[ECOLOG-L] Some positions
Hi all, some positions of potential interest to list members on the link below: http://psaalgae.org/website/opportunities/jobs.html Good luck, Matheus C. Carvalho Senior Research Associate Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Southern Cross University Lismore - Australia http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ostro
[ECOLOG-L] MS Student to Study Shrub Encroachment into Coastal Prairie
M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY SHRUB ENCROACHMENT INTO COASTAL PRAIRIE I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the ecological consequences of shrub encroachment into coastal prairies of south Texas. Conversion of coastal prairies and other grassland ecosystems into shrublands is a global phenomenon with important implications because of the potential for changes in plant functional type (grass vs. shrub) to alter ecosystem function, such as the ecosystem’s ability to provide habitat for wildlife, control microclimate, produce and store carbon, cycle water and nutrients, and stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and aplomado falcon. The position will begin in spring 2014 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 15-19 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month salary, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Funded student opportunity in burying beetle behavior and ecology
Student opportunity in burying beetle behavior and ecology Funding is available in Luttbeg lab at Oklahoma State University ( http://luttbegslab.okstate.edu/Home.html) for a Ph.D. or Masters student to survey the presence and abundance of the endangered American burying beetle (*Nicrophorus americanus*) in eastern Oklahoma. The project is funded by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and will span 3 years. In addition to the survey work, the student will have flexibility in pursuing a research project on the behavior and ecology of burying beetles. The position will begin January 13, 2014. The position is part of multi-lab collaboration on burying beetle ecology and management. The project will require extended periods in the field and working in a team of scientists. Applicants should contact me ( lutt...@okstate.edu) and send a cover letter and a CV. -- Dr. Barney Luttbeg Oklahoma State University Department of Zoology 421 Life Sciences West (405) 744-1717
[ECOLOG-L] 2014 Marine Science Sailing Expeditions for College Students
2014 Marine Science Sailing Expeditions for College Students Science under Sail is now accepting applications for 2014 Expeditions in Exuma, Bahamas (EXU2014). Science under Sail pioneers innovative marine-scientific research with a unique modern mentorship program. Our vision is to empower a future generation of ocean ambassadors by engaging small collaborative teams of students and experts under sail on expeditions worldwide. For detailed program information, the 2014 expedition itinerary, and to apply to join our winter or summer Expedition Teams, please visit: http://www.scienceundersail.com *Participation is open to actively enrolled College Students and graduating high-school seniors 18+ For specific inquiries, please contact i...@scienceundersail.com Robin T. Smith, PhD Director, Science under Sail, Inc. www.scienceundersail.com facebook.com/thecouragetosea http://about.me/robintsmith
[ECOLOG-L] Seek favors - collect specimens of three plant species
Dear All, We are seeking help to collect specimens of three plant species, i.e. Ipomoea cairica L., Mikania micrantha H.B.K. and Ipomoea nil L. As these plants are not grown in my location, would anybody please direct me to a researcher or a lab that could probably help us out? Thanks a lot. Da
[ECOLOG-L] Coral Reef Ecology Course in Panama, December, 2013
2013 Winter Course Announcement (December 20, 2013-January 9, 2014) FIELD COURSE IN CORAL REEF ECOLOGY (CRE W-13) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are in front of the station and lowland tropical forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/index.html http://www.itec-edu.org/index.html for details. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Elizabeth Lacey, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, email: elizabeth.la...@stockton.edu mailto:elizabeth.la...