Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
When I started my doctoral program in 1999, either Gary Emmert or Jerry Farris, I have forgotten which but I am PRETTY SURE one of them told us that the early environmental science programs back in the 1970s were sort-of poor-man's chemistry degrees. (Could have been someone else). They often emphasized water treatment and were generally not very rigorous. A modern environmental science program is extremely demanding because you have to juggle the extra coursework and still get your research done. The modern programs are heavily laden in science but also laden in those other areas (economics and policy). So, Wayne's observation may be pretty accurate if it was the kind of thing I was told about. I'ld argue that a modern environmental science program is harder to complete than either a comparable biology, chemistry, policy or economics program. However, an environmental science graduate will not have as in-depth of an education in all of these as the person specializing in one of thes areas. However, a typical EVS graduate will usually have a concentration in one of enviornmental biology, env. chem, env. econ, env. policy, etc. and essentially that is their primary specialty. For example, I earned my doctorate in EVS but my primary education is in biology. However, most of us can communicate across disciplines allowing us to effectively manage groups of people with wide differences in specialty. On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 4:30 PM, Wayne Tyson wrote: > Ecolog: > > I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early > days (1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's > in "environmental management" or some such label, I got the impression that > biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's. > These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they > had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals > (though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must > have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about, > say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species > interactions. > > My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception > (though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst > fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the > consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they > wielded with absolute authority. > > Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong, > wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream. > > WT > > > - Original Message - From: "malcolm McCallum" < > malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org> > To: > Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree > programs > > > Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally >> designed >> with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs. I'm not >> sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years >> since I looked at the program. >> >> On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer >> wrote: >> >> Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the >>> University >>> of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in >>> conjunction >>> with the university's public policy school. Are these programs very >>> common, >>> though? >>> >>> There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the >>> years >>> that have called for this type of training. eg >>> >>> Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation >>> Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998 >>> Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation >>> biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology >>> 10:1277-1282. >>> Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology. >>> Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440. >>> >>> From: Lee Davis >>> Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST >>> Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt >>> Reply-To: Lee Davis >>> >>> >>> I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many >>> professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little >>> contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management >>> agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of >>> training >>> in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an >>> important and needed addition to training in research methods. >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> 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 lo
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
I'm finally going to speak up, having followed this thread with much interest. I have a masters degree in Education and taught for several years (including in two community colleges and at a university, and I would be happy to discuss the difference between the community college and the university mission and challenges.) I changed career paths and 6 years ago earned a Masters degree in Public Administration and Environment and Natural Resources. This was a heavily policy-oriented program. Guess where I am now? I am in a Master of Soil Science program because the policy jobs I was looking for all were asking for a more technical/science education. Maybe it's a fluke of location. I don't know. I agree with whoever said a week or so ago (I apologize for not remembering your name) that there is a gap between science and policy. I will go further to say that I am heartened to see so many programs out there addressing both, and hope graduates of those programs have better luck securing the type of employment they seek. But, I find myself in situations daily with academics, students and practitioners who all agree: There IS a gap between science and policy. I am not certain that formal education programs are filling the hole. Thank you. Good weekend. Lisa Lisa Cox, Graduate Research Assistant Soil Science and Reclamation & Restoration Ecology University of Wyoming Department of Renewable Resources, 3354 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY 82071 leesc...@uwyo.edu 307/760-0438 From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum [malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org] Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 3:33 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs If you are looking for these kinds of jobs you need to make sure the program has courses in the areas that will make you competitive such as: environmental policy environmental chemistry environmental geology environmental economics environmental toxicology or ecotoxicology environmental law environemntal impact assessment enviornmental risk assessment geographic information systems additional useful courses include: Landscape ecology environmental siting wildlife management/biology fisheries ecology/management conservation biology waste management hydrology geochemistry (or biogeochemistry) occupational health soil science/soil conservation forestry environmental instrumentation environmental sampling contaminant biology analysis of contaminants wetlands ecology pollution ecology planning environmental remediation agroecology wildlife techniques fisheries techniques I suppose this may help some folks. malcolm On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:54 PM, Ellen McCann Labbe wrote: > The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine Science > and Marine Policy. The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing > in > oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture. The program is through its > School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD > continuation options. I have two colleagues who have gone through the > program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine. > > More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php > > > -- > Ellen "Nelle" McCann Labbe > > Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences > University of Southern Maine > cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu > > > On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco >wrote: > > > Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of > Public > > Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford > School > > of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment. > > > > > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye wrote: > > > > > There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of > > > Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology > > Degree > > > (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural > > > Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy > with > > an > > > emphasis in Environmental Policy: > > > > > > > > > > > > http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr > > > > > > It has been a popular program. > > > > > > > > > Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor > > > Dept. of Biology > > > University of Maryland > > > College Park, MD 20742-4415 > > > > > > Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory > > > PO Box 519 > > > Crested Butte, CO 81224 > > > > > > ino...