[ECOLOG-L] Once again: summer volunteers wanted for NYC terrapin project

[Russell L. Burke]

Contrary to whatever text your server might add, this email is neither spoofing 
nor fraudulent

As college students are already looking ahead to next summer, I'll bring to 
your attention and ask you to publicize that once again we will be seeking 
volunteers to assist with a large diamondback terrapin research & conservation 
project in NYC (Jamaica Bay) in June and July.  Once the nesting season starts 
we are pretty much 7 days/week and dawn-dusk, so we need a lot of people that 
can help cover the schedule.  We ask that every volunteer plan to work with us 
at least 1 day/week.  Many college students have worked with us before, and 
we've helped some use this experience count for field experiences, internship 
hours, and research credits at their home institutions.  Unfortunately we are 
not able to pay or house volunteers.  

You can learn more about the project and see videos to prepare volunteers at 
http://jbtr.org/.  

To volunteer please email me at bio...@hofstra.edu.  

Dr. Russell Burke
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Hofstra University

Senior Research Associate
American Littoral Society

[ECOLOG-L] Master of Science student internship at JFK airport and Hofstra University

[Russell L. Burke]

Available: Partially funded Master of Science student internship at J.F.K 
airport and Hofstra University
GPS tracking diamondback terrapins in Jamaica Bay

We welcome applicants for a paid summer (June-August 2018) Wildlife Management 
Internship based at J.F.K. airport (NYC) to be used as partial funding for a 
new M.S. student at nearby Hofstra University.  The internship project (GPS 
tracking terrapins in Jamaica Bay) is to be the subject of the M.S. thesis. 
Additional funding may be available from HU to assist with tuition.  The 
position pays on an hourly basis, the intern can work up to 40 hrs/week.  Pay 
is determined by school level (1st yr grad school pays less than 2nd yr grad 
school).  It is likely that the internship will be available for the same 
student in summer 2019. 

Intern Projects/Responsibilities
*   Collect & manage diamondback terrapin data at JFK
*   Capture, mark, and release female terrapins during nesting season at 
JFK and elsewhere in Jamaica Bay
*   Create a database for satellite data of terrapin locations
*   Train staff on handling and marking terrapins, as needed
*   Assist with other airport wildlife projects, as needed
*   Assist with data entry and management of wildlife strike and wildlife 
control databases
*   Create round mounts (study skins) for staff training and development

Skills/Qualifications Required  
*   Biology-related undergraduate degree
*   Significant and demonstrated skills in math and statistics
*   Wildlife identification 
*   Frequent work outdoors
*   Flexible hours based on tides and terrapin nesting schedule
*   Work with live and dead animals
*   Good communication skills
*   Able to work independently
*   Proficient in MS Excel, MS Access, MS Word, R, and especially GIS

Additional Information: Must be able to pass 10-yr background check to obtain 
airport identification badge (fingerprints required)

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Russell Burke (bio...@hofstra.edu) and 
Laura Francoeur (lfran...@panynj.gov).  

[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Wildlife Research in NYC summer 2017

[Russell L. Burke]

Once again we will be welcoming volunteers, especially undergraduate students, 
to help with our long-term research project on diamondback terrapins in New 
York City's Jamaica Bay in June and July 2017.  The field site can be easily 
reached by train, bus, or car from NYC, Long Island, and nearby NJ.  The field 
work involves mark-recapture of nesting terrapins, monitoring nests and 
raccoons, and interacting with park visitors.  This is an excellent opportunity 
for students to enhance their experience with urban wildlife and scientific 
research.  Please pass this information on to your undergraduate students and 
other potentially interested people.  More on Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research is 
available at http://jbtr.org/.  For more information, contact Dr. Russell Burke 
at bio...@hofstra.edu.  

[ECOLOG-L] Upcoming Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research Season--volunteers needed!

[Russell L. Burke]

Subject: Upcoming Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research Season--volunteers needed!
Once again we are seeking new and returning volunteers to help with the 
diamondback terrapin (DBT) research and conservation project at Jamaica Bay 
(NYC) in June and July 2016.  It is still cold outside, but oftentimes folks 
need to plan pretty far ahead.  A lot has changed at JB recently and we have 
lots of new projects, so this year is bound to be exciting.
Volunteer work can be arranged around anyone's summer schedule.  The volunteer 
experience varies tremendously between people because of differences in 
abilities.  Most of our volunteers come out one or two days/week, others come 
out for one longer stretch of days or weeks.  Work mostly involves walking thru 
known nesting areas and looking for nesting DBT, then following a standard 
protocol for marking nests, capturing DBT, and data collection.  We do not work 
with volunteers under the age of 17.  We regularly make arrangements for 
students to get college credit for their work experience.
The research site is easily accessible from NYC, Long Island, and nearby NJ by 
car, subway, or bus.  Volunteers are never more than a 20 minute walk to the 
Jamaica Bay Visitor Center, which is air conditioned and has water and 
restrooms.

To learn more, visit our web site at jbtr.org.  To join us, email me at 
bio...@hofstra.edu.  You can also join us at the 
Facebook group Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and 
Conservation.
-

Re: [ECOLOG-L] promoting Ecology course

[Russell L. Burke]

Don't you all think it is high time we had a text book for a course like this 
called why pre-health students should study ecology and evolution?  We could 
cover every major topic taught in intro ecology and evolution courses using 
medical examples--human microbiome, evolution of resistance, biodiversity and 
human public health...why hasn't anyone written this book?

Lyme disease and malaria would be great case studies for such a book

RBurke

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Emily Moran
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2016 8:03 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] promoting Ecology course

If the question is "how do we get more students to see ecology as an 
interesting career path" rather than "how to we get premeds to take ecology 
classes", the key seems to be to expose them to interesting uses of ecology and 
interesting ecological careers as early as possible.
In most schools, the kids who come in wanting to major in biology tend to say 
they are pre-med, in part because that is the only biology-related career they 
are aware of.  

One thing we're trying at UCM is to have ladder-rank faculty give guest 
lectures in the intro bio class - along with delivering the basic material, we 
get the chance to tell students a little about our research and have the option 
of talking about how they can get involved in research, other classes they 
might consider if they like the ecology/evolution section of bio 1, or career 
paths.  It is too early yet to see if it is having much effect in recruiting 
students to the EEB track or environmental sciences major, but I know I got 
some good questions from students about options for including plant-related 
stuff in their educational and career trajectory.

Involving students in research and hands on projects in their freshman or 
sophomore year can also be a great way to stoke their interest in biology 
outside of a clinical setting.

Emily Moran
UC Merced

> 
> 
> On 2/1/16, 11:23 AM, "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, 
> news on behalf of Kay Shenoy"  kay.yellowt...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Does anybody have ideas on how to promote Ecology among Biology 
>> undergraduates? We are finding that Biology majors are increasingly 
>> focused on health-care fields; many students consider Ecology 
>> ³unimportant² for their future careers, and it is not addressed in 
>> the MCAT exams, so they give it a low priority. How does one increase 
>> enrollment in Ecology courses, and particularly in schools that do 
>> not have dedicated Ecology departments? Any thoughts would be welcome!

[ECOLOG-L] help with Density 5.0

[Russell L. Burke]

I am having trouble using the spatially explicit capture-recapture program 
Density 5.0, basically I can’t access the Help files.  There are some hints in 
the online forum that this may happen due to security issues, but that doesn’t 
seem to be happening in my case.  Otherwise, the online forum and attempts to 
contact the author have so far not been very, umm, helpful.  Can someone who 
has used this program please contact me off list?
Breann Ross ross.bre...@yahoo.com

[ECOLOG-L] marking raccoons for phototraps

[Russell L. Burke]

I am conducting both a camera trap study and a mark-recapture study of a local 
raccoon population.  It would make my camera trap study more effective if the 
raccoons were uniquely identifiable, so that I could identify them individuals 
in the night-time photos.  Because I am also capturing and temporarily sedating 
them, I have the opportunity to mark them.  Has anyone ever used hair dyes or 
other techniques to mark mammals in such a way that they are uniquely 
identified in nocturnal pictures?  

Raccoons quickly remove ear tags, which would be too small to see reliably in 
photographs anyway.  I cannot use collars or other attachments.  I am looking 
for a method, such as a dye or bleach, of making long-lasting (a few months, 
anyway) marks on the sides of raccoons.  

If you have any suggestions please contact me offlist.

Russell Burke
bio...@hofstra.edu

[ECOLOG-L] measuring distance to the surface from inside a burrow

[Russell L. Burke]

I am crowd sourcing this technical question: i am going to put a flexible rod 
down into a twisting convoluted animal burrow, with temperature loggers along 
the rod's length, and leave it in the burrow to record temperatures at 
different depths over a winter. It could go as much as 7 meters deep at the 
bottom. 
How do I accurately measure depth (=vertical distance to the soil surface) at 
each of these points?
An altimeter or GPS is not accurate enough. And i can't dig up the burrow.  
Is there a device that does this?

RB

[ECOLOG-L] seeking volunteers to help with NYC diamondback terrapin (DBT) research and conservation project

[Russell L. Burke]

Once again I am seeking volunteers to help with our diamondback terrapin (DBT) 
research and conservation project at Jamaica Bay (New York City) in June and 
July 2015. We have lots of new projects so this is likely to be a particularly 
interesting year.  See our website at http://jbtr.org/.

