[ECOLOG-L] Help Using M-Surge CMR analysis
Hi EcoLog, I am using the statistical package M-SURGE for a multi-state capture mark recapture analysis on an alpine frog species during their breeding season. I would like to estimate population size, and am having difficulty figuring out how to find the estimate using M-SURGE. I was wondering if anyone has experience with the program and can help me. I have some rough estimates using the Lincoln-Peterson equation, but I was hoping that M-SURGE would be able to give me a more accurate estimate. Thank you for your help! -Laura Laura Brannelly PhD Candidate One Health Research Group School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
[ECOLOG-L] Funded graduate positions in microbial ecology in Montreal
Graduate student positions (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) available: Montreal QC,Canada. *Understanding the importance of insect and plant microbiomes during spruce budworm outbreaks* Fully-funded graduate student positions (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) are available for motivated students interested in studying the ecology of microbial communities (microbiomes) associated with spruce budworm and their host trees during the current outbreak that is having major impacts on Quebec forests. The objectives of the project are to use field surveys and experimental manipulations of spruce budworm and host tree microbiomes, in order to understand the processes responsible for variation in microbial community structure in the budworm gut at multiple scales, and to quantify the effect of gut microbes on budworm growth, survival, and ecological interactions. Students will be co-supervised by Dr. Steven Kembel (UQAM) and Dr. Patrick James (UdeM), and/or Dr. Daniel Kneeshaw (UQAM). The students will also work closely with a multidisciplinary team carrying out research on spruce budworm outbreak dynamics and forest ecology, including Dr. Louis DeGrandpré, and Dr. Deepa Pureswaran (Canadian Forest Service, NRCan). Students will have the opportunity to develop projects and receive training in diverse areas including field ecology, laboratory and greenhouse experiments, high-throughput environmental sequencing, biostatistics, and bioinformatics for the quantification of microbiome structure. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record and an interest in ecology (insect, plant, or microbial) and quantitative methods in community ecology or bioinformatics. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions have been filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter stating your research interests, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to: Dr. Steven Kembel (kembel.steve...@uqam.ca) Dr. Patrick James (patrick.ma.ja...@umontreal.ca) Dr. Daniel Kneeshaw (kneeshaw.dan...@uqam.ca)
[ECOLOG-L] Finding the right words: A study of how and why we communicate our science with non-peers
Thank you for posting our survey on Ecolog at the end of July. It's been launched for just over six weeks and we've had 437 respondents. We wanted to leave it open for approx. eight weeks, so I wanted to ask if you could re-post the letter and link to the survey (pasted below). We don't want individuals to respond twice, but expect that if anyone sees the original letter or folks involved, they would remember they already took this one! Anyway, we'd greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about our survey again. Thank you very much, Peter Dear Colleague, We are conducting research on the science communication patterns, styles, and expectations of ecologists in various positons, including government agencies, non-profits, academia, and industry. Whether you communicate your science with individuals or groups regularly, occasionally, or not at all, we would greatly appreciate 10 minutes of your time to assess how and why we as ecologists engage (or not) with others about science. Our study is being conducted through the University of Hawaii along with the following collaborators: Stacy Baez (Old Dominion University), Lauren Garske (UC-Davis), Jennifer Griffiths (Stockholm University), Emily Henry (Oregon State University), Lesley Knoll (Lacawac Sanctuary), Kevin Rose (UW-Madison), and Adrienne Sponberg (ASLO) with funding support from NSF (OCE08-12838). For more information, please contact one or both of the principal investigators: Drs. Paul Kemp (paulkemp @ hawaii.edu) or Peter Levi (plevi @ wisc.edu). To take the survey and for additional information on our research, please click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/science_communication Best, Peter Levi, University of WisconsinMadison Paul Kemp, University of Hawaii Our research and recruitment materials were approved by UH-IRB on 07-JUN-2014. -- __ Post-doctoral Research Associate Center for Limnology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706 Phone: (608) 262 - 3088 Website: peterlevi.weebly.com
[ECOLOG-L] Tenure Track Position Available in Cultural Geography at Oberlin College
