[ECOLOG-L] Job: faculty, host-microbe interactions, Univ. of PA
FACULTY POSITION IN HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS Applications are now solicited for a tenure track faculty position in the Department of Pathobiology in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as part of a search held jointly with the Penn Institute of Immunology at the Perelman School of Medicine. We are seeking a strong scholar with a research program on the interactions of commensal or pathogenic microorganisms with their mammalian hosts. Ideally these investigations would take place at the cellular or molecular level and would utilize, or have the potential to employ, modern genomic, transcriptomic or proteomic methods to study host or microbial activities. Strongest consideration will be given to candidates whose research includes investigations of the microbiome with the host. The School of Veterinary Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania at large, constitute a center of excellence in studies of host-microbial interactions and comprise a large, interactive community of outstanding scientists investigating the entire spectrum of microbial biology, immunology and infectious disease. Opportunities for collaboration within the Department and throughout the University are many and varied. The position includes a competitive salary, high-quality laboratory space and start-up funding. It is expected that the person chosen for this position will establish and continue an independent, extramurally funded research program and participate in teaching students in the veterinary professional and graduate programs. Candidates must hold a Ph.D., MD, DVM or equivalent degree and have sufficient postdoctoral research experience to demonstrate both significant accomplishment and outstanding promise of future scientific achievement. Although we anticipate filling this position at the rank of Assistant Professor, exceptional candidates with records of productivity and strong extramural funding will be considered for recruitment at higher rank. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, CV, a statement of scientific interests and the names of at least three references through the University of Pennsylvania's online application system here https://facultysearches.provost.upenn.edu/postings/538https://facultysearches.provost.upenn.edu/postings/538. Review of applications will be done on a rolling basis and continue until May 31, 2015. The University of Pennsylvania is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in functional ecology, U Laval
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY: Co-VITAS project Co-VITAS is a collaborative traits gathering project coordinated by Université Laval in Quebec (Alison Munson) and by the Canadian Forest Service (Isabelle Aubin, curator of TOPIC: Traits of plants in Canada). In summer 2014, the project undertook a Canada-wide sampling of traits of six ubiquitous understory boreal plants, with over 20 collaborators from the west to east coast. The project aims to investigate intra- and interspecific trait variability across a continental scale, to understand the potential response of this important compartment to global change. Both above and belowground traits were measured across this continental climatic gradient, but also on local gradients of disturbance (forest fire, harvest and insects, compared to the natural, undisturbed forest). The data bank is currently being completed by chemical analyses of tissues and will be ready for analysis in May, 2015. We will also have data on genetic variability for two species, and there may be an opportunity to work at this interface between genetics, ecophysiology and community ecology. We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who has a strong background in functional ecology (trait-based approach is favored), and the ability to undertake the quantitative analyses of this data set, and writeup, within a one year framework. It represents an interesting opportunity for someone possessing excellent programming skills in R, and experience in multivariate analyses, analyses of environmental gradients and potentially path analysis. We expect the candidate to produce one or two high quality manuscripts for publication, therefore strong writing and publishing experience in ecological journals is essential. Previous experience working in a large team, or coordinating a team would be welcome as well. The candidate will have opportunities to organize and lead team meetings, and to work on proposals to continue this work for longer than the year that is currently financed. The expected starting date would be sometime in May (preferred) or early in June, 2015. Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, their curriculum vitae, and names of two references to the following address: alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $33 000 CAN (+social benefits and vacation pay). The candidate will be member of a dynamic research center, the Center for Forest Research (le CEF: www.cef-cfr.cahttp://www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 60 researchers from 11 universities in the domains of forest ecology and forest biology. The position is based in Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a wonderful place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and a francophone culture! The cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of life, high. The candidate will also spend some time with Isabelle Aubin, in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The closing date is April 6, but we will continue to look at candidates if we have not found the right person before this date. Any questions regarding the position should be addressed to Alison Munson, address above. For our labs: http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.IsabelleAubin International summer school in plant functional traits: There are still several places available in our school from May 10-16th in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal. Please visit our web page for more information: http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits
[ECOLOG-L] Deadline reminder: Abstract submissions for the Student Conference on Conservation Science - Bengaluru 2015 (SCCS-BNG) close on March 30th