Volunteer work can be arranged around anyone's summer schedule, including that 
of NYC visitors, as long as you can commit at least one day/week. Prospective 
volunteers should contact me via email (bio...@hofstra.edu) or on Facebook thru 
the Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and Conservation FB group. Most volunteers 
decide to come out one or two days/week, others come out for one longer stretch 
of days or weeks. We train people to follow our protocols; work mostly involves 
walking thru known nesting areas and looking for nesting DBT, then following a 
standard protocol for marking nests, capturing DBT, and data collection. We 
also go in areas where visitors are not allowed. When you do this, you must be 
wearing an official terrapin volunteer t-shirt.

No one under 17 without a parent or guardian along. Students who return for a 
second year can arrange their own research project for college credit.  We have 
a good history of publishing papers from college undergraduate projects.

You can join us at the Facebook group Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and 
Conservation, check out our website (http://jbtr.org/) or email me 
(bio...@hofstra.edu) for more information.

Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation Department 
of Biology Hofstra University

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate School Funding Advice

[Russell L. Burke]

A word from the other side of the desk might be useful.  I'm a professor at one 
of the very many mostly undergraduate institutions that has a small graduate 
program.  We offer two master's degrees (Biology and Urban Ecology) but not a 
PhD program.  In my 19 years here I have graduated 13 graduate students, all of 
which have gone on to bigger and better things.  Four are currently in PhD 
programs, others are in industry and gov't and education.  I have 5 (!) 
defending this spring and three entering my lab this summer.  Only two were 
fully funded via outside grant support.  

This discussion has centered around finding funded MS programs.  In contrast, 
we have very little financial support for our graduate students here, and both 
tuition (~$32K) and cost of living are high. We therefore do all this without 
very much funding, in fact I can't promise my incoming students much support at 
all.  We patch together limited internal funding, mostly tuition assistance, 
with teaching assistantships, summer research fellowships, local environmental 
jobs, and yes, loans.  We always find the funding needed for the projects 
themselves. My master's students all get some experience writing funding 
proposals themselves, and some are funded. I regularly lose good prospective 
students to other institutions that provide more support.  Nevertheless, I have 
had an extraordinary run of talented students over the years, and we've done 
great work.  I think everyone has gotten their money's worth and then some.  
The take home: finding a fully funded project is not the only good way to go.

When I talk with prospective grad students I try to make all this very clear, 
and if they have a better opportunity elsewhere I encourage them to take it.  
Signing on at schools like Hofstra is a financial gamble.  But with the right 
student and the right project and the right advisor it can be great, and it can 
be the right career move.  I strongly recommend meeting any prospective 
advisor, spending a little time in the lab or field with his/her students, and 
looking at the lab's track record.  Kick the tires a bit before making the 
deal.  


Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
http://russelllburke.wix.com/labs

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Assistant Needed

[Russell L. Burke]

Summer Field Assistant Needed
Location: Edinburg, Texas
Salary: Stipend (TBD), housing, shared rental car 
Start Date: Mid May 
End Date: Mid to Late August   
Last Date to Apply: March 27, 2015
 
Position Description:  Undergraduate field assistant needed for the summer. 
Assistant will be helping a graduate student with thesis research. Research 
involves measuring the response of male Bronzed Cowbirds to urban noise during 
courtship displays. Responsibilities for this position include extracting birds 
from mist nets, setting up and breaking down mist nets and field equipment, 
transporting equipment in a vehicle, and recording observations with a camera, 
microphone, and field notebook. There may also be opportunities to gain 
experience placing color bands on the legs of birds.  Interested applicants 
should email a cover letter and resume detailing relevant experience and 
qualifications to Dr. Kathleen Lynch at kathleen.s.ly...@hofstra.edu (also see 
https://sites.google.com/site/lynchbehaviorlab/home).  

Qualifications: 
-Valid driver's license  
-Must be comfortable with animal dissections 
-Familiarity with animal physiology 
-Interest in bird research, experience handling birds or small animals preferred
-Ability to comfortably and peacefully live with others in close quarters 
-Applicant must also be able to work in hot weather for several hours and stay 
focused. Communication skills, patience, and respect for animal life are 
required.

[ECOLOG-L] field x-ray equipment

[Russell L. Burke]

I look like to hear from anyone who has recent experience with portable x-ray 
equipment.  I would like to x-ray box turtles and other turtles in the field to 
assess gravidity and clutch size.  If you can tell me what you've used, what 
you liked and/or didn't like, I'd be grateful.

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
516.463.7272

[ECOLOG-L] volunteers needed for NYC terrapin project

[Russell L. Burke]

Once again I am seeking volunteers to help with our diamondback terrapin (DBT) 
research and conservation project at Jamaica Bay (New York City) in June and 
July 2015. We have lots of new projects so this is likely to be a particularly 
interesting year.  See our website at http://jbtr.org/.

Volunteer work can be arranged around anyone's summer schedule, including NYC 
visitors', as long as you can commit at least one day/week. Prospective 
volunteers should contact me via email or on Facebook thru the Jamaica Bay 
Terrapin Research and Conservation FB group. Most volunteers decide to come out 
one or two days/week, others come out for one longer stretch of days or weeks. 
Work mostly involves walking thru known nesting areas and looking for nesting 
DBT, then following a standard protocol for marking nests, capturing DBT, and 
data collection. We also go in areas where visitors are not allowed. When you 
do this, you must be wearing an official terrapin volunteer t-shirt.

No one under 17 without a parent or guardian along. Students who return for a 
second year can arrange their own research project for college credit.
It is helpful if you have a pair of binoculars. Volunteers are never more than 
a 20 minute walk to the Jamaica Bay Visitor Center, which is air conditioned 
and has water and restrooms.

You can join us at the Facebook group Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and 
Conservation, check out our website (http://jbtr.org/) or email me 
(bio...@hofstra.edumailto:bio...@hofstra.edu) for more information.
Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University

[ECOLOG-L] two somewhat obscure publications

[Russell L. Burke]

I am looking for two somewhat obscure publications:

Fitch, Henry Sheldon. Home ranges, territories, and seasonal movements of 
vertebrates of the Natural History Reservation. Vol. 11. No. 3. University of 
Kansas, 1958. 

Schwartz, E. R., C. W. Schwartz, and A. R. Kiester. The three-toed box turtle 
in central Missouri, part 11: A nineteen-year study of home range, movements, 
and population. Missouri Dept. Cons., Terr. Ser 12 (1984).

Unbelievably, my interlibrary loan folks have declared failure.  Anyone maybe 
have pdf versions of one or the other?

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University

[ECOLOG-L] GIS instructor wanted on Long Island, NY

[Russell L. Burke]

I'm looking for a temporary (1 semester) part-time adjunct instructor for a 
graduate level Introduction to GIS course.  Must be someone within commuting 
distance of Hofstra University in central Nassau County on Long Island (NY).  
The first half of the course should be instruction, the second half of the 
course the students should work on projects.  The course is structured to meet 
one evening/week fall semester (2 September 2014- 9 December 2014).  
Significant GIS experience and relevant academic background required.  Contact 
Dr. Russell Burke, Department of Biology, Hofstra University, 
bio...@hofstra.edu.  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field courses, continued

[Russell L. Burke]

I mentioned in my previous post that we are happily increasing the field 
courses associated with our new Urban Ecology program.  We have BA  BS, MA  
MS, and combined BA-MA and BS-MS programs in UE.  We have no problems working 
with local mammals, which are abundant.  Of course they include feral cats and 
house mice, but also red fox, skunks, and otter here on Long Island.  There's 
no doubt these species are adapting to suburban environments here as they have 
elsewhere.  And there's clear evidence that coyotes are coming, invading from 
both the east and west ends of Long Island.  We don't have to travel far to get 
to environments with a pretty nice assortment of mammals, some of these are on 
our suburban campus.  

Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
516.463.7272


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of David L. McNeely
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2014 10:35 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field courses, continued

Excellent, Ryan.  However, I will point out that though urban environments may 
have limited access to field sites for study, that does not mean that there are 
no field sites for study in urban environments.  Urban environments have 
substantial populations of wild mammals, some feral, some natives that have 
adapted to the urban environment.  Perhaps a look at these populations might be 
in order in college vertebrate biology courses.  Surely interested faculty 
members could find a way to use their own campus as a field site, and with 
cooperation from public agencies, other urban settings could be studied.  Most 
cities have parks, public buildings, rivers and creeks, residential 
developments.  Studying in such locales may be more difficult than in rural 
locations, but it could not only be educationally profitable, but could 
generate new information about poorly understood populations and communities.

David McNeely

 Ryan wrote: 
 This discussion reminded me of the 2007 paper by Mark Hafner (a fellow 
 mammalogist/ecologist) titled “Field research in mammalogy: An enterprise in 
 peril (Journal of Mammalogy, 88:1119-1128). In that paper he describes the 
 decline of college-level field experiences for future mammalogists. Partly in 
 response to that paper, I wrote a field manual for vertebrates that has 56 
 field-based exercises for college students. I say field-based, because about 
 30% of the exercises can be done in the lab without actually collecting field 
 data. These use real world field datasets (available on my website) in place 
 of the students actually collecting the data themselves. The main reason for 
 that is the recognition that many institutions are in urban environments and 
 have limited access to field sites. Nevertheless, students can see how the 
 data was collected and then work with that data to analyze patterns and test 
 hypotheses. For example, there is a data set of GPS tracking data for grizzly 
 bears in Montana and southern Canada. Students can make predictions about 
 bear behavior and elevation/habitat in June versus October and plot that data 
 on Google Earth, etc.
 
 If any one is interested here is the link to the field manual:
 http://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ryan/field-and-laboratory-techniques-in
 -vertebrate-biology/paperback/product-18944438.html
 
 This may seem like shameless self promotion, but I don’t really make any 
 money off the manual. Rather my main goal is to provide people with some 
 ideas for field and/or lab exercises  that could be used to train future 
 vertebrate biologists. I’m planning on revising the manual again this summer 
 so if any one has ideas for me to include, let me know.
 
