[ECOLOG-L] Hillslope hydrology REU at Hubbard Brook

[Cody Gillin]

Hillslope hydrology undergraduate research opportunity at Hubbard Brook

Application deadline: Mar. 2, 2012

The Hubbard Brook LTER site currently has two Research Experience for
Undergraduate positions available for the summer of 2012, in topics relating
to tree physiological ecology and hydrology. Both positions will be embedded
with teams of researchers working on related, but somewhat distinct,
projects, so REU students will gain exposure to a variety of research
projects while developing independent projects of their own.
This program is conducted with National Science Foundation funding that
provides students with a $5,000 stipend, room and board, and an allowance to
cover supplies and travel to and from site.

This 10-week program begins Tuesday, May 29 and ends Tuesday, August 7.
Applications are due by 5pm, March 2.

Applicants must be United States citizens.

Hillslope hydrology: A group of researchers from the USDA Forest Service,
Virginia Tech, and the University of Vermont are collaborating on a project
documenting the varying flowpaths that water takes through soils in its
journey through hillslopes on its way to streams. An REU student will work
closely with a team including research scientists and graduate students.
Duties will include installation and operation of tensiometers and pore
water samplers and collection and characterization of soil samples in a
headwater forested watershed. The student will also help conduct total
station surveys at several sites exemplifying the topography and surface
features of the watershed.

The position will require long days in the field under varying weather
conditions. No previous field experience is required, but the applicant
should be enthusiastic and hard-working.

The approach of this project follows the emerging discipline of
hydropedology, with implications for understanding water quality regulation
and spatial patterns in forest soil habitats. Within this framework, the REU
student will develop, conduct and report on an independent project.

For more information about the project and researchers please visit:
http://hydro.vwrrc.vt.edu/Lab/Hydroped.html.

To apply, download the application from:
http://hubbardbrookfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-REU-application.docx

and submit it, along with the essay described in the form, to:
gwil...@hbresearchfoundation.org

by 5 pm on Friday, March 2. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate
degree program at the time of the program.  First semester seniors are
eligible, but recent graduates are not.

The application form and information about the REU may also be found at:
http://hydro.vwrrc.vt.edu/Lab/Opportunities.html

Re: [ECOLOG-L] online resource guide for environmental science degree programs

[malcolm McCallum]

Chris is on the ball.
Although an environmental scientist and and ecologist overlap in their
education, and can and often do similar things, they are not
equivalents.  An environmental scientist will be steeped in ecology,
but also policy and economics.  This person will be trained to address
things that relate to management, regulation, mitigation,risk
assessment and impacts.  An ecologist might do some of these things,
but its really tangent to their training.  Likewise, you may find an
environmental scientist who performs research in behavioural ecology
or community ecology, but again this is not typical of an
environmental scientist.  part of the reason for the confusion is that
many schools umbrella one or the other areas under a degree title.
There are many ecologists who get their education in an environmental
science program.  Likewise, there are many professional environmental
scientists who got their education in an ecology program.



On Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM, Chris Swan  wrote:
> I just finished perusing this site.  I would like to highlight a few things:
>
> 1) The definition of "ecologist":  I think some on the list would find this 
> to be relatively narrow.  More importantly, many environmental science degree 
> programs do not train students at all to become ecologists.
>
> "Ecologists study the planet and the effect humans are having on 
> environmental damage. They study organisms that are impacting the 
> environmental change of the Earth. Most ecologists are employed by federal 
> and state governments and may also be employed by major research facilities. 
> Many ecologists work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This area is 
> experiencing only subtle growth in the coming decade, at only 9%."
>
> 2) On the page for "Average Salary in Environmental Science", there is a 
> section beginning "While environmental science is not commonly offered 
> through online programs, below are some of the best colleges with that degree 
> available. Request more information by clicking on the links."
>
> What makes these some of the "best colleges"?
>
>
> I will acknowledge some of the information in this resource is referenced 
> (e.g., Bureau of the Labor Statistics), most of the information here is not.
>
> I would caution that before passing this on to any student, especially at the 
> undergraduate level, as a resource one should vet it properly, as we would 
> any other website.
>
> --
> Christopher M. Swan, Ph.D.
> Associate Professor
> Dept. of Geography & Environmental Systems
> University of Maryland, Baltimore County
> 211 Sondheim Hall
> 1000 Hilltop Circle
> Baltimore, MD 21250
> chris.s...@umbc.edu
> http://www.umbc.edu/people/cmswan
> (410) 455-3957
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 22, 2012, at 12:22 PM, David Inouye wrote:
>
>> From: Elena Frost 
>>
>> I designed an online resource guide for students called 
>> http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com.
>>
>> I know from personal experience that searching for the right
>> Environmental Science degree program can be a time-consuming task. That is 
>> why I
>> designed http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com to help prospective
>> students find information about Environmental Science degree programs across
>> the country just by visiting one site.
>>
>> Would you help connect prospective students with my site by adding it
>> to your resources page? I appreciate your time and any effort to add my link 
>> to your page.
>>
>>
>> Best Regards,
>> Elena Frost



