Re: [ECOLOG-L] ECOLOG-L Digest - 5 Jul 2015 to 6 Jul 2015 (#2015-186)
I'm not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but the Clergy Letter Project deserved a citation: http://www.theclergyletterproject.org/ Quoting from the site- Background For too long, the misperception that science and religion are inevitably in conflict has created unnecessary division and confusion, especially concerning the teaching of evolution. I wanted to let the public know that numerous clergy from most denominations have tremendous respect for evolutionary theory and have embraced it as a core component of human knowledge, fully harmonious with religious faith. In the fall of 2004, I worked with clergy throughout Wisconsin to prepare a statement in support of teaching evolution. We were called to action by a series of anti-evolution policies passed by the school board in Grantsburg, WI. The response was overwhelming. In a few weeks, nearly 200 clergy signed the statement, which we sent to the Grantsburg school board on December 16, 2004. Additionally, groups of educators and scientists sent letters to the Grantsburg School Board and to the Superintendent of Schools protesting these policies. In response to all of this attention, as well as the efforts of others, the Grantsburg School Board retracted their policies. The outpouring of support from clergy around the country encouraged me to make this a nationwide project. If you want to read more about it or join us in sharing this important perspective, click here. Encourage your clergy to consider signing the statement and please feel free to link to these webpages. The Clergy Letter Project has also sponsored annual Evolution Weekend events. These events provide an opportunity for congregations around the world to come together, in the way each feels most comfortable, to discuss the compatibility of religion and science. By doing so, we are educating thousands and elevating the world-wide discussion of this important topic. If your congregation would like to participate in an Evolution Weekend event, please contact me. Most recently, The Clergy Letter Project has created a data base of scientists interested in working with clergy members to answer questions about all aspects of evolution. To view this growing list, click here (If you are a scientist and would like to be added to our data base, please send me a note.) Sincerely, Michael Zimmerman Founder and Executive Director The Clergy Letter Project Send your comments to me at m...@theclergyletterproject.org --- Date:Sun, 5 Jul 2015 23:36:12 -0700 From:Warren Aney a...@coho.net Subject: Re: teaching evolution in ecology courses Good discussion! My first encounter with this religious/evolution conflict was in high school many decades ago. . And evolution is not a belief -- it's a little weak to say I believe in evolution when evolution is a scientific theory that explains, describes and predicts biological development. We don't say I believe in calculus but, even if we don't fully comprehend it, we know that it provides useful tools and methods for turning numerical information into reliable facts. Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist 9403 SW 74th Ave. Tigard, OR 97223 (503) 539-1009 a...@coho.net End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 5 Jul 2015 to 6 Jul 2015 (#2015-186) *
[ECOLOG-L] 2015 AGU Fall Meeting Session on Understanding Phenology Across Scales and Improving Linkages to Ecosystem Functions
We invite submissions for the following session that will be convened at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco. Session Title: Understanding Phenology Across Scales and Improving Linkages to Ecosystem Functions (https://goo.gl/VUzaFx) Session ID#: 8911 (https://goo.gl/VUzaFx) Session Description: (https://goo.gl/VUzaFx) The seasonal timing of vegetation development and activity is shifting as earth’s environment changes. These phenological shifts are best understood for past changes and within, rather than across, spatial scales. New research expands our understanding across scales from species to communities to watersheds and towards the future through forecasting models. Recent developments improve our ability to link shifts in the timing of vegetation development and activity to the impacts on ecosystem functions, such as food production, carbon exchange, and water cycling. Submissions are solicited for phenology studies that showcase new methods, insights, applications, and outreach that add to our understanding of phenology across scales and towards predictions of how shifts in phenology will alter critical ecosystem functions on which people depend. Primary Convener: Heidi Steltzer, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, United States (steltze...@fortlewis.edu) Conveners: Julio L Betancourt, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA (jlbet...@usgs.gov) Brian Wee, National Ecological Observatory Network, Boulder, CO (b...@neoninc.org) Katharine Gerst, USA National Phenology Network, Tucson, AZ (katge...@email.arizona.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] EPA Post-doc Assessing Anthropogenic Influences on Aquatic Resources
Dear Colleagues, EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) announced a post-doc opportunity to work with a team of scientists assessing anthropogenic influences on aquatic resources: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ordpd/PostDoc_Position.cfm?pos_id=777. NCEA is responsible for scientific assessment activities related to the potential risks of environmental activities and stressors and the potential causes of biological degradation in aquatic systems. These activities provide key scientific support for EPA policy and regulatory decisions. Assessment activities are generally related to aquatic resources and typically have significant implications for national and international environmental policy development and implementation. NCEA develops logical, credible ecological assessment documents that reflect current scientific principles and risk and causal assessment methodologies. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with EPA scientists on projects relevant to assessing and managing anthropogenic impacts to water resources. Activities may involve: •Scoping and problem formulation including the development of conceptual models and analysis plans to guide ecological assessments related to the management of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. •Reviewing and analyzing field and laboratory research results to, derive, integrate, and synthesize information.. •Developing innovative methods to synthesize literature results, such as weight of evidence approaches, statistical methods and visualization techniques. There is the potential for more than one selection to be made from this postdoctoral position announcement. Please contact Dr. Scot E. Hagerthey, hagerthey.s...@epa.gov, 703-347-0315, for more information.