 Find a detailed Table of Contents here:
 http://www.wildmammal.com/page15/
 and a link to the datasets here:
 http://www.wildmammal.com/downloads.html
 
 
 --
 Dr. Jim Ryan
 Biology Department
 Hobart  William Smith Colleges
 Geneva, NY 14456
 Www.wildmammal.com
 
 
 On 5/18/14, 10:54 AM, David L. McNeely 
 mcnee...@cox.netmailto:mcnee...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Jordan mentions another aspect, the decline of courses on particular 
 taxonomic groups of organisms.  Those of us old enough to have used (or even 
 taught) the Odum ecology text well remember his layer cake graphic of the 
 organization of biological science. He represented biology as a layer cake, 
 with taxonomic groups making up the cake's layers, while functional studies 
 such as ecology, evolution, and physiology he treated as slices through the 
 whole cake.   Using that metaphor, the layers of the cake are missing from 
 the modern biologist's education.  How many institutions still offer courses 
 in mammalogy, ichthyology, plant systematics, phycology and so on?  Some do, 
 yes, but these courses may be disappearing even more than courses 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based courses

[Russell L. Burke]

I work at a small private primarily undergraduate school and we are currently 
ramping up our field courses, especially associated with our new Urban Ecology 
program.  We plan to integrate more molecular techniques and other lab based 
techniques into the field courses, to show students that modern ecology is a 
mix.  We are also planning a new field techniques course for our incoming grad 
students, who come from all the schools discussed here that have dropped 
their's.  So send your students to us!

Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Malcolm McCallum
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 11:37 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] [PossibleSpam] Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based 
courses

Sure, many do.  However,
I just interviewed at a land grant last week that had only ichthyology from 
what I could see.
I guess they could have been hidden somewhere and I missed them.  Its not that 
hard to miss! :) M

On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 10:08 AM, Chris Ayers cay...@cfr.msstate.edu wrote:
 It seems like the land grant institutions still have productive applied 
 programs with many field-based ecology courses and studies. The Wildlife 
 Society and other organizations still have conferences with many 
 presentations of studies of field-based data collection.

 Christopher R. Ayers
 Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
 Mississippi State University
 Cell: 804-239-2137
 Office: 662-325-8611
 cay...@cfr.msstate.edu


 -Original Message-
 From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
 [mailto:ECOLOG-L@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of David L. McNeely
 Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 9:07 AM
 To: ECOLOG-L@listserv.umd.edu
 Subject: [PossibleSpam] Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based courses

 I have been observing this for some time now.  Organisms and their habitats 
 are being written out of biology, so far as direct experience with them is 
 concerned.  We soon will have no means of knowing what is going on in nature, 
 as no one will be investigating nature, or even have a clue as to how to do 
 so.  It is somewhat disconcerting to attend conferences and witness paper 
 presentations where it is clear that the presenter has never seen a living, 
 wild specimen of the organism being reported on and would not know how to go 
 about finding one.

 The Southwestern Association of Naturalists has recently approved, to be 
 awarded for the first time at its annual meeting in San Diego next April, a 
 new Student Field Natural History Award.  Details concerning this competition 
 will be available on the SWAN web site and in the annual call for papers, but 
 essentially it provides a prestigious award and a monetary prize for the 
 outstanding paper which includes a substantial field component presented by a 
 student member at the annual meeting.  More details will appear on the SWAN 
 web site and in the annual call for papers for next year.  To qualify for the 
 competition, the investigation reported on must have been carried out on the 
 natural history (essentially ecology and evolution) of organisms in the 
 southwestern portion of North America (as defined by SWAN) where they occur 
 in their environments.

 I would encourage ESA and other societies to consider implementing awards for 
 field based studies.

 David McNeely

  David Inouye ino...@umd.edu wrote:
 I'm posting this for a colleague who wanted to remain anonymous but 
 would be interested in your comments. We've suffered the same loss of 
 field-based courses at the University of Maryland, but I think for 
 other reasons.

 David Inouye

 My ecology/evolution/plant diversity students are always shocked when 
 I tell them about one way in which the shift towards genomics in 
 ecology and evolution is largely responsible for the disappearance of 
 almost all field courses in my department (and probably elsewhere).  
 I don't think that this is exactly what you had in mind regarding an 
 example of how rapidly and significantly ecological science and 
 evolution are changing, but I don't think it's too off-track.

 We now have six evolutionary biologists in my department (including 
 myself), and only one of us (me) does any field work other than to 
 find-and-grind organisms for genomics work.  The rest is computer 
 modeling and lab work, conducting Petri-dish and vial-based 
 experiments with flies or microorganisms.  Not surprisingly, these 
 lab-based faculty are not only pale and wan, but they're completely 
 uninterested in -- and dismiss as too noisy -- field experiments 
 aimed to detect the process or outcome of natural selection in wild 
 populations.  So, not only are they unable to teach field-based 
 courses (or even to run local field trips), but they're now raising a 
 

[ECOLOG-L] volunteers needed for NYC terrapin project

[Russell L. Burke]

Once again I am seeking volunteers to help with the diamondback terrapin (DBT) 
research and conservation project at Jamaica Bay (New York City) in June and 
July 2014. We’ve had a long and cold winter and we have lots of new projects so 
this is likely to be a particularly interesting year.  

Volunteer work can be arranged around anyone's summer schedule, including NYC 
visitors as long as you can commit at least several days. Prospective 
volunteers should contact me via email or here on Facebook. Most volunteers 
decide to come out one or two days/week, others come out for one longer stretch 
of days or weeks. Work mostly involves walking thru known nesting areas and 
looking for nesting DBT, then following a standard protocol for marking nests, 
capturing DBT, and data collection. We also go in areas where visitors are not 
allowed. When you do this, you must be wearing an official terrapin volunteer 
t-shirt. 

No one under 16 without a parent or guardian along. It is helpful if you have a 
pair of binoculars. Volunteers are never more than a 20 minute walk to the 
Jamaica Bay Visitor Center, which is air conditioned and has water and 
restrooms. 

You can join us at the Facebook group Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research and 
Conservation or email me (bio...@hofstra.edu) for more information.

[ECOLOG-L] drop off collar for feral cats

[Russell L. Burke]

I am planning on putting video cameras on feral cats and I need a drop off 
collar so I can retrieve the cameras.  Most people who have put things on 
collars on feral cats before have apparently either worked with cats that they 
could capture repeatedly or accepted that some collars would be lost through 
non-recovery.  I am going to be working with cats that I know are pretty 
trap-shy, so I don't want to count on catching them a second time.

There are lots of companies that make drop off collars, but everything I have 
seen is too big and heavy.  Has anyone out there already solved this problem?

Dr. Russell Burke
Professor, Chair
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
516.463.7272

[ECOLOG-L] microbial ecologist, environmental microbiologist or marine microbiologist

[Russell L. Burke]

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY
Microbiology

Hofstra University Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time, 
tenure-track, assistant professor position in Microbiology.  Preferred 
candidates will have experience in areas related to microbial ecology, 
environmental microbiology or marine microbiology.  The successful candidate 
must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education and experience 
in teaching, with the ability to teach microbiology for biology majors, 
introductory cell biology and genetics, and upper levels courses in their area 
of expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at a 
variety of levels, i.e. undergraduate majors and non-majors, and Master's 
students.  In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to establish 
and maintain a research program in a sub-discipline of microbiology that has a 
strong potential to obtain external funding and is accessible to both 
undergraduate and Master's research students.  Candidates must have a Ph.D. in 
a relevant discipline and experience in course development and design.  
Experience with innovative teaching techniques is desirable.  Post-doctoral 
experience is required.  Interested individuals should submit: (1) a curriculum 
vitae (indicating specific teaching experience), (2) a statement of research 
interests, (3) a statement of teaching experience, interests and philosophy, 
and (4) letters from three references sent to: Faculty Search, Department of 
Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1140, or email application 
documents (in PDF format) to russell.l.bu...@hofstra.edu.  The Department of 
Biology is a medium-sized, diverse, and growing department.  Additional 
information about the department, faculty, facilities, etc. is posted on the 
web at: http://hofstra.edu/biology.   Application materials should be received 
by September 13, 2013.  Starting date: September 2014.

Hofstra University is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

[ECOLOG-L] Plant ecologist

[Russell L. Burke]

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY
Plant Ecology

Hofstra University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position 
at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology.  The 
successful candidate will be qualified to teach urban ecology, plant biology, 
ecology/evolution and statistics.  The successful candidate should be able to 
teach courses at a variety of levels, i.e. undergraduate majors and non-majors, 
and Master's students.  Faculty in Biology must maintain an active, productive 
and externally funded research program accessible to both undergraduate and 
Master's research students.  The specific areas of research are open, however 
preference will be given to candidates whose research involves local or 
regional urban habitats and who can participate actively in our Urban Ecology 
program.  Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, experience in 
course development and design, and demonstrated teaching ability.  An interest 
in and/or experience with innovative teaching techniques is desirable.  
Post-doctoral experience is preferred.  Interested individuals should submit: 
(1) a curriculum vitae (indicating specific teaching experience, (2) statement 
of research interests, (3) statement of teaching interests, philosophy and 
experience, and (4) letters from three references sent to: Faculty Search, 
Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1140, or email 
application documents (in PDF format) to russell.l.bu...@hofstra.edu.  The 
Department of Biology is a medium-sized, diverse, and growing department.  
Additional information about the department, faculty, facilities, etc. is 
posted on the web at: http://hofstra.edu/biology.  Application materials should 
be received by September 13, 2013.  Starting date: September 2014

Hofstra University is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

[ECOLOG-L] quantifying snails, slugs, worms, and mushroom biomasses

[Russell L. Burke]

I am starting a project where I will be trying to compare the amounts of 
available food for box turtles on different site.  They have diverse diets, and 
some of what may be important includes terrestrial snails, slugs, worms, and 
mushrooms.  I need to come up with ways to estimate biomass of these groups, 
and for now will not worry about species identification.  Anyone out there have 
experience measuring biomass of these groups?
For snails and slugs and mushrooms, I am considering line transect searches 
under comparable moist conditions with appropriate temperatures.
For worms, I have been reading about the use of water with powdered mustard 
mixed in to drive them to the surface.  Anyone actually done this?

