[ECOLOG-L] Multiple graduate positions (MSc, PhD) available investigating the Metabolic and Community Ecology of Altered Environments

[Michael Rennie]

The research lab of Dr. Michael Rennie is seeking a number of highly 
motivated and hard working students to join a growing and exciting 
research group on the shores of Lake Superior in Thunder Bay, Ontario. 
The work in the lab is diverse and challenging, and involves work from 
major research vessels on the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg, as well as 
at the legendary Experimental Lakes Area in Northwestern Ontario. 
Students would join our lab in the Department of Biology at Lakehead 
University. The lab also conducts work in the newly-renovated, 
state-of-the-art Biology Aquatics Facility. Possible research topics are 
listed below, but students with good ideas and an ability to demonstrate 
success in research (particularly those who are funded through major 
scholarships) are encouraged to contact me and discuss other opportunities.


*Effects of whole-lake nanosilver addition on fish populations* (1 
student, MSc)


Nanosilver is the most commonly used nanomaterial in consumer products 
today; it is widely used as an antimicrobial, but the ecosystem-level 
effects of this material associated with environmental release is poorly 
understood. This project will investigate changes in the bioenergetics 
of fishes exposed to nanosilver during a whole-lake addition experiment 
at the Experimental Lakes Area, and investigate population-level changes 
in the fish community of the lake. Field work would commence May of 
2015, with a program start date of Sept. 2015.


*Effect of food web complexity on lake trout habitat use* (1 student, 
MSc or PhD)


/Mysis diluvania/ has been described as a “keystone species”, and has 
been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in food web structure and 
energetic pathways to sport fishes like lake trout. Using 
radiotelemetry, this project will focus on a comparison of lake trout 
distributional patterns between lakes that differ on the basis of the 
presence of /Mysis/, and using this information to inform differences 
among populations in terms of fish productivity and life history traits. 
At the PhD level, the student will have an opportunity be intimately 
involved ain a whole-lake ecosystem restoration experiment focused on 
the re-introduction of /Mysis./ Field work will commence May 2015, with 
a program start date of Sept. 2015.


*Evaluating the use of hydroacoustic technologies in fisheries ecology* 
(1 student, PhD)


Hydroacoustics is widely used to estimate a variety of aspects of 
fisheries ecology, including schooling behaviour, vertical migration 
patterns and population abundance. However, validating the technology 
for a particular ecosystem or population can pose significant 
challenges. This project will validate hydroacoustic population 
estimates against those derived from long-term mark-recapture studies. 
In addition, it will explore the potential for refining population 
estimates and extending behavioural studies by integrating multi-beam 
hydroacoustic surveys with concurrent acoustic telemetry studies.   The 
focus of the field work will be on whole lake experiments at the 
Experimental Lakes Area in Northwestern Ontario, investigating the 
potential effects of climate change on fishes and on limnetic food webs 
generally. This project may also be extended to examine how stationary 
hydroacoustic installations may be used to document variation in 
activity rates among populations (both at the Experimental Lakes Area 
and across the Great Lakes), and compare with bioenergetic estimates of 
activity. The student would be supervised jointly by Brian Shuter at the 
University of Toronto and Mike Rennie at Lakehead University, with the 
opportunity to benefit from the academic programs available at both 
institutions. Ideally, the person would be free to start field work in 
summer 2015, with formal registration in the PhD program in Sept.


*Plastic pollution in inland Canadian Lakes *(1-2 students, MSc or PhD)

Though plastic pollution has been well documented in marine 
environments, the extent of the problem in freshwater ecosystems is only 
now coming to light. Surveys will focus on documenting the extent of 
macro and micro-plastic pollution in Lake Winnipeg, with opportunities 
for lab-based experiments to examine the interaction of plastic 
particles with the environment. Field work would commence May of 2015, 
with a program start date of Sept. 2015.


*Evolutionary ecology of predator introductions* (1 student, MSc or PhD)

During a number of predator introduction experiments at the Experimental 
Lakes Area, prey populations have been decimated to the point of 
extirpation. Using a combination of lab and field experiments, we seek 
to examine the evolutionary role of predator experience in determining 
the adaptive abilities of prey fish to respond to novel predators. Start 
date negotiable.


Details on the MSc program in Biology at Lakehead University can be 
found here: 
https://www.lakeheadu.ca/academics/graduate/programs/masters/bio

[ECOLOG-L] New England Cottontail Trapping and Telemetry Technicians

[Amanda Cheeseman]

Description:
Employer: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and
Forestry
Location: Carmel, NY
Salary $400/ week + Health Benefits and Housing 
Start Date: Mid – Late April
Application Deadline: 2/25/15

We are seeking two field technicians to aid graduate students with projects
investigating eastern and New England cottontail habitat associations,
demography, nutrition, and parasites in the lower Hudson Valley. The
positions will start mid –April to May. Positions will continue through late
August- September 2015, with possible renewal through winter. Later
promotion to crew leader is also possible. Job duties will primarily include
set up, maintenance, and daily checking of trap lines, capture, handling,
radio-collaring, and radio-tagging of adult and juvenile cottontail rabbits,
tracking rabbits via radio-telemetry, vegetation sampling, and maintaining
trail cameras for cottontail predators. 

Field work is conducted under all weather conditions and involves hiking 5-
10 miles per day carrying up to 50 lbs of gear, walking or snowshoeing in
deep snow, rain, and extreme temperatures, with biting insects, ticks, and
thick thorny vegetation. Technicians will be required to work irregular/long
hours, and often greater than 40 hours per week. Shared housing and vehicle
will be provided. If use of personal vehicles for research purposes is
required, compensation for mileage will be provided.

Applicants should have a B.S. in biology or related field, a valid driver’s
license, be physically fit and capable and willing to work long and
irregular hours in winter field settings. Prior field experience and
experience working with lagomorphs or other small mammals is required.
Preference will also be given to applicants with telemetry experience,
mammal trapping experience, prior experience with data entry, winter field
work, and a positive attitude.