@stockton.edu . Specialty: coral reef ecology and dynamics, community structure, symbiotic relationships. COURSE DESCRIPTION: NOTE: Diving certification is not necessary to enroll in this course, but is recommended. For SCUBA-certified (PADI, NAUI, or SSI certified) students who will be diving, there is a $100 Lab Fee with this course which covers tank-recharging fees. Students with SCUBA certification are expected to bring their own BC, regulators, mask/fin/snorkel and proof of certification. For those not diving certified, students are expected to bring mask/fin/snorkel. Students using only mask and snorkel are exempt from the lab fee. This course is designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in ecological concepts, techniques and experimental design in field research as applied to coral reef ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level course in coral reef field ecology. The course will begin with a global ecosystem perspective and then will progressively narrow to assess the way in which local reefs are influenced by both global and local phenomena. We will briefly survey reef systems in various parts of the world and focus in depth on Caribbean reefs. Using the reef at Bocas del Toro as an example, we will carry on an inventory of representative reef biota to characterize a general reef community. We will examine several theories of the origins of reefs and discuss some controversial arguments on the ecological processes ruling the dominant state and health of coral reefs. Students will learn to characterize a general reef community and its place among surrounding marine habitats. The major reef biota will be discussed in terms of their phylogeny, biology, physiology, ecological requirements and roles in species interactions on reefs. We will discuss the impacts of anthropogenic stressors to coral reefs and the role of marine reserves in reef restoration and conservation. In the inventory we will examine several experimental designs and sampling schemes with regard to their usefulness in a reef setting. Formal Lectures. Lectures will present topics that provide a background for the fieldwork in an interactive discussion format. Topics are selected to teach students about the biology and ecology of the reef organisms they will encounter and permit students to develop an awareness of the objectives of research on coral reefs as well as an appreciation of current theoretical and practical issues in ecology. Lecture Topics * Fundamentals of oceanography, global ecology * Plate tectonics, formation of ocean basins, continents and ocean currents * Reef morphology, distribution of reef systems * Seagrasses and mangroves: interactions with reef systems * Coral reef community study - sampling methods for distribution and abundance of organisms * Coral reef community study - components and interactions, trophic dynamics * Biology of coral reef organisms: Cnidarians * Biology of coral reef organisms: Poriferans * Biology of coral reef organisms: Echinoderms, Arthropods and Annelids * Biology of coral reef organisms: Fishes * Biology of coral reef organisms: Macroalgae * Ecosystem stability, resilience and fragility * Anthropogenic effects on reefs: climate change, over-fishing, diseases * Marine protected areas and reserves Readings. Assignments relating to lecture topics will be made from the texts and supplementary research articles provided in the library. Required Texts Sheppard, CRC, Davy, S.K. and G.M. Pilling The Biology of Coral Reefs, Oxford Press, USA. Humann, Paul. Reef Coral Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL. Humann, Paul. Reef Creature Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL. Field Work Briefings. Prior to departing for the reef site, dive teams will be formed and the objectives for the day will be outlined and discussed. Assignments will be made to the dive teams and coordinated. Group Exercises. During the first week, students will visit several sites in the vicinity of the station to familiarize themselves with the area and to make observations that may lead to hypotheses that could be tested in individual projects. Students will be organized into dive teams and will
[ECOLOG-L] Course: An Introduction to Tropical Ecology Application Deadline!
Hello all, I just wanted to reminder those interested that the application deadline for the graduate course An Introduction to Tropical Ecology taught by Jane Zelikova and Jennifer Stynoski is September 30. I have included more information below. An Introduction to Tropical Ecology Winter opportunity!! (http://bit.ly/19jAWIW) Selected Students should expect to: Do fieldwork using a vast array of tools (GIS, IPM, DNA barcoding, etc.), design and implement statistical analysis (R software) Analyze information and develop sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation strategies. -Coordinator: Jane Zelikova (lab website) and Jennifer Stynoski -Course duration: 4 weeks (December 29 January 24) -Credits: 4 credits awarded by the University of Costa Rica Application Deadline: September 16, 2013 OTS is a consortium of over 50 universities worldwide so credits from our courses are recognized by all the member institutions (http://bit.ly/1078fLg). Please pass this information on to anyone that might be interested. Andres Santana Graduate Education Department Organization for Tropical Studies San Pedro, Costa Rica. 676-2050 (506) 2524-0607 ext. 1511 www.ots.ac.cr