Dr. Russell Burke
Professor
Department of Biology
Hofstra University

[ECOLOG-L] best test question this semester

[Russell L. Burke]

As I grade the last few questions on my ecology finals, i realize that some of 
the test questions I came up with this semester were better than 
others--clearer, addressed more important ecological concepts, provoked more 
thoughtful answers, etc.  I suspect those of you out there also teaching 
undergraduate ecology classes like mine have made similar observations.  So 
tell us all: what was your best test question this semester?  Share with all.  

At the  moment, mine is:

Purple loosestrife is a highly invasive plant species from eastern Europe that 
has invaded much of the U.S.  It forms dense monocultures that outcompete 
native plant species.  An eastern European root-mining weevil has been used 
successfully in some places in the U.S. to control  purple loosestrife.  What 
do these successes indicate about whether loosestrife is primarily controlled 
by density dependent or density independent factors in its native range and in 
the U.S.?  Do these successes support or challenge the Enemy release 
hypothesis?  Justify your answers.  

My students asked me to tell them what monoculture and weevil meant.  The 
challenges of teaching in an urban environment.  


Dr. Russell Burke
Professor
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
516.463.7272

Re: [ECOLOG-L] The Audacity of Graduate School -training grad students in teaching and outreach

[Russell L. Burke]

I said in my earlier posting that on faculty search committees at my largely 
undergraduate teaching-focused university, we specifically look for people who 
showed an interest in teaching early on; we want people that have actually run 
lecture courses.  We find such people.  We're not doing this to make life more 
difficult for the graduate students of the world, we're doing it because we 
want to maximize the odds we will hire people who will do a great job teaching 
our students and also survive our tenure process.  

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University




-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Aaron T. Dossey
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 8:55 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] The Audacity of Graduate School -training grad 
students in teaching and outreach

Although I agree that experience teaching can give one a competitive edge in 
the ever more tiny faculty job market, and provide other benefits as helping 
guide one's career priorities, stay fresh with the basics etc BUT:

I fear that this emerging trend to give more teaching 'opportunities' 
to students and postdocs is a thinly veiled method to, like has been done with 
research, grantwriting and many other things, farm out or pass along 
undesirable workloads to students and postdocs (ie: distill the faculty job 
description down to pullet points, keep those with a career benefit and have 
students and postdocs do those which are left).  In fact I generally cringe 
(literally, often physically) when I see the word opportunity in titles of 
emails in this list associated with graduate school positions (jobs? really?) 
and postdoc positions.

Funding agencies, accreditation entities, institutions, etc. must watch this 
VERY CAREFULLY lest it devolve into a pyramid scheme like research has been for 
some time.



On 10/22/2012 7:29 PM, Christa Mulder wrote:
 Hi All,

 I would like to comment on the need for training in teaching mentioned 
 in earlier posts in this thread, and the comment below that students 
 often have little opportunity to gain such training or experience.
 Things are changing rapidly: many universities now offer programs that 
 provide training specifically aimed at graduate students who expect to 
 have teaching (or outreach) be a significant part of their career.
 This follows from an increasing awareness that providing rigorous 
 training in one aspect (research) and none in another (teaching or 
 generally communicating science) when both are likely to be crucial 
 components of future careers makes as much sense as training pianists 
 to play with their right hand and expect the left hand to follow along 
 at the first concert (this analogy was first provided by Jo Handelsman 
 in her 2003 article Teaching scientists to teach, HHMI bulletin 
 12:31). For example, at my university we have just submitted the 
 paperwork to have a 12-credit Certificate in Teaching and Outreach 
 aimed at graduate students in the sciences. Students who complete this 
 will have practical training in course development, active learning 
 techniques, evaluative techniques etc., they will have completed an 
 internship (with a mentor faculty member in a college classroom, in a
 K-12 classroom, or in an informal educational setting such as a museum 
 or visitor's center), and they will have a teaching portfolio, 
 including a teaching philosophy statement based on experience rather 
 than just ideas, that should help them obtain employment. Of course 
 this takes more time initially - but in the long run it probably saves 
 time as the level of frustration in teaching is reduced. And of course 
 it should increase the quality of teaching that undergraduates are 
 exposed to in the next generation.

 With respect to training in budget management and similar skills: I 
 would strongly encourage graduate students to get together and ask 
 their  faculty  for skills-based courses. These could be short courses 
 or weekend workshops. It too will save you time in the long run.

 Good luck to everyone entering the job market.

 Sincerely,
 Christa Mulder


 On 10/22/2012 1:03 PM, Tyler Hicks wrote:
 I've been following this thread with great interest. I've found many 
 of the comments to be on par with my own graduate school experiences.
 My graduate school experience has been a mixed bag of positive and 
 negative experiences. However, I've found that overall the graduate 
 school experience has not been everything that I hoped it would be.
 When I originally made the decision to go to graduate school I did so 
 because I was interested in pursing an academic career 
 (teaching/research). Personally, I am still on the fence about a 
 research versus teaching position but giving the saturation of the job 
 market the choice may be made for me (at the least at the entry 
 level). However, in many ways I feel 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] The Audacity of Graduate School -Knowledge of Today Documentary

[Russell L. Burke]

I have served on many faculty search committees for positions at a largely 
undergraduate teaching-focused university--the sort of school that hires a 
large fraction of recent grads and post-docs into tenure-track positions.  We 
specifically look for people who showed an interest in teaching early on, and 
note that serving as a lab TA and giving guest lectures means little to us.  We 
want people that have actually run lecture courses.  Surprisingly, we get a 
fair number of those, such as people who took over a summer course or a special 
session course.  We also look for people who attended professional workshops in 
innovative teaching techniques.  

After that, we look for pubs and grants.  We don't need to see a huge amount of 
either, but we need to see some for a person to make a short list.


Dr. Russell Burke
Professor
Donald E. Axinn Distinguished Professor in Ecology and Conservation
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
516.463.7272



-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Judith S. Weis
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 10:31 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] The Audacity of Graduate School -Knowledge of Today 
Documentary

In my experience, search committees also look for individuals who have 
published while in graduate school. This usually requires motivation and 
efforts by both the student and the advisor.



  I'm very sorry to see that a few folks have had bad experiences in 
 grad school. Many of us had very happy and productive times as 
 graduate students. But I've seen enough over the years to recognize 
 that faults in advisors, or in advisees, or both can result in 
 mediocre to bad outcomes - most often for the advisee, but sometimes for the 
 advisor as well.

  I did, however, want to comment on the statement that

 When we graduate, we have more or less the same credentials as 
 everyone else (with) a degree.


  If you intend to pursue an academic career in research, nothing could 
 be further than the truth. In cases where large numbers of recently 
 minted Ph.D.'s or post-docs apply for several jobs in the same field, 
 often the same, relatively few individuals get to short lists and are 
 interviewed across the country. Applicants whose Ph.D. research (and 
 subsequent work) are perceived to have significant, novel implications 
 - and be scalable to future endeavors, and fundable by NSF or other 
 agencies or foundations - are much more likely to be interviewed and 
 offered jobs. That is what search committees look for. Not that search 
 committees never make mistakes; they do, sometimes egregiously. A 
 Ph.D. gets you in the door to submit an application, but you need 
 excellent research, combined with strong writing and oral presentation 
 skills, ability to think on your feet, and empathy to interact well 
 with students and colleagues, to have a real chance of success at 
 landing a job at first- or second-tier universities.


 Thomas J. Givnish
 Henry Allan Gleason Professor of Botany University of Wisconsin

 givn...@wisc.edu
 http://botany.wisc.edu/givnish/Givnish/Welcome.html




 On 10/18/12, brandi gartland  wrote:
 As I am currently deciding on whether to enter a PhD program vs.
 consulting work/career position, I am finding this feed quite 
 informative and wanted to respond to:

 When we graduate, we have more or less the same credentials as 
 everyone else a degree. There are many successful scientists without 
 Ph.D.'s but many more with Ph.D.'s who are unemployed.

 I immediately thought of sharing this documentary, as it illustrates 
 this very point as well as other ideas:

 http://www.knowledgeoftoday.org/2012/02/education-college-conspiracy-
 exposed.html

 -It illustrates how the U.S. educational system is not what it used 
 to be and exposes the facts and truth about America's college 
 education system. It was was produced over a six-month period by 
 NIA's team of expert Austrian economists with the help of thousands 
 of NIA members who contributed their ideas and personal stories for 
 the film. NIA believes the U.S. college education system is a scam 
 that turns vulnerable young Americans into debt slaves for life.


 Best wishes for us all in life, love, work, and happiness.