To apply, please send a cover letter detailing interests and experience, a
resume or CV, and contact information for three references (phone numbers
and e-mail addresses) to Amanda Cheeseman by February 25. Applications will
be reviewed as they are received.

[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC in AQUATIC ECOLOGY

[Rick Relyea]

POST-DOC in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY

The research group of Dr. Rick Relyea at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(RPI) will be hiring a post-doc in the area of freshwater ecology.  

The research interests of the lab are broad, including disease ecology,
ecotoxicology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, animal behavior,
phenotypic plasticity, and predator-prey communication.  Systems of interest
include wetlands, lakes, and streams. Experimental venues range from lab
studies to mesocosms to in situ experiments. For more info, go to:
   http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab

The post-doc will have the opportunity to be a part of “The Jefferson
Project,” an exciting and ambitious project to study a large lake (Lake
George, NY) with “smart technology.”  This is an incredible collaboration of
Rensselaer, IBM, and the Fund for Lake George that is intended to serve as a
global example for using (and creating) cutting-edge technology for studying
freshwater ecosystems.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU&list=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8

Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, superb facilities for
aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George in eastern NY:
   http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement (including
potential research projects), and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea
(rel...@rpi.edu) in pdf format.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.  The desired start date is
early to mid April 2015.




--
Dr. Rick Relyea
Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute
Director of The Jefferson Project 
David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair
Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY 12180

[ECOLOG-L] Free webinar: Open Data and Science: Towards Optimizing the Research Process

[Amber E Budden]

Upcoming Webinar:
*"Open Data and Science: Towards Optimizing the Research Process"*
Presented by Dr Jean-Claude Guédon from the Université de Montréal

*Tuesday February 10th at 0900 Pacific time / 12 noon Eastern Time*

The abstract and registration details can be found at
www.dataone.org/upcoming-webinar.

This is the first in a series of monthly webinars focussed on open science,
the role of the data lifecycle, and achieving innovative science through
shared data and ground-breaking tools. Webinars will be held the 2nd
Tuesday of each month at 12 noon Eastern Time.  They will be recorded and
made available for viewing latter the same day. A Q&A forum will also be
available to attendees and later viewers alike.

We welcome you to join us for this and future webinars in the series.  More
information on the DataONEWebinar Series can be found at:
www.dataone.org/webinars and we welcome suggestions for speakers and topics.


-- 
Amber E Budden, PhD
Director for Community Engagement and Outreach
DataONE
University of New Mexico
1312 Basehart SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Tel: 505-814-1112
Cell: 505-205-7675
Fax: 505-246-6007

[ECOLOG-L] Student/RA opportunities with Operation Wallacea

[David Inouye]

Dear Students,

Operation Wallacea  is a biodiversity research 
and conservation management organization hosting scientific 
expeditions in Indonesia, Transylvania, South Africa, Madagascar, 
Peru, Guyana, Honduras and Mexico. These research sites are run in 
remote locations with the help of university volunteers and academics 
from around the world.


Students can join the research expeditions during the summer months 
to gain experience with field research and data collection:


*<http://opwall.com/undergrad-research-assistants/research-assistant-overview/>

 Research Assistants - volunteers gain experience performing various 
survey methods and taking field ecology training courses; serves as a 
volunteer-based internship and some credit options are available.


*<http://opwall.com/senior-thesis-dissertations/options-for-dissertations-and-senior-theses/> 



Thesis Students - Operation Wallacea provides support for students to 
collect data for a thesis project at the undergraduate or Master's level.


* 

Expedition Medicine Course - a chance for Pre-Med students to 
experience field medicine with expedition teams working in remote areas.


There are funding opportunities available from within our 
organization:  


Most importantly, all the research goes towards protecting valuable 
ecosystems by levering funding and monitoring the success of various 
conservation management strategies. To learn more about these 
research opportunities and conservation management programs, please 
feel free to email us 
atUSA@opwall.com for 
more details.




Best wishes,

Dr Tim Coles OBE

Project Director and Founder, Operation Wallacea 
(www.opwall.com)


Publisher of Biodiversity Science 
(www.biodiversityscience.com)

Senior Research Associate, Zoology Department, Oxford University

[ECOLOG-L] REU opportunities at the Shannon Point Marine Center

[Kathy Van Alstyne]

Western Washington University's Shannon Point Marine Center's (SPMC) invites 
applications from undergraduates for its Research Experiences for 
Undergraduates (REU) Site this summer.  The program will support independent, 
supervised research on the part of eight undergraduates in 2015. Student 
support includes a $4500 stipend plus a $567 food allowance, a travel allowance 
and housing at SPMC for the nine-week session (June 23 - August 21). Students 
work with faculty supervisors in designing and conducting projects and in 
developing written and oral reports at the conclusion of the session. General 
research themes include studies on productivity and nutrient cycling in local 
watershed systems; marine microbial ecology; physiology of symbiosis; larval 
development; physiology, ecology, and morphology of marine invertebrates; and 
chemical ecology. Additional information on the program and SPMC is available 
at www.wwu.edu/spmc/reu.shtml.

[ECOLOG-L] Colorado State University Launches Master's in Greenhouse Gas Management and Accounting

[Nikki Foxley]

Friends and Colleagues,
 
Colorado State University is pleased to announce the launch of a new
Master’s Degree in Greenhouse Gas Management and Accounting (MGMA). As I’m
sure you know, the U.S. and China just committed to accelerating efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet these shared goals, we will need
technically-adept professionals capable of quantifying and reducing our
emissions.
 
