[ECOLOG-L] root nodules on Spartina alterniflora
Hi all, If there is anyone that studies Spartina alterniflora root morphology, please help! I can't find any information on what look like root nodules on this species. I have looked at many roots of S. alterniflora, but have never seen these structures. They are spherical and range in diameter between one and three mm, are white to black, and when I dissected one, it looked like a sac encasing a spongy, white mass. They seem to only be at the ends of the finer roots. There were some oval- looking structures inside, but also what looked like stringy structures. You will have to excuse my lack of correct terminology, but I have never seen these and have no idea how else to describe them. Could they be housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, or perhaps these are invertebrate root galls? Does anyone have experience with these that can help? Many thanks, in advance, Demetra Kandalepas, Ph.D. Tulane University Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: UMichigan Plant Ecological Genomics
A postdoctoral position is available in the Baucom lab, which is relocating to the EEB dept at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor this July. Members of the lab work on projects that range from plant evolutionary ecology to plant population genetics and comparative genomics: see (http://baucomlab.org/Baucom_Home.html) for more information about our ongoing projects. For this postdoctoral position, we seek an enthusiastic and independent researcher interested in the role of the plant metagenome (microbial and eukaryotic root associates) on the evolution of weediness and invasiveness. The work thus requires basic molecular lab and field ecology experience, along with previous experience analyzing large genomic datasets and basic command line capabilities. Funding for this position is available for 2 years (contingent upon satisfactory progress). To apply, please send a single pdf with a cover letter, a CV, 1-2 representative publications, and names and contact information for 3 references to gina.bau...@gmail.com by July 10. Start date is flexible. If interested in this position, I will be at the SSE meetings in Snowbird and very happy to discuss the opportunities in the lab personally -- please contact me via email prior to the meeting. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. -- Regina S. Baucom baucomlab.org gina.bau...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty positions/CAIP chair (2) in watershed management or wetland restoration
In 2011, the Government of Alberta created the Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP) Chairs as part of its Campus Alberta collaborative initiative. The program is designed to recruit new research leaders to Alberta, aligned with strategic priority areas – in this case, Water Management. At the end of their terms as CAIP Chairs, the appointees will assume regular (tenure-stream) faculty positions. For more information on the CAIP Chair program, visit www.campusalbertainnovatesprogram.ca. The Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta invites applicants with outstanding academic and leadership skills to apply for a CAIP Chair in Watershed Management or Wetland Restoration Ecology. Academic appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor level depending on the seniority of the individual. The value of this prestigious CAIP award is $2.1 million, to be used for both salary and research. The successful candidate must have a strong record of research in watershed management or peatland or wetland restoration ecology and must propose a program of research that demonstrates excellence, originality, collaboration and innovation. The Chair will provide leadership in developing new knowledge in the ecology and management of water or wetland resources and disseminating this knowledge to students, research partners and the public. The successful candidate will present evidence of capabilities in developing a competitive, externally-funded research program, in an area that complements existing strengths of the Department. Applicants require a Ph.D., a demonstrated potential for attracting and effectively supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and abilities in technology transfer activities. Demonstrated excellence in teaching is required; evidence of novel approaches, collaboration, and interest in alternative (non-traditional) teaching methods are assets. The Chair will be encouraged to develop connections and research collaborations with members of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta and with water scientists at other Alberta institutions. The Department of Renewable Resources has excellent facilities in environmental, soil and forest sciences. It contributes to undergraduate programs in conservation biology, forestry, crop science and land reclamation. Our mission is to discover, apply and share knowledge of natural and managed ecosystems. TheUniversity of Alberta is one of Canada's foremost research intensive universities, with approximately $500 million annually in external research funding and undergraduate and graduate enrollment exceeding 38,000. With a population of over one million people, the greater Edmonton area offers a diverse array of cultural and sporting activities year- round, with a strong focus on the arts and a vibrant community spirit. Located only a few hours away from the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Edmontonians have quick and easy access to some of the finest skiing, kayaking, cycling, camping, backpacking and fishing in the world. Alberta has a strong economy, an excellent standard of living, and low taxes. Applications should include a statement of research interest, curriculum vitae, teaching dossier and philosophy and the names of three referees. The Selection Committee will begin consideration of applicants on August 31, 2013; the competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed. Applications should be submitted online at www.careers.ualberta.ca or sent electronically to: Victor Lieffers Professor and Chair Department of Renewable Resources University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada rrch...@ualberta.ca