Hello, This is a reminder about the fast-approaching abstract submissions deadline (*March 30th*) for the Student Conference on Conservation Science - Bengaluru 2015 http://sccs-bng.org/. In addition, Early Bird registrations close on May 31st, 2015. Students need to register http://sccs-bng.org/users/sign_up and pay the conference fee on our website before being able to submit an abstract online. If your abstract is not selected and you do not wish to attend the conference, you are entitled to a full refund of the registration fee. *About SCCS-BNG 2015:* The Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) originated in Cambridge in 2000 and the first sister conference outside Cambridge, began as an annual event in Bengaluru in 2010. SCCS-Bengaluru (SCCS-BNG) facilitates interaction, encourages exchange of research ideas and methods, sharing of knowledge and experience related to conserving wildlife and helps build contacts and capacity amongst students and early-career researchers. The conference will be held at the JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, from *8th to 11th September 2015*. At SCCS-BNG 2015, we have an exciting line-up of invited plenary speakers and close to 40 workshops, which are designed to help students develop research skills and capacity-building. During the 'Who's Who in Conservation' session, students will have a chance to learn about the work done by a diversity of academic institutions and conservation organisations, and to discover work and research opportunities they offer. We are also featuring new elements to facilitate interactions between students and experts in the field of conservation, as well as to promote interactions amongst students from different parts of the world. *Previous conferences:* The number of participants has been steadily growing since the inception of SCCS-BNG in 2010. In 2014, we had about *500 participants*, with 41 foreign participants from 19 countries. There were 20 student talks and 80 student poster presentations during the four-day conference. We had excellent scientific plenaries by world renowned foreign as well as Indian speakers, including Daniel Brokington, Lian Pin Koh, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Goutam Narayan, M.Ananda Kumar, Sunita Narain and Suprabha Seshan. Check this page http://sccs-bng.org/archive/plenaries/2014 for more details. The highlight of SCCS-BNG has always been the wide range of workshops offered, which students at past conferences have found immensely useful. In 2014, we had *50 workshops* that introduced students to new ideas, concepts and techniques in conservation science, research and practice. More details can be found here http://sccs-bng.org/archive/workshops/2014. *Contact us:* You can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sccsbangalore and Twitter https://twitter.com/sccsbng for more updates. For further information don't hesitate to contact us at s...@sccs-bng.org. We hope to see you in September! *Warm regards,* *Devathi Parashuram* *Conference Administrator* *and the Organising Committee of SCCS-Bengaluru 2015 (Kavita Isvaran, Vena Kapoor, Ravi Chellam, Tarsh Thekaekera)*
[ECOLOG-L] Bayesian course + GLMM course
Apologies for cross-posting There are a few remaining seats on the following two (combined) courses: Course 1 (3 days): Introduction to Bayesian statistics and MCMC When: 8-10 April 2015 Where: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Course flyer: http://www.highstat.com/Courses/Flyer2015_04Southampton_Course2.pdf URL: http://www.highstat.com/statscourse.htm Course 2 (5 days): Introduction to Linear Mixed Effects Models and GLMM with R When: 13-17 April 2015 Where: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Course flyer: http://www.highstat.com/Courses/Flyer2015_04Southampton_Course3.pdf URL: http://www.highstat.com/statscourse.htm Kind regards, Alain Zuur -- Dr. Alain F. Zuur First author of: 1. Beginner's Guide to GAMM with R (2014). 2. Beginner's Guide to GLM and GLMM with R (2013). 3. Beginner's Guide to GAM with R (2012). 4. Zero Inflated Models and GLMM with R (2012). 5. A Beginner's Guide to R (2009). 6. Mixed effects models and extensions in ecology with R (2009). 7. Analysing Ecological Data (2007). Highland Statistics Ltd. 9 St Clair Wynd UK - AB41 6DZ Newburgh Tel: 0044 1358 788177 Email: highs...@highstat.com URL: www.highstat.com
[ECOLOG-L] ESA launches new OA journal with the Ecological Society of China
New international, interdisciplinary, open access journal launched by the Ecological Societies of America and China Ecosystem Health and Sustainability showcases applications of ecological science in support of sustainable development during an era of extensive and accelerating human and environmental change. Today, the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the Ecological Society of China (ESC) jointly launch a new open access scholarly research journal to foster communication of applied ecological research across national and disciplinary boundaries. http://esa.org/ehs/Ecosystem Health and Sustainability (EHS, ISSN: 2332-8878) features international collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and multi-scale projects. The new journal emphasizes research applying ecological science to decision-making in support of sustainable development at local, national, and international scales, said Dr. Shirong Liu, president of the Ecological Society of China. The journal encourages integration of natural, social, and behavioral studies and seeks research with implications for strategic planning and governance. EHS is the first ecological journal published cooperatively by two scientific societies headquartered in different countries, said Dr. David Inouye, president of the Ecological Society of America. But it was created to publish research on ecosystem health and sustainable development from scientists all over the world, not just China and the United States. A committee of ESA and ESC representatives selected Dr. Yonglong Lu, a distinguished professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as EHS Editor-in-Chief for his solid grounding within the ecological research communities of both societies home countries. Dr. Lu has recruited 80 editorial and advisory board members from 27 countries. The journal is honored to embrace editors from Africa, Asia (including India and Russia), Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. The editors particularly look for submissions from scientists working in parts of the world experiencing rapid economic development and rapid environmental change, said President Liu. Editor-in-Chief Lu said fostering publication of research from developing and newly industrializing economies is vital. The new journal is an opportunity to build a truly global ecological resource. I am honored to take on this new role joining the efforts of the two societies, and would like to work together with peer scientists on getting the new journal recognized internationally. http://esa.org/ehs/Ecosystem Health and Sustainability will open a platform for international cooperative research on ecology and sustainability science and promote communication between the scientists in developed and developing countries about applications of ecological science for sustainable development. This is very much needed, said Dr. Lu. The journal is published in English. It is open access and digital only, based on the model of ESAs rapid-publication journal Ecosphere, which launched in 2010 and was recently indexed in Web of Science. We would like the new journal to become a home for data from big, multinational collaborations, including ongoing long-term research projects and interim results from broad-scale ecological assessments, said President Inyoue, who has worked on many international efforts, such as a pollinator assessment currently under review for the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. EHS receives rigorous copy-editing from the production team that handles ESAs traditional journals Ecology, Ecological Monographs, and Ecological Applications. The new joint journal expands the on scope of ESAs existing journal family to further embrace big data and the rise of