MGMA is an interdisciplinary, professional/non-thesis master’s degree that
combines environmental knowledge and the technical skills necessary to
accurately quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with an emphasis on
agricultural and forestry systems.  The program is designed for students
from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds, such as
environmental studies, forestry, business, engineering and agriculture. The
degree can be completed in three semesters and also includes a required
internship to ensure high-quality, on-the-job training for graduates. 

We will be admitting our first cohort of students for Fall 2015 and would
appreciate your referring promising students to us for admission. If you
know of specific students whom we should contact directly, please send their
names and contact information to me, and I'll be glad to follow up directly
with them.

To learn more about our program, please visit our website at
http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/mgma.

Thank you!
Nikki Foxley
Advisor/Department Coordinator
Ecosystem Science & Sustainability
Warner College of Natural Resources
Colorado State University
Email: nikki.fox...@colostate.edu
Phone: 970-491-5589

[ECOLOG-L] University of Maine Marine Center summer courses

[Kristina Cammen]

The University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center has a great line-up of
classes being offered this summer on the coast of Maine that are open to
undergraduate and graduate students from all universities. Additional
information and complete course descriptions can be found at
http://dmc.umaine.edu/education/summeruniversity/. If interested in
registering for one of these courses or for more information, please
contact Linda Healy (lhe...@maine.edu).



*MATLAB for Marine Science*
Dr. Damian Brady  • May 13-29 (M-F, 1-5pm)
Marine science is an increasingly technical field and Matrix Laboratory
(MATLAB) is the language of technical computing. Students will learn the
basics of computer programming and how to produce scientific figures that
effectively highlight and communicate their results.



*Techniques of Shellfish Aquaculture*
Dr. Chris Davis  •  June 8-12 (M-F, 8am-5pm)
Techniques in Shellfish Aquaculture is a one week course in which
participants explore the theory and practice of marine bivalve aquaculture
as practiced in the northeastern United States.

 *Techniques in Marine Mammal Ecology*
Dr. Kristina Cammen  •  June 8-19 (M-F, 8am-5pm)
This course will expose students to a diverse array of techniques used in
marine mammal science and is designed to develop skills in experimental
design, data analysis, and critical reading. Through a variety of in-class
and field exercises, students will collect, analyze, and interpret data
about the role of marine mammals in ocean ecosystems.


*Science Communication Product Development  *
Annette deCharon  •  June 8-19 (M-F, 8am - noon)
With guidance from experts, students will collaborate to create, share and
evaluate a variety of science communication products. In a "flipped
classroom" setting, they will use various online tools, critical thinking
strategies, and collaborative approaches to construct meaningful key
messages, engage new people, and broaden the impact of science. Graduate
students will complete a focused three-day workshop following the course on
preparing "Broader Impacts" statements for scientific research proposals.


*Introduction to Research Diving*
Christopher Rigaud  •  June 8 - July 29 (M-F for first week, every W
thereafter, 8am-5pm)
This is a class for students with a recreational certificate who hope to
pursue scientific diving in their academic career.  Students with a
recreational certificate will be instructed in advanced diving, dive
rescue, oxygen administration, and underwater research techniques.
Practical field diving activities will be a large focus of the course.

 *Calibration & Validation for Ocean Color Remote Sensing*
Emmanuel Boss (coordinator) •  July 6-31
The major theme of this intensive four-week, cross-disciplinary,
graduate-level course in Optical Oceanography is calibration and validation
of ocean color remote sensing. The course will provide students with a
fundamental knowledge of ocean optics and optical sensor technology that
will enable them to make quality measurements, be able to assess the
uncertainties associated with the measurements, and compare these data with
remotely sensed ocean color measurements and derived products. The course
is sponsored by NASA and the University of Maine, with the goal of
preparing a new generation of oceanographers trained in the use of optics
to study the oceans.

[ECOLOG-L] Opportunity: Programmer/Analyst, Univ Arizona and USA National Phenology Network

[Weltzin, Jake]

The USA National Phenology Network (usanpn.org) National Coordinating
Office (situated at the University of Arizona) seeks to hire a
programmer with a background in data analysis, to advance the
Network's data and research infrastructure.

Candidate's primary responsibilities will be focused on maintaining
existing web infrastructure and supporting the development of data
products from USA-NPN's Nature's Notebook plant and animal phenology
monitoring program (nn.usanpn.org), as well as analyzing and
integrating third-party data sets.

View Posting:  
https://www.usanpn.org/files/shared/files/USA-NPN%20Programmer_Analyst.pdf

Apply at University of Arizona's CareerTrack, under job number 57315:
https://www.uacareertrack.com/

Established in 2007, with major funding to date from U.S. Geological
Survey and the National Science Foundation, the USA National Phenology
Network (USA-NPN) was created to collect, synthesize and apply
high-quality phenological data and information to address fundamental
science and societal needs. Products, tools and information produced
by the Network are designed to be widely used for research, and to
facilitate decision-making relative to ecosystem services and climate
change adaptation for natural resource management, agricultural
systems, and human well-being. The Network is comprised of scientists,
resource managers, educators, and volunteer observers – supported by a
National Coordinating Office – who share a common goal of collecting
and utilizing national-scale phenological data.  More information at
usanpn.org

-- 
Jake F. Weltzin
US Geological Survey
Acting Coordinator, Status and Trends Program
Executive Director, USA National Phenology Network
USA-NPN National Coordinating Office
1955 East 6th Street
Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: (520) 626-3821
Fax: (520) 621-7834
E-mail: jwelt...@usgs.gov
NPN homepage: http://www.usanpn.org/

[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Summer Research, Ocean Sciences REU, CSU Monterey Bay

[Bridgette Clarkston]

California State University, Monterey Bay
Ocean Sciences NSF-Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: Conduct paid summer research in beautiful Monterey
Bay, California! Program runs June 8–Aug 14th. Applications due March 2nd. 
WEBSITE: www.csumb.edu/reu; 
FACEBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/kuz3rvl 

