Re: OpenOffice bug hits multiple operating systems

2007-09-27 Thread Graham Smith
Of equal relevance, is that it only effects fairly old versions of 
OpenOffice, it is not an issue for recent versions.

Graham

Sharif Branham wrote:
 =20
 This article seems relevant in light of some of the recent conversations ab=
 out alternatives to MS Excel.
 =20
 =20
 Security experts have discovered vulnerabilities in OpenOffice.org that cou=
 ld allow attackers to remotely execute code on Linux, Windows or Apple Mac-=
 based computers. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6209919.html?tag=3Dnl.e=
 550
 =20
 Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:19:09 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Ca=
 ll for Papers: Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Carbon Fluxes and Vegetation B=
 iophysical Properties To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU  Apologies for cross=
  posting.  Call for Papers  Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Carbon Fluxes=
  and Vegetation Biophysical Properties  Special Paper Session for the 20=
 08 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG)  April=
  15-19, Boston, Massachusetts  The estimation of carbon fluxes between th=
 e terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere has important scientific and po=
 litical implications. Remote sensing has proven a valuable tool for direct=
 ly or indirectly estimating terrestrial carbon fluxes at landscape, region=
 al, continental, and global scales. Remote sensing is also effective in es=
 timating vegetation biophysical properties including vegetation biomass, l=
 eaf area index (LAI), fractional vegetation cover, and phenology that are =
 explicitly used for estimating ecosystem carbon fluxes in empirical approa=
 ches or process-based biogeochemistry models.   This session will focus =
 on the use of remote sensing data and techniques for estimating ecosystem =
 carbon fluxes and vegetation biophysical properties at various spatial and=
  temporal scales. This session will include, but not limited to, the follo=
 wing topics:  (1) Scaling-up site-level measurements on ecosystem carbon =
 fluxes (e.g., eddy covariance measurements) to regional or continental sca=
 les using remote sensing data;  (2) Quantifying ecosystem carbon fluxes =
 at landscape, regional, or continental scales using remote sensing data an=
 d techniques;  (3) Detecting land use/land cover change, disturbances (e.=
 g., fires, and insect defoliation), and extreme climate events (e.g., drou=
 ghts) and understanding their impacts on regional carbon budgets by combin=
 ing remote sensing and other techniques;  (4) Estimating vegetation biop=
 hysical properties including vegetation biomass, LAI, fractional vegetatio=
 n cover, and vegetation phenology at landscape, regional, or continental s=
 cales using optical or microwave remote sensing.  We also encourage subm=
 issions simulating ecosystem carbon fluxes at regional or continental scal=
 es using empirical or biogeochemistry models driven by remote sensing data=
  (e.g., vegetation indices, LAI, vegetation phenology).   Abstract submis=
 sion details are available at the AAG website (http://www.aag.org/annualme=
 etings/2008/papers.htm). If you are interested in participating in this sp=
 ecial session, please submit your abstract through the online submission s=
 ystem by October 31, 2007. After you submit you abstract, please send me a=
 n email containing: (1) Your name, affiliation, presentation title, and ab=
 stract; (2) The =93PIN=94 number assigned to you by the online submission =
 system.   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions for th=
 e special session or the abstract submission procedures.   Dr. Jingfeng =
 Xiao Department of Earth  Atmospheric Sciences Purdue University CIVIL =
 550 Stadium Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051 Tel: (765) 496-8678;=
  Fax: (765) 496-1210 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~xi=
 ao3=20
 _
 Discover the new Windows Vista
 http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?q=3Dwindows+vistamkt=3Den-USform=3DQBR=
 E=
 
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-- 


Graham M Smith


Station Cottage Tel:01749 840631
Station RoadFax:0870 1322773
Binegar Mobile: 07971 177623
nr Radstock
Somerset
BA3 4UQ

Mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.myotis.co.uk



Information contained in this e-mail is intended for the use of the
addressee(s) only, and may be confidential or privileged.

If you receive this message in error, please advise me immediately.

If you are not the intended recipient(s), any form of distribution,
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Ecology Agricultural Definition

2007-09-27 Thread Wayne Tyson
I'd like as many definitions of the term, agricultural ecology as 
subscribers care to submit.