@umd.edu > > > <301-405-6946>301-405-6946 > > > -- 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
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
ECOLOG- Might I also suggest looking into Public Health programs (PH). I'm currently enrolled in the MPH in Environmental Health Sciences program at Georgia Southern University and we cover many of the topics mentioned in this discussion. PH offers professional training to individuals interested in bridging the gaps between science, policy, and the public. Typically, there are five concentrations within PH: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Community Health, Policy and Management, and Environmental Health Sciences. Leah Wallach On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 5:33 PM, malcolm McCallum < malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org> wrote: > If you are looking for these kinds of jobs you need to make sure the > program > has courses in the areas that will make you competitive such as: > > environmental policy > environmental chemistry > environmental geology > environmental economics > environmental toxicology or ecotoxicology > environmental law > environemntal impact assessment > enviornmental risk assessment > geographic information systems > > additional useful courses include: > Landscape ecology > environmental siting > wildlife management/biology > fisheries ecology/management > conservation biology > waste management > hydrology > geochemistry (or biogeochemistry) > occupational health > soil science/soil conservation > forestry > environmental instrumentation > environmental sampling > contaminant biology > analysis of contaminants > wetlands ecology > pollution ecology > planning > environmental remediation > agroecology > wildlife techniques > fisheries techniques > > I suppose this may help some folks. > malcolm > > > > On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:54 PM, Ellen McCann Labbe > wrote: > > > The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine > Science > > and Marine Policy. The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing > > in > > oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture. The program is through > its > > School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD > > continuation options. I have two colleagues who have gone through the > > program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine. > > > > More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php > > > > > > -- > > Ellen "Nelle" McCann Labbe > > > > Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences > > University of Southern Maine > > cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu > > > > > > On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco > >wrote: > > > > > Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of > > Public > > > Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford > > School > > > of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment. > > > > > > > > > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye wrote: > > > > > > > There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of > > > > Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology > > > Degree > > > > (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and > Natural > > > > Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy > > with > > > an > > > > emphasis in Environmental Policy: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr > > > > > > > > It has been a popular program. > > > > > > > > > > > > Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor > > > > Dept. of Biology > > > > University of Maryland > > > > College Park, MD 20742-4415 > > > > > > > > Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory > > > > PO Box 519 > > > > Crested Butte, CO 81224 > > > > > > > > ino...@umd.edu > > > > <301-405-6946>301-405-6946 > > > > > > > > > -- > 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] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
Wayne, I've run into all sorts. For what it's worth, Environmental Science programs draw on students from all sorts of backgrounds, and have all sorts of tracks. Some of them emphasize biology, others chemistry, engineering, soil science, geology and so on.mcneely Wayne Tyson wrote: > Ecolog: > > I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early days > (1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's in > "environmental management" or some such label, I got the impression that > biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's. > These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they > had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals > (though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must > have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about, > say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species > interactions. > > My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception > (though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst > fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the > consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they > wielded with absolute authority. > > Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong, > wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream. > > WT > > > - Original Message - > From: "malcolm McCallum" > To: > Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree > programs > > > > Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally > > designed > > with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs. I'm not > > sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years > > since I looked at the program. > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer > > wrote: > > > >> Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the > >> University > >> of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in > >> conjunction > >> with the university's public policy school. Are these programs very > >> common, > >> though? > >> > >> There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the > >> years > >> that have called for this type of training. eg > >> > >> Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation > >> Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998 > >> Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation > >> biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology > >> 10:1277-1282. > >> Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology. > >> Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440. > >> > >> From: Lee Davis > >> Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST > >> Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt > >> Reply-To: Lee Davis > >> > >> > >> I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many > >> professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little > >> contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management > >> agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of > >> training > >> in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an > >> important and needed addition to training in research methods. > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > 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. > > > > > > - > > No virus found in this message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3487 - Release Date: 03/07/11 > > -- David McNeely