Choose a research project in one of the following areas:

Marine Biology and Ecology (includes population ecology, kelp forest
ecology, marine landscape ecology, marine microbiology, population genetics,
ecophysiology and biomechanics)

Ocean Engineering (includes ocean robotics, autonomous underwater vehicle
design, artificial intelligence, computer programming, scientific
instrumentation development)

Oceanography (includes ocean current modeling, deep sea population ecology,
ocean acidification and plankton ecology)

Marine Geology (includes deep sea canyon formation, coastal hydrology,
seafloor mapping, hydrothermal vent dynamics, coastal erosion, plate
tectonics and marine biogeochemistry)

Our research partner institutions include:

CSU Monterey Bay
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Moss Landing Marine Labs
Naval Postgraduate School

Students receive a $5,000 stipend in addition to support for travel, room
and board, and post-REU support to attend conferences and in applying to
graduate programs. The application portal will close on March 2nd at 11:59
PM PST. Our 10 week summer program will run from June 8th to August 14th.
Additional program details can be found on our homepage:
http://reu.csumb.edu/csumb-research-experiences-undergraduates-reu

We especially encourage applications from student groups historically
underrepresented in the Ocean Sciences and students from institutions where
research opportunities are limited (Junior/Community Colleges, Tribal
Colleges, HBCUs and HSIs). Preference is given to student applicants who are
rising sophomores or juniors, but any undergraduate can apply!

[ECOLOG-L] Position Available: ESA Book Review Editor

[Liza Lester]

Position Available: Book Review Editor

The Ecological Society of America invites applications for the position of Book 
Review Editor. We seek an individual with a good eye for a book worth reviewing 
and a familiarity with the broad brush of ecology, as well as a keen and 
discriminating awareness of the pool of book reviewers-scientists who are 
willing to pen a good review and to sign a critical one. 

The Book Review Editor is responsible for selecting the books to be reviewed, 
commissioning the reviewers, keeping the reviewers on schedule, editing the 
reviews, checking all the galleys, and working in conjunction with the 
Publications Office to publish an average of 3-4 Book Reviews in each issue of 
Ecology, published monthly. 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please describe your 
interest, vision, background, and skills in a letter to Joshua Schimel, Chair, 
ESA Publications Committee at schi...@lifesci.ucsb.edu and Katherine McCarter, 
Executive Director ESA.

Contact:   schi...@lifesci.ucsb.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Help with logistics of bringing international student to work in lab

[Romi Burks]

Fellow ecologists,

I would appreciate anyone with experience and/or resources to assist me
in understanding the mechanics of bringing in an international student
(getting her M.Sc. in Uruguay) into a lab of an undergraduate institution
in the United States.  The MSc student does not yet have a post-graduate
degree (and thus is not a visiting scholar - J VISA?) and also will not be
taking
courses (and thus will not be "enrolled" in a credit program - Student
VISA).
She just wants to come to do an experiment for 4-6 weeks.

Has anyone encountered this 'in between' category before?
If they are not paid, is there a solution?
Is providing housing considered payment?

I have been bringing my undergraduate students to Uruguay for the past
several years - as privileged US students, they do not encounter VISA
issues or
apparent liability problems.  In addition, they have been fully supported
by federal funding whereas little resources exist for scientists in the host
countries in which we work.  I would like to see a little more quid-pro-quo
in helping this student with extending her Master's project in my lab.

Any help, links, experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Romi Burks


-- 


*Dr. Romi L. BurksProfessor of Biology*

*Co-Chair of Interdisciplinary Programs*

*Animal Behavior & Environmental Studies*

*1001 East University Avenue*

*Georgetown, TX 78626*
*Office Phone: 512-863-1280*
*Website:* www.profromi.com &* Twitter: ProfRomi*

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in Infectious Disease Ecology, Bozeman, Montana

[Raina Plowright]

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE ECOLOGY <>

DYNAMICS OF EMERGING PATHOGENS OF BAT ORIGIN


We are seeking two outstanding researchers to join our interdisciplinary team 
studying the dynamics of emerging pathogens of bat origin. The positions will 
be based in Raina Plowright’s lab at Montana State University, Bozeman, and the 
candidates will work with a cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional team of 
researchers investigating the dynamics of infections in bat populations. In 
particular, the candidates will work closely with our PIs Hamish McCallum 
(Griffith University) and Peter Hudson (Pennsylvania State University). 

 
Description:

Bats are hosts of some of the most notorious emerging infections in humans such 
as Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Hendra virus, Nipah virus and Severe Acute 
Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus. The successful candidates will be responsible 
for generating and parameterizing models to predict the occurrence of pulses of 
infection in bat populations and spillover to humans. The focus of one position 
could be expanded to work on pathogens of concern for wildlife conservation 
such as bighorn sheep (http://www.rainaplowright.com 
, http://www.bighornhealth.org 
).

 
Qualifications:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in epidemiology, ecology, microbiology, 
statistics, mathematics or related fields. Strong quantitative and writing 
skills and a record of publications are required. One position requires 
demonstrated experience in infectious disease modeling. An empiricist with 
strong quantitative skills could fill the other position. Candidates must be 
able to work independently, as well as collaboratively. An interest in 
exploring disease dynamics across scales and disciplines will be an advantage. 

 
Details:

The positions are for 1-2 years, pending assessment of first year performance.

 
To apply, go to https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/1399 
 and upload:

·   a cover letter describing you reasons for interest in the position, 

·   a CV, 

·   a statement of research interests, 

·   complete the reference section 

 
Application screening will begin on March 5th 2015 and continue until a 
suitable pool of applicants is established.  The start date is early to mid 
2015, or as soon as possible. A competitive salary will be offered that will be 
commensurate with experience. Please email me if you have questions 
raina.plowri...@montana.edu . 