ecological research on a global scale, encouraging participation from parts of the world that have been underrepresented in the scientific literature. There is great science coming from regions of rapid development, but much of it is published in local journals that are not widely read or accessible, said Katherine McCarter, executive director of ESA and publisher of EHS. With so many ecological issues emerging around the world, we need more opportunities for quality research to be broadly distributed. Contents of the inaugural issue of Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, March 2015: A new platform for ecologists to link ecology with policy. (editorial) * Yonglong Lu, Editor-in-Chief, Ecosystem Health and Sustainability * David W. Inouye, President, Ecological Society of America * Shirong Liu, President, Ecological Society of China Global methane and nitrous oxide emissions from terrestrial ecosystems due to multiple environmental changes. (research report) * Hanqin Tian, International Center for Climate and Global Change Research, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University,
[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: seasonal, full-time prairie botanists, MN
Hi, folks. The Minnesota DNR has posted two positions for https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/4f68ad3551b859bdfae5ed387b208067/Viewseasonal, full-time prairie botanists. These postings are in addition to the https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/145823362283a142cb3296cd78c73ef2/Viewone full-time, seasonal bee specialist. All positions run mid-April through October, so they're good opportunities for recent graduates. All postings close Monday, March 23. Please forward this info to your contacts or post it on job boards. I'm looking forward to seeing your applications! -Crystal __._,_.___ -- Posted by: Crystal Boyd crystal.b...@colorado.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in functional ecology, U Laval
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY: Co-VITAS project Co-VITAS is a collaborative traits gathering project coordinated by Université Laval in Quebec (Alison Munson) and by the Canadian Forest Service (Isabelle Aubin, curator of TOPIC: Traits of plants in Canada). In summer 2014, the project undertook a Canada-wide sampling of traits of six ubiquitous understory boreal plants, with over 20 collaborators from the west to east coast. The project aims to investigate intra- and interspecific trait variability across a continental scale, to understand the potential response of this important compartment to global change. Both above and belowground traits were measured across this continental climatic gradient, but also on local gradients of disturbance (forest fire, harvest and insects, compared to the natural, undisturbed forest). The data bank is currently being completed by chemical analyses of tissues and will be ready for analysis in May, 2015. We will also have data on genetic variability for two species, and there may be an opportunity to work at this interface between genetics, ecophysiology and community ecology. We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who has a strong background in functional ecology (trait-based approach is favored), and the ability to undertake the quantitative analyses of this data set, and writeup, within a one year framework. It represents an interesting opportunity for someone possessing excellent programming skills in R, and experience in multivariate analyses, analyses of environmental gradients and potentially path analysis. We expect the candidate to produce one or two high quality manuscripts for publication, therefore strong writing and publishing experience in ecological journals is essential. Previous experience working in a large team, or coordinating a team would be welcome as well. The candidate will have opportunities to organize and lead team meetings, and to work on proposals to continue this work for longer than the year that is currently financed. The expected starting date would be sometime in May (preferred) or early in June, 2015. Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, their curriculum vitae, and names of two references to the following address: alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $33 000 CAN (+social benefits and vacation pay). The candidate will be member of a dynamic research center, the Center for Forest Research (le CEF: www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 60 researchers from 11 universities in the domains of forest ecology and forest biology. The position is based in Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a wonderful place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and interesting culture. The cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of life, high. The candidate will also spend some time with Isabelle Aubin, in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The closing date is April 6, but we will continue to look at candidates if we have not found the right person before this date. Any questions regarding the position should be addressed to Alison Munson, above. For our labs: http://www.cefcfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson?userlang=en http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.IsabelleAubin *International summer school in plant functional traits* There are still several places available in our school from May 10-16th in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal. Please visit our web page for more information: http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits
[ECOLOG-L] POPBIO 2015 Tübingen May14-16
Dear Colleagues, *** NOTE: Registration closes April 6 *** Registration and Abstract submission are now open for the 28th PopBio Conference on plant ecology and evolution, which will take place on 14-16 May 2015 in Tübingen, Germany. http://www.popbio2015.uni-tuebingen.de/ Keynote Speakers: Eric Allan (University of Bern, Switzerland) http://www.ips.unibe.ch/content/biodiversity/index_eng.html Spencer Barrett (University of Toronto, Canada) http://labs.eeb.utoronto.ca/BarrettLab/ Yvonne Buckley (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) http://www.tcd.ie/Zoology/research/research/buckley/ Sinead Collins (University of Edinburgh, UK) http://www.smallbutmighty.bio.ed.ac.uk/ Detlef Weigel (MPI for Developmental Biology, Tübingen) http://www.weigelworld.org/ The PopBio conference is hosted by the Plant Population Biology Section (PopBio) of the Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GfÖ). Conference activities include oral and poster sessions, an informal welcome mixer on Wednesday evening (May 13), and a post-conference excursion Saturday afternoon (May 16) to the beautiful Schwäbische Alb. Additional information including registration, abstract submission, and payment information is available on the PopBio 2015 Website: http://www.popbio2015.uni-tuebingen.de/ *** IMPORTANT: We strongly encourage you book accommodation as soon as possible! *** Tübingen is a popular destination for tourists and other conferences, and affordable rooms are already running low in several places. A small block of rooms is reserved for most of the following hotels: Krone €€€, Am Bad €, Fortuna (Reutlingen) €€, Katarina Garni €€, Garni Sand €. Please mention POPBIO when you make reservations. Other places that have vacancies: Garni Metropol €, Meteora €, Am Kupferhammer €€, GZT Gastehaus €€, Alte Krone €. Alternatively, you may rent a room/flat from private owners or on Airbnb. We hope to see you there! The Tübingen Team: Mark Bilton, Michal Gruntman, Madalin Parepa, Niek Scheepens, Sara Tomiolo, Oliver Bossdorf and Katja Tielbörger -- http://www.popbio2015.uni-tuebingen.de/ popbio2...@uni-tuebingen.de
