[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position @ Utah State: Plant populations, ecosystem functions, and global change

[Noelle Beckman]

Graduate positions are available in the Beckman Lab in the Department of 
Biology and 
Ecology Center at Utah State University. The Beckman Lab investigates 
interactions 
between plants and their environment occurring over multiple scales and 
examines the 
role of these interactions in limiting plant populations and maintaining 
biodiversity. Many 
of these interactions are disrupted by global change, and we examine the 
consequences 
of these disruptions for plant communities and ecosystem functions. The 
research group 
uses a combination of empirical and quantitative approaches to address our 
research 
questions. Examples of ongoing projects include: 1) synthesizing data with 
mathematical 
models to predict extinction risk of plant species to climate change, 2) 
understanding the 
importance of seed dispersal under global change, and 3) examining the 
influence of 
dispersal and plant consumers on plant spatial patterns. Before applying, 
interested 
candidates should contact Dr. Beckman (noelle.beckman AT usu.edu) with a letter 
of 
interest, CV, and contact information for two references. More details about 
the research 
group and applying: https://seedscape.github.io/BeckmanLab/GraduatePosition.html

[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position @ Utah State: Macroevolutionary patterns of plant traits in Panama using metabolomics

[Noelle Beckman]

A PhD position is available in the Beckman Lab in the Biology Department & 
Ecology 
Center to investigate macroevolutionary patterns of trait variation in leaves, 
fruit, and 
seeds of trees and shrubs in Panama using a metabolomics approach. Plants 
experience 
simultaneous and often conflicting selective pressures from a diversity of 
antagonists and 
mutualists that feed on different plant parts at different stages of 
development. Yet, the 
large body of theory developed to understand plant defense has focused almost 
exclusively on leaves and leaf herbivores, with little integration of the 
important 
interactions in other parts, such as fruits. This project aims to extend leaf 
defense theory 
to better understand patterns of trait variation and interactions that occur 
across leaves, 
fruits, and seeds. An ideal candidate would have prior experience working with 
tropical 
plants or conducting chemical analyses; experience working with UPLC is a plus. 
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Beckman (noelle.beckman AT usu.edu) 
with a 
letter of interest, CV, and contact information for two references. In your 
letter, include a 
description of your research interests and why you are interested in joining 
the research 
group as well as a summary of your prior research experience and your academic 
background (e.g., relevant coursework). More details about the research group 
and 
applying: https://seedscape.github.io/BeckmanLab/GraduatePosition.html

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Opportunities in Plant Ecology at Utah State University

[Noelle Beckman]

PhD positions are available beginning Fall of 2017 in the research group of Dr. 
Noelle G. Beckman 
in the Department of Biology and Ecology Center at Utah State University.

The Beckman Lab investigates interactions between plants and their environment 
occurring over 
multiple scales and examines the role of these interactions in limiting plant 
populations and 
maintaining biodiversity. Many of these interactions are disrupted by global 
change, and we 
examine the consequences of these disruptions for plant communities and 
ecosystem functions. 
The research group uses a combination of empirical and quantitative approaches 
to address our 
research questions. Examples of ongoing projects include: 1) synthesizing data 
with mathematical 
models to predict extinction risk of plant species to climate change, 2) 
understanding the 
importance of seed dispersal under global change, and 3) examining the 
influence of dispersal and 
plant consumers on plant spatial patterns.

Graduate students will be encouraged to develop creative and independent 
research projects 
related to research themes within the Beckman Lab. Students should have an 
interest in ecological 
theory and combining field/lab studies with modeling (e.g., mathematical, 
statistical, simulation). 
Potential locations for field work include sites in Utah and Panama.

Qualifications
*Previous research experience
*Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
*Strong written and oral communication skills
*Strong quantitative skills and/or interest in developing quantitative skills

Institutional Support
The Beckman Lab is housed in the Department of Biology and Ecology Center at 
Utah State 
University (USU). The research group has on-going research in Panama in 
collaboration with the 
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). USU also has a strong program 
in Mathematical 
Biology. Both at USU and STRI, there are a variety of opportunities for 
education and training, 
resources to conduct research, and opportunities for collaboration in ecology.