The Montana State University - Bozeman campus (http://www.montana.edu 
) is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, 90 miles north of 
Yellowstone National Park, with easy access to many outdoor recreation 
activities including world-class downhill and cross-country skiing, fly 
fishing, and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails.  The 
Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is served by several major airlines 
and is the busiest airport in the state. Bozeman is listed as one of National 
Geographic's "World's 25 Best Ski Towns." Bizjournals.com 
 ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns 
- small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles.




 
_
Raina Plowright BVSc MS PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Montana State University
Email: raina.plowri...@montana.edu 
Lab website: rainaplowright.com 
Phone: (406) 579-5325

Re: [ECOLOG-L] language exam for Ph.D. students?

[Alexandre Chausson]

I want to second Martin's post. I grew up in France and followed the public
school system until grade 6. The school curriculum places a lot of
importance on French grammar and spelling and courses are intensive. When I
moved to the US I was surprised to find out that English class didn't
really focus on grammar explicitly. While French grammar is obviously quite
different, I felt I had a much better grasp of grammar in general and also
at spelling. I did not speak English prior to coming to the US. So yes, I
fully concur with Martin in that learning foreign languages is very
important.

Alexandre Chausson

On Wed, Feb 4, 2015 at 4:43 PM, Martin Meiss  wrote:

> I am a native speaker of English, and had the standard exposure to English
> instruction that was given in US high schools in the 1960's.  Even so, I
> didn't really learn English grammar until I studied German.  Learning a
> foreign language, assuming it goes beyond the merely conversational, forces
> one to learn grammar, and perhaps more importantly, makes one realize that
> linguistic features we think of as "natural" or "logical" are not at all
> universal, or even sensible.  I've have heard comments to the effect that
> since my time in high school, English teachers have for various reasons
> essentially abdicated teaching grammar.  I think this makes learning a
> foreign language essential to any educated person, including scientists.
>
> Martin Meiss
>
> 2015-02-04 6:27 GMT-05:00 Akwasi Asamoah :
>
> > Yes, it is a fact that majority of scientists are not native English
> > Speakers. However, majority of desired research logistics and destination
> > outlets are found in Anglo-America. I would say, basic standard English
> > (eg. tense, concord, structure, comprehension, summary) that affords
> > everyone else (even the native English speaker) the opportunity to do
> > effective scientific/technical communication in the most accurate and
> > concise English language is what ought to be assessed/ascertained. High
> > verbal aptitude by native English standards as predominates our current
> > aptitude tests (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS), in my opinion, does very little in
> > attempting to assess adequate skills in scientific/technical
> communication
> > which frequently come already acquired in other native languages. This
> > would allow non-native English speakers (who happen to be the majority of
> > scientists and engineers) to use time which would otherwise have been
> spent
> > learning verbiage to learn other very important skills like math,
> modelling
> > and programming language.
> >
> > > Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2015 18:05:49 -0700
> > > From: daniel.fernan...@colorado.edu
> > > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] language exam for Ph.D. students?
> > > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> > >
> > > This is all interesting to me.  I need to ask which is more beneficial:
> > taking the time to learn english well or taking the time to learn and
> add a
> > skill to your analytical toolbox?  Also if is science is to become a
> > greater part of society shouldn't english speaking scientists take the
> time
> > to learn a second language?  The majority of humans and don't speak
> > english.  I'm also willing to bet that most scientists don't speak
> > english.  Just some thoughts to stir the pot.
> > > Cheers.
> > > Daniel
> > > 
> > > From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [
> > ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Akwasi Asamoah [
> > asamoa...@outlook.com]
> > > Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2015 11:36 AM
> > > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> > > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] language exam for Ph.D. students?
> > >
> > > Dear Ash,
> > > Yes, math and computer skills are more critical requirements for
> science
> > but some reasonable level of basic standard English is also very crucial.
> > Often poor, inappropriate or complex language hugely drain comprehension
> > out of our science and engineering. I do believe that though GRE, TOEFL,
> > IELTS and their like can be an efficient mens of assessing English
> > Proficiency, they do not in themselves constitute effective means of
> > testing proficiency in scientific or technical communication. Thus, why
> > communication requirements like english translation of and/or quizzing on
> > peer-reviewed publications may come in handy as addition means of further
> > ascertaining true technical or scientific proficiency.
> > > I mean if we are to be truly honest with ourselves, one does not have
> to
> > have such high verbal aptitude to read, critique and communicate
> scientific
> > and technical facts. it may be agreed that sometimes high verbal aptitude
> > breeds costly liberties with the English language (as is often with
> > inexperienced so-called 'native speakers'). The more they try to prove
> > their nativeness in language, the more they are likely to be needlessly
> > verbose to the erosion of understanding. Often, scientific and technical
> > papers are rejec

[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunity in forest ecology and silviculture at Michigan Tech

[Yvette Dickinson]

The Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology Lab at Michigan Technological 
University is seeking a 
PhD student interested in the ecology and silviculture of the Lake States 
forests beginning in the fall 
of 2015. Research in the lab focuses on the inter-relationships among forest 
composition and 
structure, ecological processes, and the full range of ecosystem services 
across scales from 
individual trees, to stands and landscapes. We are specifically interested in 
recruiting a PhD student 
to study silvicultural treatments in Northern Hardwoods forests supported 
through a research 
assistantship.  

Successful applicants will be expected to collaborate as an active member of a 
research group, be 
self-motivated and comfortable working independently, and conduct fieldwork in 
variable weather 
conditions.  Strong written and verbal communication, and computational skills 
are required.  Prior 
experience participating in or leading field research is desired. A master 
degree or work experience 
in a related field is an advantage.

Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science 
(http://www.mtu.edu/forest/) is particularly well known for its excellence in 
the fields of forestry, 
applied ecology, forest molecular genetics, and wildlife management.  We 
currently employ 24 
tenure-track faculty, 8 research faculty, 23 research professionals, and 14 
administrative/support 
professionals and enroll 155 undergraduate and 75 graduate students.

