Dear Colleagues, I would like to cordially invite you to attend two events at this year's ESA meeting in Memphis:
1. Project NEON at undergraduate institutions: an invitation for discussion and input. Monday, August 7, 8-10 pm. Organizers: Laurel Anderson, Kerry Woods 2. Mixer for Ecologists at Undergraduate Institutions. Wednesday, August 9, 6:30-8:00 pm. Gatlinburg, Marriott. Organizer: Laurel Anderson The evening Session on Monday is an opportunity for ecologists working at smaller institutions with a primarily teaching focus to consider how we might participate in and interact with the proposed National Ecological Observatory Network. There will be a short presentation giving an overview of the NEON project, followed by open discussion. The mixer on Wednesday is a chance for ecologists working at smaller institutions to meet, network, and make connections with each other. One motivation for this mixer is to discuss whether an official ESA section for ecologists working at small liberal arts colleges, community colleges, satellite university campuses, etc. might be of interest. This section would have a focus distinct from the Education Section (although many of our interests overlap with theirs) and would instead encompass the full professional experience of working at institution with a primarily teaching mission. Topics the new section could address include networking among these ecologists (as some may be the only ecologist at their institution), mentoring graduate students interested in careers at such institutions, discussing strategies for balancing teaching and research, and considering the roles of these institutions in major projects such as NEON. Think this is a great idea? Don't like it so much? Regardless, come join us for some socializing and conversation. Since this mixer is not sponsored by an official ESA section, there is no budget for munchies, however a cash bar will be available. Laurie Anderson Assistant Professor Ohio Wesleyan University Dr. Laurie Anderson (Laurel J. Anderson) Dept. of Botany/Microbiology Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OH 43015 740-368-3501 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