We would appreciate your assistance in getting the word out on this faculty position available at Oberlin College. Please forward this information to faculty and recent graduates and post or link the job announcement as appropriate. **Tenure Track Position in Cultural Geography at Oberlin College** Oberlin's Environmental Studies Program seeks to hire a full-time, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant Professor level to start August 2015. We seek a colleague trained in cultural geography or related disciplines who will address relationships between ecological, cultural, and social systems during this era of rapid climate change. Demonstrated potential as a teacher and researcher are required. The hire will teach sections of required introductory and intermediate level courses as well as upper level courses related to their areas of expertise. Applications are due October 22. A complete description and instruction for application are posted at: http://new.oberlin.edu/home/jobs/jobs_detail.dot?id=14c1d4b5-d7e7-4daf-85f2-391ead658cee Apologies if you receive duplicates as a result of cross-posting and thank you for your help. John Petersen -- John E. Petersen Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology Director of Environmental Studies, Oberlin College *Environmental Dashboard* http://www.oberlindashboard.org/ http://www.oberlindashboard.org/ -- John E. Petersen Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology Director of Environmental Studies, Oberlin College Office Hours: Mon 1:30-3:00, Thu 3:00-5:00 AJLC 107 *Environmental Dashboard* http://www.oberlindashboard.org/ http://www.oberlindashboard.org/
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantships
Two MS and two PhD Research Assistant positions are available at Ball State University (BSU), Muncie, Indiana. Students will join federally-funded collaborative research projects studying emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems in conjunction with ongoing research in the laboratory of Dr. Melody Bernot (www.mjbernot.iweb.bsu.edu/index.htm) in the Department of Biology. Doctoral students would join the BSU interdisciplinary PhD Environmental Science program (http://cms.bsu.edu/academic/collegesanddepartments/environmentalscience). Graduate Research Assistantships are available beginning January 2015. Interested students should contact Melody Bernot (mjber...@bsu.edu) for additional information and to discuss individual research interests. Students should apply to Ball State University by November 1, 2014 for full consideration. Details on the application process can be found at http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/GradSchool.aspx.
[ECOLOG-L] tenure-track (Hydrology and Surface Processes) and tenured (Ecology Field Station Director) positions at the University of Pittsburgh
Hydrology and Surface Processes, Assistant Professor As part of sustainability initiative at the University of Pittsburgh, the Department of Geology and Planetary Science invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in hydrology or surface processes, pending budgetary approval. We seek applicants to expand our current research in sustainability and who link field-based geoscience research to quantitative sustainability themes. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to: surface water, groundwater or catchment hydrology, land-atmosphere interactions, fluvial and hill slope geomorphology, and landscape evolution. Candidates whose research explores the relationships between hydrology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry in coupled natural-human systems and/or has implications for the sustainability of water or soil resources are encouraged. The successful candidate will complement existing research clusters and establish an externally- funded, internationally recognized research program. Teaching duties include undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's area of expertise. Review of applicants will begin on November 1, 2014 and continue until the position is filled. A PhD is required at the time of appointment, and the position begins Fall 2015, subject to budgetary approval. To apply, email the following materials as a single PDF file to geols...@pitt.edu: 1) a CV; 2) statements of research and teaching interests; 3) copies of three relevant publications; and 4) names and contact information of four references. Direct questions to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Emily Elliott, eelli...@pitt.edu, 412-624-8882. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. The University of Pittsburgh is the fifth largest recipient of federally sponsored research funding among U.S. universities and has $900 million in annual research and development expenditures. Located in an urban setting, the University campus offers easy access to potential research, teaching and outreach venues including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, several urban watersheds, and proximity to long-term experimental catchments (Fernow, West Virginia). Pittsburgh is experiencing a green renaissance and is consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and visit in the U.S. Ecology Field Station Director, Associate Professor The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor (tenured) to serve as the Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE), pending budgetary approval. PLE is a thriving field station in Northwestern Pennsylvania that has experienced tremendous growth in its missions of education, research, and outreach. We seek an outstanding scientist to continue an exciting research program in Ecology and Evolution working alongside of faculty in our broad-based Biology department, and to fulfill responsibilities of PLE Director, which will also include: Strategic planning to enhance the research, teaching, and outreach missions of the field station Oversight of research facilities, coordination of summer field courses as part of an educational consortium of regional universities, continued growth of outreach, and organization of conferences and retreats Development of proposals for extramural funding Supervision of staff and budget The successful candidate will have a strong national/international scientific reputation, a distinguished record of publications and research funding, and demonstrated teaching excellence. Experience with biological field station operations is desirable. To ensure full consideration, applications and reference letters should be received by October 15, 2014. Applicants should email a single PDF document, with PLE Director Search in the subject line, containing a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing their interest, a 2-3 page statement of research accomplishments and future plans, and a brief description of teaching interests to bioj...@pitt.edu. Applicants should also arrange to have at least three letters of reference sent to bioj...@pitt.edu. Further information about PLE and the Department of Biological Sciences is available at: http://www.biology.pitt.edu/facilities/pymatuning. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor of Biology, Tenure Track
The Department of Biological Sciences at Bridgewater State University seeks a wildlife ecologist with focus on vertebrates. Candidate must be strongly committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching, academic advising, and developing a program of independent research that has a substantial field-based component and includes mentoring original undergraduate research. Teaching requirements will include General Ecology, Comparative Chordate Anatomy, participation in General Biology for Biology majors, and upper-level elective courses in the candidate's area of expertise that will complement the major. In addition, the candidate will support the curation of the animal natural history collection held by the department. A new science complex offers state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills and an earned Ph.D. by June 2015. Review of applications will begin Sept. 30. The position remains open until filled, but applications received before this date will receive priority. Additional information is available at the BSU employment website: http://www.Click2Apply.net/9b5g6bj Christopher P. Bloch, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA 02325 (508) 531-2087 cbl...@bridgew.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Funded Ph.D. or post-doc position on polarimetric SAR images for fuel moisture mapping
Funded Ph.D. or post-doc position for working on the use of polarimetric SAR images for fuel moisture mapping We are seeking to appoint one Ph.D. scholar to work on a newly funded Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).project exploring advanced features of state-of-the-art radar remote sensing satellites. The Ph.D. student will be working with Prof. Brigitte Leblon (University of New Brunswick, Canada), Prof. Joseph Buckley (Royal Military College, Canada), Dr. Thomas Jagdhuber (DLR, Germany), Dr. Laura Bourgeau-Chavez (Michigan Tech Research Institute, USA) and Dr. Renaud Mathieu (CSIR, South Africa). Thereby, the hired student will be invited to travel among the various laboratories during his Ph.D. thesis. Satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing has been increasingly used to measure soil surface moisture. The aims of the project are to develop advanced methods to further enhance SAR through exploiting polarimetric SAR data. In particular, the calibration of a physics-based model will be done to map the drought code of the Canadian Fire Weather Index from polarimetric SAR images. The model follows the method of Jagdhuber et al. 2011. (Proc. 5th Int. Workshop PolInSAR 2011, Frascati, Italy). The model will be calibrated with data acquired over Canadian/South African natural grasslands, Alaska boreal forests and Canadian tundras. The expected outcomes are a suite of innovative methods that aim to transform SAR into a robust, cost-effective, large coverage and fully remote sensing technology capable of frequently monitoring drought codes. Eligible Candidates: * Preference will be given to Canadian, US or European students because the candidate will be invited to do some thesis work at DLR (Germany) and MTRI (USA), but international students can also apply. * Applicants should have successfully completed a research/thesis-based M.Sc. and have a strong background in geomatics, strong interest in computer coding, with interest in fire sciences. * It is critical the applicant has some ability to program computer code to facilitate data analysis, model development and implementation as well as good writing and oral skills. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, a copy of academic transcripts (including TOEFL score if international applicants), list of publications and the names/contact information for three references by email. Uncompleted applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin in May and will continue until the position is filled. We thank all the applicants, but only the short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information or application, please contact Prof. Brigitte Leblon (bleb...@unb.camailto:bleb...@unb.ca ) Professor/Professeure, Director, Canada-Europe TRANSFOR-M dual-degree Master program Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management University of New Brunswick PO Box 4400 Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 5A3 PH: 506 453-4924FAX: 506 453-3538
[ECOLOG-L] FIELD ECOLOGY/CONSTRUCTION INTERN: U ALASKA/UC BERKELEY
*Dates:* ASAP through October *Location:* Carrizo Plain National Monument, California (60 miles east of San Luis Obispo) *Duties:* An intern is needed to participate in the construction and installation of rain shelters and irrigation plots for a long-term food web study in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The Carrizo is the largest remnant of the San Joaquin grassland ecosystem and contains many endangered plants and animals. This will be the first year that the study incorporates precipitation treatments to investigate climate change impacts on this ecosystem and its inhabitants. The intern will work on a team of 2-4 people on a collaborative project with the University of Alaska and UC Berkeley. Additional duties may include vegetation collection and data entry. *Requirements: *Applicants must be able to start work in September and must be able to work long hours. Must be flexible and live and work well with others in an isolated setting. Applicants must be able to maintain work quality and a positive attitude during challenging field conditions. Applicants must be in good physical condition and experienced with or able to tolerate hot and cold field conditions. *Preferred: *Prefer applicants pursuing or with a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences and with previous field experience. Prefer a strong interest in grassland or desert species, natural history, conservation, and/or management. *Work schedule: *Approx. 40 hrs per week, variable *Compensation:* $800/month. Housing is provided at an active research facility on the Monument. *To Apply:* Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 references as a single Word or PDF attachment to Rachel Endicott at rendic...@berkeley.edu. Please apply by September 12th, 2014. -- Rachel Endicott Program Manager Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management 8 Mulford Hall University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 Phone: 510-643-3918
[ECOLOG-L] CUAHSI Virtual Workshop on Field Data Management Solutions - Starts Wednesday, September 17th!
CUAHSI Virtual Workshop on Field Data Management Solutions Tools, tricks and techniques for handling data in the field Jointly sponsored by the LTER Network Office, CZO National Office, and CUAHSI Water Data Center Wednesday, September 17 @ 12pm ET Kerstin Lehnert, Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Digital Curation of Earth Science Samples Starts in the Field Tuesday, September 23 @ 12pm ET Jon Pollak, CUAHSI Cloud Based Data Publication with the CUAHSI WDC Wednesday, October 1 @ 12pm ET Wade Sheldon, University of Georgia, GCE-LTER Information Manager The GCE Data Toolbox Tuesday, October 7 @ 12pm ET Corinna Gries, University of Wisconsin, Center for Limnology Don Henshaw, U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station Sensor Management Best Practices Wednesday, October 15 @ 12pm ET Mark Servilla, LTER Network Office, Department of Biology Duane Costa, LTER Network Office, Network Information Systems The Provenance Aware Synthesis Tracking Architecture Tuesday, October 21 @ 12pm ET Anthony Aufdenkampe, Stroud Water Research Center TBD Join the Talks! Connection Information: http://cuahsi.adobeconnect.com/cyberseminar/ Connect via phone line: 1-888-850-4523 Participant Passcode: 849118 Now accepting abstracts for the Virtual Poster Session! Do you have field data management solutions to share with others? Present and discuss a poster using our virtual breakout rooms. Submit abstracts by September 30th, 2014 to be considered Download the Poster Submission Guidelineshttps://www.cuahsi.org/Files/Pages/documents/11403/poster_session_submission_guidelines.pdf for more information For more information regarding the Virtual Workshops and Virtual Poster Session: https://www.cuahsi.org/VW-Solutions