Established in 1885, Michigan Tech is a nationally recognized research 
University, enrolls nearly 
7,000 students and is a leader in science and engineering education. Michigan 
Tech is an ADVANCE 
institution, one of a limited number of universities in receipt of NSF funds in 
support of our 
commitment to increase diversity and the participation and advancement of women 
in STEM.

Located in Houghton, on the shore of Lake Superior, Michigan Tech offers a 
friendly, safe, and 
affordable living environment with excellent opportunities for exceptional, 
year-round outdoor 
recreation opportunities.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Yvette Dickinson at yldic...@mtu.edu. 
To apply, please 
email Dr. Dickinson your CV, GPA, GRE scores (if available) and a written 
statement describing your 
research interests and previous research experience. Review of applications 
will begin 20 February 
2015.

[ECOLOG-L] New Phytologist Special Issue: Ecology and evolution of mycorrhizas

[Mike Panagopulos]

With apologies for cross posting I wanted to make you aware of the online
publication of a Special Issue of New Phytologist on the Ecology and
evolution of mycorrhizas.

The Editorial by Dickie et al. ‘Evolving insights to understanding
mycorrhizas’ introduces the special issue and can be read for free here:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./nph.13290/full 

The special issue's full table of contents can be found here:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./nph.2015.205.issue-4/issuetoc and
in summary below:



Forum
Editorial
Evolving insights to understanding mycorrhizas (pages 1369–1374)
Ian A. Dickie, Ian Alexander, Sarah Lennon, Maarja Öpik, Marc-André Selosse,
Marcel G. A. van der Heijden and Francis M. Martin


Commentary
Priorities for research on priority effects (pages 1375–1377)
David Johnson

Moving beyond the black-box: fungal traits, community structure, and 
carbon
sequestration in forest soils (pages 1378–1380)
Christopher W. Fernandez and Peter G. Kennedy


Letters
How harmonious are arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses? Inconsistent 
concepts
reflect different mindsets as well as results (pages 1381–1384)
F. Andrew Smith and Sally E. Smith

Plant root and mycorrhizal fungal traits for understanding soil 
aggregation
(pages 1385–1388)
Matthias C. Rillig, Carlos A. Aguilar-Trigueros, Joana Bergmann, Erik
Verbruggen, Stavros D. Veresoglou and Anika Lehmann

Parsing ecological signal from noise in next generation amplicon 
sequencing
(pages 1389–1393)
Nhu H. Nguyen, Dylan Smith, Kabir Peay and Peter Kennedy

Fungal associations of basal vascular plants: reopening a closed book?
(pages 1394–1398)
William R. Rimington, Silvia Pressel, Jeffrey G. Duckett and Martin I.
Bidartondo

The fungal perspective of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in
‘nonmycorrhizal’ plants (pages 1399–1403)
Ylva Lekberg, Søren Rosendahl and Pål Axel Olsson


Profile
Francis M. Martin (pages 1404–1405)


Review
Tansley reviews
Mycorrhizal ecology and evolution: the past, the present, and the future
(pages 1406–1423)
Marcel G. A. van der Heijden, Francis M. Martin, Marc-André Selosse and Ian
R. Sanders


Tansley insights
Towards a holistic understanding of the beneficial interactions across 
the
Populus microbiome (pages 1424–1430)
Stéphane Hacquard and Christopher W. Schadt

Phytohormones as integrators of environmental signals in the regulation 
of
mycorrhizal symbioses (pages 1431–1436)
María J. Pozo, Juan A. López-Ráez, Concepción Azcón-Aguilar and José M.
García-Garrido

Partner selection in the mycorrhizal mutualism (pages 1437–1442)
Gijsbert D. A. Werner and E. Toby Kiers

Ectomycorrhizal fungi – potential organic matter decomposers, yet not
saprotrophs (pages 1443–1447)
Björn D. Lindahl and Anders Tunlid

Interplant signalling through hyphal networks (pages 1448–1453)
David Johnson and Lucy Gilbert


Research reviews
Local-scale biogeography and spatiotemporal variability in communities 
of
mycorrhizal fungi (pages 1454–1463)
Mohammad Bahram, Kabir G. Peay and Leho Tedersoo


Research
Rapid reports
Endogone, one of the oldest plant-associated fungi, host unique
Mollicutes-related endobacteria (pages 1464–1472)
Alessandro Desirò, Antonella Faccio, Andres Kaech, Martin I. Bidartondo and
Paola Bonfante


Full papers
Mycorrhizal phenotypes and the Law of the Minimum (pages 1473–1484)
Nancy Collins Johnson, Gail W. T. Wilson, Jacqueline A. Wilson, R. Michael
Miller and Matthew A. Bowker

Host diversity affects the abundance of the extraradical arbuscular
mycorrhizal network (pages 1485–1491)
Daniel J. P. Engelmoer and E. Toby Kiers

From mycoheterotrophy to mutualism: mycorrhizal specificity and 
functioning
in Ophioglossum vulgatum sporophytes (pages 1492–1502)
Katie J. Field, Jonathan R. Leake, Stefanie Tille, Kate E. Allinson, William
R. Rimington, Martin I. Bidartondo, David J. Beerling and Duncan D. Cameron

Preferential allocation, physio-evolutionary feedbacks, and the 
stability
and environmental patterns of mutualism between plants and their root
symbionts (pages 1503–1514)
James D. Bever

Order of arrival structures arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of 
plants
(pages 1515–1524)
Gijsbert D. A. Werner and E. Toby Kiers
See also the Commentary by David Johnson


