylogenies) Leaderhip Team 1. HOW TO APPLY You may apply by filling in the online form here: http://tinyurl.com/PhyloTasticForm Please note the following: o The application deadline is March 4 at midnight, EST o Be sure that you understand the project before applying. If needed, review a brief slide presentation (ppt format, http://bit.ly/xGvwRr, or PDF format, http://bit.ly/wcQzMI). o The application form asks you to describe your qualifications. If possible, cite tangible accomplishments to provide evidence of your skills. o All code produced at the event is to be made available immediately under an OSI-approved open-source license, and documentation under a Creative Commons BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Using the online application, indicate whether this would pose any difficulty for your participation. Support for travel and meal expenses will be available to each successful applicant, according to his or her stated needs. Please understand that your application is not a guarantee of participation in the event. Funds and space are limited: we may not be able to sponsor every individual who is qualified to participate. 2. SCOPING STATEMENTS To further clarify the project, consider the following points. In scope: o Populating data store of existing trees o Evolution of PhyloWS to support the needs of PhyloTastic o Taxonomic name resolution (embedding existing TNRS capacities) o Pruning trees and grafting species on them o Branch length (existing methods for incorporating branch lengths) o Integration of data and trees (e.g., mashups) - species-wise integration o Display of resulting trees (using existing technologies) o Wrap all these existing tools as web services o NeXML syntax extensions if needed o If needed, determine methods for compressing NeXML representations o user interfaces that are simple (web form) or that adapt existing tools Not In Scope: o Constructing new input trees o New Data Generation o Arguing or evaluating the correctness of trees o Design of new TNRS systems o Debates about which naming system is best o Developing new techniques to derive branch lengths Uncertain: o Phylo-referencing o Satisfying any particular standard of provenance annotation 3. HIP (Hackathons, Interoperability, Phylogenetics) The Phylotastic Hackathon represents the first of three sponsored by a