-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
School of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri at Kansas City

Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology

"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
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            and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
          MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
Wealth w/o work
Pleasure w/o conscience
Knowledge w/o character
Commerce w/o morality
Science w/o humanity
Worship w/o sacrifice
Politics w/o principle

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[ECOLOG-L] REU in tallgrass prairie, Minnesota

[Stuart Wagenius]

The Echinacea Project is looking for 2 summer REU participants and 1-3
summer field researchers for an NSF-funded project on habitat fragmentation
of the tallgrass prairie. We are investigating how small plant population
size influences inbreeding, demography, pollination, and herbivory in the
purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia. This is a great opportunity to
gain field research experience and learn about the ecology and evolution of
plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented prairie.

No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.
You will survey natural plant populations, measure plant traits in
experimental plots, hand-pollinate plants, observe & collect insects, and
assist in all aspects of research. Housing is provided and there is a
stipend. REU participants have the opportunity to do an independent
project.

If you want more information or wish to apply, please visit this website
http://echinaceaProject.org/opportunities/ 

Applications will be reviewed starting 29 February 2012 and continue until
suitable candidates are identified.

-
Stuart Wagenius, Ph.D.
Conservation Scientist
Chicago Botanic Garden
phone: 847 835 6978
 
email: echinaceaproj...@gmail.com
web: http://echinaceaProject.org/

[ECOLOG-L] Lead Camp Counselor- Environmental Science Camp

[Bridget Walden]

Lead Camp Counselor

Description: 
Earn college credit while working in the beautiful Mount Rose wilderness
area! Great Basin Naturalists Environmental Science Camp comprises ten weeks
of theme-based activities that capitalize on the unique natural setting of
Galena Creek Park and the Mount Rose region. Themes include natural and
cultural history topics that allow children to experience the outdoors
through hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, field trips, guest
presenters, and simple exploration and play. As the only fully outdoor
environmental summer camp in Reno, our goal is to provide local youth with
opportunities to experience the outdoors in a safe, fun, nurturing and
engaging setting.  All curricula are designed through a combination of
outdoor education, adventure programs and conservation education. Counselors
will implement curriculum to help campers to discover local animals, plants,
birds, fish, rocks, and cultural history through hands-on games, hikes,
guided activities, and more. Each week will have a different theme, listed
below.  Campers ages 8-12 will be divided into groups of 12-15. Teens will
be participating in a Teen Leadership Academy and will serve as Junior
Counselors for each group. Lead Counselors will serve as mentors to teens
participating the in the Teen Leadership Academy. Position includes one week
of training followed by nine weeks of day camp and one week of residential
camp at Camp We Che Me.

Session Themes: Camp begins June 11 and continues through August 17
WEEK 1: Forest Ranger   WEEK 7: Animal Adaptations
WEEK 2: Buggin’ Out WEEK 8: Birds OR Imaginarium
WEEK 3: Ancient Secrets WEEK 9: Designation: Wilderness
WEEK 4: Choose Your Own Adventure   WEEK 10: Young Naturalist 
Institute
WEEK 5: Designation: Wilderness
WEEK 6: Wet and Wild

Compensation and Benefits:
This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a weekly per
diem of $150.   Upon successful completion of a 450-hour AmeriCorps service
term, members shall receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount
of $1,468 that can be used for paying off student loans, or paying tuition
for a Title IV accredited college. Shared, on-site housing may be available.
College credit may be available; contact Galena Creek Visitor Center at
(775) 849-4948 to learn who the faculty advisor is at your school.  A first
aid/CPR course will be offered during the week of training (June 4-8).