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Ethnobotany Field Course December, 2013
2013 Winter Course Announcement (December 20, 2013-January 9, 2014) TROPICAL ETHNOBOTANY FIELD COURSE (TEB W-13) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems are in front of the station and lowland tropical rainforests lie directly behind. The juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems along with Panama's rich cultural diversity provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu/org/index.html http://www.itec-edu/org/index.html for details. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Montserrat Rios, Tropical Ethnobotany and Socio-environmental Development, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador. Email: mrios1...@yahoo.es Phone: (593-9) 9822-11-84. Specialty: Ethnobotany and Socio-environmental Development. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 3-week course will emphasize tropical ethnobotany in the context of rainforest 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 Central and South America, as well as innovative methods, current theory in the discipline, and ethical frameworks that surround traditional knowledge for long-term conservation. Much of the course will be spent learning field experience 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 in local ethnobotany based on their individual interests, under the direction of an experienced field ethnobotanist. The fieldwork for these projects will be carried out with a small group of other students, with each student having their own focus. COURSE TOPICS: 1. History and Definition of Ethnobotany: Evolution of the Concept 2. Disciplines and Sciences which Contribute to an Ethnobotanical Study 3. Purpose of Ethnobotany: Old World and New World 4. Ethnobotanical Research Project Development 5. Professional Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights: Protocols in Ethnobotany 6. Fields of Ethnobotanical Research 7. Ethnobotany of Bocas del Toro 8. Qualitative Techniques and Quantitative Methods: Challenges and Considerations 9. Useful Plants Classification: Categories, Implications, and Applications 10. Role of Humans in Diversification of Plants: Wisdom, Gender, and Crops 11. Traditional Health Care: Food and Nature as Medicine 12. Ancient Healers and Local Curing: Medicinal Plants and Drugs Discovery 13. Shamanism, Science, and Spiritual Diseases: Healing is a Fact or Illusion 14. Psychoactive Plants or Channels to Another World: Beverages and Snuffs 15. Food Patterns, Diets, and Wild Edible Plants: Genetic Inheritance 16. Art Expressions, Plants, and Human Cosmologies: Dyes and Paints 17. Ethnobotany and Local Markets: Value of Regional Plant Resources 18. Plant Collection, Pressing, and Drying: Standards for Herbarium Specimens 19. Audio, Photo, and Video Documentation: Martin, Garyeld ethnobotanist. Socio-envoronmental Development, Quito, Ecuador.Guidelines and Reflections 20. Conservation of Useful Plants and Endangered Species 21. Returning Research Results and Community Projects: Ethnobotany Today SAMPLE OF COURSE READINGS: Balick, M.J. 1996. Transforming Ethnobotany for the New Millennium. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 83: 58-66. Bird, C. 1991. Medicines from the rainforest. New Scientist 17: 34-39. Bletter, N. 2006. Talking Books: A New Method of Returning Ethnobiological Research Documentation to the Non-Literate. Economic Botany 60(1):85-90. Bye, R.A. 1993. Role of humans in diversification of plants in Mexico. En: T.P. Ramamoorthy; R. Bye; A. Lot and J. Fa (Eds.), Biological Diversity of Mexico. Origins and Distribution. Oxford University Press. New York. Pp. 707-731. Calderon, A.I., C.K. Angerhofer, J.M. Pezzuto, N.R. Farnsworth, R. Foster, R. Condit, M.P. Gupta D.D. Soejarto. 2000. Forest Plot as a Tool to Demonstrate the Pharmaceutical Potential of Plants in a Tropical Forest of Panama. Economic Botany 54(3):278-294. Colvin, J.G. 1992. A Code of Ethics for Research in the Third World. Conservation Biology 6(3). Croom Jr., E.M. 1983. Documenting and Evaluating Herbal Remedies. Economic Botany 31(1): 13-27. Dalle, S.P. C. Potvin. 2004. Conservation of Useful Plants: An Evaluation of Local Priorities from Two Indigenous Communities in Eastern Panama. Economic Botany: 58(1):38-57. Elvin-Lewis, M. 2006. Evolving Concepts Related to Achieving Benefit Sharing for Custodians of Traditional Knowledge. Ethnobotany Research
[ECOLOG-L] Master programs with concentration in the tropics - Question
Hello, I am a senior Biology student currently searching for graduate schools in the US or Europe. I was wondering if anyone has any information about master programs, professors, or institutions that support or conduct research in the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands or Ecuador? Thank you, Denisse.