Thanks,

WT


Education formal Electives wasted Re: film clarification

2007-09-27 Thread Wayne Tyson
I hope I'm not duplicating earlier comments, but art, primarily 
painting, is one of the best windows into past ecosystems.  Surviving 
photography, from the mid-19th century, of course, also is 
valuable.  An excellent reference is The Changing Mile (Hastings 
and Turner), as are the photographs of Edward S. Curtis, and his 
contemporaries.  It needs to be updated; an excellent student 
project.  This idea should be expanded upon, through photography and 
art.  Of course, it is not yet too late for some ecosystems, before 
they are trashed by the bulldozer of human excess.  Last, but far 
from least, it is important to study cases of ecosystem recovery.

WT



At 11:06 AM 9/26/2007, Dr. Gary Grossman wrote:
Wow, I've gotten a ton of great responses,  thanks to everyone.  Just to
clarify on the film, book etc. issues - I'm looking for fiction, poetry,
non-documentary movies - i.e. non-traditional approaches to the issues of
ecology or resource management.  I'll be out of the country for awhile but
when I get back I'll try and summarize things for the list.  Also, many
majors take these courses at our school so the idea is not just to expose
English majors to Ecology but to expose Ecology majors to poetry, film,
etc.  I find that our students have little time for what the more
supercilious advisers call wasted electives g. cheers, g

--
Gary D. Grossman

G. Grossman Fine Art
http://www.negia.net/~grossman


Distinguished Research Professor - Animal Ecology
Warnell School of Forestry  Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, GA, USA 30602

http://www.arches.uga.edu/~grossman

Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish


Re: Ecology Text suitable for grades 9-12

2007-09-27 Thread Wayne Tyson
A Primer of Ecological Principles Book One by Richard J. Vogl

For all grades.

WT

At 08:52 AM 9/23/2007, Beth Callaghan wrote:
Anyone have any recommendations on an ecology text suitable for 
grades 9-12?  thanks.

Beth Callaghan
Easthampton High School
Easthampton, MA


algorithm assistance

2007-09-27 Thread adam herbert
hello,
We have just started a compost pile and worm farm at the highschool where I
teach science.  We have been keeping track of diversion of organic waste
from the cafeteria (7-8 kg/daily) from the public waste disposal system.  We
are now wanting to come up with an algorithm to determine the amount of
carbon dioxide and methane we are saving from adding to greenhouse gases.
Some of the steps we would like to determine (and there are likely some
missing in the algorithm): how much fossil fuel does an average garbage
truck burn per mass (kg) of waste hauled over 1 km?  How much of that fossil
fuel from the garbage truck becomes greenhouse gas?  Is worm farming
reducing methane production over landfilling?  Like I said I'm sure we're
missing some steps and would be appreciative of anyone that has attempted
such an algorithm before.
thanks,
Adam Herbert
American International School
San Jose, Costa Rica


PhD position(s) in Community Ecology and Entomology, University of Maryland

2007-09-27 Thread Daniel Gruner
PhD position(s) in Community Ecology and Entomology
University of Maryland, College Park

I am looking for highly motivated graduate students interested in 
community ecology and entomology to start September 2008 in the 
Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park.

My research in concerned with the dynamics, structure, and 
maintenance of biodiversity in ecological communities. In particular, 
I explore how geochemical resources and consumers interactively 
constrain community structure, diversity, and biotic invasions; how 
scales of space and time affect the strength of trophic interactions; 
how patterns in trophic structure vary across ecosystem types; and 
how these insights can be applied to conservation and sustainability. 
To date, my field research has focused on hyperdiverse invertebrate 
communities and their interactions with plants both above and 
belowground. For further information on my research visit: 
http://entmcv.umd.edu/?name=dsgruner

Funding with a competitive stipend is guaranteed available for five 
years through a combination of fellowships, research and teaching 
assistantships. Applicants also are encouraged to apply for available 
scholarships and fellowships.

I will consider applicants who wish to pursue research on any aspect 
of fundamental or applied population/community/ecosystem ecology. 
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in the Biological 
Sciences. Prior research experience as an undergraduate or master's 
student is preferred.

The University of Maryland Department of Entomology 
http://www.entomology.umd.edu/http://www.entomology.umd.edu/ has a 
strong, collegial and growing group spanning the gamut from applied 
economic entomology to theoretical ecological and evolutionary 
biology. Students will also benefit from access to: the 
interdisciplinary program in Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and 
Systematics on campus 
http://www.bees.umd.edu/http://www.bees.umd.edu/, expertise and 
collections of the Smithsonian Institution 
http://www.si.edu/http://www.si.edu/ and the Beltsville 
Agricultural Research Center of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture 
http://www.ars.usda.gov/http://www.ars.usda.gov/, and the 
constellation of facilities within the Maryland Agricultural 
Experiment Station http://agresearch.umd.edu/http://agresearch.umd.edu/.