Timeline: June 4, 2011 – August 17, 2011 

Qualifications:
•   Outdoor school experience preferred; 
•   College level coursework preferred in education or the natural 
sciences; 
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills; 
•   Background working with elementary aged children and/or in natural 
history; 
•   Campfire skills (song leading, guitar, storytelling) desirable;
•   Enthusiasm and commitment to youth outdoor education; 
•   Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all
types of weather conditions, and otherwise maintain good physical condition.
•   Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
1.  U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
2.  Must be at least 17 years of age.
3.  Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this
before using education award).
4.  Eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a
lifetime or equivalent of 2 full-time awards), and
5.  Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal
background checks.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their
resume, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden at
bwal...@thegreatbasininstitute.org.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national
origin, disability, age sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or
religion.  Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

[ECOLOG-L] Camp Counselor- Environmental Science Camp

[Bridget Walden]

Camp Counselor
Great Basin Naturalists Environmental Science Camp in Galena Creek Park

Description: 
Earn college credit while working in the beautiful Mount Rose wilderness
area! Great Basin Naturalists Environmental Science Camp comprises ten weeks
of theme-based activities that capitalize on the unique natural setting of
Galena Creek Park and the Mount Rose region. Themes include natural and
cultural history topics that allow children to experience the outdoors
through hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, field trips, guest
presenters, and simple exploration and play. As the only fully outdoor
environmental summer camp in Reno, our goal is to provide local youth with
opportunities to experience the outdoors in a safe, fun, nurturing and
engaging setting.  All curricula are designed through a combination of
outdoor education, adventure programs and conservation education. Counselors
will implement curriculum to help campers to discover local animals, plants,
birds, fish, rocks, and cultural history through hands-on games, hikes,
guided activities, and more. Each week will have a different theme, listed
below.  Campers ages 8-12 will be divided into groups of 12-15. Teens will
be participating in a Teen Leadership Academy and will serve as Junior
Counselors for each group. Position includes one week of training followed
by nine weeks of day camp and one week of residential camp at Camp We Che Me.

Session Themes: Camp begins June 11 and continues through August 17
WEEK 1: Forest Ranger   WEEK 7: Animal Adaptations
WEEK 2: Buggin’ Out WEEK 8: Birds OR Imaginarium
WEEK 3: Ancient Secrets WEEK 9: Designation: Wilderness
WEEK 4: Choose Your Own Adventure   WEEK 10: Young Naturalist 
Institute
WEEK 5: Designation: Wilderness
WEEK 6: Wet and Wild

Compensation and Benefits:
This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a weekly per
diem of $125. Upon successful completion of a 450-hour AmeriCorps service
term, members shall receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount
of $1,468 that can be used for paying off student loans, or paying tuition
for a Title IV accredited college. Shared, on-site housing may be available.
College credit may be available; contact Galena Creek Visitor Center at
(775) 849-4948 to learn who the faculty advisor is at your school. A first
aid/CPR course will be offered during the week of training (June 4-8).

Timeline: June 4, 2011 – August 17, 2011 

Qualifications:
•   Outdoor school experience preferred; 
•   College level coursework preferred in education or the natural 
sciences; 
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills; 
•   Background working with elementary aged children and/or in natural 
history; 
•   Campfire skills (song leading, guitar, storytelling) desirable;
•   Enthusiasm and commitment to youth outdoor education; 
•   Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all
types of weather conditions, and otherwise maintain good physical condition.
•   Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
1.  U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
2.  Must be at least 17 years of age.
3.  Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this
before using education award).
4.  Eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a
lifetime or equivalent of 2 full-time awards), and
5.  Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal
background checks.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their
resume, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden at
bwal...@thegreatbasininstitute.org.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national
origin, disability, age sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or
religion.  Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

[ECOLOG-L] Paid Research Assistantship: Endangered Butterfly and Climate Change

[Jason Dzurisin]