USU has excellent resources for students. Full-time graduate students receive 
graduate research or 
teaching assistantships that include stipends, tuition, and health benefits. 
USU, the Department of 
Biology and the Ecology Center have funding opportunities available for 
graduate students . The 
Office of Global Engagement can assist international students, and there is a 
Science Writing Center 
that aids students in increasing their effectiveness in scientific writing. USU 
has a local chapter of 
the The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in 
Science (SACNAS) 
- in which the Biology Department is actively involved.

Location
The main campus of USU is located in Logan, Utah, 85 miles north of Salt Lake 
City. Logan is a city 
of 100,000 people in Cache Valley surrounded by the Wasatch Range of the Rocky 
Mountains. With 
close proximity to mountains, lakes, rivers, and national parks, there are lots 
of opportunities for 
outdoor recreation, including skiing, climbing, mountain biking, etc!

Application Details
Before applying, interested candidates should contact Dr. Beckman (nbeckman AT 
sesync.org) with 
a letter of interest, CV, and contact information for two references. In your 
letter, include a 
description of your research interests and why you are interested in joining 
the research group as 
well as a summary of your prior research experience and your academic 
background (e.g., relevant 
coursework).

The recommended date to pre-apply is December 15 and application to the School 
of Graduate 
Studies is January 15 for full consideration of financial support. See the 
prospective students page 
for application details.

The Beckman Lab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. 
Women, minorities, 
individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

For more details, visit 
http://seedscape.github.io/BeckmanLab/GraduatePosition.html
_
Noelle G. Beckman, Ph.D
Postdoctoral Fellow
National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center
1 Park Place | Ste. 300 | Annapolis, MD  21401
www.noellebeckman.com | verde-elemental.org

Starting July 2017:
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology & Ecology Center
Utah State University

[ECOLOG-L] Computational Summer Institute at SESYNC

[Noelle Beckman]

*SESYNC 2016 Computational Summer Institute*

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites
applications from small teams of researchers for the third annual
Computational Summer Institute. The workshop will be held July 26-29 at
SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland.



The workshop will offer participants hands-on instruction and hacking using
computational tools for socio-environmental synthesis. We will focus
primarily on using R for data management and analysis, GIS, and web
applications. Depending on participant interest, we may also offer sessions
on python, version control, relational databases, and an overview of
methods for qualitative data. Applicants will need to identify a specific
project to work on in advance, and the hacking sessions will match
participants with SESYNC computing and research staff to address
computational and methodological challenges participants face in their
research.



Through this workshop, participants should expect to:

•learn new scientific computing skills

•advance project work

•meet other researchers

•have fun



*Eligibility*

Members of SESYNC science teams will be given priority. Limited slots are
available for other research teams of two or more people who are actively
working on problems at the intersection of humans and the environment with
quantitative and/or qualitative data. Participants from academic,
government, and non-profit research institutions are welcome and may be at
any career stage, from graduate student to senior researcher/faculty.



SESYNC will cover eligible travel expenses, such as airfare and
accommodations, for all participants. Please see our travel policy
 for
more details.



Each participant must provide their own laptop, and teams should bring
their own data from a current research project they work on together.



*To Apply*

Applications are due by May 25 at 5 pm Eastern Time. To apply, please fill
out the SESYNC CSI 2016 Application form found here: *http://sesync.us/e2*






The announcement also lives on the SESYNC website at:
http://www.sesync.org/opportunities/education-workshops/computational-summer-institute-2016





*Lisa Palmer*

Fellow, National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC)

University of Maryland
1 Park Place, Suite 300
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Office: 410-919-4998

Cell:443-875-8320

www.sesync.org

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Work/Life balance from AWIS in Action! September 2011

[Noelle Beckman]

Hi Georgina,

I like that you pointed out that issues of work-life balance concerns both 
academics creating new families as well as those caring for already existing 
families (parents, siblings, spouses). Some families have family members that 
need life-time care due to mental or physical disabilities. These 
responsibilities may come suddenly, for example, following a stroke, or may be 
present since birth, such as autism or down syndrome. A greater workplace 
flexibility for single and married people would allow for academics to continue 
their chosen career path as well as care for family members, responsibilities 
that may or may not be expected. 