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Henslow's Sparrow Field Tech
Henslow’s Sparrow Seasonal Fecundity and Habitat Use: Missouri Agency – University of Nebraska-Omaha Location – Missouri Category – Temporary Salary – $1400/month plus housing Start date –5/1/2015 Description Field technician needed for a study of seasonal fecundity, juvenile survival, and habitat use of Henslow’s Sparrow in a southwest Missouri tallgrass prairie. Technicians will coordinate with a graduate student and will be expected to band and attach radio transmitters to both adult and juvenile Henslow’s Sparrows, locate and monitor nests, record daily locations of adults and juveniles using handheld radio equipment, measure vegetation characteristics, and maintain accurate data records. Qualifications Preference will be given to applicants with previous nest searching experience, especially with ground nesting birds. Mist-netting and songbird banding experience are desired but not necessary. This study will take place at Prairie State Park in southwest Missouri and field conditions will be hot and humid with early mornings. Enthusiasm for fieldwork and a desire to contribute to the conservation and management of a declining songbird species are a must. Start dates for technicians are flexible but May 1st is preferred with the season running to July 31st. Housing will be provided. Application process Applicants must submit an online application to the University website. Please go to http://agency.governmentjobs.com/unomaha/default.cfm, click on Job Opportunities. Scroll down and search for Field Assistant to locate the online application for the position. Applicants should upload a cover letter describing qualifications and interests, a curriculum vitae or resume, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately. For questions contact: Aaron Young, acyo...@unomaha.edu UNO is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. UNO gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. opportunity: size-structured demography, harvesting and climate change in Brown Trout
Dear colleagues, A PhD position is available at the University of Oslo, on size-structured demography, harvesting and climate change in Brown Trout. For further details: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1352843/96871?iso=nohttp://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1352843/96871?iso=no Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. Best regards, Yngvild Vindenes -- Yngvild Vindenes CEES Department of Biosciences University of Oslo P.O. Box 1066 Blindern NO-0316 Oslo Norway Mobile +47 902 00 331 Fax +47 22 85 40 01 http://www.cees.uio.nowww.cees.uio.no -- This mail has been sent through the MPI for Demographic Research. Should you receive a mail that is apparently from a MPI user without this text displayed, then the address has most likely been faked. If you are uncertain about the validity of this message, please check the mail header or ask your system administrator for assistance.
[ECOLOG-L] Organization for Tropical Stuties Student paper award - 2014
The winner of the 2014 OTS Student Paper Award is Susan Whitehead for the paper Chemical ecology of fruit defense: synergistic and antagonistic interactions among amides from Piper published in the journal Functional Ecology. Susan is an alum of the 2008 Tropical Biology course and all of her research was conducted at La Selva Biological Station. This research was part of her doctoral work at the University of Colorado under the direction of Deane Bowers. Susan is currently a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University. Honorable mention goes to Camilla Crifò for her paper Variations in angiosperm leaf vein density have implications for interpreting life form in the fossil record published in the journal Geology. Camilla is an alum of the 2014 Tropical Plant Systematics course. This was her Master's research at Miami University (Ohio) under the direction of Ellen D. Currano. Camilla is now a doctoral student at the University of Washington. The Awards Committee was Kimberly G. Smith (Chair), University of Arkansas; Erin K. Kuprewicz, Smithsonian Institution; Kyle E. Harms, Louisiana State University; and the 2013 award winner Samantha R. Weintraub, University of Utah. Look for the announcement for the 2015 competition this fall. Best, Kim Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Phone: 479-575-6359 fax: 479-575-4010 Email: kgsm...@uark.edumailto:kgsm...@uark.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Mussels as bioindicators
Dear Ecolog-Listers: I edit a peer-reviewed scientific journal (*Life: The Excitement of Biology* , blaypublishers.com https://webaccess.si.edu/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=hM-BpJYAoV-JjtTX0GZomRJKeIx7YlVWkyQ5IARD8ol5Xv-K4S_SCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AYgBsAGEAeQBwAHUAYgBsAGkAcwBoAGUAcgBzAC4AYwBvAG0ALwA.URL=http%3a%2f%2fblaypublishers.com%2f). Late last week, I received an original paper (not a review) on mussels as bioindicators. This paper uses histochemical techniques to evaluate levels of toxicity. I would like to know if there are colleagues in this list (or knowing someone) willing to review this paper (ca. 4,400 words, incl. lit. cited and figure legends). If yes, please, feel free to email me directly off the list blayjo...@gmail.com Gratefully, Jorge Jorge A. Santiago-Blay, PhD blaypublishers.com 1. Positive experiences for authors of papers published in *LEB* http://blaypublishers.com/testimonials/ 2. Free examples of papers published in *LEB*: http://blaypublishers.com/category/previous-issues/. 3. *Guidelines for Authors* and page charges of *LEB*: http://blaypublishers.com/archives/ *.* 4. Want to subscribe to *LEB*? http://blaypublishers.com/subscriptions/ http://blayjorge.wordpress.com/ http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/santiagoblay.cfm
[ECOLOG-L] Employment Opportunity: AIM Vegetation Monitoring Field Leads, Lander, WY and Spokane, WA