Paid position available for spring/summer 2012 (late March-August 31),
assisting in a study that investigates the effects of climate change on the
Karner blue butterfly.  As part of a larger study of this federally
endangered species, the Hellmann lab maintains a colony of Karner blue
butterflies on the campus of the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame,
Indiana), and we use this colony to examine response to climatic variation.
 We also examine the effects of micro-climatic variation on wild populations
on the Karner blue in the field, at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit
of the National Park Service in Porter, Indiana.  This project is a joint
venture between the University of Notre Dame, the U.S. Geological Survey,
and the National Park Service.  Daily tasks involve tending to the colony,
including feeding larvae and adults, assessing morphometric characteristics,
establishing and tracking mating lineages, hostplant propagation and data
management.  The successful applicant will be based at Notre Dame with
occasional visits to the field.  Preferred candidates will have field and
laboratory experience beyond the classroom.  PIs include Dr. Jessica
Hellmann (UND) and Dr. Ralph Grundel (USGS). To apply, send a cover letter,
resume, and names of three references to Jason Dzurisin (Hellmann Lab
Manager) jdzuri...@nd.edu. Inquiries to J. Dzurisin as well. Applications
will be evaluated beginning immediately and will no longer be accepted after
Feb. 29th, 2012.

[ECOLOG-L] Sr. Science Educator - Universities

[Laura Reynolds]

Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million 
dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in 
climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three 
decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a 
continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US 
ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne 
observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and 
vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with 
automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field 
crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and 
collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will 
calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow 
to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and 
enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

Summary
The Sr. Science Educator - Universities is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for college-level 
students and faculty. The NEON web portal will include content related to 
specific NEON science initiatives as well as activities for faculty to use 
to engage their students in working with NEON data. In addition, this 
position has primary responsibility for developing a NEON internship 
program, a research experience for undergraduates program, a graduate-
level course focused in continental-scale ecology, workshops and seminars 
for scientists, and professional development opportunities for college 
faculty. As a member of the Education and Public Engagement team at NEON, 
this position will also help NEON build partnerships with universities, 
federal agencies and professional science organizations. The Chief of 
Education and Public Engagement will supervise this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Research, develop and/or coordinate content for the NEON web 
portal, including general educational content related to continental-scale 
ecology and NEON science questions, activities for faculty to use to 
engage their students with NEON data, and online learning experiences for 
college-level audiences.
•   Develop and coordinate a program for undergraduate students to 
engage in research experiences that use NEON data under the direction of 
college and university faculty from throughout the research community.
•   Develop and prototype a NEON internship program that targets a 
diverse student population.
•   Develop and coordinate a graduate course focused on continental-
scale ecology and using NEON resources (i.e., data products and 
infrastructure).
•   Develop and coordinate workshops, seminars and online courses 
focused on NEON-related topics for faculty and college students
•   Build partnerships with college/university faculty and other 
stakeholders to design, develop and implement NEON programs
•   Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and 
assessment strategies for educational resources and programs
•   Participate in strategic planning activities for Education and 
Public Engagement division as well as NEON overall
•   Represent NEON at conferences, meetings and other appropriate 
events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships
•   Participate in other NEON activities as necessary

Education
•   Ph.D. in ecology, natural sciences, environmental science and/or 
science education with strong ecological background

Required Experience
•   5+ years developing science-based programs and activities for 
college-level students and faculty
•   3+ years experience developing online educational resources and/or 
activities
•   3+ years experience implementing science-based programs, online 
and in-person, with college-level students and faculty

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with and/or developing programs that target 
populations traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields
•   Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or 
other design software
•   Ability to use current generation social networking tools 
(Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in 
desired activities
•   Experience using course management systems for online teaching 
such as Moodle or Blackboard
•   Experience developing and funding projects through grant proposals 
to federal agencies (e.g, NSF, NASA, NOAA), foundations and/or 
local/regional funding organizations


Skills and Abilities:
•   Proven organizational and time-management skills
•   Ability to balance self-directed work while being an effective 
member of an interdisciplinary team
•   Ability to communicate effectively while working in a team 
environment
•   Ab

[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Sr. Science Educator - Programs

[Laura Reynolds]

Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million 
dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in 
climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three 
decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a 
continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US 
ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne 
observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and 
vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with 
automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field 
crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and 
collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will 
calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow 
to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and 
enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.