 Brandi
 M.S. Candidate Avian Sciences
 University of California, Davis






  Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:29:21 -0700
  From: jane@gmail.com
  Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] The Audacity of Graduate School
  To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 
  On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 6:40 AM, Aaron T. Dossey 
  bugoc...@gmail.com
 wrote:
   When we graduate, we have more or less the same credentials as
 everyone else
   - a degree. There are many successful scientists without Ph.D.'s 
   but
 many
   more with Ph.D.'s who are unemployed.
 
  Can you make a rough estimate of the relative frequencies of each.
 
   Also, to emphasize how little we get out of a Ph.D. (a lot 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Geiger counters

[Russell L. Burke]

http://www.sciplus.com/search.cfm?utm_source=internalutm_medium=searchutm_content=cfutm_campaign=celsearchtestformfield1234567891=89formfield1234567892=7formfield1234567894=term=geigerbtnHand.x=0btnHand.y=0


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Me
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2012 3:00 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Geiger counters

Back during the height of the Fukushima Disaster I looked into this a bit when 
commercial GCs were scarce. Turns out its not difficult to DIY; kits abound and 
there are other means too. Here's one quick link from a search engine result 
for build your own Geiger counter:  
http://www.imagesco.com/articles/geiger/build_your_own_geiger_counter.html

Geoff

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 25, 2012, at 12:39 PM, Steven Corso ofco...@gmail.com wrote:

 Anyone have experience with Geiger counters? I want a device that I 
 can measure all forms of radiation in soil and water samples.
 
 (For the curious, my intention is to use this around the burgeoning 
 number of disposal wells, containment ponds, and possible spills in my 
 neighborhood above the Utica Shale)
 
 I'll need the device to be affordable yet accurate enough so 
 measurements are not easily dismissed.
 
 Also if anyone has experience with affordable water testing and 
 air-sampling devices that might be of use to someone who wants to 
 detect salinity, pH and the presence of hydrocarbons, please pass that info 
 along.
 
 Thank you,
 Steve Corso

[ECOLOG-L] FOUR ASSISTANT PROFESSORS OF BIOLOGY SOUGHT

[Russell L. Burke]

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS OF BIOLOGY
Four faculty are sought

Due to significant increases in enrolments, Hofstra University invites 
applications for four full-time, tenure-track positions, rank of Assistant 
Professor, in the Department of Biology.  Faculty are sought for the following 
positions:

Animal Biology: The successful candidate will teach an introductory Animal Form 
and Function course and contribute to the continued improvement of this course, 
including the development of new labs.  Additional teaching assignments may 
include advanced courses in animal biology, anatomy, physiology or other 
courses in the candidate's specialty. 

Animal Physiology: The successful candidate will teach an introductory Animal 
Form and Function course and contribute to the continued improvement of this 
course, including the development of new labs.  Additional teaching assignments 
will be selected from advanced courses in physiology or other courses in the 
candidate's specialty.

Urban Plant Ecology: The successful candidate will be qualified to teach plant 
biology, and ideally one or more of the following subject areas: urban ecology, 
field botany, plant pathology, mycology, or phycology.  The successful 
candidate should be able to teach courses at a variety of levels (non-majors, 
undergraduate majors, Master's students).

Microbiology: The successful candidate must have experience teaching 
microbiology and be able to teach one or more of these subject areas: 
introductory cell biology and genetics, molecular biology or immunology.  

An ability to teach courses at a variety of levels (non-majors, undergraduate 
majors, and Master's students) is desired.  Experience with and/or interest in 
innovative teaching techniques is desirable.  Faculty in Biology must maintain 
an active, productive research program that has strong potential for attracting 
external funding and is accessible to both undergraduate and Master's level 
students.  The specific area of research is open but should complement existing 
strengths within the department, including our new Urban Ecology program.  
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, experience in course 
development and design, and demonstrated teaching ability. Post-doctoral 
experience is preferred.  

Interested individuals should submit: (1) a cover letter indicating the 
position they are applying for, (2) a curriculum vitae (indicating specific 
teaching experience), (3) statement of research interests, (4) statement of 
teaching experience, interests and philosophy, and (5) have letters from three 
references sent to: Faculty Search, Department of Biology, Hofstra University, 
Hempstead, NY  11549-1140, or email application documents (in PDF format) to 
robert.w.seag...@hofstra.edu.  

The Department of Biology is a medium-sized, diverse, and growing department.  
Additional information about the department, faculty, facilities, etc. is 
posted on the web at: http://hofstra.edu/biology.  Application materials should 
be received by September 14, 2012.  Starting date: September 2013.

Hofstra University is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Russell L. Burke]

And many NYC cemeteries have introduced Italian wall lizards, Podarcis siculus. 
  They do very well in such habitats.
RBurke

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Max Lambert
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 3:33 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

I've been surveying Connecticut suburban areas for the past few months and have 
been thinking similar things. As far as amphibians are concerned, you get 
ubiquitous, development-tolerant species like bullfrogs (*Rana
catesbeiana*) and green frogs (*R. clamitans*) but *not* infrequently you also 
get American toads (*Bufo americanus*) and gray tree frogs (*Hyla versicolor*). 
However, you tend to lose species, like wood frogs (*R.
sylvatica*) and spring peepers (*Pseudacris crucifer*), which are more 
forest-dependent. There is some literature on the use of golf courses as 
amphibian habitat but I haven't come across cemeteries specifically.

In Connecticut, for something like turtles, you tend to only get common species 
like painted turtles (*Chrysemys picta*) and snapping turtles (*Chelydra
serpentina*) and occasionally species like stinkpots (*Sternotherus odoratus
*) in urbanized regions. From a turtle (and maybe frog) perspective, something 
like a cemetery could be an interesting habitat feature as one would imagine 
there to be fewer herpetofaunal introductions in cemetery waterways.

Something like a cemetery as core habitat would probably depend on the taxa in 
question.

-Max

On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 2:39 PM, John Mickelson jmicke...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity 
 in this heavily urbanized setting.

 Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries 
 (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses 
 etc...) really serve as habitat.

 Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of 
 flora and fauna (presumably more so within green managed programs), 
 but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive 
 urban conservation plan?

 I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

 -John




--
Max Lambert
MESc Student
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University Fellow, Hixon 
Center for Urban Ecology 2012-2013
619-990-7242
http://environment.yale.edu/skelly/max.html
https://environment.yale.edu/sigs/rana/

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Invasion, or progression?

[Russell L. Burke]

raccoons are native invasives

RBurke


From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] on behalf of Steve Young [steve.yo...@unl.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 9:22 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Invasion, or progression?

Interesting question, can a native become invasive? I would suggest that in 
some instances this is the case. For example, eastern redcedar in the Central 
Prairie is native, but has now become invasive in many locations. The main 
reason is the lack of fire that used to occur naturally prior to settlement by 
Europeans.

For those who want to know more, we will be addressing this topic at the NAIPSC 
later in June. I expect the discussion will be quite good. Maybe I'll post a 
summary to ECOLOG then.

Steve

___
Stephen L. Young, PhD
Weed Ecologist
University of Nebraska-Lincoln



-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of ling huang
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 8:37 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Invasion, or progression?

Hi

I am a chemist and not an ecologist but I'm very interested in this thread 
since I enjoy the wetlands area close to Sacramento near the Davis Yolo 
Causeway. I wondered and am interested in this invasive or progression type 
question. I saw that there was a species called Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum 
salicaria) that was introduced in the 1800s (?) and is a wetland flower that 
has invaded wetlands. I suppose my question is how far do we go back to 
determine if a species is invasive. Is there a time or case when an invasive 
becomes a native? I did see this interesting online article where the question 
asked was Can native species become invasive?

http://ipmsouth.com/2010/11/23/can-native-species-become-invasive/

Thanks. Ling

Ling Huang
Sacramento City College


--- On Sun, 4/22/12, Amanda Newsom ajnew...@ucdavis.edu wrote:

From: Amanda Newsom ajnew...@ucdavis.edu
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Invasion, or progression?
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012, 3:40 PM

Very intelligent members of the public have asked me this question when they 
approach me in the field and I have some time to chat.  It's a great question, 
because invasions biology is attacked politically on this front, so it's one to 
which professionals really must craft a coherent response in friendly 
conversation.

Another point to consider is the evolutionary history of native vs.
introduced (non-native) species in any particular system.  One of the reasons 
non-natives are of concern is that they do not share evolutionary history with 
the native community, and this contributes to the unpredictable biodiversity 
loss cited by other comments presented here.
 This can also be discussed in light of the homogenization of life on earth, 
because there are many species favored, facilitated, or directly cultivated by 
humans that are now distributed worldwide.  Some of these species threaten 
regional biodiversity (Check out the book Ecological Imperialism for a really 
interesting perspective on colonialism as an ecological process via 
introduction of new dominant species).  There's a lot coming out now on 
evolution and invasive species as well that is, at least in part, reasonably 
accessible to a general audience or the academic in ecology/evolution who is 
wanting to step into invasion biology.

Related to this (somewhat tangentially) is that the buildup of introduced and 
invasive species in systems like San Francisco Bay has also increased the 
number and complexity of biological interactions, both introduced-introduced 
and introduced-native.  Increasing professional interest in 
introduced-introduced interactions hasn't yet yielded a whole lot of 
generalized hypotheses, but it has opened new windows to how complex this issue 
is biologically and how best to protect species of interest as well as local 
biodiversity.

That was a far longer and more convoluted comment than I originally intended!  
Hopefully, Joshua, some of that is useful perspective.  Thanks for posing the 
question to ECOLOG!  It can be intimidating to put something like this out 
there as an undergrad, and I'm glad you took the initiative.
 It comes up a lot, as you can see, and ECOLOG is a  great forum for this 
discussion.
A.

On Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 9:19 AM, Ruhl, Nathan nr343...@ohio.edu wrote:

 I posed a very similar question to a group of graduate students and
 professors during a theoretical ecology seminar a few years ago.  The
 central premise was that humans, by virtue of our
 innate-desire/ability to alter our surroundings, have caused a general
 decline in biodiversity globally.  That is,humans are the primary
 vector for a loss of global biodiversity, not the
 non-native/invasive species.  The question was, is reduction of
 biodiversity bad or is it 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Study abroad options for Ecology students

[Russell L. Burke]

We offer Evolutionary Ecology and Geology of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos 
as a Study Abroad class every other January.  There are both undergraduate and 
graduate student versions.
See the Biology In Focus video at 
http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/BIO/index.html#
and 
http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/bio/bio_galapagos_registration_12.pdf


Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-5521
bio...@hofstra.edu

The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to keep all the pieces. 
A Leopold

[ECOLOG-L] part time field assistant needed in Aiken, SC

[Russell L. Burke]

I need a part-time field assistant to work 2-3 full consecutive days every 
other week starting in late April and thru the end of August in Aiken SC.  This 
is an odd work schedule and it won't work for everyone, the work is not enough 
on its own to support someone but would be enough for someone with another 
flexible job.  I would prefer to hire someone who already has some field 
experience and maybe has some experience with Savannah River Site procedures. 
The job is helping my technician run three drift fence arrays at SRS for herps 
and mammals, and to do regular surveys for ticks.



Contact Dr. Russell Burke, Department of Biology, Hofstra University, 
bio...@hofstra.edu

[ECOLOG-L] REU) position summer 2012 to study Lyme disease ecology

[Russell L. Burke]

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available for summer 
2012 to study Lyme disease ecology with Drs. Russell Burke (Hofstra University) 
 and Rick Gerhold (University of Tennessee). The project will investigate 
blacklegged tick host-preferences for introduced Italian wall lizards compared 
to native lizards and investigate wall lizard competency as Borrelia 
burgdorferi reservoirs.

The REU student will join two labs of graduate and undergraduate students 
working on an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the factors that 
control Lyme Disease (LD) transmission. These labs are part of a larger team 
investigating the ecology and biology of LD ticks and their vertebrate hosts at 
sites in central and eastern U.S. using field data and molecular and modeling 
tools, to produce a more informed understanding of the ecological and 
evolutionary basis for the apparent rarity of infected vector ticks in the 
South.

The REU student will conduct two related projects. First, at Hofstra, he/she 
will study the host-preferences of tick nymphs on native lizard hosts, wall 
lizard hosts, and small mammal hosts.  Then the student will travel to 
University of Tennessee to investigate the competency of wall lizards as 
Borrelia burgdorferi reservoirs. The student will collect blood from lizards to 
set up tests to determine B. burgdorferi infection.  This experience will 
include some field work, some behavioral work in a laboratory setting, and some 
bench lab work.  

The ideal candidate will be hard-working, meticulous, careful, work well in a 
team setting, and be interested in pursuing a career in science.  The start 
date is flexible, but preference will be given to a student available June and 
July 2012.  The REU student will earn a stipend ($500/week for 10 weeks) and 
receive additional support for lodging in both locations, and travel between 
Long Island and Knoxville.  The REU student will be invited to attend a 
relevant professional meeting with one of the labs in a subsequent year.

Interested students are encouraged to apply by March 1, but applications will 
be accepted until the position is filled.  Eligible candidates must be U.S. 
citizens or permanent residents and be currently enrolled in a college or 
university (i.e. recent graduates are ineligible). Students from groups 
typically underrepresented in the sciences and students from smaller 
institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to 
apply.

Applications should be sent to bio...@hofstra.edu and should include: 
unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for three academic 
references, CV or resume indicating relevant experience, and a one page 
statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and 
previous research experience (if any). Please confirm in your statement that 
you meet each eligibility requirement above (e.g., citizenship, enrolled in 
college, available for 10-12 weeks during the summer). 

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549

[ECOLOG-L] opening for Organismal Biologist: Urban Ecologists encouraged

[Russell L. Burke]

We would be very happy to see applicants who do research in Urban/suburban 
settings, especially ornithologists.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY
Organismal Biologist

Hofstra University invites applications for an anticipated full-time, 
tenure-track, assistant professor position in the Department of Biology.  The 
successful candidate will be qualified to teach animal biology, anatomy  
physiology and upper level courses within their specialty. Our teaching 
expectations will include yearly participation in the introductory biology core 
sequence by teaching lecture and lab components of the course that focuses on 
organismal biology (BIO 12: Animal Form and Function). The new hire will be 
expected to take a lead role in the continued improvement of the course, 
including the development of new labs. Full-time faculty should be able to 
teach courses at a variety of levels, i.e. non-majors, undergraduate majors, 
Master's.  Faculty in Biology must maintain an active, productive and 
externally funded research program accessible to both undergraduate and 
master's research students.  Candidates who could contribute to the new Urban 
Ecology program !
 are encouraged to apply. The specific areas of research are open but should 
complement existing strengths within the department.  Candidates must have a 
Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, experience in course development and design, 
and demonstrated teaching ability.  An interest in, or experience with, 
innovative teaching techniques is desirable.  Post-doctoral experience is 
preferred.  Interested individuals should: (1) submit a curriculum vitae 
(indicating specific teaching experience, (2) statement of research interests, 
(3) statement of teaching experience, interests and philosophy, and (4) have 
letters from three references sent to: Faculty Search, Department of Biology, 
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY  11549-1140, or email application documents 
(in PDF format) to robert.w.seag...@hofstra.edu.  The Department of Biology is 
a medium-sized, diverse, and growing department.  Additional information about 
the department, faculty, facilities, etc. is posted on the web at: ht!
 tp://hofstra.edu/biology.  Application materials should be received by
 
31 December 2011.

Hofstra University is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] all herpetologists/ecologists

[Russell L. Burke]

Those of us who are both ecologists and herpetologists may have already noticed 
that next year's annual ESA meeting (http://www.esa.org/portland/) will be 
August 5 - 10 in Portland Oregon, while the spectacular one-every-5-years World 
Congress of Herpetology (http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/) is 8-14 
August 2012, a mere 315 miles (500km) away in Vancouver.  A little creative 
scheduling may make it possible for us to enjoy both worlds.

The good folks at ESA recognize that some herpetologists/ecologists will want 
to attend both meetings (and present at least at ESA), and would therefore need 
to leave ESA early to attend WCH.  Therefore they make this suggestion:  
1) submit a poster abstract (ESA's deadline is Feb. 23, 2012)
2) choose reptiles and amphibians as your highest ranked choice of theme (#1).

They offer to make one or more poster sessions out of such posters and schedule 
those sessions for earlier in the week. They can't make a similar promise if 
people submit talks or choose other themes as their top choice because they 
could end up scheduled in other sessions.

If you plan to present at WCH as well, note that the deadline is for those 
abstracts and early registrations is February 29, 2012.


Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516.463.5521 voice

[ECOLOG-L] part time wildlife job for someone in NY or NJ

[Russell L. Burke]

I need to hire someone, preferably a student, for a part time job that begins 
in September and will likely last thru spring 2012.  The job involves 3-4 days 
at a time, assisting my graduate student, driving from NY (Long Island) to SC 
and NJ, and collecting data on ticks, mammals, and reptiles at our established 
survey sites.  Each trip lasts 3-5 days.  The schedule is relatively rigid but 
has some flexibility.  The pay is something like $11/hour and includes travel 
time and housing.  

The schedule can be planned in advance, but so far these are the dates we know: 

9/12-9/15, 9/26-9/29, and 10/15-10/20 at SC 
9/19-9/22 and 10/10-10/12 at NJ 

This is an excellent opportunity to obtain field experience with a wide variety 
of wildlife species and vegetation analysis.  If you're interested, first be 
sure this won't conflict seriously with class schedule and other 
responsibilities.  Then contact me.

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-5521
bio...@hofstra.edu

Re: [ECOLOG-L] M.S vs. M.A.

[Russell L. Burke]

Here at Hofstra the MS option requires a research thesis, which means analysis 
of data the student him/herself has collected (lab or field).  The MA option 
requires an essay, which is more of a literature review, although we encourage 
an original analysis.  

There are a couple of ways to think about the differences between the two, but 
the way I think about it is that if you are looking for a career in which you 
will be doing original research, go for the MS.  As an advisor I expect a 
thesis to have at least one publishable paper.  If you are looking for a career 
in which you need to understand research but not necessarily do it yourself or 
have publications, go for the MA. Essays are rarely publishable.

We are developing 5-year BA/MA and BS/MS programs in Urban Ecology where the 
differences will be less dramatic.  The undergrads will be involved in research 
from the start, and won't split into separate tracts until pretty far along.

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-5521
bio...@hofstra.edu

The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to keep all the pieces. 




-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:46 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] M.S vs. M.A.

In many schools there is no difference.
In others, MA takes a foreign language and MS takes stats.
In others, MA is a non-thesis degree (sometimes a final book report)
and MS is a thesis.
Combine this with the MAT (masters arts teaching), Professional Masters,
and the oodles of other masters program designations, the best thing
to do is just
read the school's program description and not worry about it!

There is no real pattern here across the country, even though many
people seem to think there is.

Malcolm

On Sun, Apr 17, 2011 at 7:13 PM, Priya Shukla pshu...@ucdavis.edu wrote:
 Hello Ecologgers!