In cooperation with the BLM-Wyoming Lander Field Office and BLM-Washington Spokane District Office, GBI is recruiting three Field Leads to work cooperatively with BLM Rangeland Managers and GBI Vegetation Monitoring Field Technicians. Each Field Lead will coordinate a field crew (one Lead and two Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) protocol and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (IIRH), for which training will be provided by The Jornada in Monticello, UT (18-22 May). Duties include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation sampling and field data collection on new and existing monitoring sites within central Wyoming or eastern Washington. Field work will include navigating to sampling sites, establishing sampling transects and plots, collecting vegetation data (including species ID, foliar cover, canopy gap, and herbaceous and woody density), taking photo-points, and quality-checking data. During these periods of field work, camping will be required. Additional duties include coordination and oversight of field safety and logistics, scheduling, database management, and reporting. Field data will be used by BLM Natural Resource Specialists to inform management decisions. Please follow this link for a video that highlights the BLM’s national strategy for landscape-scale data capture across the western states using AIM: http://youtu.be/LciTBPG2-Ss *Location:* The Lander Field Office (LFO) is recruiting 2 Field Leads. The LFO manages 2.5 million acres of public lands within in Fremont County, the southwest corner of Natrona Country, and small portions of Carbon, Sweetwater and Hot Springs counties. These lands are multiple-use and offer a wide diversity of resources, including the National Historic Trails, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, historic mining areas, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, livestock grazing and wild horse management. The BLM Spokane District Office is located in Spokane, WA and is recruiting one Field Lead. Public lands managed by this district office cover over 425,000 acres east of the Cascade crest in the central Columbia Basin and in the highlands of northeastern Washington along the Canadian border. These lands cover a full range of habitats, including the central Columbia Basin sagebrush regime, many riparian zones, and the coniferous forest and sub-alpine areas of northeast Washington. *Compensation:* - $1360 bi-weekly salary - Additional $75.00/week housing stipend - $15.00 Field per diem - Health Insurance Option *Timeline:* · Mid-May – 18 September (16 to 18 weeks)* · Full time, 40 hours per week minimum * Duration of position is dependent upon funding availability *Qualifications:* *Technical requirements:* - Leadership experience; - Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences preferred, such as: Botany, Wildlife Biology, Range Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Resources or related subject; - Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics (transcripts may be requested); - Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key; familiarity with native and invasive plants of central Wyoming/ eastern Washington/ Great Basin desert and associated natural resource issues preferred; - Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations; - Experience with data entry and analysis; - Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/monitoring summary reports/grant reports; - Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps; - Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection; - Experience working with GIS software; and - Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access). *Additional requirements:* - Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; - Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, mountain forest roads; - Experience and training to operate UTV and ATV equipment; - Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; - Ability to work independently; - Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public; - Good organizational skills; - Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field; - Willingness to sometimes work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights); - Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and - Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks.
[ECOLOG-L] Employment Opportunity: Visitor Center Interpretive Host
The Great Basin Institute is recruiting up to three (3) Visitor Center Hosts to serve as part of our AmeriCorps program. This volunteer position will have the primary responsibility of welcoming visitors to the center and providing information about the natural and cultural significance of the region, with special emphasis on the unique ecology of Galena Creek Park. This position will work with the Great Basin Institute, and collaboratively with the US Forest Service and Washoe County. Primary duties will include, but are not limited to: - Staffing the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor Center; - Interacting positively with the public and providing information about the surrounding area; - Providing daily center upkeep; - Operating the gift store register; - Coordinating with Great Basin Institute staff in the implementation of community programs; and - Assisting with children’s programs, including but not limited to school break camps. *Compensation Timeline:* - Per Diem: $200/week - o Education Award*: minimum of $1,195 and may increase depending on term of service - Minimum 8-week appointment beginning May 04, 2015, or upon availability - Full-time, 40 hours per week * AmeriCorps Education award may be used for past, present or future educational experiences including, but not limited to, paying off/down federal student loan debt and is valid for up to seven (7) years after completion of a term of service. *Location:* Reno, NV - The Galena Creek Visitor Center is uniquely situated in Galena Creek Recreation Area, which adjoins Galena Creek Regional Park, surrounded on three sides by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and between Reno and Lake Tahoe, the visitor center is located at the juncture of two ecosystems, high desert and alpine. The location provides opportunity for recreation for all levels in both desert and mountain habitats. *Qualifications:* - Experience interacting with all ages in a customer service capacity; park and/or visitor center experience is desirable; - Knowledge of biology, ecology and/or conservation is highly desirable; - Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Reno-Lake Tahoe area is desirable; - Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented; - Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities; - Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums; - Ability to speak English conversationally; conversational ability in Spanish desirable but not required; - Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement. - This position *will* have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations and the successful applicant(s) will be required to complete a heightened criminal history check per AmeriCorps regulations. *How to Apply:* Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at agladd...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found the position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information Testing, Family Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
[ECOLOG-L] Summer field research position: Pollination ecology