[ECOLOG-L] Wash State DNR FW Bio 2 Non Perm Opening in Loomis
Fish Wildlife Biologist 2 Forest Health Project Fish and Wildlife Biologist Recruitment # 2014-09-7243-08843 SALARY RANGE: $3,213 - $4,214 per month TYPE OF POSITION: Non-Perm, Full-time. Duration 4-month. This position is represented by the WPEA LOCATION: Loomis, Washington CLOSES: September 14, 2014 Note: It is to your advantage to submit your materials sooner than later. POSITION PROFILE: This position serves as the DNR Northeast Region Forest Health Project Wildlife Biologist in Okanogan and Ferry Counties. As a consulting expert on wildlife and habitat issues, and with direction from the Region Biologist and Highlands District Manager, this position will provide survey information and field data to assist project personnel in planning, prescribing, and implementing forest health funded activities throughout the Forest Health Hazard Warning Area ensuring landscape and stand level objectives are met. The primary duties of the position are to; Provide consulting services to region field and office staff related to the effects of forest land management activities on wildlife and wildlife habitats in the Forest Health Hazard Warning Area. Conduct wildlife, vegetation, and habitat surveys and assessments. Serve as a specialist on the integration of federal and state regulations into land management activities including the DNR's Lynx Habitat Management Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests, 2012 recommendations of the Forest Health Technical Advisory Committee, DNR's Strategic Plan, Habitat Conservation Plan, Washington Forest Practice Rules, State Trust Lands Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines as they relate to fish and wildlife, and fish and wildlife habitats. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. AND One year of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. A Master's degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience. OR- One year as a Fish Wildlife Biologist 1. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working collaboratively with special interest groups. Experience driving in adverse winter weather conditions while towing a trailer. Experience safely operating a snowmobile. Ability to work efficiently and remain productive with little supervision. Experience providing technical support and direction to professional staff. For more information and how to apply, please go to: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/dnr/default.cfm?action=viewJobjobID=959925 Questions? Please contact Scott Fisher at (509) 684-7474 or e-mail us at dnrrecruit...@dnr.wa.gov.
[ECOLOG-L] Application due Sept. 22: Fall Permaculture Research Internships in the Rainforest of Ecuador, with PDC Course
Third Millennium Alliance (TMA) was founded in 2007 with the purchase of 100 acres and the establishment of the Jama-Coaque Reserve (JCR) in the western province of Manabí, Ecuador, between the cities of Jama and Pedernales, and four kilometers inland. Now encompassing over 1,000 acres, the Jama-Coaque Reserve actively protects one of the last remaining fragments of Pacific Equatorial Forest, which is considered to be one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world. Learn more at www.tmalliance.org. Internship Opportunities: Interns are to take on high-impact and dynamic projects; we are a young organization forging our path as we discover it. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done and experience to be gained for interns and for us. Above all, creativity, innovation, and self- motivation are the fuel of our intern program. Immediately surrounding the house we are designing/growing/building a living laboratory of sustainable resource management (i.e. permaculture), which also serves as our field headquarters for field biological research and forest monitoring. We are offering an optional Permaculture Design Certification course with this internship, to be taught throughout the two-month duration. There is a difference in price based on whether you choose to take the PDC course; please visit our website for more information: www.tmalliance.org/internships/program-cost. In addition to work managing the agroforestry production zone and organic vegetable garden, each intern is assigned a personal project, which is akin to a thesis of sorts, but of a much more practical nature. Generally speaking, there are three categories of personal projects: 1) conservation biology research and 2) sustainable food production, and 3) appropriate technology. The following is a list of some of the projects were looking to tackle during the