 I'm wrapping up my fourth-year in environmental sciences at UC Davis and
 have been looking at graduate schools. I notice that different schools will
 offer either an M.S. or an M.A. degree. While I've heard there isn't a true
 difference between the two degree types, I've noticed that many government
 positions require an M.S. degree. I was hoping some of you could provide me
 with some insight on the difference between the two degrees -- if there even
 is one at all. Also, all else equal, would you hire an individual with an
 M.S. over an M.A.?

 Many thanks!
 -- Priya




-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum
Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive -
Allan Nation

1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
            and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
          MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments

[Russell L. Burke]

The precautionary principle is why we buy car insurance, life insurance, and 
medical insurance.  If based on good data, it makes perfect sense.  It is not 
the primary reason that collection of turtles was banned in FL.

Scientists are not exempt from collection regulations.

I'd like to see the evidence of even a single scientist who is making money by 
promoting any ban on commercial collection.  Scientists generally don't make 
money from the grants they get, that money goes to the institution and pays for 
research costs.



-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Taylor, Cm
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 3:29 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Climate Change Data

Mike,

I appreciate your situation, but the fact is that for every person like you 
there are many others who have little to no science background, routinely ship 
and receive animals and plants illegally, and decimate vulnerable populations 
of organisms, among other things as I am sure you are aware. I don't think it 
is fair to blame the science community for these problems.  Again, I am sorry 
for any impact to your legitimate business, but surely you can understand these 
issues and see how they arise.

Chris

*
Dr. Christopher Taylor
Professor, Aquatic Ecology
Department of Natural Resources Management
Texas Tech University
Box 42125
Lubbock, TX  79049



-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Michael E. Welker
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2011 10:17 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Climate Change Data

Warren and forum,

Facts and data should rule not abuse of the precautionary principle. Far to 
often wildlife and environmental extremists (even those in academia or from 
academia) have abused the precautionary principle. An example would be the use 
of taking the worse case scenario say for a turtle species age to sexual 
maturity. By using the oldest age known rather then the average or the most 
common to push an agenda. This was done in the FL turtle banning agenda by a 
well known turtle biologist. Take for instance the management of herpetofauna 
in TX, rather then enacting fair regulations and sustainable harvest management 
approaches, activities were banned causing private herpers to have to liquidate 
collections that have taken decades to build. And destroying businesses and 
breeding programs that contribute to herp conservation through captive 
propagation of herp species. The precautionary principle is used by agenda 
pushing academics to scare regulatory biologists (who come from academia!
 ) because many of the these experts are anti-wild collection and 
anti-commercialization. They are preservationists not conservationists. And 
they look at themselves as animal advocates. They are also exempt, as are zoos 
and museums, from complying to the regulations so it doesn't affect them. 
Further many use the precautionary principle and the banning agenda to secure 
grant funding for continued research. An example of this would be the Burmese 
python problem in the Everglades and the climate model paper. The more famous a 
researcher becomes the more grant money they get, the bigger labs they have and 
the higher fees they can charge for consultations and projects. An example of 
that would be a well known conservation biologist in FL. I have the facts. I 
just don't want to throw out names because that wouldn't be appropriate. I say 
stick to facts and data and not abuse the precautionary principle.

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX


  - Original Message -
  From: Warren W. Aney
  To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
  Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2011 6:07 PM
  Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Climate Change Data


  In the face of uncertainty with potential consequences of great magnitude,
  the precautionary approach should rule.  Under this approach it is safer and
  more prudent to take effective action to counter climate change than it is
  to take no action and risk its effects.  The costs of taking action are
  high, but there are also benefits (cleaner air and healthier oceans, for
  example).  The costs of not taking action are potentially catastrophic.

  Our ancestors will enjoy an improved world and thank us for taking action
  even if they determine we were wrong. Our surviving ancestors will condemn
  us if we took no action and this proved to be wrong.

  I know, this is rhetoric and not science, but I have frequently had to deal
  with decision making in the face of scientific uncertainty and this is the
  approach I finally learned to apply or recommend.

  Warren W. Aney
  Senior Wildlife Ecologist
  Tigard, OR 97223

  -Original Message-
  From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
  [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Hal Caswell
  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] radio-transmitters

[Russell L. Burke]

I want to borrow or buy some used animal transmitters to experiment in a 
difficult area, near JFK airport.  I have a couple of receivers and antennas 
that I used in the past with transmitters in the 150-151 mhz range.   If you 
have some transmitters you now longer need but that still have some life in 
them and that are in that range, please let me know.


Dr. Russell Burke, Professor
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516.463.5521 voice

Re: [ECOLOG-L] caloric value of Opuntia humifusa

[Russell L. Burke]

I am doing a caloric comparison of the main fruit that we found in raccoon 
diets locally (Autumn Olive 
(Elaeagnus umbellata), Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Grape 
(Vitis sp.), Mulberry (Morus sp.), and Prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)).  I 
have found dry weight caloric values for Elaeagnus, Celastrus, and Vitis, I am 
sure I can find Morus but I haven't yet.  the big problem appears to be 
Opuntia.  I can't find the dry weight caloric content of Opuntia humifusa fruit 
in any of my references or on line.  Can anyone out there help?


Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-5521

[ECOLOG-L] Director of Sustainability Studies needed

[Russell L. Burke]

Director of Sustainability Studies

Hofstra University invites applications for the newly-created position of 
Director of Sustainability Studies to be part of the Department of Global 
Studies and Geography and the National Center for Suburban Studies. The 
position is responsible for creating, developing, promoting, and providing 
leadership for a new Sustainability Studies program. This position will 
preferably be at the Associate Professor or Professor Level. As the candidate's 
home department will be Global Studies and Geography, applicants should have a 
Ph.D. in Urban or Environmental Planning, Geography or a closely related field. 
For appointment as a Professor or Associate Professor, a strong record of 
publication and external funding, and evidence of collaborative skill and 
effective college teaching is required. Familiarity with Geographical 
Information Systems and prior professional planning practice will be considered 
a plus for the position, as will AICP certification.

Principal duties include teaching, research and program development. Teaching 
would be based around candidate's area of expertise, but should include the 
development of interdisciplinary courses in Sustainability Studies, along with 
associated advisement. The candidate is expected to maintain a vibrant research 
agenda based on his/her area of expertise. Program development will include 
working with the National Center for Suburban Studies to assist in the creation 
and management of a research institute with a specific focus on suburban 
sustainability issues. Candidates would be expected to also work closely with 
other campus organizations, especially the Department of Biology's Urban 
Ecology program.
Preference will be given to candidates with an active research agenda and 
significant success raising external funds, experience in interdisciplinary 
programs, and demonstrated commitment to community engagement. Salary is 
commensurate with qualifications. Interested individuals should: (1) submit a 
curriculum vitae, (2) statement of research interests, (3) statement of 
teaching experience, interests and philosophy, and (4) have letters from three 
references sent to: Faculty Search, Department of Global Studies and Geography, 
130 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1140, or email application 
documents (in PDF format) to grant.r.s...@hofstra.edu.

Review of applications will begin September 15, 2010 and continue until the 
position is filled. Additional information about the Department of Global 
Studies and Geography can be found at: www.hofstra.edu/geography, and 
additional information about the Center for Suburban Studies can be found at: 
http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/CSS/index.html.

Hofstra University is a private university located in Long Island, 20 miles 
east of Manhattan. Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer, 
committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, administrative staff and 
student body, and encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse 
community.

[ECOLOG-L] field safety manual for mammal/herp/tick project

[Russell L. Burke]

Some of the more faithful readers of this list serve with memories for minutia 
may recall that months ago I asked around for a on-line field safety manual, 
because I am part of a North American team putting students and others in the 
field in a variety of places in the Midwest and east, from FL to RI.  I found 
no such manual, so our team has constructed one that covers a variety of topics 
from heat stroke to tick bites to poison ivy.  Some of us are especially 
experienced with vector-borne diseases, so this area is fairly well covered.  
We would appreciate comments from other experienced field folks on what they 
tell their students, and we encourage other people to make use of this resource 
if they like.  Please note that we make no claims that our manual is 
appropriate for you or your situation, and only one of us is a medical doctor, 
and hence we take no legal responsibility for your use or misuse of the 
information we post.

That said, here's the link to the manual:  
http://wildlifehealth.tennessee.edu/lyme_gradient/safety.htm

Let us know what else we should add!  
Let us know if this is useful for you!

Dr. Russell Burke
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead NY 11549
516.463.5521

Re: [ECOLOG-L] M.S. student wanted to model the effects of climate change and urbanization

[Russell L. Burke]

M.S. student wanted to model the effects of climate change and urbanization on 
the major ecosystems of Long Island, New York 
 
M.S. position modeling the effects of climate change and urbanization on the 
major plant ecosystems of Long Island, New York.  The objective of this project 
is to model the predicted changes in the distributions of the major plant 
species that structure the most important ecosystems of Long Island at chosen 
future time slices.  The models will include consideration of sea level rise 
and increasing urbanization. The student will use existing data sets and GIS 
data and work with The Nature Conservancy, Natural Area Inventory, and Dr. Luca 
Luiselli, an ecological modeler (F.I.Z.V. (Ecology) and Centre of Environmental 
Studies, Rome).  
  
The student will be enrolled at Hofstra University.  The position comes with 
full tuition remission, but does not include salary or housing.  There may be 
opportunities for teaching positions and other employment as well as housing.  
  