Summary:
The Senior Science Educator- Programs is responsible for developing web-
based educational content and a variety of programs for general public 
audiences, informal and formal educators, and citizen scientists. The NEON 
web portal will include content related to specific NEON science 
initiatives as well as resources for informal and formal K-12 educators, 
citizen scientists, and decision-makers . In addition, this position has 
primary responsibility for developing professional development programs 
for informal and formal K-12 educators, coordinating efforts to integrate 
NEON data into museum exhibits and programs, and working with the NEON 
citizen science team to develop resources and activities. As a member of 
the Education and Public Engagement team at NEON, this position will also 
help NEON build partnerships with local, regional and national 
organizations such as museums, teacher associations, and community 
organizations. The Chief of Education and Public Engagement will supervise 
this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Research, develop and/or coordinate content for the NEON web 
portal, including general educational content related to continental-scale 
ecology and NEON science questions, activities for educators to use to 
engage their students with NEON data, and online learning experiences for 
general public, citizen science and decision-maker audiences.
•   Develop and prototype programs and activities that can be used by 
local informal and formal educators with their K-12 students
•   Develop and coordinate professional development opportunities for 
informal and formal K-12 educators
•   Develop and prototype a NEON museum/science center project in 
collaboration with partner institutions
•   Under the direction of the NEON Citizen Science Program Director, 
develop citizen science resources, activities and initiatives
•   Develop and coordinate workshops, seminars and online courses 
focused on NEON-related topics for educator, general public, and decision-
maker audiences
•   Build partnerships with local, regional, and national organization 
and institutions (e.g, museums, professional societies, science/nature 
centers, national/state parks) to implement NEON programs 
•   Participate in designing and implementing evaluation and 
assessment strategies for educational resources and programs
•   Participate in strategic planning activities for Education and 
Public Engagement division as well as NEON overall
•   Represent NEON at conferences, meetings and other appropriate 
events to network, share resources, and establish/maintain partnerships
•   Participate in other NEON activities as necessary

Education:
•   Master’s degree in natural sciences, environmental science and/or 
science education with strong ecological background

Required Experience:
•   5+ years developing science-based programs and activities for 
general public, educators, citizen scientists and/or decision makers
•   3+ years experience developing online educational resources and/or 
activities
•   3+ years experience implementing science-based programs, online 
and in-person, with general public, educators, citizen scientists and/or 
decision makers

Preferred Experience:
•   Experience working with and/or developing programs that target 
populations traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields
•   Basic familiarity in using Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop and/or 
other design software
•   Ability to use current generation social networking tools 
(Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) to engage potential participants in 
desired activities
•   Experience using course management systems for online teaching 
such as Moodle or Blackboard
•   Experience developing and funding projects through grant proposals 
to federal agencies (e.g, NSF, NASA, NOAA), foundat

Re: [ECOLOG-L] online resource guide for environmental science degree programs

[Chris Swan]

I just finished perusing this site.  I would like to highlight a few things:

1) The definition of "ecologist":  I think some on the list would find this to 
be relatively narrow.  More importantly, many environmental science degree 
programs do not train students at all to become ecologists.

"Ecologists study the planet and the effect humans are having on environmental 
damage. They study organisms that are impacting the environmental change of the 
Earth. Most ecologists are employed by federal and state governments and may 
also be employed by major research facilities. Many ecologists work for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture. This area is experiencing only subtle growth in 
the coming decade, at only 9%."

2) On the page for "Average Salary in Environmental Science", there is a 
section beginning "While environmental science is not commonly offered through 
online programs, below are some of the best colleges with that degree 
available. Request more information by clicking on the links."  

What makes these some of the "best colleges"? 


I will acknowledge some of the information in this resource is referenced 
(e.g., Bureau of the Labor Statistics), most of the information here is not.

I would caution that before passing this on to any student, especially at the 
undergraduate level, as a resource one should vet it properly, as we would any 
other website.