Carbon sequestration is related to mycorrhizal fungal community shifts
during long-term succession in boreal forests (pages 1525–1536)
Karina E. Clemmensen, Roger D. Finlay, Anders Dahlberg, Jan Stenlid, David
A. Wardle and Björn D. Lindahl
See also the Commentary by Christopher W. Fernandez and Peter G. Kennedy


Exploring the transfer of recent plant photosynthates to soil microbes:
mycorrhizal pathway vs direct root exudation (pages 1537–1551)
Christina Kaiser, Matt R. Kilburn, Peta L. Clode, Lucia Fuchslueger,
Marianne Koranda, John B. Cliff, Zakari

[ECOLOG-L] Job opportunity: Restoration Ecologist/Botanist with the Institute for Applied Ecology

[Erin Gray]

The Institute for Applied Ecology is hiring a Restoration Ecologist/Botanist
in our Habitat Restoration Program.  For more details, please visit: 

http://appliedeco.org/get-involved/Restoration%20Ecologist%20Job%20Posting%202015.pdf

[ECOLOG-L] Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship offered by the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA)

[Stan Rullman]

We are pleased to announce the 2015 Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship.

The Wild Felid Research and Management Association began awarding the 
Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship in 2009 to encourage and support graduate 
level university students involved in wild felid research. To date, 
fourteen scholarships have been awarded, two each year starting 2009 and 
three each year in 2013 and 2014. The scholarship was created to honor 
four distinguished and dedicated biologists who lost their lives while 
seeking to understand and contribute to the conservation of wildlife, 
including wild felids: Dave Maehr (1956-2008), Ian Ross (1958-2003), 
Rocky Spencer (1952-2007), and Eric York (1970-2007). The unexpected, 
tragic loss of one of WFA’s founding members – Deanna Dawn, in November 
of 2012 led WFA to add a 5th member to this renowned group.  More on 
these five inspiring biologists can be found on the WFA’s web site: 
www.wildfelid.org   
Scholarships are made possible through grants and donations to WFA. The 
Summerlee Foundation has been a major sponsor of the scholarship and has 
provided the funds to support 8 scholarships.  Dee Dawn and other 
contributions in honor of Deanna Dawn allowed WFA to provide a third 
scholarship in 2013 and 2014.  

PURPOSE OF THE FUND: The Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship provides 
financial aid to a graduate-level university student conducting research 
on wild felids. The scholarship is awarded during summer. The recipient 
receives $1,000 and is recognized in the WFA’s newsletter, the Wild 
Felid Monitor. Applications are evaluated based on: demonstrated need 
for financial aid; participation in a research project that aims to 
improve our understanding of wild felid biology, management and/or 
conservation; and undergraduate and graduate GPA. Awarding of the 
scholarship is contingent on available funds; however, the WFA Council 
hopes that donations and grants will enable WFA to offer the scholarship 
annually.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND ADMINISTRATION: The WFA’s Scholarship Committee 
administers the Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship and selects recipients, 
who are subject to approval by a majority of the WFA board of directors. 
The Scholarship Committee reserves the right not to award a scholarship 
or to award more than one scholarship during a calendar year, depending 
on the Committee’s opinion of the applicants’ qualifications and the 
availability of funds. All Committee decisions are final. 

APPLICATION CRITERIA: Applicants for the Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship 
must meet the following criteria:
• You must be a student member of the Wild Felid Research and Management 
Association. (You may submit a membership form with payment to WFA when 
submitting your scholarship application if you are not currently a 
member). 
• By July 1, 2014, you must have completed a Bachelor of Science (or
Arts) Degree and be enrolled in a graduate program in Wildlife Biology, 
Wildlife Management, or a related natural resource field.
• Recipients of the Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship agree to provide an 
update of their research in the Wild Felid Monitor.

APPLICATION: The application includes 5 parts:
1. Current resume.
2. Transcript indicating completion of a Bachelor’s Degree.
3. Transcript of your graduate studies or a copy of your acceptance 
letter into a graduate program in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, 
or a related natural resource field.
4. Two letters of reference (with phone numbers and email addresses). 
One reference shall be from a professor familiar with your academic 
capabilities and accomplishments. The second reference shall be from a 
supervisor whom you worked for in a natural resources related position 
(volunteer or internship work is acceptable).
5. A short essay (500-750 words) describing: (1) your interests in wild 
felid research; (2) your career goals; (3) how you would use the award 
to further your professional development; and (4) your demonstration of 
financial need. At the top of your essay, provide the following so we 
may include it in the summer issue of the Wild Felid Monitor: Name and 
email address; degree applying for; department and university attending; 
major advisor and his email address; thesis/dissertation title; research 
objectives; completion date.
We encourage applicants to send parts 1 and 5 (resume and essay) of 
their applications electronically. Please clearly name files with your 
last name and subject (e.g., Smith WFLS Essay.doc). Emailed copies of 
scanned transcripts are also acceptable for consideration, though the 
Scholarship Committee may ask for certified transcripts prior to final 
selection. References can also send their letters electronically.
All application materials must be received by the Scholarship 
Chairperson by MARCH 30 2015. Incomplete applications will not be 
considered.

Completed applications should be mailed or emailed to:

Dr. Marcella Kelly, Associate Professor

Emailing: makel...@vt.edu, put “Wild Felid Legac

[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. or M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Black Duck Wintering Ecology in West Virginia and Pennsylvania

[Jim Anderson]

Ph.D. or M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Black Duck Wintering Ecology in 
West Virginia and Pennsylvania, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, 
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University


STARTING DATE: July 2015

CLOSING DATE: Position is open until filled.

DESCRIPTION:  Student will be supported by a 3-year Research Assistantship with 
funding provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Black Duck Joint Venture 
(BDJV), West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Game 
Commission.  The objectives of the study are to: 1) Determine non-breeding 
black duck use of rivers and created and natural wetlands in West Virginia and 
Pennsylvania; 2) Construct time-activity budgets of black ducks within each 
habitat type to calculate basic energy expenditure models;  3) Determine 
potential carrying capacity, based on seeds and invertebrates, of wetlands; 4) 
Relate black duck densities and behavioral activities to landscape and habitat 
characteristics; and 5) Develop regional bioenergetics models of the amount and 
type of habitat needed to meet BDJV goals.