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
If you are looking for these kinds of jobs you need to make sure the program has courses in the areas that will make you competitive such as: environmental policy environmental chemistry environmental geology environmental economics environmental toxicology or ecotoxicology environmental law environemntal impact assessment enviornmental risk assessment geographic information systems additional useful courses include: Landscape ecology environmental siting wildlife management/biology fisheries ecology/management conservation biology waste management hydrology geochemistry (or biogeochemistry) occupational health soil science/soil conservation forestry environmental instrumentation environmental sampling contaminant biology analysis of contaminants wetlands ecology pollution ecology planning environmental remediation agroecology wildlife techniques fisheries techniques I suppose this may help some folks. malcolm On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:54 PM, Ellen McCann Labbe wrote: > The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine Science > and Marine Policy. The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing > in > oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture. The program is through its > School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD > continuation options. I have two colleagues who have gone through the > program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine. > > More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php > > > -- > Ellen "Nelle" McCann Labbe > > Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences > University of Southern Maine > cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu > > > On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco >wrote: > > > Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of > Public > > Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford > School > > of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment. > > > > > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye wrote: > > > > > There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of > > > Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology > > Degree > > > (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural > > > Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy > with > > an > > > emphasis in Environmental Policy: > > > > > > > > > > > > http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr > > > > > > It has been a popular program. > > > > > > > > > Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor > > > Dept. of Biology > > > University of Maryland > > > College Park, MD 20742-4415 > > > > > > Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory > > > PO Box 519 > > > Crested Butte, CO 81224 > > > > > > ino...@umd.edu > > > <301-405-6946>301-405-6946 > > > -- 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] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
Ecolog: I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early days (1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's in "environmental management" or some such label, I got the impression that biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's. These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals (though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about, say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species interactions. My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception (though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they wielded with absolute authority. Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong, wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream. WT - Original Message - From: "malcolm McCallum" To: Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally designed with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs. I'm not sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years since I looked at the program. On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer wrote: Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the University of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in conjunction with the university's public policy school. Are these programs very common, though? There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the years that have called for this type of training. eg Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998 Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology 10:1277-1282. Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology. Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440. From: Lee Davis Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt Reply-To: Lee Davis I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of training in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an important and needed addition to training in research methods. -- 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. - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3487 - Release Date: 03/07/11
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
SIU-Edwardsville has an MS degree in Environmental Studies. I took a course in environmental impact assessment and in environmental policy from their program and it was very good. I believe they offer a whole array of similar courses (environmental siting, etc.) in the program. Again, that was back in 1995, so the program may have changed considerably. I hope this lead is useful to someone! Malcolm On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM, wrote: > The Environmental Science and Policy program at UC Berkeley includes > specific components for training graduate students in NEPA procedures, and > students in other programs, such as Integrative Biology, are able to take > some of the courses. mcneely > > malcolm McCallum wrote: > > Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally > designed > > with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs. I'm not > > sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years > > since I looked at the program. > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer > wrote: > > > > > Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the > University > > > of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in > conjunction > > > with the university's public policy school. Are these programs very > common, > > > though? > > > > > > There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the > years > > > that have called for this type of training. eg > > > > > > Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation > > > Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998 > > > Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training > conservation > > > biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology > 10:1277-1282. > > > Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology. > > > Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440. > > > > > > From: Lee Davis > > > Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST > > > Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt > > > Reply-To: Lee Davis > > > > > > > > > I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many > > > professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little > > > contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management > > > agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of > training > > > in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an > > > important and needed addition to training in research methods. > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > 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. > > -- > David McNeely > -- 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] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine Science and Marine Policy. The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing in oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture. The program is through its School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD continuation options. I have two colleagues who have gone through the program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine. More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php -- Ellen "Nelle" McCann Labbe Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences University of Southern Maine cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco wrote: > Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of Public > Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford School > of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment. > > > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye wrote: > > > There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of > > Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology > Degree > > (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural > > Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy with > an > > emphasis in Environmental Policy: > > > > > > > http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr > > > > It has been a popular program. > > > > > > Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor > > Dept. of Biology > > University of Maryland > > College Park, MD 20742-4415 > > > > Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory > > PO Box 519 > > Crested Butte, CO 81224 > > > > ino...@umd.edu > > <301-405-6946>301-405-6946 >
[ECOLOG-L] Call for abstracts for CZ11 Symposium on the Integrated Modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems
*Call for Abstracts for the* * Symposium on the Integrated Modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems* *A Special Session of Coastal Zone 2011 July 17 -- 21, 2011 Chicago, Illinois* **The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, as part of an inter-agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative effort along with GLOS, NOAA, USGS, and U.S. EPA, is chairing a symposium focused on the integrated modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems.The symposium will provide a forum for scientists and resource managers to come together to evaluate the state-of-the-science surrounding integrative modeling of GL ecosystems and explore how such models can address regional priorities and inform management strategies. *Symposium Objectives* **As resource agencies place greater emphasis towards implementing integrated ecosystems management approaches, models are needed that holistically address the complexity of these ecosystems in order to understand the components and processes that define them and forecast the impact of both natural and anthropogenic stressors. Moreover, ecosystem models and forecasts that integrate multiple disciplines and incorporate multiple sectors are becoming important tools in the development and evaluation of alternative lake-wide management strategies to address environmental issues. Within this context, researchers and managers are realizing the benefits of working together within a community framework to promote and facilitate coordination and collaboration and facilitate the transition of model results into management actions. Contributed talks will be expected to: * address current or novel approaches to community-driven integrated modeling or the improvement of existing model; * focus on specific topics that are, or could be, subcomponents of larger model architecture; or * explore the overall merits of integrated ecosystem modeling approaches, particularly those that identify the conceptual and informational gaps that may hinder the development of lake-wide ecosystem management models. Topical talks are encouraged within the following thematic areas: * Nutrients/runoff as drivers of harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, or beach quality * Invasive species * Toxics (sources, loads, biological effects) * Food webs * Hydrodynamics/hydrology/ice * Climate *General Description* The day-long symposium will be spread over five separate sessions on Wednesday, July 20^th . Several 15 -- 20 min talks will be presented during each session, followed by panel discussions with session presenters. Funds up to $750 will be available for non-Federal symposium presenters to reimburse appropriate conference costs such as registration fee, hotel, and transportation. For more information and *to obtain an abstract submission form*, please contact Dr. Tom Johengen at johen...@umich.edu -- <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Felix A. Martinez, Ph.D. Program Manager Regional Ecosystems Research Branch Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration N/SCI2, SSMC4 Rm. 8205 ph: 301-713-3338 x153 1305 East-West Hwy. fax: 301-713-4044 Silver Spring, MD 20910 email: felix.marti...@noaa.gov On Temporary Assignment until April 2011 at: NOAA/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory 4840 South State Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (734) 741-2254 Note: The content of this message does not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or of NOAA unless otherwise specified. The information therein is only for the use of the individuals or entity for which it was intended even if addressed incorrectly. If not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, disseminate, or distribute the message or its content unless otherwise authorized. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking people to take part in a huge collaborative thinktank
Hi, We are running a one week collaborative "Idea Jam" for geneticists, biologists, chemists, biochemists, plant scientists, and other experts to help develop the topic of Increased Crop Yield, with a goal of helping world food supply. There are prizes (up to $10k) being offered for the best ideas, and opportunity for networking and consulting work. If you are interested, please register for the Jam here in the next couple of days: http://www.ideaconnection.com/idea-jam/crop-yield/?partner=eco Also, please pass this message on to your friends, colleagues, and other chemists, biologists, plant scientists and geneticists. We want to make this count! Thanks, Paul
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer field assistants needed for poison frog behavioral research in Panama
VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS (1-2 positions available) needed for June 15, 2011 to July 15, 2011 (dates somewhat flexible) to assist in a study on the behavior of the strawberry poison-dart frog, Dendrobates pumilio. Work will be conducted at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facilities in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Though no prior field experience is required, applicants should be comfortable with spending long hours outdoors in warm, humid climates. Work will include capturing frogs for body measurements, recording behaviors and calls in the field, ecological surveys, and behavioral experiments. Assistants are expected to work 5 days a week with 2 days off, and are encouraged to pursue independent projects during their days off. I will cover housing and $200 for food, but no salary will be available. If interested, please send a resume/CV and contact information for three references to Laura Crothers (email: croth...@mail.utexas.edu).