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral research opportunity in GIS and Spatial Analysis of Global Change
Dear Colleagues, EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) has a post-doctoral research training opportunity available focusing on GIS and spatial analysis of global change: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/description.aspx?JobId=18374. The focus of this opportunity is to apply advanced GIS and other spatial analysis tools to assessments of global change (i.e., climate, land use, biogeochemical changes) impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation responses. Assessment endpoints include urban systems, ecosystems, air and water quality, and human health. The participant will become familiar with the latest approaches, frameworks and models for understanding and addressing changes in climate, land use, and other global change factors. He/She will learn how to critically evaluate climate and land use model output and to identify both opportunities and limitations when using those data in applied research, and will learn how both detailed modeling and high-level assessment activities are used to accomplish NCEA’s mission. This research training opportunity will provide an exceptional professional development opportunity in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The participant will have access to a team of experts collaborating in and across disciplines (geography, ecology, hydrology, health, urban systems) on emerging and high-profile research topics. For more information contact Britta Bierwagen (bierwagen.bri...@epa.gov).
[ECOLOG-L] Survey on Interdisciplinary Ecology Research
Dear members and friends of the Ecological Society of America (ESA): This survey is relevant to all ecologists, especially those engaged in interdisciplinary research. In celebration of the Centennial of ESA, a team of doctoral students at UNC Chapel Hill are conducting a study to assess the state of interdisciplinary research and scholarship inside and outside of the academy (IRB #15-0821). The results of this study will be shared at an upcoming workshop convened as part of the 100th Meeting of the Ecological Society of America. Results are intended to help workshop organizers identify the challenges and rewards that interdisciplinary ecologists encounter. Click herehttp://eco.confex.com/eco/2015/webprogram/Session10676.html for more information about this ESA plenary workshop and how you can still register (Aug 8th @ 306 Baltimore Convention Center). We welcome participation from ecological researchers at all career levels. The link to this online survey will take 15 minutes to complete. The survey link will remain active until July 15, 2015. Your participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Keep in mind that no compensation is provided. Your confidential feedback will be used for a peer-reviewed publication and shared widely with the global community of ecologists. Research methods are in full compliance with IRB policies regarding confidentiality and research ethics of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please contact Principal Investigator Clare Fieseler for further questions or comments about the survey via 973-615-6335 or cfiese...@unc.edumailto:cfiese...@unc.edu. ANONYNMOUS LINK TO SURVEY: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3RabqHDG3W5RfZH Clare Fieseler PhD Candidate Principal Investigator Sierra Woodruff CEE PhD Candidate Co-Investigator Dennis Tarasi PhD Candidate Co-Investigator Colin West, PhD Associate Professor Research Advisor CURRICULUM FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL Dennis Tarasi PhD Candidate, Peet Lab Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology UNC-Chapel Hill
[ECOLOG-L] Citizen scientists needed to help us online with marsh ecology
We need citizen scientists to help us better understand the ecology of the salt marsh. We have over 50,000 overlapping photographs of a salt marsh, taken every year starting in 2010, and need to align them to create detailed maps for each year. Because the images are taken from close to the marsh surface, and lack strong visual features, software programs are unable to align them automatically. The Image Matching Game (http://129.7.249.177:85/index/signin or ScalingUpMarshScience.cs.uh.edu) allows citizen scientists to help us by identifying matching features in pairs of photographs. This information will then be used to create a photographic map of a large area, and to study how this area changes from year to year. At the same time, users learn some basic facts about salt marsh ecology. Please pass this on to your friends and to educators who might want to use it in their classes. Faculty members, please consider this as a fun extra credit activity for your courses this fall. Steven Pennings, University of Houston, spenni...@uh.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Registration Deadline! CUAHSI Conference on Hydroinformatics