upcoming sessions. Some are new projects and others are ongoing and multi-year projects. Projects with stars next to them are of high interest and priority. When applying please prioritize three projects from the list below in the order of most interest. Flora Fauna Research: *Ethnobotany* (requires strong Spanish-speaking skills) *Native Seed Bank Nursery* (requires strong Spanish-speaking skills) *Water Quality Measurements* (knowledge of aquatic macrofauna is an advantage) *GIS Research* (mapping of the JCR, related mostly to another Flora amp; Fauna Research Project, probable slight difference in the internship price) *Camera trap survey of wild felines* (ocelot, jaguarundi) *Monkey Troop Demography Behavioral Study (Mantled howler monkeys critically endangered Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchins) *Herpetofauna survey* (reptile and amphibian diversity and abundance) Ornithology Survey - (ornithology experience and Spanish-speaking skills) Permaculture/Food Production: Green Building - Learn to use natural, and sustainable building materials. Upcoming projects include building an earthbag (aka super adobe) retaining wall, use cob to plaster walls, re-floor the the field station with bamboo. Production Zone Intensive Focused on increasing food production, crop zonification rotation, plant propagation, care/maintenance, integrated pest management and food preservation (ie, canning) Appropriate Technology: *Building a system using human power and producing electricity for the Bamboo House* *Connect our solar-power electrical system* *Design and build a non-electrical refrigerator* Design and build a solar food dehydrator Fall Internship Dates: October 21-December 16, 2014 Fall Application Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2014 To see a complete program description, please visit our Internship page on our website at www.tmalliance.org/internships. Here you can download the application form and contact details, as well as other media, such as the photos, video, and the program FAQ. NOTE: When applying to the internship, please make sure to specify in your e-mail subject that you are applying for the Fall session, and whether you are interested in taking the PDC course. We look forward to working with you! Eva Filipczykova Internship Research Coordinator Third Millennium Alliance Jama, Ecuador www.tmalliance.org
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications at NIMBioS
*Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications at NIMBioS -- Next Deadline: December 11, 2014* The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS), located at the Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, is currently accepting applications for postdoctoral scholarship at the interface between mathematics and biology. Highest priority will be given to those with explicit plans to develop their ability to effectively carry on research across these fields. We are particularly interested in requests to support research that integrates diverse fields, requires synthesis at multiple scales, and/or makes use of or requires development of new mathematical/computational approaches. NIMBioS Postdoctoral Fellows are chosen based upon indications that the applicant's research plans are consistent with the mission of NIMBioS, the applicant has the demonstrated ability to carry out the proposed research, and the opportunities provided through NIMBioS will enhance the capacity for the research to be completed in an efficient and timely manner. Support: annual stipend of $51,000, full University of Tennessee employee fringe benefits, and an annual travel allowance of $3,000. *How to apply: *Complete the online application and submit a brief project description, references, and CV following the guidelines available at http://www.nimbios.org/postdocs/ http://www.nimbios.org/postdocs/postdoc.html* Deadline:* NIMBioS postdoctoral requests for support are reviewed two times per year, and the selected researchers are offered positions at NIMBioS where they conduct research that is mostly self-directed. The deadline for activities beginning in summer/fall 2015 is *December 11, 2014* but applications for positions starting later in 2015 are also accepted at this time. *All letters of recommendation must be submitte*d *before the request deadline*. The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. * Catherine Crawley, Ph.D. Communications Manager National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) University of Tennessee 1122 Volunteer Blvd, Ste. 106 Knoxville, TN 37996 e ccraw...@nimbios.org mailto:ccraw...@nimbios.org t +1 865 974 9350 tel:+1%20865%20974%209350 f +1 865 974 9461 tel:+1%20865%20974%209461 http://www.nimbios.org http://www.facebook.com/nimbios http://twitter.com/nimbios To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here http://www.nimbios.org/wordpress/subscribe2updates/ To subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter, click here http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001RgvbKVLa7a4Psoj8H7c43A%3D%3D