The students will be working toward a Ph.D. in Forest Resources Science 
(Wildlife emphasis) or M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West 
Virginia University (http://www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/).

QUALIFICATIONS: PhD applications are preferred.  M.S. in Wildlife, Ecology, 
Environmental Science, or closely related field for Ph.D. degree or similar 
B.S. degree for M.S. position.   Minimum GPA of 3.4 and combined 
quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 305 (~1,200 old scoring system).  A strong 
interest in waterfowl management is required.  Previous experience with wetland 
and waterfowl is highly desired.

STIPEND: $19,848/year (Ph.D.), $16,536 (MS) plus health insurance and tuition 
waiver.

CONTACT:  Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, Curriculum 
Vitae, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on waterfowl, 
your research and career goals, etc.), copies of transcripts and GRE scores, 
and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Dr. Jim 
Anderson at jim.ander...@mail.wvu.edu.


James T. Anderson, Ph.D.
Davis-Michael Professor Forestry and Natural Resources
Program Coordinator, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Director, Environmental Research Center
West Virginia University
(304) 293-3825 Office
(304) 276-8956 Cell
http://wildlife.wvu.edu/
http://erc.davis.wvu.edu/

[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate/Graduate/Postdoctoral Field Station Summer Research Fellowships

[Kyle Haynes]

Blandy Experimental Farm at University of Virginia has some wonderful 
fellowship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and 
postdocs during summer 2015.  The opportunities are open to applicants 
from any college or university.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):
The program emphasizes experimental, field-based approaches to a wide 
variety of topics such as plant-animal interactions, pollination 
ecology, landscape ecology, and ecosystem ecology.  Successful 
applicants will receive a $5775 stipend, additional money for food, and 
free housing.  Each student picks a research mentor from our pool of 
faculty members and graduate students and then conducts an independent 
research project.  The students will gain experience in experimental 
design, data collection, analytical techniques, and written and oral 
presentation of findings.  REU students also benefit from several 
professional development workshops.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an undergraduate student 
contemplating a future in science.  The application deadline is March 1, 
2015.

To apply: https://sites.google.com/site/blandyreu/

Graduate and Postdoc Research Fellowships:
Are you a graduate student or postdoc in need of a field station? Summer 
stipends ($6000 per summer), free on-site housing, and funds for 
research ($750 per summer) are available for a limited number of 
graduate students or postdocs proposing original research that uses our 
resources and facilities and contributes to the ongoing science program 
at the station. 

Interested students/postdocs should contact a Blandy faculty member to 
discuss conducting your research at Blandy.  You can direct your 
inquiries based on the faculty member with the closest match to your 
research interests; however, we are open to people working in all fields 
of environmental, ecological, and evolutionary research.

Dr. Kyle Haynes (population and landscape ecology, forest insect 
dynamics)
Dr. David Carr (plant reproductive ecology, inbreeding and genetic 
variation)
Dr. T'ai Roulston (pollination, plant-animal interactions, bee biology)

For more information about the station: 
http://blandy.virginia.edu/research. 

[ECOLOG-L] Two PhD Positions Available (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

[Sara Rodock]

*Two PhD Positions Available (University of Wisconsin-Madison)*



We are offering two PhD positions in the Department of Forest and Wildlife
Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Both positions cover a
4-year PhD assistantship scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015.



Position A: This student will lead the use of remote sensing technologies
to identify the spatiotemporal characteristics and environmental drivers of
masting in conifer forest ecosystems. We are interested in exploring the
link between masting and bird populations, although the focus is on remote
sensing of forest ecosystem dynamics. The preferred candidate will have a
strong background in the use of GIS and/or remote sensing in addressing
ecological questions and a broader interest in population biology, species
distribution, and wildlife dynamics.

 Position B: This student will pursue the analysis of an extensive network
of camera traps for modeling the dynamic distributions of wildlife
throughout Wisconsin. The student’s dissertation will involve integrating
camera trap data, existing remote sensing imagery, climate and weather
data, and citizen science databases to develop species distribution models
for state-wide population estimates. The preferred candidate will have a
strong interest in occupancy modeling and/or statistics, GIS and/or remote
sensing, population dynamics, and natural resource management.



Applicants must have a MS degree in geography, forestry, wildlife, ecology
or other related discipline. Applicants with a BS degree will only be
considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. For both
positions, a solid working knowledge of population ecology, GIS or remote
sensing, and statistics are required. Although not a requirement, the
preferred candidate should have experience in spatial statistics and
modeling. Applicants with strong quantitative and modeling skills will be
given preference. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills
are essential. These will be collaborative projects involving the
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and the Wisconsin DNR. The
students will be advised by Drs. Benjamin Zuckerberg (http://goo.gl/32IfVM)
and Phil Townsend (http://goo.gl/m5z0Ch).



Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, but applications received
before February 25th will be given full consideration. The University of
Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We
promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified
individuals to apply.  The position is open to both US citizen and
international candidates. Current annual stipend levels are $21,224 per
year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits.  A
start date of September 2015 is envisioned.



Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to our
Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rod...@wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file
please).

1)  Our departmental graduate application cover sheet (
http://go.wisc.edu/oxbq0b)

2)  Letter outlining research interests, academic and professional
backgrounds. In your cover letter, please specify which project you are
applying for.

3)  Resume or CV

4)  Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point)

5)  GRE scores

6)  Names and contact addresses of three references

Questions should be directed to Drs. Zuckerberg (bzuckerb...@wisc.edu) and
Townsend (ptowns...@wisc.edu).