Re: [ECOLOG-L] Portable digital microscopes: summary
I missed this discussion, but we love our ProScopes! My summer campers used them today in the field and had a terrific time! Chelle King Exhibit Developer/MuVE Coordinator Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science 305.646.4243 tel:305.646.4243 o 305.646.4300 tel:305.646.4243f On Jun 17, 2015, at 3:09 PM, Palmer, Mike mike.pal...@okstate.edu wrote: I wish to thank all of you who responded to my request for information about portable digital microscopes. What I find amazing (but probably shouldn’t have) is the degree to which this technology has been integrated with smart phones. All but the first listed product involve smart phones. Some of the respondents have had direct positive experiences with the below (particularly with the first and the last) but the others sound potentially promising as well. The DYI versions are mind-blowing – but beyond my skill level! · Pentax WGIII GPS adventure camera (under $300) with a microscope macro mode with LED lights around the lens · Foldscope: http://www.foldscope.com/ http://www.foldscope.com/ · “cellscope” under development - http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2014/2ConcurrentSessions/J6/J6Steinberg.pdf http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2014/2ConcurrentSessions/J6/J6Steinberg.pdf · DIY projects for smart phones: http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2011/10/50-hack-turns-your-iphone-350x-microscope http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2011/10/50-hack-turns-your-iphone-350x-microscope,http://www.wired.com/2011/03/diy-cellphone-microscope/ http://www.wired.com/2011/03/diy-cellphone-microscope/ · Proscope Micro Mobile: https://www.bodelin.com/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile https://www.bodelin.com/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile Michael W. Palmer Regents Professor, Department of Botany, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, OK 74074 USA mike.pal...@okstate.edu mailto:mike.pal...@okstate.edu405 744 7717 http://ecology.okstate.edu/Libra/ http://ecology.okstate.edu/Libra/
[ECOLOG-L] SER2015 Conference on Ecological Restoration: Early Registration Closes June 30th
Dear Colleagues, Early registration for the SER's 6th World Conference on Ecological Restoration http://www.ser2015.org/ closes on June 30, 2015. Register now for the best available rates to attend the meeting. SER members receive additional savings of as much as $120. Visit the Registration page for a list of rates and a link to the online form: http://www.ser2015.org/registration June 30th is also the deadline for presenter registration. If you are presenting a poster or talk during the conference, you must register by this date or your presentation will be cancelled from the scientific program. *Call for Student Volunteers* The SER2015 Organizing Committee is now accepting applications for a limited number of student volunteer positions in exchange for a full or partial waiver of conference registration fees (depending on the hours committed). More information is available by visiting: http://www.ser2015.org/volunteer-programme *Sponsor Exhibitor Opportunities* SER2015 is a unique opportunity to increase your visibility within the field of restoration and promote your products, services, and activities to a diverse international audience. We are offering several different sponsorship packages, as well as exhibition-only rates for companies, organizations, and institutions that would like to purchase exhibit space. Visit the conference website to learn more: http://www.ser2015.org/sponsorship-and-exhibition *About the Conference* SER2015 connects researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and industry professionals from around the world, and provides the premier opportunity to develop relationships and share research findings, best practices, and new ideas with others working in the field of ecological restoration. The conference theme is Towards Resilient Ecosystems: Restoring the Urban, the Rural and the Wild. Within the context of this theme, the program will explore not only the scientific and technical aspects of restoration, but also its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Conference partners include: Marketing Manchester, the Manchester Metropolitan University, Landlife, the National Wildflower Centre, the Institution of Environmental Sciences, the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, and the European Chapter of SER. *Highlights* The four-day program agenda http://www.ser2015.org/outline-programme will feature more than 100 concurrent sessions on a wide range of topics related to restoration, including numerous symposia and workshops http://www.ser2015.org/symposia-and-workshops. Plenary speakers http://www.ser2015.org/plenary-speakers will include: - Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias - Executive Secretary of the UNEP Convention on Biological Diversity - Germaine Greer - Author and Emeritus Professor at the University of Warwick - Olivier Hamerlynck - Kenya Wetlands Biodiversity Research Team; IUCN Commission on - Ecosystem Management - John Rodwell - Professor of Plant Ecology, Lancaster