The University is simultaneously situated within 5 miles of the 
nation's capitol and within several hours of diverse coastal, 
freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, offering excellent 
opportunities for both field research and recreation.

Interested applicants should send an email with attached CV to Daniel 
Gruner mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Full application 
materials are preferred by 1 December 2007 (7 January 2008 deadline), 
but candidates should contact me in advance.




Daniel S. Gruner, Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology
4112 Plant Sciences Bldg
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742 U.S.A.
(o) 301-405-3957  (f) 301-314-9290
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

http://entmcv.umd.edu/?name=dsgruner 


Research Technician in Ecology Entomology, University of Maryland

2007-09-27 Thread Daniel Gruner
This is a re-post; I will begin screening applications next week.

**

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (=Faculty Research Assistant)

Applications are invited for a Faculty Research Assistant to perform 
ecological and entomological research in the laboratory of Dr. Daniel 
Gruner at the University of Maryland, College Park. This is a 
full-time contractual position, renewable on an annual basis, with 
competitive salary and benefits.

Closing Date: Screening of applications will begin after September 
28, 2007 and position will remain open until filled.

Department: Entomology

Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and 
experience, beginning at $26,370; health benefits and possibility for 
partial tuition remission; contractual non-tenure, full-time; 
reviewed and renewable on annual basis.

Duties: Faculty Research Assistant will support several collaborative 
projects in basic and applied ecological entomology in Maryland and 
California, and will: conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field 
experiments; maintain plant, arthropod and nematode colonies; help to 
identify and curate plant and arthropod specimens; enter data and 
manage databases on a regular basis; order materials/supplies and 
track lab expenses; maintain laboratory and greenhouse in working 
order; assist graduate students and other personnel with research; 
and oversee undergraduate student workers in these tasks.

Qualifications: A strong science background and B.S./B.A. degree in 
ecology, entomology, agronomy, conservation biology or related 
discipline is required. M.S. degree and 2+ years experience in 
research or practical applications of research is preferred. 
Candidate must demonstrate: coursework and hands-on experience in 
ecology and evolutionary biology; capacity and interest in learning 
new concepts and techniques, including collection and preparation of 
specimens for identification, display, and storage; skill in both 
verbal and written communication in English; computer literacy and 
skill in managing, analyzing and evaluating data; ability to 
multi-task and work both independently with minimal supervision and 
cooperatively with others. Candidate must be willing to travel to 
field sites in Maryland and California, must possess valid driver's 
license, and must be willing to work outdoors, tolerating conditions 
such as heat, wind, rain, and cold.

To Apply: Send CV, statement of relevant research experience and 
interests, and contact information for 3 references as a single file 
(MS Word or PDF) to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or by mail to Dr. Daniel 
Gruner, Department of Entomology, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, 
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Screening of 
applications will begin after September 28, 2007 and position will 
remain open until filled.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity/affirmative action 
employer. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.


DEADLINE Sept 30: Executive Director Position: Salmon Restoration, Olympia, WA

2007-09-27 Thread Kim Gridley
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SOUTH PUGET SOUND SALMON ENHANCEMENT GROUP

{The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) is a non-profit
volunteer-based organization that conducts salmon restoration, salmon
enhancement and community education to increase salmonid populations in the
South Puget Sound region.  The group is one of fourteen Regional Fisheries
Enhancement Groups created in l989 by the Washington State Legislature, and
is partially supported by surcharges on sport and commercial fishing
licenses.  The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides technical
and administrative support to the program.  The SPSSEG is administered by an
all-volunteer board of nine directors elected by the general membership. 
The group’s offices are located at 6700 Martin Way East, Suite 112, Olympia,
WA  98516.  For more information about the group and its projects and
activities, please visit our website at www.spsseg.org}.

The SPSSEG Board of Directors is excited to announce the opening of its
Executive Director position to both internal and external candidates.  The
attached file contains the complete job description and education and
experience requirements.

The salary range for this position is $40,000 to $60,000.   Starting salary
will be commensurate with how well the successful applicant’s
education/experience supports the duties and responsibilities of the job.

A complete application must include a cover letter providing the candidate’s
name, address, and daytime and evening phone number(s), e-mail address, and
expressed general interest in the position.  The application itself should
be formatted as follows:  Each major duty category (i.e., Personnel
management and budget) should be addressed in the order in which it is shown
on the position description directly followed by the candidate’s own
specific relevant education/experience.  If you have more to add, it should
be done under a “Miscellaneous” heading at the end of the application.

