[ECOLOG-L] NSF Graduate Research Fellow Position - Insect Invasion Biology
NSF Graduate Research Fellow (NSF-GRF) via the Graduate Research Intern Program (GRIP) Insect Invasion Biology Our fifteen-member USGS Powell Center working group of Federal and academic research ecologists and entomologists is studying the theoretical and applied aspects of insect invasion. The working group’s goals are to: 1) develop a quantitative model that informs prediction of insect invasions that could be high-impact; and 2) refine our working hypothesis so that the relative contributions of the defense-free space hypothesis and the enemy release hypothesis are more fully developed and the role of evolutionary history more fully specified. We have developed the structure of a Traits and Factors Database (TraFac) for herbivory-specialist insects, and have provided its initial population with traits of conifer specialist invading insects. TraFac will be populated with traits of other invading insects specializing on other plant groups and of target herbivory specialist insects not yet established in North America but with a high likelihood of introduction. We will create a statistical model of species impact as predicted by the traits and factors coded in TraFac, and will extend our model to targeted herbivory-specialist insects that have not yet invaded. Our working group has an opening for a fully-funded 12 month NSF Graduate Research Fellow (NSF-GRF) via the Graduate Research Intern Program (GRIP) that will have a lead role in further development of the TraFac database, developing and testing statistical models predicting insect invasion and host plant defense, and publishing results. The Intern will work in Tucson under the direct mentorship of a USGS research ecologist (Dr. Kathryn Thomas) who is one of the Principal Investigators, and will have access to USGS computing and modeling resources both in Tucson and with the Powell Center in Fort Collins. Work will be primarily office-based at USGS offices located on the University of Arizona campus. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in entomology, management of biological databases, statistical modeling using R. The Intern will be a fully functioning member of the Powell working group and will gain experience in the development, management, and documentation of a complex biological database; development and application of quantitative models predicting the impact of insect herbivory; and interaction with a dynamic team of researchers across the nation in tackling the theoretical and practical aspects of insect invasion. In addition, the Intern will have exposure to the USGS and governmental research environment as well as working collaboratively across multiple agency and university venues. This research issue is of national importance and is expected to provide a number of opportunities for continuing collaboration. The USGS Powell Center supported our working group with comment on the importance of the problem and potential impact that success would have on ecosystems, conservation science and applied conservation implementation. Please contact Dr. Kathryn Thomas (kathryn_a_tho...@usgs.gov) directly about more details about this position.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] A short story about Bob Mitchell
Hi Alison, I met Bob Mitchell only a few times at Jones Center in southern Georgia. It was very clear during our conversations that Bob was a towering intellect, a deep thinker, totally devoted to ecology, and most of all, a very humble person. I came away inspired each time, which speaks to his mentoring abilities towards younger scientists. I will always remember his advice to me: Think deeper about the kind of intellectual portfolio that you would build during your career. He will be sorely missed by many colleagues across the world. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about Bob. Best wishes, Kamal Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi Associate Professor of Forest Entomology D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Office: 706-542-4614; Cell: 706-247-4025; Fax: 706-542-8356 Email: kjgan...@uga.edu Lab Website: http://www.kamal.gandhi.uga.edu/ From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] on behalf of Seth Bigelow [s...@swbigelow.net] Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:45 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] A short story about Bob Mitchell Alison, thank you for sharing the sad news, and for the wonderful memoriam for a southern silviculture ecology original and a beautiful person --Seth -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Alison Munson Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 12:35 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] A short story about Bob Mitchell A short story about Bob Mitchell I was an almost still young postdoc from Laval University in Canada, presenting for one of the first times in the States at the North American Forest Ecology Workshop (NAFEW). Someone with a strong southern accent asked me the most interesting questions at the end. He introduced himself at coffee break, and so began an informal exchange and conversation with Bob Mitchell that continued off and on at NAFEW meetings or ESA meetings, over many years. His presentations were always among my preferred, dense with deep knowledge of southern pine ecosystems, their fire regime, the root systems anchoring them in place; but with a twist. He was, as are fewer and fewer ecologists, rooted in a place that he continued to study throughout his career. He understood this place probably as few people can. At that first NAFEW meeting as a postdoc, he threw me an idea: you should try this, Alison And I did, and it developed into one of my underlying research themes, spatial ecology. Bob was like that: informal, generous, thoughtful, genuine. There was no artifice, no agenda, just Bob, straight up, no ice. Despite his amazing breadth and depth of ecological knowledge, there was never a trace of arrogance to be found; in fact, he shirked any forum that hinted of scientific elitism or disrespect. He was always ready to discuss, to go a step further, to throw out ideas and challenges. When I invited him back to our local NAFEW in Canada, he was happy to come and talk about pine ecosystems once again. But we digressed into philosophy and ethics of science, and he (and I) seemed somewhat discouraged by the decreasing