The Bronstein Lab at the University of Arizona seeks a motivated research assistant for Summer 2015. The project will examine how foraging behavior contributes to foraging efficiency in bumblebee pollinators and nectar robbers. Fieldwork will be conducted at the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (RMBL) in Gothic, CO (Elev. 2895m). We are seeking an assistant with experience and/or interest in plant-pollinator interactions who is willing to work long days at high elevation, sometimes in inclement weather. Fieldwork will consist of plant manipulations and bee observations in the field, and will require some handling of live bumblebees. An assistant with previous field research experience is preferred. We are looking for someone with a keen attention to detail and the ability to understand and anticipate workflow. A positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team are crucial. While this is a volunteer position, we can provide funding to cover room and board at the research station (housing, fees, and a stipend). Travel to and from RMBL and additional salary cannot be provided. To apply for the position, please send a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for 2 references to Sarah Richman at srich...@email.arizona.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Primate Ecology Summer Field Course in Panama
2015 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (June 15-July 10, 2015) FIELD COURSE IN PRIMATE ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR (PRE W-15) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland tropical rain forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/ for details. There are three species of non-human primates available for study on Isla Colon. INSTRUCTOR: Sarah Zohdy, Ph.D., Department of Environmental Studies, and Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA., email: sarah.zo...@emory.edu mailto:sarah.zo...@emory.edu . Specialty: Primate ecology, evolutionary biology, behavior, diet, disease ecology and parasitology. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to give the student a foundation in primate ecology, primate behavior, field techniques and analytical tools in a tropical setting. Students will live alongside wild primates, will learn ecological and behavioral data collection techniques, and will complete an independent study on one of three primate species native to the area (howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and owl monkeys). The ultimate goal is for students to develop an integrated and comprehensive perspective on primate behavior, research, and conservation in a tropical setting. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level field course in primate ecology. The first 10 days of the course will be spent learning field techniques and carrying out various group projects or exercises. Midway through the course the entire station community will take a three-day field trip to cloudforests of Boquete (see details below). Upon returning to the field station, students will work on their individual research projects. Towards the end of the course students will analyze their data, write a technical report and present their findings orally during a station-wide symposium. LECTURES: There will be lectures on ecological concepts, primate ecology, primate behavior, field techniques, behavioral sampling techniques, and analytical tools. The following topics will be covered and discussed as a part of this course in combination with in-class and field activities: Who are the Primates? Primate evolution, taxonomy, and morphology How do you study primates? Research design: Methodology and data collection techniques How do primates interact with each other? Primate communication, social organization, and behavior Why are primates endangered? Conservation and distribution How do primates cope with disease? Disease ecology: Human and wildlife health implications What do primates have to cope with in their environments? Predators, seasonality, habitat destruction What do primates eat? Feeding ecology dietary adaptations What are the ethics of primate research? Ethical considerations in primatology Readings corresponding to lecture topics will be assigned from the required texts and research articles. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: Joanna M. Setchell and Deborah J. Curtis (2011). Field and Laboratory Methods in Primatology: A Practical Guide, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press Karen B. Strier (2010). Primate Behavioral Ecology, 4th edition. Prentice Hall. A set of papers derived from articles or book chapters will also be provided during the course. FIELD EXERCISES: Students will learn the following field techniques, which will assist them in establishing their independent field projects: * Behavioral observations (ethogram composition and sampling techniques) * Primate censusing techniques (nocturnal and diurnal) * Habitat profiling (describing different habitats) * Botanical sampling (collecting, and identifying plant samples) * GPS techniques * Primate feeding ecology (measuring and monitoring plant food abundance) * Statistics (SPSS) INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECTS: Working closely with faculty, students will be responsible for designing and completing an original research project of their choosing. The project may deal with any topic in primate ecology or conservation. These projects will be carried out during the second half of the course and students will have about 10 days for data collection. During this 10 day period, students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to one another about research questions and data collection techniques. A few days before the end of the course students will analyze their data, write a technical report, prepare a PowerPoint presentation of their work and orally present their findings at a station-wide symposium on the last day of the course. GRADING: Up to 6 units of credit will be given, 3 for the lecture portion and 3 for the field
[ECOLOG-L] Introductory Course in Amazon Ecosystems and Culture
From July 15-22, 2015, *Project Amazonas, Inc*. will host its fourth “Hands-on Amazon” course intended for teachers and enthusiasts who wish to experience rainforest ecosystems and culture and to bring the zeal for its preservation to their colleagues back home. *Project Amazonas* is a joint American-Peruvian NGO with the objectives of preserving the rainforest and its culture, as well as providing medical care to remote communities. Project Amazonas maintains two field stations in high-diversity old growth forest in the Peruvian Upper Amazon which are frequented by researchers and avid herpetologists, botanists, ichthyologists, etc. Taught jointly by science teacher Don Dean, MSET, and tropical biologist Devon Graham, PhD, participants in this course (for undergraduate, continuing education or post-baccalaureate credit) interact with the local culture and spend several days at the Santa Cruz Field Station on the Mazan River. The program includes an active reforestation project. Please pass the word along to anyone who might be interested. Many participants use this course as a jumping off point to explore other ecosystems and sites in Peru and beyond. More info here: http://ptonline.org/hol/amazon/ Thanks -Don Don Dean projectamazonastree.org Oakland NJ Schools Devon Graham, Ph.D. projectamazonas.org
[ECOLOG-L] Outreach Notice -- USFS Biological Technician (Plants)