Re: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies- literature requested
The American Fisheries Society publishes the "AFS GUIDE TO FISHERIES EMPLOYMENT SECOND EDITION". http://www.afsbooks.org/x55053xm If this link doesn't work, search for the title and you should be able to find the book. On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 9:05 AM, Olyssa Starry wrote: > Dear list, > I am interested in this topic, and specifically the variety of positions out > there for people with science degrees (or who are thinkng of getting them) > and who are deciding whether they want to be researchers, practitioners, or > managers. Does anyone know of a publication that highlights specific career > paths (granted these paths are not clear-cut, but it might help to at least > define them)? I am looking specifically for a document that would describe > these environmental careers in terms of training required, mission, and > typical work activities (ie whether they involve basic research or more > applied work). > Thanks, > Olyssa > > > On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 12:21 AM, Warren W. Aney wrote: > >> There have been relevant responses to Malcolm's challenge. Even so, let me >> offer something semi-relevant using a perspective gained from a career with >> government followed by several years as a consultant: >> >> You can go to work for a government agency and end up very content with >> maintaining a status quo. >> You can get an academic appointment and end up satisfied with a short >> publication list in obscure journals and herding a progression of students >> through the mill. >> You can work for a not-for-profit organization begging for grants and then >> feel useful completing a long string of short term random projects. >> Or you can become a consultant with wildly fluctuating incomes and work >> loads and perhaps successfully educate or transform a client or two without >> selling your soul. >> >> So what do you want to accomplish given your knowledge and skills? What do >> you hope is going to happen because of you? These should be the top >> criteria for selecting a career slot in ecology. >> >> If you're good at planning, organizing and performing improved ecological >> management, then a government job may be the way to make a difference. >> If you're good at discovering and comprehending the meaning of rigorous >> ecological details and inspiring others to employ this knowledge, then >> academia may be our route. >> If you are good at envisioning and promoting an ecologically considerate >> socio-political structure, then some non-profit organizations could make >> great use of you. >> And if doing the right thing ecologically in ways that improve both the >> natural and human systems is your forte (and you don't need to make a lot >> of >> money), then consulting can be your field. >> >> In every one of these situations, you want to be able to finish your career >> able to look back and see where things changed and improved because of you >> -- you didn't just maintain a status quo, do some obscure research, make >> temporary improvements, or satisfy a client. You made a difference because >> you chose the field where you, with your special abilities and interests, >> could make a difference. >> >> And I wish someone had told me that early in my career. >> >> Warren W. Aney >> Senior Wildlife Ecologist >> 9403 SW 74th Ave >> Tigard, OR 97223 >> (503) 539-1009 >> (503) 246-2605 fax >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news >> [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum >> Sent: Friday, 04 March, 2011 15:08 >> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU >> Subject: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies >> >> Hi, >> With all the graduate students and recently graduated on this listserv, >> might it not be interesting to compare from personal experience working in >> different academic sectors (e.g. research, regional, private, public, >> SLAC), >> government (e.g. US EPA, USGS, US FWS, NOAA, USACE, USFS, state vs fed), >> not for profits (e.g. nature conservancy, zoos, museums), and consultancies >> (e.g. self-employed, tetra tech, &c.). >> >> I just think this might be a useful discussion and we seem to have people >> from all groups! >> >> -- >> 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
[ECOLOG-L] NSF Undergraduate Research--Phosphorus dynamics in high-elevation catchments of the Sierra Nevada, CA
Phosphorus Dynamics in High-Elevation Catchments of the Sierra Nevada NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates University of California, Riverside We invite applications for a twelve-week undergraduate research program during summer 2011 (June 13-September 16, 2011) at UC Riverside. The selected undergraduate student will participate in a research program aimed at understanding P dynamics in lake sediments of high-elevation lakes of the Sierra Nevada, CA. Applicants should have backcountry experience and the ability to carry heavy (50+ lb.) loads extended distances over steep and uneven terrain. They should be comfortable using small inflatable boats and will be expected to work independently and, at times, without supervision. A general understanding of limnology, environmental chemistry, and computer use are desirable. Eligibility limited to currently enrolled and entering undergraduates. This REU program will provide a stipend of $5,500 in addition to food and travel allowance to field sites. Please visit http://www.envisci.ucr.edu/jobs/homyak2011.html for additional information and application form. Please indicate your hiking/backpacking experience. Applications are due by April 15, 2011. Contact: Peter Homyak (peter.hom...@email.ucr.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] NPS Northern Great Plains Network Seasonal Plant Bio techs open
The Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network has openings for several seasonal biological technicians. There are positions available at the GS-5, GS-6 and GS-7 levels. The crew will be measuring vegetation in 13 National Park Service units in North and South Dakota, eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Please forward as appropriate. Each position is open or will be open for 2 weeks and available on USAJOBS. I've attached the links below. GS-5 - several positions open March 10 - March 24 http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=97629718&JobTitle=Biological+Science+Technician+(Plants)&q=&where=rapid+city%2c+sd&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&x=0&y=0&AVSDM=2011-03-10+00%3a03%3a00 GS-6 - one position open March 9 - March 23 http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=97621680&JobTitle=Biological+Science+Technician+(Plants)&q=&where=rapid+city%2c+sd&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&x=0&y=0&AVSDM=2011-03-09+11%3a58%3a00 The GS-7 should open on Monday March 14 and be open through March 28. If you have questions, please contact: Kara Paintner-Green Network Coordinator NPS Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network 231 East St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701 Office 605-341-2807 Cell605-381-2441 Fax605-341-7192 kara_paint...@nps.gov