[ECOLOG-L] New Tropical Field Station Available
NEW TROPICAL BIOLOGICAL STATION AVAILABLE TO HOST YOUR FIELD COURSE The Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) has built a new biological field station on Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama, and the facility is available to host your course in tropical biology. The ITEC field station is located within the Bocas del Toro Archipelago which is situated on the northeast Caribbean coast of Panama. Founded in 1996, ITEC is an independent, non-profit organization in the United States (501(c)(3)) and Panama (Resulto: 221-PJ-108), and was established to provide a venue for research and the presentation of field courses in tropical biology. ITEC (http://www.itec-edu.org), has presented a variety of four-week field courses every year since it was founded, and hosts many university and study abroad organizations annually. ITEC is a member of the Ciudad del Saber (http://ciudaddelsaber.org/en) and the Organization for Biological Field Stations (http://www.obfs.org/). Why bring your field course to ITEC? Our location on the north end of Isla Colon represents an ideal location for virtually any course in tropical biology (See ³Hosting your Courses² at http://itec-edu.org/hosting-your-courses/). The juxtaposition of both lowland tropical rain forests and marine systems results in tremendous biodiversity and translates into remarkable opportunities for education and research. Ecosystems and habitats available at the field station include marine (coral reefs, sea grass beds, rocky intertidals, mangroves, etc.), terrestrial (lowland rainforest, pastures, limestone caves, etc.) and freshwater systems (streams, ponds, swamps, marshes, etc.). See Ecosystems (http://itec-edu.org/bocas-del-toro-ecosystems/) for details. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago also offers a unique opportunity for the study of island biogeography and the insular biotas they contain. All of the islands of the archipelago are easily accessed from the ITEC field station. Why Panama? The Republic of Panama represents an ideal country to visit for the tropical biologist. Panama is politically stable, uses U.S. currency (along with the equally-valued Balboa), has vast forests in Bocas del Toro and Darien Provinces, and boasts an extensive array of national parks and preserves. Three preserves occur within the Bocas del Toro Archipelago; the Bastimentos National Marine Park, the San San-Pond Sak National Reserve and Isla Pajaros, a pelagic seabird nesting colony. Panama has become an important destination for ecotourists and supports this with a modern infrastructure and availability of services. Culture. Visiting students and instructors will find the diversity of cultures in Bocas del Toro remarkable. The primary cultures in the area are Afro-Antillean and the indigenous Ngöbe, but the indigenous Naso, Bokata and Guna are also present. Panamanian mestizo, Chinese and Arab cultures are also important in Bocas. Station Infrastructure. The Bocas del Toro Biological Station is located on a hill overlooking Almirante Bay in Boca del Drago, Isla Colon (9o 24¹ 21.34² N, 92o 18¹ 48.97 W). The station consists of three primary buildings and several smaller ones. Infrastructure includes a dormitory for 36 students, faculty housing for 8-16, a dinning hall seating 50, and a lab-library-classrooms complex. Other structures include a garage and shop, and a dive storage building. Current capacity is 45 students, faculty and research personnel. Cell phone reception and Wi-Fi are available at the field station. See Bocas del Toro Biological Station for details: http://itec-edu.org/bocas-del-toro-biological-station/. Instructional Facilities: Lecture facilities are available at three locations each accommodating an audience of 35+. Digital projectors as well as blackboards are available without cost to all visiting groups. Boats and Vehicles: ITEC maintains a fleet of four boats ranging in size form 12 feet to 25 feet, capable of transporting up to 20 individuals. Vehicles include a 4-wheeled drive pickup and 4-wheeler. Aluminum and dug-out canoes are also available. What¹s Included: Daily rates for visiting groups include meals, lodging, local airport transfers and local transportation to area locations. These include area reefs, beaches, Soropta Canal, Bird Island, Punta Caracol, and other locations near the field station. The daily fee also includes the use of all ITEC vehicles, boats (with or without pilots), laboratory, lab and field equipment, classrooms, dive tanks and weights. Contact ITEC for details. Station Availability: The Bocas del Toro Biological Station is open and available continually throughout the year. Contact ITEC on availability for specific dates. Appropriate Course Subjects. The following course subjects list represent courses that have been presented at the field station previously but is not exclusive. Virtually any course involving tropical ecology, biology,