Please post this job announcement pasted below. Thank you! USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Morgantown, WV Job Title: Field Technicians/Botanists (1 position) Series and Grade: 0404 GS 3 or GS 4, Temporary Location (Duty Station): Morgantown, WV Time Period: Early June - the end of September, 2015 (potentially longer) Duties: The selected person will assist with three studies. The first study is a large greenhouse, common garden, and growth chamber competition study involving Ailanthus altissima and two native species. The second study involves vegetative sampling of one site in northern PA. The purpose of the latter study is to test the effects of leaving residual trees after a harvest on understory vegetation. Finally, the selected persons may take part in establishing new study plots within the Potomac Highland Cooperative Weed Management Area in WV. While botanical and taxonomic skills are not required, a strong interest in understory vegetation and ability to learn to identify these plants are necessary. Good orienteering skills are desired. There will also be a need to establish, and re-establish some plots which could require carrying relatively heavy equipment in and out of sites on variable terrain. Mechanically inclined individuals with an interest in or experience helping to maintain growth chambers and a greenhouse are encouraged to apply. The selected person may also help with data entry and summaries as well as general herbarium tasks. The selected person must be willing to relocate to Morgantown, WV. He/she must also be a licensed driver, willing to travel (with reimbursement and in provided government vehicles), and able to drive 4WD vehicles. Willingness to work in a hot greenhouse, a laboratory, as well as in rough terrain and in over-grown vegetation with the possibility of encountering insects, ticks, snakes, and black bears, and in variable weather is required. The selected person should also work well independently as well as with others. Application Procedure: This will be a 'biological sciences-plants position.' The vacancy announcements for this position will be posted at www.usajobs.govhttp://www.usajobs.gov/. Before applying, you will need to set up your account on the USAJobs website. Be sure to include WV in your desired localities. The vacancy announcement for this position is likely to be posted by late April or early May with about 1 week to apply. If interested, please submit your resume to Dr. Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 180 Canfield St., Morgantown, WV 26505, chueb...@fs.fed.usmailto:chueb...@fs.fed.us; (304) 285-1582. I can then inform you of the application deadline and the date the vacancy announcement is most likely to be posted in USAJobs. When the announcement is posted, an updated outreach notice containing the vacancy announcement number will also be distributed to the same recipients as this announcement.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Research Assistant, Environmental Science Institute, U OR
Research Assistant Environmental Science Institute Posting: 15089 Location: Eugene, Oregon Closes: Open Until Filled The Environmental Science Institute at the University of Oregon currently has an opening for a full time Research Assistant to work on a manipulative climate change research project. The National Science Foundation-funded project will investigate how predicted climate change will affect the distribution, abundance, and fitness of native prairie plants in the Pacific Northwest in an experimental framework. The experiment will heat and remotely monitor physical characteristics at each site. The position is available 4/1/2015, with annual renewals until 6/30/2019 dependent on satisfactory performance. A Bachelor's degree, experience in database management and prior field work experience are required qualifications. A Masterâs degree, proficiency with electrical wiring, carpentry, etc. for setting up experimental infrastructure, and strong skills in botany, statistics, and biogeochemistry are preferred qualifications. The successful candidate must be able to work in a team atmosphere and be available for extensive travel to field sites from Southern Oregon to Central Washington. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting field and laboratory research under the direction of Principal Investigators Scott Bridgham, Bart Johnson, Laurel Pfeifer-Meister, and Bitty Roy. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Please send letter of application and a current resume with names and contact information of three references as a single attachment to: ie2j...@uoregon.edu, Subject: Posting 15089 Research Assistant. To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by 4/1/2015. This position will remain open until filled. We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity. Project Summary: A key challenge in global change ecology is to understand how climate change will interact with other perturbations, such as land use and invasive species, to impact biodiversity through changes in species range distributions. There is overwhelming evidence that many species have shifted their ranges in the past 30 years concurrent with recent climate change. However, previous empirical studies of observed range shifts and modeling studies based upon the current climatic boundaries of species distributions fail to provide a strong theoretical foundation for predicting how future climate change will affect these distributions. Thus, a mechanistic approach that fuses theory with experimentation will be necessary to understand controls of geographic range distributions. Moreover, dispersal has not been incorporated in models of species range shifts to date except in very rudimentary ways, but dispersal may limit many species from responding to climate change, especially for many native species that occur in isolated populations in todayâs highly fragmented landscapes. This research will address these predictive limitations by using a unique manipulative climate change experiment in three sites across a 520 km latitudinal climate gradient in Pacific Northwest prairies, determination of historical and recent rates of dispersal of a representative group of prairie species using molecular techniques, and modeling that incorporates the effects of climate on speciesâ survival, reproduction, and rates of dispersal. Furthermore, a range of education activities will be undertaken with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to develop their professional skills, as well as development of a web site focused on the potential impacts of climate change on regional and global biodiversity. Several nongovernmental conservation organizations will be partners in the research. The UO is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discrimination on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status
[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement for Summer 2015