Cover letters and applications should be mailed to Sally Hicks, P.O. Box
394, Littlerock, Washington 98556.  They must be postmarked no later than
midnight, Sunday, September 30, 2007.  Applications postmarked after that
date or E-mailed
applications will not be accepted.   Questions about the application process
can be directed to Sally Hicks, Board Vice-President, at (360) 357-4850.


Ridding argentine ants in small vertebrate funnel traps?

2007-09-27 Thread J. L. Kunna
Hi,
Looking for advice on how to deal with non-native Argentine ants swarming
over and killing small animals caught in my mesh funnel traps attached to
drift fences.
An ant-specific poison registered for outdoor use that doesn't affect other
invertebrates would be nice.
Any other info would be helpful too.  The study is on the effect of
prescribed fire, and I'd rather not confound it with a huge ant eradication
project.
Thanks,
John 


Job: TNC, Bariloche Patagonia Project Manager

2007-09-27 Thread David Inouye
Bariloche Patagonia Project Manager

JOB TITLE: BARILOCHE PATAGONIA PROJECT MANAGER
SUPERVISOR: Southern Andes Conservation Program Director
JOB FAMILY: Conservation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Project Manager manages and coordinates all 
aspects of protection, science, stewardship, and 
community relations in the temperate grasslands 
of the Patagonia region of Argentina.  S/he 
serves as the principle contact to government 
agencies, other conservation organizations, 
foundations, the academic community, and 
individuals.  Key objectives will include:
• Establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in Argentina
• Define conservation priorities in Argentina and 
develop and implement strategies that produce tangible conservation outcomes
• Develop key partnerships with public and 
private organizations to identify and resolve 
technical issues, develop innovative solutions, 
and broadly communicate solutions and best practices
• Develop and disseminate innovative scientific 
methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs
• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team to 
supports and improve regional conservation efforts
• Build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field
• Cultivate local community support for local conservation efforts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Masters degree and 5 years experience in 
conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong working knowledge and conservation 
experience in Argentina, particularly in the Patagonia.
• Experience in negotiations with federal and provincial governments.
• Good understanding of the Argentine environmental sector.
• Proven experience in planning and managing 
complex or multiple project activities under 
deadlines, including staff supervision, workloads and finances.
• Fluency in Spanish and English and excellent 
writing skills in both languages.
• Familiarity with fundraising techniques, such 
as proposal writing, donor cultivation, planning and hosting VIP trips.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing 
and implementing conservation plans and policy
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in 
public and private conservation.
• Development of  practical applications of 
scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
• Knowledge of methods and standards of 
biodiversity information systems and initiatives
• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs
• Motivating team members, setting goals, and leading efforts
• Delivering practical, adaptable products and services to customers
• Managing time and diverse activities under 
deadlines while delivering high quality results
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising
• Successful experience in developing, directing 
and managing multiple projects.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, including 
the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
• Successful experience in partnership 
development (partners, community, government, etc); political savvy.
• Proven interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Diagnoses complex problems and identifies creative solutions
• Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, 
and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances
• Manages and prioritizes tasks from multiple sources
• Designs, implements, and directs complex and 
diverse projects, encompassing multiple programs 
and coordinating the work of other professionals, 
inside and outside the 
organization.  Incorporates cross-disciplinary 
knowledge to support program objectives
• Negotiates complex agreements, sometimes in political environments
• Develops and implements creative ideas to 
improve overall performance in conservation strategies
• Formulates, evaluates, and decides broad 
organizational policies and long-term programs

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Ensures program accountability and legal compliance
• Assesses decisions’ potential impact on 
colleagues’ work, public image, scientific 
credibility and financial and legal standings
• Makes decisions based on incomplete or 
ambiguous information and accepts associated risks
• Makes decisions frequently based on analysis, experience and judgment

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and 
professional staff, with responsibility for 
performance management, training, and career 
development.  Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Responsible for operating within budget 
guidelines to ensure sound financial 
performance.  Develop and administer project 
budget and has authority to modify budget based on changing circumstances.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of 
performance for the project while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring that public and 
private funds are raised 

Re: Ecology Agricultural Definition

2007-09-27 Thread Warren W. Aney
Do you want it defined as a descriptive term or as a name of an
application/activity?  In other words, we may study agricultural ecology to
gain insight on the biological and physical interrelationships of crops,
farming practices and the surrounding environment.  Or we may engage in
agricultural ecology to influence these interrelationships.