-- 
Christopher M. Swan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dept. of Geography & Environmental Systems
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
211 Sondheim Hall
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
chris.s...@umbc.edu
http://www.umbc.edu/people/cmswan
(410) 455-3957









On Feb 22, 2012, at 12:22 PM, David Inouye wrote:

> From: Elena Frost 
> 
> I designed an online resource guide for students called 
> http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com.
> 
> I know from personal experience that searching for the right
> Environmental Science degree program can be a time-consuming task. That is 
> why I
> designed http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com to help prospective
> students find information about Environmental Science degree programs across
> the country just by visiting one site.
> 
> Would you help connect prospective students with my site by adding it
> to your resources page? I appreciate your time and any effort to add my link 
> to your page.
> 
> 
> Best Regards,
> Elena Frost 

[ECOLOG-L] Smithsonian Botanical Symposium - April 20-21, 2012

[Nancy Khan]

The Tenth Annual Smithsonian Botanical Symposium
April 20-21, 2012

“Transforming 21st Century Comparative Biology using Evolutionary Trees”

Over the last 20 years great progress has been made toward assembling a 
phylogeny of life on Earth and our expanding knowledge of evolutionary 
relationships is transforming 21st century biology. This is especially 
true in comparative biology where phylogenetic methods and trees are 
proving effective tools to reveal new and often unexpected insights into 
how organisms evolve and adapt to their environments. These advances span 
new important questions and enable a fresh look at old questions that 
include: diversification, role of extinction, response to climate change, 
co-evolution, the influence of genetic architecture on morphological 
evolution, and patterns of community assembly and interaction. The 
Symposium will address the question: How do we put the knowledge of 
evolutionary relationships to work to better describe and understand the 
diversification of life on Earth? 

Information & Registration online at http://botany.si.edu/sbs 

Friday, April 20
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Opening Reception, The United States Botanic Garden

Saturday, April 21
8:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. - Lectures and Discussion, Baird Auditorium,
National Museum of Natural History
5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Reception and Dinner, Museum Rotunda, National 
Museum of Natural History

[ECOLOG-L] Project Baseline summer REU announcement

[Karen Updegraff]

Project Baseline, a nationwide initiative to create a research-quality
seedbank for the study of plant evolutionary processes, is recruiting
an undergraduate to participate in supervised research as part of the
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program for summer 2012.

POSITION AND DUTIES: The successful candidate will work as part of a
field team, collecting seeds, plant material and associated ecological
data throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. In addition, they will
apply geostatistical methods to sampling data in order to determine
efficient plant population sampling schemas. The REU scholar will be
expected to produce a final report on the results of their analyses by
31 October 2012.

SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: The ideal candidate will be a returning
junior or senior in the environmental sciences with academic
background in plant biology, ecology, statistics and geographic
information systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should be in good physical
condition, and prepared for extensive travel and long days spent
outdoors.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The position is offered during the summer
season, with a weekly stipend for a period of 10 weeks between June
and August 2012. It will be based in Duluth, Minnesota.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applicant review will begin March 15 and
continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

TO APPLY: By US Mail or email, send a cover letter, resume, copy of
transcripts, names, addresses and phone/email contact information for
3 references to:
Karen Updegraff
University of Minnesuta, Duluth
Department of Biology
1035 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55182
email: kupde...@d.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.
~

-- 
Karen Updegraff
PostDoctoral Associate
University of Minnesota, Duluth
Department of Biology
1035 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55182
218-726-7738

[ECOLOG-L] online resource guide for environmental science degree programs

[David Inouye]

From: Elena Frost 

I designed an online resource guide for students called 
http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com.


I know from personal experience that searching for the right
Environmental Science degree program can be a time-consuming task. 
That is why I

designed http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com to help prospective
students find information about Environmental Science degree programs across
the country just by visiting one site.

Would you help connect prospective students with my site by adding it
to your resources page? I appreciate your time and any effort to add 
my link to your page.



Best Regards,
Elena Frost 

[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Ethnobotany Field Course this Summer in Panama

[De Gezelle, Jillian]

Hi everyone!  This is an announcement for a Tropical Ethnobotany Field Course I 
am teaching this Summer in Bocas del Toro, Panama.  The course runs from July 
15 – August 9, 2012.  Please forward this information on to any other students 
who may be interested!  You can find additional details on the course website 
and the ITEC website.