lack of connection of scientists to «place», and modeling as a substitute for presence in the field. As he took a pause in serious treatment for his final battle with cancer, he decided he could come to Quebec City as external for one of my PhD students. Are you sure, I kept checking; he was sure. Even more interesting conversations ensued, reaching further into philosophy. Bob was ever optimistic and determined, still brimming with ideas while adding a dimension to his vision that comes with this kind of battle. Cancer was another scientific study; the hypothesis was life. Afterwards, he even sent me the outline of a research proposal that he said he wouldn't use, saying I could perhaps use it to contribute to my work; how many scientists wouId do this? I am sorry we cannot continue our conversation, I will miss him. He must still be there, among the longleaf pines. Robert J. Mitchell, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, GA. 1955 - May 2013. Alison Munson Professeure, Université Laval
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Forest Entomology
M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Forest Entomology The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens invites applications for a M.S. Assistantship starting in Fall 2011/Spring 2012. The research project will deal with determining olfactory attractants for hymenopteran parasitoids of siricids (woodwasps) in southern stands, assessing the efficacy of different trapping designs for these parasitoid species, and determining which types of disturbed forest stands are optimal for capturing the highest numbers and diversity of parasitoids. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Louisiana and Georgia, and Georgia Forestry Commission. The Forest Entomology laboratory (http://www.kamal.gandhi.uga.edu/) works on a broad range of forest health issues, insect species, and ecosystem-types. We invite applications fromhighly self-motivated and enthusiastic students that are genuinely interested in working at the forefront of forest health issues. Training in forest entomology will be provided. Prior experience in forestry, entomology, and ecology will be an asset. Interested students should submit a letter of interest, current CV along contact information for 2-3 referees, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal JK Gandhi (kgan...@warnell.uga.edu; 706-542-4614). The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the south, has 70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has 23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”. The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi Assistant Professor of Forest Entomology; Forest Health and Protection Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Office: 706-542-4614; Cell: 706-247-4025; Fax: 706-542-8356 Email: kgan...@warnell.uga.edu Lab Website: http://www.kamal.gandhi.uga.edu/
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships in Forest Entomology and Ecology
Several M.S. and Ph.D. assistantships in forest entomology and ecology are available at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens. Some (but not all) of the current projects in the Forest Entomology laboratory are as follows: 1) assessing interactions between prescribed fire, insects, and fungi in pine stands; 2) development of host risk maps for European woodwasp in southern pines; 3) survey and delineation of exotic bark and woodboring beetles; and 4) landscape-level distribution patterns and effects of land-area treatments on litter-dwelling arthropods. The Forest Entomology laboratory works on a broad range of forest health issues, insect species, and ecosystem-types. We are inviting applications from highly self-motivated students who are genuinely interested in working at the forefront of forest health issues. Training in forest entomology will be provided. Prior experience in forestry, entomology, and ecology will be an asset. Interested students should contact Dr. Kamal JK Gandhi either at kgan...@warnell.uga.edu or 706-542-4614. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the south, has 55 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has 23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”. Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi Assistant Professor of Forest Entomology; Forest Health and Protection Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Office: 706-542-4614; Cell: 706-247-4025; Fax: 706-542-8356 Email: kgan...@warnell.uga.edu Website: http://www.warnell.uga.edu/warnell_bios/app/Public/ViewBio/63
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D Assistantship in Forest Entomology and Ecology
Ph.D Assistantship in Forest Entomology and Ecology at the University of Georgia A Ph.D. assistantship in forest entomology and ecology is available at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens. Some (but not all) areas of inter-disciplinary research include: 1) impacts of global changes in natural (e.g., wildfires and windstorms) and anthropogenic (e.g., invasive species, clearcutting) forest disturbances on insect communities; 2) assessing patterns of invasion by exotic insect species, and their impacts on forest processes; 3) semiochemical ecology of economically important forest insects; and 4) understanding large-scale mechanisms in maintenance of forest insect biodiversity. The student should have some prior experience in entomology and forest resources, and preferably have a master's degree. I will consider exceptional students with a bachelor's degree. The student should have a strong background in ecology and statistics with an emphasis on data collection in the field. Further, the student should be self-motivated, and genuinely interested in working at the forefront of forest health issues for promoting sustainable forest practices. Interested students should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and references to Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED]). Dr. Gandhi can also be reached at 330-749-9429. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the south, has 55 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has 23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/http://www.uga.edu/) is a land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education. Its motto is: to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things. The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