[ECOLOG-L] Course: Ecology and Evolution of Arachnids
Hello all, Below is a brief description of the Organization for Tropical Studies Ecology and Evolution of Arachnids, an upcoming graduate-level specialty course which will be taught in Costa Rica from January 3-17, 2014. The course is worth 2 graduate academic credits transferable to all institutions within the Organization for Tropical Studies consortium, which includes over 50 universities in the USA, Latin America, South Africa and Australia. This course is relevant for all graduate students interested in arthropods and upper level undergraduates interested in being exposed to tropical research. For more information go to http://bit.ly/12kdMC3 Your circulation of this material among graduate students in different departments and programs would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks! -- Ecology and Evolution of Arachnids Unbeknownst to most biologists, the (mostly) predatory group of arthropods known as arachnids encompasses eleven extant orders, many of which can be found in the tropical forests of Central America. Within this incredibly specious group we observe tremendous diversity with respect to sensory systems (many of them unique to particular groups); morphological adaptations/ specializations; foraging strategies; mating strategies; communication systems; and ecological interactions (among others). Course Content This course will incorporate field-based observations, inquiry-based learning programs, hands-on experience, and interactive lectures to inform students of the basic natural history, structure, and function of all arachnid groups. Building upon this foundation, and in conjunction with knowledge gained through primary literature discussions and synthesis, students will develop their own research projects. Through fieldwork and laboratory analyses, this course will help students gain basic knowledge and hand-on experience in the following diverse fields as they pertain to arachnids: anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, evolution, phylogenetics and systematics. Additionally, students will be exposed to pedagogical tools that will augment their academic toolbox. Course Objectives: Delve into current scientific research and discover the cutting edge questions and approaches implemented by leading arachnologists. Obtain fundamental understanding of arachnid evolution, with a focus on evolutionary relationships among extant and extinct chelicerate groups. Develop basic skills in arachnid collection, preservation, and identification Participants All participants should be fluent in English. A working knowledge of Spanish would be useful. This course is relevant for all graduate students interested in arthropods and upper level undergraduates interested in being exposed to tropical research. Course Instructors: Eileen Hebets, Ph. D. University of Nebraska. Jason Bond, Ph. D. Auburn University. Ingi Agnarsson, Ph.D. University of Vermont. Greta Binford, Ph.D. Lewis and Clark College. Jay Stafstrom, M. Sc. University of Nebraska. Teaching Assistant. Invited Faculty: Gilbert Barrantes, Ph.D. and William Eberhard, Ph.D, from the University of Costa Rica. Course dates: January 3-17 (arrive January 2, depart January 18) Application Deadline: October 1, 2013. (For priority consideration, followed by open enrollment until filled). Tuition: OTS consortium applicants $2000; non-member applicants $2800 Tuition includes: all lodging (hotel and biological research stations), all meals, all transportation within Costa Rica, all course materials (sample equipment and lab). Does not cover personal expenses or airfare. Partial need-based scholarships are available; priority given to OTS consortium and Latin American applicants. For more information please consult the OTS website www.ots.ac.cr or write to Andrés Santana andres.sant...@ots.ac.cr or Barbara Lewis barbara.le...@ots.ac.cr for application information
[ECOLOG-L] Terrestrial Snail Identification Southeastern US
Just wondering if anyone knew of any keys for terrestrial snails in the United States and more specifically the southeastern US. I've got a student working in my lab on a small project on snails and any help keying species (at least down to genera) would be welcome. Thanks, Matt Heard ** Matthew J. Heard, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Winthrop University Biology Department 220 Dalton Hall Rock Hill, SC 29733 803-323-2111 ext. 6443 www.mattheard.com
[ECOLOG-L] Water or Water/Ag Ethnographies?
Hello all, Would anyone recommend any texts with an ethnographic focus related to water or water / agriculture? Monographs are preferred, though edited volumes that contain substantial ethnography components would be welcome as well. I am thinking of texts that would be appropriate for grad and advanced undergrad environmental anthropology courses with a water component or focus, as well as environmental science and policy courses. Ideally, the geographical scope would center on the western United States, but this is not a requirement. My initial search has turned up several books that examine water policy, dams, or just generally "the water situation is dire," but far fewer that approach these issues ethnographically or focus on water use and conservation in agricultural contexts. Any thoughts would be welcome, and gladly I could share with the list if there is interest. Warmest regards, Jason Simms -- Jason L. Simms, Ph.D., M.P.H., CPH University of South Florida