Re: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies- literature requested
Dear list, I am interested in this topic, and specifically the variety of positions out there for people with science degrees (or who are thinkng of getting them) and who are deciding whether they want to be researchers, practitioners, or managers. Does anyone know of a publication that highlights specific career paths (granted these paths are not clear-cut, but it might help to at least define them)? I am looking specifically for a document that would describe these environmental careers in terms of training required, mission, and typical work activities (ie whether they involve basic research or more applied work). Thanks, Olyssa On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 12:21 AM, Warren W. Aney wrote: > There have been relevant responses to Malcolm's challenge. Even so, let me > offer something semi-relevant using a perspective gained from a career with > government followed by several years as a consultant: > > You can go to work for a government agency and end up very content with > maintaining a status quo. > You can get an academic appointment and end up satisfied with a short > publication list in obscure journals and herding a progression of students > through the mill. > You can work for a not-for-profit organization begging for grants and then > feel useful completing a long string of short term random projects. > Or you can become a consultant with wildly fluctuating incomes and work > loads and perhaps successfully educate or transform a client or two without > selling your soul. > > So what do you want to accomplish given your knowledge and skills? What do > you hope is going to happen because of you? These should be the top > criteria for selecting a career slot in ecology. > > If you're good at planning, organizing and performing improved ecological > management, then a government job may be the way to make a difference. > If you're good at discovering and comprehending the meaning of rigorous > ecological details and inspiring others to employ this knowledge, then > academia may be our route. > If you are good at envisioning and promoting an ecologically considerate > socio-political structure, then some non-profit organizations could make > great use of you. > And if doing the right thing ecologically in ways that improve both the > natural and human systems is your forte (and you don't need to make a lot > of > money), then consulting can be your field. > > In every one of these situations, you want to be able to finish your career > able to look back and see where things changed and improved because of you > -- you didn't just maintain a status quo, do some obscure research, make > temporary improvements, or satisfy a client. You made a difference because > you chose the field where you, with your special abilities and interests, > could make a difference. > > And I wish someone had told me that early in my career. > > Warren W. Aney > Senior Wildlife Ecologist > 9403 SW 74th Ave > Tigard, OR 97223 > (503) 539-1009 > (503) 246-2605 fax > > -Original Message- > From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news > [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum > Sent: Friday, 04 March, 2011 15:08 > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU > Subject: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies > > Hi, > With all the graduate students and recently graduated on this listserv, > might it not be interesting to compare from personal experience working in > different academic sectors (e.g. research, regional, private, public, > SLAC), > government (e.g. US EPA, USGS, US FWS, NOAA, USACE, USFS, state vs fed), > not for profits (e.g. nature conservancy, zoos, museums), and consultancies > (e.g. self-employed, tetra tech, &c.). > > I just think this might be a useful discussion and we seem to have people > from all groups! > > -- > 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] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies
On that note, let me give a brief plug for my undergrad alma mater, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington. Evergreen is controversial for its approach to academics -- no grades, only a list of credits earned and a narrative evaluation. Nevertheless, they have this strong point: a student can major in "environmental studies," and in so doing, get exposure to both the scientific and policy sides. In a single course -- Introduction to Environmental Studies -- we covered such foundational scientific concepts as biogeochemical cycles, and also such foundational policy concepts as NEPA, CWA, CAA, and were required to attend a legislative committee meeting on some environment-related bill. I do think it is important both for scientists to understand how policy works, and for policymakers to understand the role of science. Jason Hernandez Biological Science Technician , USFS Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:47:35 -0500 From: Lee Davis Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of training in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an important and needed addition to training in research methods. We need to be training folks who can bridge the gap between science and policy. This seems to make a great deal of since to me, especially at the M.S. level, and yet in my personal experience many people focused solely on research in academia don't seem to understand that the people they are training may have these or other goals in mind. I have talked to many friends and acquaintances recently who came back to school hoping to move into higher positions within the conservation/regulatory world while bridging the gap between science, land managers and regulators and feel that grad school has not adequately addressed these needs. Lee --
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