Warren W. Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
Tigard, Oregon

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Wayne Tyson
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 10:05 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Ecology Agricultural Definition


I'd like as many definitions of the term, agricultural ecology as
subscribers care to submit.

Thanks,

WT


Postdoctoral Position in Aquatic Ecology

2007-09-27 Thread Alex Flecker
Postdoctoral Position in Aquatic Ecology
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

We are seeking candidates for a 2-4 year postdoctoral position for a large
interdisciplinary project funded through the National Science Foundation’s
(NSF) Frontiers in Biological Research (FIBR) Program: Linking genes to
ecosystems: how do ecological and evolutionary processes interact in nature?

The position will be based at Cornell University and will be part of an
interdisciplinary research team composed of scientists from Cornell
University, University of California - Riverside, University of Nebraska,
University of Georgia, and several other universities.  Field research will
be conducted in tropical streams of Trinidad and laboratory work carried out
at Cornell (Alex Flecker lab group), the University of Nebraska (Steve
Thomas lab group), and the University of Georgia’s Institute of Ecology
(Cathy Pringle lab group).  The successful applicant will be involved in
characterization of tropical stream food webs and ecosystem research that
includes ecological stoichiometry, experimental 15N tracer studies, stream
ecosystem metabolism, and other analytical techniques for investigating the
functioning of ecosystems.  With another postdoctoral associate, the
successful candidate will co-coordinate studies of ecosystem variables in
study streams and participate in manipulative experiments that involve a
larger research team.  He/she will have considerable intellectual freedom to
develop independent research projects that complement the main goals of the
project.

A Ph.D. with strong experience in ecosystem ecology is required.
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until
the position is filled.  For more information, please contact the co-PIs of
the FIBR Ecosystem team: Dr. Alex Flecker at [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dr. Steve
Thomas at [EMAIL PROTECTED], or Dr. Cathy Pringle at [EMAIL PROTECTED]  

To apply, please send by email a cover letter describing your research
interests and expertise along with an available start date, a curriculum
vitae, representative publications, and contact information for three
references to: Alex Flecker ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

Cornell University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer


Re: fireflies/ppl learn about science

2007-09-27 Thread Sarah Braun
Hey Wendy,

I can't answer any of your firefly questions, but I can tell you that what
influenced me to become a scientist were all of my experiences outdoors as a
kid. As the saying goes in my house I learned how to bait a hook before I
could tie my shoes. And it's the truth. We've got pictures of it! Anywho,
my family spent a lot of time outside growing up and both my brother and I
are into the outdoors now. (FYI, I'm 26). I became a biologist and my
brother is an armchair environmentalist, meaning that while he doesn't
study science specifically (he became a Marine), he does make sure his
roommates recycle, goes hiking/camping/fishing/hunting whenever he gets the
chance, and is more environmentally conscious than most of his friends. In
case you're interested, I received my BS in Wildlife Management from the
University of WI-Stevens Point and most recently my MS in Ecology from
Florida State University. My family is from WI and I spent most of my life
there. I suspect that regional differences are going to be a big factor in
determining what most influences people to become scientists. As a side
note, I took an Environmental Education course a few years ago and we
discussed this very topic, what influences people to become scientists (or
environmental educators). You may want to check out the Env. Ed. literature
if your looking for more research on the issue. Unfortunately, I do not have
any specific articles to cite for you but I doubt it will be hard to find
them!

-- 
Sarah Braun
Citizen Science Director
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek, WI 54742
(715) 877-2212

On 9/26/07, WENDEE HOLTCAMP [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 I have two unrelated questions.


 FIRE-FLIES: First I'm doing an article on fireflies and it seems they're
 most common (or only found?) east of the Rockies except Utah. Yet there
 are
 some anecdotal reports from CA and WA. Can you all tell me if any of you
 currently see blinking fireflies - of any species - there are 175+ in the
 US
 (not all flash though). OR if you remember seeing them when you were a
 kid. Another common report is that they are declining in some areas but no
 one seems to know why - could be chemicals, could be habitat loss, could
 be
 light pollution, could be that people are just not outdoors enough to see
 them. But can anyone confirm for me that they personally saw them as a
 child
 in CA or OR or WA? In the West? Or that their parents or grandparents (who
 are living and I can contact) saw them out west?



 HOW PEOPLE BECOME SCIENTISTS/MEDIA INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF
 SCIENCE - I saw some studies that indicate that most natural scientists
 have
 two main influences affecting their early interest in sciencets - early
 outdoor experiences and media/TV  (for me it was Jacques Cousteau and Jane
 Goodall documentaries, whereas a slightly younger generation grew up on
 Croc
 Hunter). Have you seen this study that showed this? The other study I
 heard
 about was an NSF study that indicated the majority of Americans learn
 about
 science from the media. I can't seem to locate either of these from a
 Google
 search. Ring any bells? Know of any other studies?



