Dear colleagues, We would like to call your attention to an upcoming workshop hosted by the Stream Resiliency Research Collaboration Network. The purpose of the first working group for the Stream Resiliency Research Collaboration Network is to provide training in the utility, structure, development, and application of empirical and theoretical models for stream food webs to address ecological problems related to human-induced disturbances (eutrophication, biodiversity loss, climate change).
Stream researchers will collaborate with experts on the concepts and methods of structural equation (SEM) and mechanistic modeling approaches to clarify, refine, and test empirical and theoretical models of consumer-resource dynamics in the face of changing environmental conditions (increased nutrient loading, loss of top consumers, changes in the frequency or magnitude of extreme events). SEM will be applied to datasets describing relationships among system components and mechanistic models will focus on the construction and use of trophic chain models in stream and river ecosystems. Model investigations will involve considerations of probable temporal and spatial scales of ecosystem responses to perturbations. Trophic web models for stream ecosystems are particularly appropriate for these efforts because of the downstream movement of solutes and organisms in streams, the subsequent uptake and release of resources and nutrients by organisms, and feedback loops that incorporate consumer responses to, and effects on, their resources. Activities for this working group will entail: * Pre-workshop, on-line meetings, with exercises on the utility and fundaments of modeling using R programs. * A one-day workshop before the annual meetings of the Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) (May 17, 2015, Milwaukee, WI), building on prior assignments and focusing on constructing nutrient-primary producer models from the ground up using balance equations. * A 4-day workshop (October 19-22, 2015, travel days not included) at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) (Santa Barbara, CA) to develop and apply mechanistic and structural equation models to stream food webs and ecosystems using lectures, and group and individual exercises and projects. Travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses will be covered for participants. * Post-workshop, networked collaborations mentored by senior scientists and instructors focused on the completion of working group products, including the implementation of models in R, refinement of models and predictions, and development of manuscripts dealing with modeling approaches to stream ecosystem responses to perturbations. These follow-up activities will be structured as group and individual projects. 12 – 14 aquatic scientists spanning a range of career stages, scientific expertise, and research experiences will be selected for this first working group. We are looking for participants with a variety of backgrounds to develop an interdisciplinary team to collaborate on advancing our understanding of how food web structure affects stream ecosystems. Selected participants will be expected to be involved in all working group activities, and have basic skills in R and experience with modeling. Along with covering all expenses associated with the 4-day workshop, participants can contact the email below to inquire about limited funds that may be available to assist with attendance at the pre-SFS meeting workshop for those without resources to do so. To apply, send a one page letter to [email protected] describing 1) your research interests and how the modeling working group fits with your research plans or career goals, and 2) your career stage and research background, skills, and expertise. Please also attach your curriculum vitae. We initially will be working with a common database, but if you have data that might be useful for these types of models, please include a brief description. Applications are due December 31, 2014 and selected participants will be contacted by January 10, 2015. More information on the Stream Resiliency RCN and upcoming working groups can be found online at: Google+: https://plus.google.com/100142659994053567183/about (or search in Google+ for “Stream Resiliency RCN”) Or Join the Stream Resiliency Research Coordination Network Google Group: Google Groups: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/streamresiliencyrcn Claire Ruffing Department of Geography Kansas State University