University; Consultant for the European Commission's Red List of European Habitats Project -Jane Smart - Global Director, IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group; Director, IUCN Global Species Programme - Alan Watson Featherstone - Founder Executive Director, Trees for Life In addition to the scientific sessions, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in pre-conference training courses http://www.ser2015.org/pre-conference-training-courses, local field trips http://www.ser2015.org/field-trips, and a Make a Difference Day http://www.ser2015.org/make-a-difference-day volunteer event on Sunday, August 23rd. The social program includes the Society's Gala Awards Dinner http://www.ser2015.org/gala-awards-dinner where we will honor the winners of this year's SER Awards. For more information about the conference, please visit www.ser2015.org or email us at ser2...@meetingmakers.co.uk. Sincerely, *SER2015 Organizing Committee* -- *Hannah Boone *I *Program Assistant* Society for Ecological Restoration 1017 O St. NW, Washington DC 20001-4229 *1-202-299-9518*
[ECOLOG-L] Portable digital microscopes: summary
I wish to thank all of you who responded to my request for information about portable digital microscopes. What I find amazing (but probably shouldn't have) is the degree to which this technology has been integrated with smart phones. All but the first listed product involve smart phones. Some of the respondents have had direct positive experiences with the below (particularly with the first and the last) but the others sound potentially promising as well. The DYI versions are mind-blowing - but beyond my skill level! * Pentax WGIII GPS adventure camera (under $300) with a microscope macro mode with LED lights around the lens * Foldscope: http://www.foldscope.com/ * cellscope under development - http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2014/2ConcurrentSessions/J6/J6Steinberg.pdf * DIY projects for smart phones: http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2011/10/50-hack-turns-your-iphone-350x-microscope, http://www.wired.com/2011/03/diy-cellphone-microscope/ * Proscope Micro Mobile: https://www.bodelin.com/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile Michael W. Palmer Regents Professor, Department of Botany, Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, OK 74074 USA mike.pal...@okstate.edu405 744 7717http://ecology.okstate.edu/Libra/
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doc Position at the USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Maine
Post-Doctoral Research Associate Opportunity at the University of Maine We are seeking a candidate with strong quantitative and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate opportunity in the USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine. The candidate will participate in an effort to evaluate representative avian species models developed by the University of Massachusetts Designing Sustainable Landscapes (DSL) project in the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (NA- LCC). The study will evaluate representative species model Landscape Capability assessments with independent, survey data systematically collected across the northeastern states region that encompasses the NA- LCC and a portion of the Appalachian-LCC; compare the predicted Landscape Capability models with site-specific forest characteristics and examine poorly performing models to ascertain causes of poor fit; evaluate relationships between the predictions of the representative species models and the occurrence of species they are designed to represent; and, develop guidance about forest structural conditions that potentially support priority conifer and mixed conifer-deciduous forest associated species in the region. The candidate will collaborate with scientists from the University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, West Virginia University, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The position is funded for 2 years, and the target start date is September 2015. A competitive salary including benefits is offered, depending on experience. Minimum qualifications are: • Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related field by August 2015. • Experience conducting large-scale GIS analyses and developing and maintaining large relational databases. • Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated proficiency with and understanding of spatial statistical methods used for modeling species and habitat distributions and detectability. • Demonstrated proficiency with ArcMap and R or Matlab, and Microsoft Access. • Knowledge of avian ecology, interpretation of avian and vegetation survey data, and experience with forest birds are assets. • Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in peer-reviewed literature. • Desire to work in a collaborative team setting. To apply: Applicants should visit https://umaine.hiretouch.com to apply. You will be required to complete an application, upload a cover letter and CV, and list the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin June 26th, 2015, and continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Please direct questions to Dr. Cynthia Loftin at cynthia.lof...@maine.edu, with subject line “Post-Doc Inquiry”.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: TNC Spatial Scientist position for Africa Region (Deadline June 26th)