 What influenced YOU to become a scientist?

 Wendee



 ~~

  Wendee Holtcamp, M.S. Wildlife Ecology

 Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian

  http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com/
 http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com

http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com
 http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com

 ~~







-- 
Sarah Braun
Citizen Science Director
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek, WI 54742
(715) 877-2212


Graduate Research Assistantship (Ph.D.) in Avian Ecology/ Wildlife Sciences - 2nd announcement

2007-09-27 Thread James Grand
Graduate Research Assistantship (Ph.D.) in Avian Ecology/ Wildlife
Sciences, 
Auburn University, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

Job Description: 
A Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in Wildlife Sciences is
available through the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit (ALCFWRU) and the East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture (EGCP JV)
at the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. 
The selected student will have flexibility in developing his or her
dissertation research within the framework of developing conservation
planning tools to advance strategic bird habitat conservation in the
East Gulf Coastal Plain Bird Conservation Region.  The student’s
research will be advised by Dr. James (Barry) Grand, Leader of the
ALCFWRU.  The student will work with the EGCP JV Coordinator to pursue
research funding opportunities. 

The doctoral degree candidate will also provide technical assistance
for a variety of EGCP JV conservation planning projects under the
direction of the EGCP JV Coordinator.  The EGCP JV is a self-directed
partnership of federal, state, and private stakeholders dedicated to the
conservation of priority birds and habitats in the East Gulf region. 
The partnership strives to lead a regional bird habitat conservation
movement founded upon a science-based, landscape-scale strategy.  This
position also offers the opportunity for close working relationships
with many EGCP JV partners throughout the Southeast including federal
and state natural resource agencies as well as non-governmental
conservation organizations.  

Desired Qualifications: 
We are looking for a motivated and interested individual who has a
working knowledge of birds and habitats of the Southeastern U.S. and
interest and experience in avian ecology, landscape ecology, and/or
ecological modeling.  

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology,
wildlife sciences, or a related discipline.   A Masters degree or
relevant work experience and a working knowledge of GIS are preferred. 


How to Apply: 
Candidates will apply for admission into the School of Forestry and
Wildlife Sciences graduate program at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. 
Details regarding application to the graduate school are available at
http://www.grad.auburn.edu/.  The starting date is spring 2008 with
potential for earlier employment opportunities.   Selection will be
based on letters of recommendation, work experience, and enthusiasm for
the work proposed.  Send letter of interest, résumé, GRE scores,
transcripts, and names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three
references to Allison Vogt, EGCP JV Coordinator, via email at
[EMAIL PROTECTED]  Inquiries about the position should be directed
to Allison Vogt or Dr. Grand at [EMAIL PROTECTED]  

Salary:  $18,180 for 12 months plus out-of-state tuition waiver.  
Deadline: All application materials should be submitted by Oct. 1,
2007



-
Dr. James B. Grand, Leader   
Alabama Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit 
3301 School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
  Auburn, AL  36849-5418   
Ph: (334) 844-4796
FAX: (334) 844-1084

--
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/alcfwru


Canopy Herpetofauna Research Assistant needed

2007-09-27 Thread =?ISO-8859-1?Q?S.F._McCracken?=
Doctoral Student in need of canopy herpetofauna research assistants
Location: Ecuadorian Amazon 

Job Description:
Motivated, reliable, and durable field assistant to work on a field study of
the herpetofauna and arthropod communities of canopy phytotelmata
(tank-bromeliads) in primary rainforest at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station
(TBS), Yasuni Research Station (YRS), and along the Via Auca in the
Ecuadorian Amazon. Assistants will contribute to a project focusing on
amphibian and arthropod diversity and density in a large canopy
tank-bromeliad, Aechmea zebrina, occupying different forest types and
management regimes Assistants will be responsible for independent scouting
surveys to identify potential survey trees, providing ground support during
sampling, collecting/recording data during sampling, transporting heavy gear
and sampled bromeliads long distances in difficult terrain, following
protocol to collect data for each bromeliad, dismantling bromeliads in a
screen tent and collecting all herpetofauna and arthropods, recording
specimen data, collecting blood or tissue samples, preserving specimens,
sorting arthropods, and data entry. Other responsibilities may include tree
and trail mapping, Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), and opportunistic sampling.