The Environmental Science and Policy program at UC Berkeley includes specific components for training graduate students in NEPA procedures, and students in other programs, such as Integrative Biology, are able to take some of the courses. mcneely malcolm McCallum wrote: > Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally designed > with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs. I'm not > sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years > since I looked at the program. > > On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer wrote: > > > Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the University > > of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in conjunction > > with the university's public policy school. Are these programs very common, > > though? > > > > There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the years > > that have called for this type of training. eg > > > > Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation > > Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998 > > Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation > > biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology 10:1277-1282. > > Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology. > > Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440. > > > > From: Lee Davis > > Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST > > Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt > > Reply-To: Lee Davis > > > > > > I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many > > professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little > > contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management > > agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of training > > in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an > > important and needed addition to training in research methods. > > > > > > -- > 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. -- David McNeely
Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs
Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment. On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye wrote: > There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of > Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology Degree > (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural > Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy with an > emphasis in Environmental Policy: > > > http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr > > It has been a popular program. > > > Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor > Dept. of Biology > University of Maryland > College Park, MD 20742-4415 > > Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory > PO Box 519 > Crested Butte, CO 81224 > > ino...@umd.edu > <301-405-6946>301-405-6946
[ECOLOG-L] REU -Responses of plant-microbe interactions to climate change
REU opportunity for studying responses of plant-microbe interactions to climate change in grasslands A summer Research Experience for Undergraduates position is available to work on an NSF sponsored project investigating responses of plant-microbe interactions to climate change in native and disturbed grassland communities in Wyoming. This project examines community level rhizosphere processes driving ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 and warming. Research utilizes a wide variety of stable isotope and molecular techniques and combines the study of the responses of plant and microbial communities structure and function. Questions include the role of stoichiometry as well as invasive species on nutrient and C cycling responses to climate change factors. Field research takes place at an ongoing, state-of-the-art, manipulative climate change experiment in grassland near Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Prairie Heating and CO2 Enrichment (PHACE) experiment. The PHACE experiment is one of only a few in the world where both atmospheric CO2 and temperature are manipulated. The REU scholar will work in the laboratory of Dr. Elise Pendall at the University of Wyoming in Laramie and will collaborate with researchers from Colorado State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Fort Collins, Colorado. The REU scholar will have the option to participate in the design and execution of field and/or laboratory experiments and will be jointly mentored by Dr. Pendall and a group of graduate student and postdoctoral researchers. The selected student will become familiarized with state- of-the-art compound-specific, stable isotope experimental and analytical techniques. A generous weekly stipend is available for 12-14 weeks, preferably starting in early May. Eligibility requires enrollment in an undergraduate degree program in biology, ecology or soil science with expected graduation not before Dec. 2011. For more information on the project and the field experiment visit Dr. Elise Pendalls website: https://sites.google.com/site/pendalllab/ and the PHACE experiments website: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=16756 To apply, submit a resume, one page letter of interest, and transcripts to Elise Pendall (pend...@uwyo.edu) and Yolima Carrillo (dcarr...@uwyo.edu) by April 1, 2011. Please contact Yolima Carrillo or Elise Pendall for questions. NSF requires that participants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its territories.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Hypothesis Testing in Ecology: Precision is what makes it valuable
Hi Kevin, this is great. Here's a link to a PDF of the article I wrote in the British Ecological Society journal http://post.queensu.ca/~groganp/Hypotheses%20in%20Ecology2foradobe.pdf. Figure 1 in particular may help in making more clear what I mean by iterative, and how one cycle feeds into other larger cycles that ultimately yields a product - a published piece of new knowledge (that could I think be derived from 'observational' or 'exploratory' research as you put it)...and ultimately that new knowledge leads to further new hypotheses. Cheers, Paul Paul Grogan Plant and Ecosystem Ecologist Dept. of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. Phone: (613) 533 6152.Fax: (613) 533 6617. http://post.queensu.ca/~groganp/
[ECOLOG-L] Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology
-Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology- Three graduate student positions (2M.Sc. and 1Ph.D.) are available for forest ecology research investigating the impact of abiotic stresses such as water and nutrient limitations and biotic conditions such as inter- and intra-specific competition on tree species. The research is part of a large project that investigates the role of early successional tree species as reclamation species in mining areas of the boreal mixedwood forest and parkland regions of Alberta. The overall aim of the research is to understand underlying forest ecosystem processes, to develop reclamation techniques, and to determine stand trajectories to successfully regenerate surface mined lands to self-sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem functions and processes that are essential for the development of resilient forests. Of particular interest are (1) growth and biomass and resource allocation (rooting behaviour) in plants and their effect on water, carbon, and nutrient cycling, (2) determine characteristics necessary to improve the success of planted tree seedlings, and (3) explore the impact of various growing conditions such as soil, water and nutrients on forest establishment and growth. Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of Simon Landhäusser, Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land Reclamation, Alberta School of Forest Science and Management, Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, (http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/). Depending on the interest and quality of the applicants, the project offers considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project. Background in plant biology, forest ecology or related field is essential, as is an interest in the linkages between forests and disturbance. Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not required: soil science, ecophysiology, plant nutrition, and silviculture. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Application deadline: March 1, 2011 or until the positions are filled. Salary ranges between CAN$ 19,500 23,500 per year plus benefits for a period of 2 years for a M.Sc. and 3 years for a Ph.D.; extensions are possible but will depend on student performance. Students could also be eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in their first year. It is preferable that successful candidates start their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2011 while applying to the graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall or winter of 2011. The applicants must meet the entrance requirement for the University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, which can be viewed at: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm Interested candidates should e-mail their transcript, curriculum vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Simon Landhäusser, Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Science Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, CANADA. Phone: (780)-492-6381; Fax: (780)-492-1767. Email: simon.landhaus...@ualberta.ca
[ECOLOG-L] Rennes (France) - docent position in "Dynamics of diversity and the functional properties of communities"
Dear all Sorry for possible cross posting. University of Rennes 1 will this year recruit a docent (permanent position, 196 teaching hours per year) in "Dynamics of diversity and the functional properties of communities". Please find the job description below. It is in French, because teaching is in French. You shouldn’t apply if you cannot make yourself understood in French. And you do not have the right to apply if you do not have the French formal “Qualification” i.e. got your CV evaluated by a national committee months ago already. Except of this – international applications are welcome. Funnily, French universities do not pay travel costs for candidates, but possibly we find solutions of needed. Starting salary is 1800 Euros net and can increase to 3200 Euros. Starting salaries are OK to feed a family of three, and childcare is excellent and for free in France. More about the Research Unit Ecobio (Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution) at http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/news.php - in a nutshell, there are about 60 permanent researchers in all fields of Ecology and Evolution, the unit was ranked “A” in the last evaluation and the strong points of the unit are among others in Community Ecology / Diversification / Invasion biology / Environmental, Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics / Landscape Ecology / Ecology of Stress / Ecological Engineering. RENNES has approximately 200 000 inhabitants and is the capitol of the Bretagne region with exceptional coastal and mainland landscapes, and a french-celtic heritage (http://www.bretagne.fr/internet/jcms/TF071112_5061/tourisme). It is situated some 2 hours by train from Paris. English is spoken everywhere in Academia, but not necessarily outside, and French should be learned. Like in any French city, child care is excellent (almost for free, no waiting list, nearby). Several bilingual French-English schools are available at all levels of education, as well as one French-German grammar school. Deadline is 25.3., 16.00 and should be done online at https://www.galaxie.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ensup/candidats.html. Best regards Andreas Prinzing -- Maître de Conférences « Dynamique de la diversité et propriétés fonctionnelles des communautés » Enseignement Le Maître de conférences recruté assurera des enseignements en écologie générale, biogéographie, écologie des communautés végétale, en particulier au niveau L1 à L3. Ces enseignements seront complétés par des sorties et stages de terrain. Il devra également participer à l’encadrement des étudiants dans le cadre des stages de M1 et M2, notamment en ce qui concerne les formations professionnelles. Recherche Ce profil de recherche relève du champ thématique de l’écologie des communautés, et s’inscrit dans une approche fonctionnelle et évolutive de la dynamique de la diversité végétale. Cet angle d’approche doit permettre d’identifier les contraintes écologiques qui pilotent les règles d’assemblage des espèces, en tenant compte des contraintes historiques, phylogénétiques. Les propriétés fonctionnelles analysées en lien avec la structure et diversité des communautés végétales pourront être relatives à la capacité de réponse aux changements (résistance, résilience) et aux services rendus (cf. cycle de la matière et des nutriments, qualité agronomique et patrimoniale, ..). Une des hypothèses de travail proposées pour comprendre les variations de diversité spécifique, évolutive et fonctionnelle avec les facteurs environnementaux reposent sur les contrastes de traits biologiques et de stratégies de vie. Considérer les interactions entre espèces ou groupes fonctionnels comme élément déterminant des patrons de diversité constitue une seconde hypothèse de travail que souhaite voir développer l’équipe d’accueil. Une clé d’analyse essentielle des règles d’assemblages et de réponses des communautés aux facteurs environnementaux réside dans la prise en compte de la variabilité spatio-temporelle des assemblages et de leur fonctionnement. Les travaux développés devront en conséquence prendre en compte le contexte théorique lié aux méta-communautés et viendront ainsi renforcer les travaux en cours dans l’équipe quant aux complémentarités fonctionnelles entre habitats. Le maître de conférence recruté devra situer ses travaux dans le cadre des problématiques de recherche de l’équipe ‘Structure et Dynamique de la Diversité’ de l’UMR 6553 ECOBIO. Cette équipe s’attache à i) mettre en évidence les patrons, processus et mécanismes écologiques et évolutifs impliqués dans la réponse des communautés et des populations aux contraintes environnementales et ii) apprécier les conséquences induites par les activités humaines ou contraintes naturelles sur les propriétés écosystémiques portées par les communautés. Les variables de forçage anthropiques prises en compte sont notamment les modalités de gestion des es