3rd CUAHSI Conference on Hydroinformatics Model and Data Interoperability: From Theory to Practice July 15-17, 2015 at the University of Alabama and the National Water Center, Tuscaloosa, AL Register by Wednesday, July 8th! Visit the event websitehttp://www.cvent.com/events/3rd-cuahsi-conference-on-hydroinformatics/event-summary-b2e0725fa2db4a3e82f81c539db9cc78.aspx for additional conference information. Travel support is still available for those who wish to attend the Earth System Bridge Workshop. View details herehttp://www.cvent.com/events/3rd-cuahsi-conference-on-hydroinformatics/custom-20-b2e0725fa2db4a3e82f81c539db9cc78.aspx. Significant advances have been made in various aspects of hydroinformatics including data access, interoperability standards, data publication, model-coupling frameworks and workflow support. We are on the cusp of transforming water research with these methods and tools, but what will be required to achieve that transformation? We encourage multidisciplinary participation from researchers in hydrology, data, computation and information technology sciences interested in advancing the science and application of hydroinformatics in research and practice. A particular emphasis of the conference will be on standardized interfaces and metadata that are a key part of achieving interoperability. This conference will serve as the capstone event for the first Summer Institute to be held at the National Water Center on the National Flood Interoperability Experimenthttp://www.cuahsi.org/NFIE. Conference Topics Include: * Cyberinfrastructure at the weather - hydrologic model interface * Interoperable cyberinfrastructure for flood forecasting and situational awareness * Cyberinfrastructure to advance high performance water resources modeling * Collaborative environments for hydrologic data and model sharing * Cyberinfrastructure at the critical zone This conference is sponsored by the following National Science Foundation projects: CUAHSI Water Data Center, the EarthCube Earth System Bridge project, the EarthCube Integrating Discrete Continuous Data project, and the CI-Water Project. It supports the interest of the National Weather Service in evolving water resources services through the National Flood Interoperability Experiment.
[ECOLOG-L] AmeriCorps position available with sustainable agriculture project
Dear Ecolog-l, Please share this AmeriCorps position information with anyone who may be interested. Thanks, Dan Dan Fiscus FSU and Frostburg Grows 106 Compton Frostburg State University Frostburg, MD 21532 301-687-3136 (office) 240-522-4243 (cell) FROSTBURG GROWS is looking for an AmeriCorps Member! Frostburg Grows is an innovative local food production, sustainable agriculture training center, composting operation, native tree nursery, renewable energy, and sustainable development project built and operating on a former coal mine site in Frostburg, Maryland, USA. Note: The availability of this position is contingent upon funding. This is a full-time AmeriCorps position with a one year contract. The member will serve a total of 1,700 hours over the course of a year (average of 35 hours a week). The member will receive a living stipend of approx. $12,530 and at the completion of the service hours will receive a $5,720 education award. Mandatory training for new members will be held in late August or early September 2015 in Frostburg, MD and the position will begin September 1, 2015 (pending final funding). As a member of the A-STAR! AmeriCorps program the member will be required to attend mandatory trainings throughout the year as well as take part in certain mandatory days of service or service events. Major duties will be to assist with: 1. Operation and maintenance of high tunnel greenhouses and composting 2. Operation and maintenance of the shade house and tree nursery operations 3. Planning and coordination of volunteer work days and educational events at the site 4. Monitoring and data recording for tree seedling and food production and other operations 5. Providing education for community members on healthy living linked to growing, preparing and eating fresh local fruits and vegetables and sustainability Link to apply to AmeriCorps: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=7567 Contact Dan Fiscus @ dafis...@frostburg.edu or Corey Armstrong @ cbarmstr...@frostburg.edumailto:cbarmstr...@frostbur.edu or call 301-687-3136 for more info. Applications received by July 20, 2015 will be given priority. Apply online at the AmeriCorps website above, and email a CV and letter describing your interests, skills and experience to Dan or Corey. For more information on Frostburg Grows, see: http://www.frostburggrows.com http://www.frostburg.edu/aces/frostburg-grows/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frostburg-Grows/472105046167989?fref=ts Note: The availability of this position is contingent upon funding. Funded in part by the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism and the Corporation for National and Community Service
[ECOLOG-L] Post-masters research training opportunity
Dear Colleagues, EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) is offering a post-masters research training opportunity focusing on statistical and other quantitative analyses for a variety of global change projects: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=6796. We are looking for a highly motivated recent master's graduate who wants to apply his/her excellent statistical and quantitative skills to the exciting field of global change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation research! This training opportunity allows the participant to apply rigorous statistical and quantitative analysis skills to complex, interdisciplinary assessments GCAS projects. GCAS projects have the overarching goal of improving the understanding of the implications of climate and land-use change for U.S. ecosystems (particularly wetlands and other aquatic systems), water quality, urban systems, and human health and well-being. This research will ultimately help EPA in reducing environmental and societal vulnerabilities to climate change through appropriate adaptation strategies. This project involves (1) statistical or other quantitative analyses of ecologic, hydrologic, climate, and land use data using, for example, multivariate and non-parametric techniques, spatial statistics, or time series analyses, (2) quantitative analyses of data on urban resilience and vulnerability, and (3) interpretation and communication of analysis results including assisting with writing reports and journal articles. The research participant will have an opportunity to engage with a team of scientists at EPA on a variety of climate change and land use change projects to develop statistical and other quantitative analyses that will aid in environmental decision making. How to Apply: The Research Participation Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA-ORD/NCEA-IO-2012-01 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application materials contact: Research Participation Program/ORD-EPA, Attn: Betty Bowling, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117, Phone: (865) 576-8503 FAX: (865) 241-5219 e-mail:betty.bowl...@orau.org. An application can be found at http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/application.htm. Please share this with prospective applicants. Thanks, Britta
[ECOLOG-L] Pharmaceutical Environmental Assessment Research
Opportunity Pharmaceutical Environmental Assessment Research - CDER Organization U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Program Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Reference Code FDA-CDER-2015-0062 Academic Levels * Postdoctoral * Post-Master's Description The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires all Federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their actions. To comply, FDA implements 21 CFR Part 25, which includes a requirement for an environmental assessment (EA) if extraordinary circumstances indicate that the specific proposed action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The new EA draft guidance, Questions and Answers Regarding Drugs with Estrogenic, Androgenic, or Thyroid Activity, informs drug applicants that recent research indicates that some drugs with hormonal activity in the environment may exhibit extraordinary circumstances and that the Agency may require additional ecotoxicity testing for applications submitted for drugs with hormonal activity. In addition, antimicrobial, additivity/synergism, nanotechnology, and other properties have been implicated for possible adverse environment effects, as well as human effects through environmental pathways. Also, other Centers (e.g., CVM), agencies (e.g., EPA), and regions (e.g., EU) have begun addressing these issues through research, guidance, and regulatory development. The EA Staff requires support for research and implementation to address these issues. Project objectives include: 1. Identify appropriate ecological toxicity endpoints, study designs, and testing approaches to best characterize risks due to the introduction of drugs with hormonal activity into the environment. 2. Assess the potential environmental role of other properties and effects, including antimicrobial resistance, nanotechnology, and additivity/synergism, for drugs normally subject individually to a categorical exclusion. 3. Evaluate approaches currently established or undergoing research, guidance development, and regulatory changes by other Centers, agencies, and countries/regions. 4. Determine how to best incorporate the results within CDER's current regulatory structure and in harmony with other Centers, agencies, and countries/regions. This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and FDA. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at FDA in the Silver Spring, Maryland, area. Participants do not become employees of FDA or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid. Qualifications * A Master's or Doctoral degree in aquatic ecology, biology, biochemistry, toxicology, or a closely related field. * A strong understanding of biochemical or adverse outcome pathways. * Knowledge or experience with drugs in the environment preferred. Eligibility Requirements * Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree or Master's degree or have received one of these degrees within 60 months. * Discipline(s): * Life Health and Medical Sciences * Biochemistry * Biology, General * Cellular and Molecular Biology * Developmental Biology * Environmental Health * Other Physical Sciences * Environmental Chemistry * Environmental and Marine Sciences * Environmental Sciences * Computer Sciences * Scientific Computing and Informatics * Veteran Status: None How To Apply Go to https://www.zintellect.com/Posting/Details/1187 -- Jim Laurenson Senior Toxicologist/Environmental Officer Center for Drug Evaluation Research U.S. Food Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 21, Rm. 1626 Silver Spring, MD 20993 301-796-4872 (office) 703-342-9496 (cell) james.lauren...@fda.hhs.govmailto:james.lauren...@fda.hhs.gov
[ECOLOG-L] Funded PhD position: Yukon Red Squirrel Life History