The project may involve field work but will mostly require a detailed 
evaluation of previously collected data.  The candidate will be part of a 
research group composed of professors and students in the Hofstra University 
Center for Climate Study (HUCCS), spearheaded by Dr. E. Christa Farmer 
(Geology). One branch of the research, headed by Dr. David Weissman (Physics), 
will study the effect of rain on the CO2 absorption in the ocean using 
space-based microwave radar.  The research project advertised here is headed by 
Drs. Russell Burke  Myla Aronson (Biology).  The third branch of HUCCS 
research will investigate paleotempestology, or the study of prehistoric 
hurricanes from the geologic record, and will be spearheaded by Dr. Farmer.  
The results from these studies will be disseminated to the scientific community 
through publications and presentations at scientific meetings, and to the 
public through a museum exhibit. 
  
Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree in biological sciences, with experience in 
both plant ecology and GIS.  A strong interest in conservation, quantitative 
ecology, and statistics.  The successful applicant must be accepted as a 
graduate student in the Department of Biology at Hofstra University, a small 
but intensive graduate program with new undergraduate and graduate degree 
programs in Urban Ecology. 
  
Documents to provide by e-mail :  Send a short letter of introduction, a CV, 
unofficial copies of academic transcripts, and the name and e-mail address of 3 
references to Dr. Burke at russell.l.bu...@hofstra.edu and Dr. Aronson 
myla.aron...@hofstra.edu

The evaluation of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the 
position is filled 


Myla F.J. Aronson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
325 Gittleson Hall
Hempstead, NY 11549
myla.f.aron...@hofstra.edu 
Office: 516-463-5527
Fax: 516-463-5112

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecosystem health related to human health

[Russell L. Burke]

Sala, O.E., Meyerson, L.A., Parmesan, C. 2009.  Biodiversity Change and Human 
Health: From Ecosystem Services to Spread of Disease.  Island Press.

Pain, A.K.  2008.  Climate change and its effect on human health. Icfai 
University Press 

Aron, J.L., Patz, J.A.  2001.  Ecosystem Change and Public Health: A Global 
Perspective.  
Johns Hopkins University Press

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of Andy Cole
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 10:57 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecosystem health related to human health

Hi,

I've been a bit frustrated trying to find literature on the effects of 
changes in ecosystems over time as they relate to changes in human 
health over time. So, for example, changes in IBI's over time, or 
changes in landscape metrics that then relate to (for example) increased 
stress or other health issues. Seems like a basic question but I'm 
stymied as to where to look - it's a bit out of my normal range of 
inquiry. I'd be very grateful if someone could point me in the right 
direction.

Thanks.

Andy Cole

-- 
Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
Penn State University
Department of Landscape Architecture
329 Stuckeman Family Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-5735 Phone
814-863-8137 FAX
ca...@psu.edu
https://www.larch.psu.edu/charles-andrew-cole

Re: [ECOLOG-L] faculty/admin position in Sustainability studies/Ecosystem studies

[Russell L. Burke]

Director of Sustainability Studies

Hofstra University invites applications for the newly-created position of 
Director of Sustainability Studies.  The position is responsible for creating, 
developing, promoting, and providing leadership for a new Sustainability 
Studies program.  This tenure-track position will be at the Associate Professor 
or Professor Level, depending on qualifications; candidates will have a Ph.D. 
in one of the areas described below or closely related field, a strong record 
of publication and external funding, and evidence of collaborative skill and 
effective college teaching.

Field or discipline relevant to sustainable studies is open, but the successful 
candidate must meet the requirements for appointment with tenure at the rank of 
Professor or Associate Professor. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. 
We seek a talented scholar/practitioner who possesses the skills and vision to 
create and lead an interdisciplinary program committed to the integrated study 
and practice of sustainable studies.  

Principal duties include teaching (30%), program development (40%), and 
research (30%).  Teaching would involve a basic distribution course, an 
interdisciplinary minor, and an interdisciplinary major, all in Sustainability 
Studies, along with associated advisement.  We expect the candidate to maintain 
and enhance Hofstra University's reputation for excellence in teaching. Program 
development would involve green infrastructure, preservation and conservation, 
sustainable community systems and policies, cultural landscapes, transportation 
systems, open space, and land use, environmental programs and analysis, grant 
development, promotion of conservation efforts, and development of educational 
and communication opportunities for audiences both on and off campus, to 
include student, faculty, staff, and community organizations. Close 
collaboration with faculty across the university is expected. The position will 
also raise awareness of sustainability initiatives and accomplishment!
 s, and foster a culture of collaboration and sustainability. Candidates would 
be expected to work closely with Hofstra University's Center for Civic 
Engagement, National Center for Suburban Studies, and the Department of 
Biology's Urban Ecology program.  Depending on area of expertise, research 
would involve some combination of economics, sociology, biology, chemistry, 
engineering, environmental studies, and education.  The academic home of this 
position will be in Biology.

Previous administrative experience is essential; preference will be given to 
candidates with an active research agenda and significant success raising 
external funds, experience in interdisciplinary programs, and demonstrated 
commitment to community engagement.  

Interested individuals should: (1) submit a curriculum vitae (indicating 
specific administrative experience, (2) statement of research interests, (3) 
statement of teaching experience, interests and philosophy, and (4) have 
letters from three references sent to: Faculty Search, Department of Biology, 
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY  11549-1140, or email application documents 
(in PDF format) to robert.w.seag...@hofstra.edu.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] experience with meso-mammal traps?

[Russell L. Burke]

I am part of a team that's going to be trapping raccoons and opossums at a 
number of sites in eastern and central US.  We need to buy 180 collapsible live 
traps.  We all have experience with the 32X10X12Tomahawk traps, but none of us 
have used the comparable Havaheart or traps from Wildlife Traps.com.  The 
Havahearts also come with three relevant models: 1 door, easy set (1092), 1 
door, divider,cover, side door (1099), and the 1 door, (1089).  

Can anyone tell me about their experiences with these traps?  Please feel free 
to respond off list.


Dr. Russell Burke
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-5521

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Openings in Field course--Evolutionary Ecology and Geo logy of the Galápagos Islands and Mainland Ecuador

[Russell L. Burke]

3 Credit Field course: 
Evolutionary Ecology and Geology of the Galápagos Islands and Mainland Ecuador 
through Hofstra University

Biology undergraduate course: BIO 110A 
Biology graduate course: BIO 203
Geology undergraduate course: GEOL 134A
Geology graduate course: GEOL 280
Or audit the course, no course credit

This 20 day course includes 12 day tour of the volcanic islands and unique 
wildlife that inspired the young Charles Darwin, a day trip to a stratovolcano 
in the high Andes, and four days exploring diverse ecosystems in the Amazon 
rainforest.  There will be multiple snorkeling and hiking opportunities.  
Travelers will be accompanied at all times by experienced biologists/geologists 
and local guides.  

Deposit of $1000 ($1500 for auditors) is required.  Space is limited to the 
first 14 people to submit deposits.  Full cost of program (not including 
tuition/audit fee) is $4700, due May 1, 2010.  Trip cost is based on flight 
to/from New York City.  Credits can be transferred from Hofstra to your home 
institution.  

Instructors will be Dr. Russell Burke (Biology) and Prof. Gail Bennington 
(Geology).  This will be Burke's fourth time leading a class trip to Ecuador, 
and Bennington's second trip to Ecuador.  Burke has been teaching ecology and 
evolution 15 years, Bennington has taught earth science for many years and is 
a science administrator.

For more information (complete itinerary, travel details, course requirements, 
etc) contact Dr. Russell Burke bio...@hofstra.edu, 516-463-5521

Re: [ECOLOG-L] MS position to model the effects of climate change and urbanization on the ecosystems of Long Island, NY

[Russell L. Burke]

M.S. student wanted to model the effects of climate change and urbanization on 
the major ecosystems of Long Island, New York
 
M.S. position modeling the effects of climate change and urbanization on the 
major plant ecosystems of Long Island, New York.  The objective of this project 
is to model the predicted changes in the distributions of the major plant 
species that structure the most important ecosystems of Long Island at chosen 
future time slices.  The models will include consideration of sea level rise 
and increasing urbanization. The student will use existing data sets and GIS 
data and work with The Nature Conservancy, Natural Area Inventory, and Dr. Luca 
Luiselli, an ecological modeler (F.I.Z.V. (Ecology) and Centre of Environmental 
Studies, Rome). 
 
The student will be enrolled at Hofstra University.  The position comes with 
full tuition remission, but does not include salary or housing.  There may be 
opportunities for teaching positions and other employment. 

The project may involve field work but will mostly require a detailed 
evaluation of previously collected data.  The candidate will be part of a 
research group composed of professors and students in the Hofstra University 
Center for Climate Study (HUCCS), spearheaded by Dr. E. Christa Farmer 
(Geology). One branch of the research, headed by Dr. David Weissman (Physics), 
will study the effect of rain on the CO2 absorption in the ocean using 
space-based microwave radar.  The research project advertised here is headed by 
Drs. Russell Burke and Myla Aronson (Biology).  The third branch of HUCCS 
research will investigate paleotempestology, or the study of prehistoric 
hurricanes from the geologic record, and will be spearheaded by Dr. Farmer.  
The results from these studies will be disseminated to the scientific community 
through publications and presentations at scientific meetings, and to the 
public through a museum exhibit.
 

Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree in biological sciences, with experience in 
both plant ecology and GIS.  A strong interest in conservation, quantitative 
ecology, and statistics.  The successful applicant must be accepted as a 
graduate student in the Department of Biology at Hofstra University, a small 
but intensive graduate program with new undergraduate and graduate degree 
programs in Urban Ecology.

Documents to provide by e-mail :  Send a short letter of introduction, a CV, 
unofficial copies of academic transcripts, and the name and e-mail address of 3 
references to Dr. Burke at bio...@hofstra.edu  bio...@hofstra.edu. 

The evaluation of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the 
position is filled.  We expect to start this position in Fall 2010.