Cost/funding:
A portion of costs will be paid by the project, applicants will pay
approximately US$ 13-15/day towards station fees (includes on-site lodging,
laundry, and three meals daily). Successful Ecuadorian applicants may apply
to have station fees paid in full. Assistants are also responsible for the
costs of obtaining a visa to work in Ecuador if staying longer than 90 days
(~US$ 300), health insurance and immunizations that permit that work. Proof
of suitable insurance and yellow fever immunization is a must; vaccinations
against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis, etc. are all also strongly recommended
(see the Center for Disease Control website for Ecuador,
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEcuador.aspx). Applicants must also
pay their own round-trip airfare to Ecuador (cost varies) and for travel
within Ecuador to and from the research station (~US$120 by plane or US$20
by bus). Assistants are responsible for their own field clothes, gear, and
personal items.

Term of Appointment:
Minimum 3 month commitment; exceptional applicants may inquire about a
shorter commitment (not less than 2 months). Research will commence at the
beginning of March 2008 and finish at the end of December 2008. Preferred
commitment dates would be: 1. March, April, and May-June; 2.May- June, July,
and August-September; 3. September-October, November, and December. I would
like to have assistants overlap at least a week.

Qualifications:
Applicants should minimally have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or
higher degree) in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Previous experience
with amphibians, reptiles, or arthropods is not necessary but a strong
interest in these animals and the mental tenacity to handle them is
required. Previous experience and comfort with living and working outdoors
is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant should have prior experience with
living or working in a foreign country, preferably a developing country in
the tropics. Knowledge of English is required and Spanish is helpful, but
not necessary, a willingness to learn will benefit greatly. Experience with
collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred, the
commitment to learn is a must. Tree climbing experience using Single-Rope
Technique (SRT) is highly preferred; those interested in learning this skill
if accepted should look online for training opportunities. In general,
applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable
being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic,
respectful of others, and very patient; have an excellent eye for detail;
experience with bugs, snakes, frogs, heights, and being alone in the forest
(day or night); have very good social skills, especially in small groups;
and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging
and tiring work.
For a complete description go to http://uweb.txstate.edu/~sm1216/

Additional Information:
Serious applicants please first email Shawn McCracken ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
to receive a project guide and a typical weeks work schedule. If still
interested after reading the guide, please submit via email to BOTH Shawn
McCracken ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Dr. Michael R.J. Forstner
([EMAIL PROTECTED]) the following:

1. CV including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor experience, and
where/how you can be contacted.
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available).
3. References from three persons (preferably professors or research
supervisors with whom youve worked closely) in which they provide
information about your experiences, skills, and training.

Please direct all initial inquiries regarding the application process or

Faculty Position- Ecologist / Environmental Science Coordinator

2007-09-27 Thread Chris Skelton
Ecologist/Environmental Science Program Coordinator, 
Georgia College  State University

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Georgia College 
State University invites applications for an Ecologist/Environmental Science
Program Coordinator.  We seek a broadly trained individual that is committed
to liberal arts education and can demonstrate excellence in teaching and
research. This is a tenure-track position and will be hired at the assistant
or associate professor level. A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or
related field is required. Teaching duties may include introductory biology
and environmental science, ecology, and upper level courses in the
candidate's field of expertise. In addition to teaching, the candidate will
be expected to develop a research program to include undergraduate and
graduate (M.S.) students. The candidate will also be responsible for
administrating the environmental science major which will include duties
such as advising, curriculum development and assessment, and program review.
To apply: send letter of interest, current CV, statement of teaching and
research interests, graduate transcripts, and contact information for three
professional references to: Chair, Ecology Search Committee, Department of
Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College  State University,
Milledgeville, GA 31061.  [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ph: 478-445-2440; Fax:
478-445-5290.  Position to begin Fall 2008.  Review of applications will
begin November 15 and will continue until the position is filled.
Please visit http://www.gcsu.edu/facultyjobs/ for a full position
description.
Georgia is an Open Records state. The finalist will be required to submit to
a background investigation. GCSU is an EO/AA Institution.