COURSE WEBSITE: 
https://sites.google.com/site/tropicalethnobotany/
ITEC WEBSITE: 
http://www.itec-edu.org/info.html

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 4 week course will emphasize Tropical Ethnobotany in 
the context of rainforest and island ecosystems.  The material covered is 
equivalent to an upper level university course in Ethnobotany.  Readings and 
lectures will focus on the plant use and traditional cultures of Panama and the 
surrounding regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as 
innovative methodologies and current theory in the discipline.  Much of the 
course will be spent learning field techniques and carrying out various class 
activities and exercises in the surrounding rainforest and local communities.  
The course will include demonstrations by local healers, artisans and other 
specialists who utilize plants.  Students will each complete a course research 
project, based on their individual interests, in local Ethnobotany and 
Ethnoecology.  The field work for these projects will be carried out with a 
small group of other students, with each student having their own focus.

COURSE LOCATION: Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC), Bocas 
del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama.  
The biological station is located on a beach facing the Caribbean Sea.  Coral 
reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland 
tropical rainforests lie directly behind.  This juxtaposition of the two most 
biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education 
and research.  Panama's rich cultural diversity includes the Ngöbe and Teribe 
indigenous peoples of the Bocas del Toro region, the indigenous Kuna of the San 
Blas Islands, Afro-Caribbeans, Mestizos, and many other ethnic and cultural 
groups. See http://www.itec-edu.org/index.html for more details and photos of 
the biological station and Isla Colon.

INSTRUCTOR: Jillian De Gezelle, PhD Candidate and Lecturer, The New York 
Botanical Garden & The City University of New York.   Email: 
jdegeze...@nybg.org

[ECOLOG-L] Sticky trap alternatives to tangle foot

[Ramsa Chaves]

I was wondering if anybody has advice on cheap and easy alternative
Hi

I was wondering if anybody has advice on cheap and easy alternatives to sticky 
traps for collecting flying insects in the field. I am mostly interested in 
catching small Dipterans (e.g. Chironomids and Ceratopogonids), and I was 
wondering if anybody has suggestions on how to collect these insects with a 
method that allows for high replication and minimal difficulty in removing the 
insects. Although sticky traps are cheap and easy to transport in the field, 
sample processing is time consuming and I often loose insect parts (e.g. wings, 
antenna, legs) that allow identification of the different individuals. Also, I 
am using mineral spirits to separate the insects from the traps which is far 
from enjoyable to work with. 

I have been playing with the idea of  using the material in reusable lint 
rollers (something like this: https://schticky.com/) to build sticky traps 
(instead of acetate sheets and tangle foot). If I were to buy this material in 
sheets I could make small traps the size of standard sticky traps.  The 
material is supposed to be sticky when dry, but trapped objects come off easily 
with water. If this is true, then I should be able to use the "schticky traps" 
in the field, as long as I am able to protect them from rain. I was wondering 
if anybody has tried this "schticky method" (or something similar), and if so, 
if it has been useful.

Thanks in advance for your advise and help, I look forward to 
hearing suggestions and feedback!

Ramsa 

Ramsa Chaves-Ulloa
PhD student
Biological Sciences Dept.
Dartmouth College
78 College St.
Hanover, NH 03755 

[ECOLOG-L] Reminder: US Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (US-IALE) Annual Meeting (US-IALE) Early Bird Registration closes March 1, 2012

[Jeff Hollister]

All,
This is a reminder that Early Bird Regitration for the 2012 US-IALE meeting in 
Newport RI is available through March 1, 2012. After March 1, a $50.00 late fee 
will apply. 
Go to: http://www.usiale.org/newport2012/registration for details and a link to 
the online registration form.

Thanks,
Jeff Hollister
US-IALE 2012 Program Chair

[ECOLOG-L] REU: Ant morphometrics and evolution (University of Michigan)

[Evan P. Economo]

REU: Ant morphometrics and evolution (University of Michigan)

We are looking for a student to work on the analysis of ant morphology
evolution in a phylogenetic context.  The broader project is
investigating the joint evolution of ant biodiversity in
morphological, ecological, and geographic space.  The summer student
project will focus on 3-D imaging and quantification of ant
morphology, and analyzing these data with project collaborators to
test theories for how morphology evolves in space and time.  In
addition, there are opportunities to work with computer scientists in
the engineering school on artificial intelligence and computer vision
applications to biodiversity analysis.

To apply, send a CV, a cover letter explaining your interest in the
position, and have two references submit letters of recommendation
directly by email.  All materials and enquiries can be sent to
pheidole@gmail.com.  The position is at the University of
Michigan.




-- 
--
Evan P. Economo
Michigan Society of Fellows
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Michigan