Funded Ph.D. position on life history ecology of red squirrels. I am currently advertising for one Ph.D. student to join my lab (www.lanelab.ca) in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, ideally to begin September, 2015 (January or April, 2016 start dates may also be feasible). Full funding ($20k CAD/yr for 4 years) is guaranteed, but the successful student will be expected to apply for any funding for which they may be eligible (e.g., NSERC post-graduate scholarships for Canadian citizens). The Project: Life history ecology of North American red squirrels (Ph.D.) The Kluane Red Squirrel Project (KRSP; http://redsquirrel.biology.ualberta.ca/) was established in the late 1980’s and now represents one of the longest running and most-comprehensive studies of a wild mammal in the world. Researchers from multiple universities are involved and exciting collaborations have produced many important, interdisciplinary findings. A clear strength of this project stems from our ability to link the biology of the population with a key environmental driver (availability of their primary food source - white spruce seed, cached as cones). The advertised project will investigate the causes and consequences of phenological variation (i.e., annual timing of key life cycle events) and how this variation fits within the broader life history phenotypes of individual squirrels. Phenological shifts are now the most often cited ecological responses to climate change and can have substantial consequences for individual fitness and population viability. The project will combine analyses of our long-term data set (comprising data on 10,000 individuals, collected over 10 generations and 25 years) with new field data collection. Quantitative genetics analyses will be used to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations (i.e., evolutionary potential) in phenological traits and opportunities are available to collaborate with other researchers in energetic physiology, population ecology, endocrinology and animal behaviour. All fieldwork will occur in the spectacular southwest Yukon Territory at KRSP’s field camp. Relevant literature: Lane, J.E., L.E.B. Kruuk, A. Charmantier, J.O. Murie and F.S. Dobson. 2012. Delayed phenology and reduced fitness associated with climate change in a wild hibernator. Nature 489: 554-557. Williams, C.T., J.E. Lane, M.M. Humphries, A.G. McAdam and S. Boutin. 2013. Reproductive phenology of a food-hoarding mast-seed consumer: resource- and density dependent benefits of early breeding in red squirrels. Oecologia 174: 777-788. Boutin, S. and J.E. Lane. 2014. Climate change and mammals: evolutionary versus plastic responses. Evolutionary Applications 7: 29-41. The successful applicant will have a GPA 80% (converted to the UofS’ 1-100 scale) over the past two years of schooling and a degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, Environmental Biology). Of note, while I certainly appreciate the hard work that is put into obtaining a degree in Biotechnology, I do not view this as relevant experience for these positions. In addition, a passion for fieldwork (in a beautiful, but remote, place), strong scientific communication skills (both written and oral) and statistical proficiency (or a willingness to gain it) is necessary. Evidence of scientific productivity (manuscripts published or in preparation, conference attendance and presentation) is also expected. This position is open to both Canadian and international students. If you are interested in applying, please submit a cv (including names and contact details of references), a short (1 pg) description of research interests and an unofficial copy of your transcripts to jeffrey.l...@usask.ca. Applications will be evaluated as they’re received. To ensure full consideration of your application, therefore, please submit asap. Any questions can be directed to Jeff Lane. Thank you in advance for your interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
[ECOLOG-L] Job announcement - Multicultural Postdoc (University of Rhode Island)
Multicultural Post-Doctoral Fellow, Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island is seeking a Multicultural Post-Doctoral Fellow with a research focus in biology and a commitment to bringing multicultural perspectives to the curriculum, department, college, and university. The appointment is for the 2015-2016 calendar year. Subject to a favorable review of teaching and scholarly activities, the Fellow will be provided with an opportunity to transition into a full-time, tenure-track faculty position. The Fellow will teach an undergraduate and/or graduate course each semester and pursue his/her scholarly interests. The Department will provide mentoring toward professional growth. Please attach the following (PDF) documentation to the online Employment Application: (1) A cover letter that addresses eligibility requirements which should include demonstrated evidence of understanding of and commitment to bringing multicultural perspectives to the curriculum, research, teaching, and service, and promoting the success of those in underrepresented groups; (2) A CV including names and contact information for three individuals who will serve as references and who are familiar with your research and teaching qualifications; (3) A two-page statement of teaching and multicultural philosophy; (4) An “Other Document” which combines a Research Statement (1 page), and a list of courses taught and mentoring experience. Visit our website at https://jobs.uri.edu to apply and to view the complete details for the job post (#SF00071). Application deadline: July 28, 2015. Only online applications are accepted. For information about the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Rhode Island, please go to http://cels.uri.edu/bio/. The University of Rhode Island is an AA/EEOD employer and values diversity. -- Bryan Dewsbury, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Rhode Island 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, 02881 Phone - (401) 874 2248 Fax - (401) 874 4256 Office: CBLS 483 Lab: Woodward Hall 136 http://web.uri.edu/bio/bryan-dewsbury/ http://seasprogram.net @BMDewsbury