Christopher E. Skelton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Georgia College  State University
Milledgeville, GA  31061
Ph: 478-445-2440
Fax: 478-445-5290
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]


ESA SEEDS fellowship

2007-09-27 Thread Melissa Armstrong
The Ecological Society of America's SEEDS Undergraduate Research
Fellowship application deadline has been extended to October 1.  The
SEEDS program promotes ecology opportunities to students that are
underrepresented in the profession.  Don't miss this unique opportunity
to customize your ecology research experience.  The possibilities with
the SEEDS fellowship are unparalleled, with awardees having almost the
entire ESA membership, 10,000 strong, to choose from as mentors.
Fellowship students essentially conduct a mini thesis from writing a
proposal, to conducting their research and analyzing results, to
presenting at the ESA meeting.  The fellowship stipend is $6,000, plus
all research expenses, plus travel to two ESA meetings and a leadership
meeting making the total award over $12,000.  The SEEDS fellowship is
the highest honor in the SEEDS program, and fellows are encouraged as
future leaders of ESA.  To learn more about the SEEDS fellowship and to
apply, visit http://www.esa.org/seeds/fellowship/about.php
http://www.esa.org/seeds/fellowship/about.php .=20

=20
Melissa Armstrong
SEEDS Program Manager
www.esa.org/seeds http://www.esa.org/seeds=20
=20
=20
=20


post-doctoral ad

2007-09-27 Thread John S. Richardson
Post-doctoral position to study consequences of organic matter 
dynamics in stream and riparian food webs

The Stream and Riparian Research Lab of the University of British 
Columbia, Canada [ 
http://faculty.forestry.ubc.ca/richardson/http://faculty.forestry.ubc.ca/richardson/
 
] is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to work on a BC Forest Sciences 
Program funded grant investigating ecosystem functioning in small 
streams and their riparian areas. Energy subsidies link headwater 
streams and riparian forests. Forest harvesting can shift stream 
community composition and ecosystem functions by altering these 
terrestrial inputs. This project examines a) how shifts in 
terrestrial inputs due to forestry may affect the diversity of stream 
invertebrates and rates of detrital processing in small headwater 
streams, and b) how shifts in the timing of stream invertebrate 
emergence might feed back into effects on riparian forest food webs.

We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow with the following skills and 
interests: (1) a strong background in stream ecology or community 
ecology with a freshwater focus as evidenced by publication in 
peer-reviewed journals, (2) an ability to design and execute field 
studies and factorial experiments, (3) strong analytical and 
quantitative skills (experience with modeling is an advantage) and, 
(4) a willingness to contribute actively to the intellectual life of 
the lab group. The successful candidate will design and direct field 
experiments that investigate the role of changing riparian canopy 
composition on both stream ecosystem function and reciprocating flows 
of energy between stream and forest food webs. There will also be 
opportunity to conduct independent research while meeting commitments 
to the funding agency.

The position is available April 1, 2008 and there is funding 
available for a period of 2 years (pending grant renewal by the 
funding agency). Applicants must have completed all requirements for 
a PhD in ecology or closely related discipline prior to beginning the 
position. The salary for the position is $36,000 CND/year plus benefits.

By November 1, 2007, interested applicants should send electronically 
a cover letter describing their research interests and abilities, a 
CV, PDFs of relevant publications and contact information for 3 
references to: Dr. John Richardson [EMAIL PROTECTED] The 
University of British Columbia hires on the basis of merit and is 
committed to employment equity.

**
  Dr. John S. Richardson
  University of British Columbia
  Department of Forest Sciences
  3041 - 2424 Main Mall
  Vancouver, BC, Canada,  V6T 1Z4

  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Skype:   john.s.richardson
   http://faculty.forestry.ubc.ca/richardson/
**


Re: Ridding argentine ants in small vertebrate funnel traps?

2007-09-27 Thread Liane Cochran-Stafira
John,
Diatomaceous earth or borax are sometimes used as ant deterrents; 
sprinkle a thick ring around the traps.  They won't cross the diatom 
stuff because it's like walking across glass for them.  Cuts through 
the joints in the exoskeleton.  I'm not sure how the borax works, but 
they don't seem to like it either.  The diatomaceous earth should not 
be a problem for your animals.  Of course these have to be reapplied 
if it rains.
Suggestions based on trying to keep ants out of the house after spring rains.

My 2 cents.
Liane Cochran-Stafira


At 10:47 AM 9/27/2007, you wrote:
Hi,
Looking for advice on how to deal with non-native Argentine ants swarming
over and killing small animals caught in my mesh funnel traps attached to
drift fences.
An ant-specific poison registered for outdoor use that doesn't affect other
invertebrates would be nice.
Any other info would be helpful too.  The study is on the effect of
prescribed fire, and I'd rather not confound it with a huge ant eradication
project.
Thanks,
John

***
D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Saint Xavier University
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, Illinois  60655

phone:  773-298-3514
fax:773-298-3536
email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/