POSITION SUMMARY Many of the last remaining intact terrestrial and freshwater systems in the tropical world are in Africa - from the intact delta of the wild Ogooué River to the grasslands of Northern Tanzania to the deep and spectacular lakes of the Rift Valley. Africa’s lands and freshwaters contain astounding freshwater biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. Ecosystem services such as fish protein, clean water, and floodplain productivity that intact ecosystems provide act as life support for the many poor, rural communities dependent upon them. The economies of Sub-Saharan Africa are also growing very rapidly, and these ecological systems and services are likely to be significantly stressed in the coming decades. We need accurate and compelling conservation-related spatial data, remote sensing analysis, and map products in order to create better informed decision making, whether at the national government or local community scale. The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Region seeks a broadly trained scientist with expertise in complex spatial analysis over large landscapes, with an emphasis on freshwater systems. This person will work on projects related to data compilation, threat analysis, spatial modeling and ecosystem service modelling in priority freshwater, terrestrial, and marine conservation areas. She/He will have a focus on projects that identify existing ecological resources and ecosystem services as well threats to those resources and their contribution to ecosystem functioning. She/He models the impacts of various development scenarios on the functioning of natural systems, including but not limited to hydropower dam development, land cover change and climate change. The spatial scientist participates as a team member on various terrestrial, marine and freshwater projects while serving as the primary analyst for TNC’s freshwater projects throughout Africa. She/He is responsible for various project-related tasks, including project planning, analysis, report preparation and publication of results. She/He will be expected to provide detailed spatial analysis and map production in support of our various programs throughout the continent. Freshwater systems of focus include Lake Tanganyika and other African Great Lakes, the Ogooué River in Gabon, the Tana River in Kenya, and the Kafue River in Zambia. Key approaches include support to governments and other stakeholders in freshwater resource prioritization and mapping, water infrastructure planning, source water protection, freshwater protected area planning, and freshwater fisheries management. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The spatial scientist supports landscape-scale spatial analysis, with a focus on freshwater ecosystems, related to The Nature Conservancy in Africa’s programs throughout the continent. Currently we have programs in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Gabon, Namibia and Seychelles. Requires sufficient knowledge and work experience in one or more of the following functions: Advanced knowledge of management, manipulation and analysis of both vector and raster spatial data; Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and spatial tools related to freshwater resource mapping and modeling; Strong cartographic skills; Experience with remote sensing; Ability to manage and coordinate projects and coordinate closely with Program Managers and other science staff; and Willingness to present project overviews at conferences and meetings and write periodic progress reports, final reports and scientific manuscripts as needed. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE Science Activities: Conducts landscape analyses to assess ecological integrity and identify potential priority sites using standard spatial analysis and modeling tools. Develop predictive models of threats and/or species distributions. Participate in ecosystem service modeling and application of results. Integrate spatial data with field surveys to document ecological systems in project areas using standard methods and techniques. Innovation: Participates in the ongoing development of new tools, methods, processes, and techniques that improve conservation action in The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priority areas and thematic opportunities. Communications: Communicates the role of The Nature Conservancy in the conservation of biodiversity, and explain the utility of science-based conservation to partners. In collaboration with the Conservation Director and Africa TNC Program Managers, communicate regularly with key project partners and others to maintain strong partnerships and facilitate effective conservation. Information Requests: Responds to requests for ecological information from partners and provide interpretation, as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MS degree in Geographic Information Science, Ecology, Geography or related field and 4 years
[ECOLOG-L] FW: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015