Noelle Beckman, Ph.D.
http://web.me.com/noellebeckman/

On Sep 23, 2011, at 11:27 AM, Georgina Cullman wrote:

 Having programs in place to support people who do chose to have families and 
 do not have the option or the inclination to rely on spouses or others for 
 caregiving doesn't take away from those who want to spend all their time 
 working. Power to them! They will probably make tenure faster! But I think it 
 is important to make it possible for those who can't spend all their time 
 working also to advance their careers.
 
 I think it is important to recognize that, if as a society, we want more 
 gender equity in academia then we have to create institutions that don't 
 force people to chose work over family in order to succeed. It is simply a 
 reality that, historically, women have had to make that tough decision and 
 that is why so many university departments are disproportionately male. If we 
 want a more equitable gender distribution then we need to create institutions 
 that deal with the world as it is rather than addressing policies to some 
 abstracted supposedly equal individual.
 
 There are other reasons why creating a more flexible workspace is important 
 -- for people caring for relatives, for people dealing with illness, and for 
 those who have physical disabilities. I want to be part of a more inclusive 
 future in academia.
 
 
 On Sep 22, 2011, at 10:26 PM, Aaron T. Dossey wrote:
 
 The last two paragraphs seem sexist to me, assuming that it's only women who 
 are the home makers, and all women are home makers.
 
 The recommendations in the last paragraph seem discriminatory against 
 unmarried people, and especially unmarried people with no children. At some 
 point, I think the reality has to be recognized that one's family life is 
 not the responsibility of one's employer. Let's say some special perks for 
 married people, and then married people with kids, are instituted (they 
 already kind of are, spousal hirings and such) where does it end? The 
 needs of a single parent are tremendous compared to those of married 
 parents. There is also a large difference in the needs for someone or a 
 couple with one child versus 3, or 5, or 8 (sometimes all at once! :) )! 
 Then there's differences in cultures and religions to consider.
 
 It seems like weaving a very complex web. However, maybe, just maybe 
 everyone can be treated equally as an individual/professional and leave it 
 at that?
 
 Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
 http://www.allthingsbugs.com/Curriculum_Vitae.pdf
 
 
 
 On 9/22/2011 5:19 PM, Judith S. Weis wrote:
 This article from the AWIS newsletter is pertinent to recent discussions
 on this list.
 
 Work-Life Balance and Success in a Scientific Career
 
 Work-life balance in a rigorous academic career is slowly being adopted as
 part of the scientific community’s lexicon, although some resist its
 infiltration. Especially in a tough economic climate with a dwindling
 number of grants being awarded these days, it is of utmost importance for
 researchers to stay on top of their game and produce results. This often
 comes at the expense of personal and family obligations, let alone leisure
 activities. However, some have realized that leisure is an integral part
 of a researcher’s life…not only for work-life balance, but also for the
 betterment of ideas and scientific discovery.
 
 This month in Nature, Dr. Julie Overbaugh from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer
 Research Center in Seattle, WA argues, “Scientists should make time for
 play to complement their intense work, maintain creativity and keep the
 ideas flowing.” She acknowledges that while it is sometimes necessary to
 pull all-nighters in the name of pending deadlines, more hours in the lab
 does not equate to better results. “In fact,” she notes, “I have many of
 my best ideas while walking the dogs in the morning, riding my bike home
 from work or weekending in the mountains.”
 
 For Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa at Johns Hopkins, on the other hand, these types
 of activities are utterly incompatible with a serious career in cancer
 research. Heidi Ledford of Nature News recently decided to investigate
 “24/7 labs” where the number of hours logged is most crucial to success in
 the eyes of the PI, and she interviewed