Rangeland Restoration Research Science Aid Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, Oregon Position Description: We are seeking two highly motivated interns to join our rangeland research team for Summer 2015. Millions of hectares in the western United States have been negatively impacted by cheatgrass invasion, which transforms high-diversity ecosystems providing many ecosystem services into low-diversity ecosystems providing few services. Once invasion begins, cheatgrass rapidly causes increased wildfire frequency and extent. Burned sites have reduced soil quality, low plant biodiversity, little forage for livestock and wildlife, and simplified habitat structure. Moreover, burned sites are highly susceptible to further cheatgrass invasion. This project is investigating innovative techniques for reducing fire size and return interval in cheatgrass-invaded landscapes. Our goals are to determine how best to combine seed enhancement technologies, greenstripping, and targeted grazing within the framework of integrated cheatgrass control in the Western US, as well as determine how moderate grazing influences the effectiveness of greenstrips. We hope that a combination of fuel breaks and targeted grazing may be able to weaken the feedback between fire and cheatgrass invasion by reducing fire size and fire frequency, preventing the spread of cheatgrass into uninvaded areas and improving the success of restoration projects on already invaded sites. Project collaborators include the University of Nevada, Reno, the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Research Unit (RRRU), the Grand Canyon Trust, the Kaibab National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and others. The position involves considerable travel to some beautiful parts of the western US; research sites are located in northern Nevada, northern Arizona, and eastern Oregon. Selected applicants will help develop and evaluate new seed enhancement technologies that are designed for overcoming the limiting factors impairing rangeland reseeding success. We are currently designing seed enhancement formulations that will 1) improve seed soil contact, 2) optimize the timing of seed germination, 3) facilitate seedling emergence, 4) increase moisture availability and plant survival, and 5) and other new and innovative technologies. Research will be conducted within growth chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments. Selected applicants will also collect soil and vegetation data in the field and be responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected. They will keep exact, detailed records of experimental data, enter data into computer spreadsheets, and record observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data. Applicants will be supervised by Matthew Madsen (USDA-ARS) with field and logistical support from Lauren Porensky (USDA-ARS), Elizabeth Leger (University of Nevada, Reno) and Ed Grumbine (Grand Canyon Trust). Lodging at the field sites will be provided. The job includes field trips to remote areas. The work environment is about 50% in the field and 50% in the lab or office. The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks and discomforts associated with working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter snakes, livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. Qualifications: --Applicants with a background in environmental science, natural resources, rangeland ecology, botany, or a related discipline are preferred. --Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems, manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time, and provide suggestions for conducting future research projects. Self-motivated, hard-working, and detail oriented applicants are preferred. --Technical knowledge of plant taxonomy, structure and function of plant communities. Experience with plant field sampling techniques. Plant identification skills and knowledge of Nevada and Arizona plants are preferred. --Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public. --Skill in the use of personal computers to utilized software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel and Word). --Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. A valid driver’s license is required. --The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds. Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing, sitting, squatting/kneeling or walking while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures. Some procedures require stamina and endurance. Salary and Housing: $12.07 to $15.15/hr depending
[ECOLOG-L] MIT Climate CoLab: Seeking solutions to climate change
Many contests for solutions to climate change are now live on MIT's Climate CoLab. Add your proposals to find support collaborators from around the world! Authors of winning proposals will be invited to present their work to government officials, business executives, NGO leaders and scientists who can help move proposals toward implementation. $10,000 Grand Prize for winning proposals. Even if you don't submit a proposal, visit climatecolab.org http://www.climatecolab.org/ and help improve other people’s ideas and support the ones you find most promising. Current contests address low-carbon energy, building efficiency, adaptation, shifting public attitudes and behaviors, and over a dozen other topics. Check out the climate adaptation contest: What can be done to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change? http://climatecolab.org/web/guest/plans/-/plans/contestId/1301411 Entries are due May 16, 2015 www.climatecolab.org. Please help spread the news! Follow retweet on twitter: @ClimateCoLab
[ECOLOG-L] Distance sampling user survey
The Distance Development Team would like to hear how we can improve our software for distance sampling analysis and design. If you have ever conducted any kind of distance sampling analyses we would love to hear from you. We have put together a short questionnaire to find out what developments would be of most use to you. Please submit your responses by March 31st 2015 and forward this e-mail to any others who may find it interesting. Link to the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v89Aaju40yBxF5s6GlpXcM7RTW3nmSRKMeTeg6x6qqs/viewform Thanks from the Distance Development Team!
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant at WSU - data-intensive ecological research
We seek a full-time research assistant to provide support for a diverse set of projects related to environmental sciences, including analyses of long-term ecological data, frequently but not always with a focus on freshwater science. Responsibilities will include managing, documenting, and publishing data sets; collaborating on analyses of existing data; and assisting with project management and logistics. The research assistant will be located at WSU’s Pullman campus and will work with Dr. Stephanie Hampton. Ideally the position will begin on 1 June 2015 to allow a period of overlap and training with the outgoing research assistant. Required Qualifications: The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline; a high level of attention to detail; good interpersonal skills; and experience managing or analyzing data using R. Preferred Qualifications: Additional desirable qualifications include experience with database management and statistical analysis, familiarity with version control systems (e.g. git), interest in science communication and social media. To Apply: Please email a cover letter, current CV or resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Stephanie Hampton (s.hamp...@wsu.edu) with the subject header “Application for Research Assistant. Feel free to contact us with questions or if you are unsure of your fit with the position. Review will begin on 15 April 2015.