From: David A. C. Beck [mailto:d...@uw.edu] Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2015 5:32 PM Subject: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015 Seattle, August 5-7th http://depts.washington.edu/dswkshp/ Overview: The NSF-sponsored Graduate Data Science Workshop will bring together 100 graduate students from diverse domain sciences and engineering with Data Scientists from industry and academia to discuss and collaborate on Big Data / Data Science challenges. Participation: To participate in the workshop, submit a white paper in PDF format that describes a Big Data / Data Science challenge faced by your scientific or engineering discipline or an idea for a new tool or method addressing Big Data / Data Science problem. White papers will be reviewed using NSF scoring criteria and attendees will be selected based on the strength of their position papers. If you are selected for attendance, you must bring a poster to present on one of either of the two poster presentation sessions. The authors of the very highest scoring white papers will be invited to give lightning talks of a few slides during the plenary session to describe their challenges or methods. The white paper submission deadline is June 22nd, 2015. Invitees will be notified on July 1st, 2015. Program: In addition to keynote presentations from high profile speakers, the participants will present posters covering their own research and work collaboratively to begin to solve some of the Grand Challenge problems facing Data Enabled Science Engineering disciplines. Community building: After the workshop, the output from the collaborative teams will be published in an open access environment. Through the shared work at the workshop and beyond, the participants will form lasting, collaborative relationships with their peers and the senior academia partners and industry participants including those from companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Travel awards: If you are invited to participate, travel support of up to $1,000 will be available which can be used to cover the registration and lodging fees in addition to airfare. Most meals are included. Workshop registration is $200. Lodging is $123 (two beds), $195 (single) for two nights. Organizers: General Chair David A. C. Beck, PhD, (University of Washington, Chemical Engineering) Local Arrangements Chair Jennifer Worrell Steering Committee Ginger Armbrust, PhD, (University of Washington, Oceanography) Magdalena Balazinska, PhD, (University of Washington, Computer Science Engineering) Andrew Connolly, PhD (University of Washington, Astronomy)
[ECOLOG-L] FW: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015
Subject: NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION NSF Graduate Data Science Workshop Community Building, 2015 Seattle, August 5-7th http://depts.washington.edu/dswkshp/ Overview: The NSF-sponsored Graduate Data Science Workshop will bring together 100 graduate students from diverse domain sciences and engineering with Data Scientists from industry and academia to discuss and collaborate on Big Data / Data Science challenges. Participation: To participate in the workshop, submit a white paper in PDF format that describes a Big Data / Data Science challenge faced by your scientific or engineering discipline or an idea for a new tool or method addressing Big Data / Data Science problem. White papers will be reviewed using NSF scoring criteria and attendees will be selected based on the strength of their position papers. If you are selected for attendance, you must bring a poster to present on one of either of the two poster presentation sessions. The authors of the very highest scoring white papers will be invited to give lightning talks of a few slides during the plenary session to describe their challenges or methods. The white paper submission deadline is June 22nd, 2015. Invitees will be notified on July 1st, 2015. Program: In addition to keynote presentations from high profile speakers, the participants will present posters covering their own research and work collaboratively to begin to solve some of the Grand Challenge problems facing Data Enabled Science Engineering disciplines. Community building: After the workshop, the output from the collaborative teams will be published in an open access environment. Through the shared work at the workshop and beyond, the participants will form lasting, collaborative relationships with their peers and the senior academia partners and industry participants including those from companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Travel awards: If you are invited to participate, travel support of up to $1,000 will be available which can be used to cover the registration and lodging fees in addition to airfare. Most meals are included. Workshop registration is $200. Lodging is $123 (two beds), $195 (single) for two nights. Organizers: General Chair David A. C. Beck, PhD, (University of Washington, Chemical Engineering) Local Arrangements Chair Jennifer Worrell Steering Committee Ginger Armbrust, PhD, (University of Washington, Oceanography) Magdalena Balazinska, PhD, (University of Washington, Computer Science Engineering) Andrew Connolly, PhD (University of Washington, Astronomy)
