[ECOLOG-L] Rennes (France) - docent position in Dynamics of diversity and the functional properties of communities

2011-03-11 Thread Andreas Prinzing
Dear all 

Sorry for possible cross posting. 

University of Rennes 1 will this year recruit a docent (permanent position, 
196 teaching hours per year) in Dynamics of diversity and the functional 
properties of communities. Please find the job description below. It is in 
French, because teaching is in French. You shouldn’t apply if you cannot 
make yourself understood in French. And you do not have the right to apply 
if you do not have the French formal “Qualification” i.e. got your CV 
evaluated by a national committee months ago already. 

Except of this – international applications are welcome. Funnily, French 
universities do not pay travel costs for candidates, but possibly we find 
solutions of needed. 

Starting salary is 1800 Euros net and can increase to 3200 Euros. Starting 
salaries are OK to feed a family of three, and childcare is excellent and 
for free in France.

More about the Research Unit Ecobio (Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution) 
at http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/news.php - in a nutshell, there are about 
60 permanent researchers in all fields of Ecology and Evolution, the unit 
was ranked “A” in the last evaluation and the strong points of the unit are 
among others in Community  Ecology / Diversification / Invasion biology / 
Environmental, Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics / Landscape Ecology / 
Ecology of Stress / Ecological Engineering. 

RENNES has approximately 200 000 inhabitants and is the capitol of the 
Bretagne region with exceptional coastal and mainland landscapes, and a 
french-celtic heritage 
(http://www.bretagne.fr/internet/jcms/TF071112_5061/tourisme). It is 
situated some 2 hours by train from Paris. English is spoken everywhere in 
Academia, but not necessarily outside, and French should be learned. Like 
in any French city, child care is excellent (almost for free, no waiting 
list, nearby). Several bilingual French-English schools are available at 
all levels of education, as well as one French-German grammar school.

Deadline is 25.3., 16.00 and should be done online at 
https://www.galaxie.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ensup/candidats.html.

Best regards
Andreas Prinzing
--
Maître de Conférences « Dynamique de la diversité et propriétés 
fonctionnelles des communautés »

Enseignement
Le Maître de conférences recruté assurera des enseignements en écologie 
générale, biogéographie, écologie des communautés végétale, en particulier 
au niveau L1 à L3. Ces enseignements seront complétés par des sorties et 
stages de terrain. Il devra également participer à l’encadrement des 
étudiants dans le cadre des stages de M1 et M2, notamment en ce qui 
concerne les formations professionnelles.
Recherche 
Ce profil de recherche relève du champ thématique de l’écologie des 
communautés, et s’inscrit dans une approche fonctionnelle et évolutive de 
la dynamique de la diversité végétale.
Cet angle d’approche doit permettre d’identifier les contraintes 
écologiques qui pilotent les règles d’assemblage des espèces, en tenant 
compte des contraintes historiques, phylogénétiques. 
Les propriétés fonctionnelles analysées en lien avec la structure et 
diversité des communautés végétales pourront être relatives à la capacité 
de réponse aux changements (résistance, résilience) et aux services rendus 
(cf.  cycle de la matière et des nutriments, qualité agronomique et 
patrimoniale, ..).
Une des hypothèses de travail proposées pour comprendre les variations de 
diversité spécifique, évolutive et fonctionnelle avec les facteurs 
environnementaux reposent sur les contrastes de traits biologiques et de 
stratégies de vie. Considérer les interactions entre espèces ou groupes 
fonctionnels comme élément déterminant des patrons de diversité constitue 
une seconde hypothèse de travail que souhaite voir développer l’équipe 
d’accueil. 
Une clé d’analyse essentielle des règles d’assemblages et de réponses des 
communautés aux facteurs environnementaux réside dans la prise en compte de 
la variabilité spatio-temporelle des assemblages et de leur fonctionnement. 
Les travaux développés devront en conséquence prendre en compte le contexte 
théorique lié aux méta-communautés et viendront ainsi renforcer les travaux 
en cours dans l’équipe quant aux complémentarités fonctionnelles entre 
habitats.
Le maître de conférence recruté devra situer ses travaux dans le cadre des 
problématiques de recherche de l’équipe ‘Structure et Dynamique de la 
Diversité’ de l’UMR 6553 ECOBIO. Cette équipe s’attache à i) mettre en 
évidence les patrons, processus et mécanismes écologiques et évolutifs 
impliqués dans la réponse des communautés et des populations aux 
contraintes environnementales et ii) apprécier les conséquences induites 
par les activités humaines ou contraintes naturelles sur les propriétés 
écosystémiques portées par les communautés. Les variables de forçage 
anthropiques prises en compte sont notamment les modalités de gestion des 

[ECOLOG-L] Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology

2011-03-11 Thread Justine Karst

-Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology-

Three graduate student positions (2M.Sc. and 1Ph.D.) are available for  
forest ecology research investigating the impact of abiotic stresses  
such as water and nutrient limitations and biotic conditions such as  
inter- and intra-specific competition on tree species. The research is  
part of a large project that investigates the role of early  
successional tree species as reclamation species in mining areas of  
the boreal mixedwood forest and parkland regions of Alberta. The  
overall aim of the research is to understand underlying forest  
ecosystem processes, to develop reclamation techniques, and to  
determine stand trajectories to successfully regenerate surface mined  
lands to self-sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem functions and  
processes that are essential for the development of resilient forests.  
Of particular interest are (1) growth and biomass and resource  
allocation (rooting behaviour) in plants and their effect on water,  
carbon, and nutrient cycling, (2) determine characteristics necessary  
to improve the success of planted tree seedlings, and (3) explore the  
impact of various growing conditions such as soil, water and nutrients  
on forest establishment and growth.


Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of  
Simon Landhäusser, Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land  
Reclamation, Alberta School of Forest Science and Management,  
Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta,  
(http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/). Depending on the interest and  
quality of the applicants, the project offers considerable flexibility  
in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal  
interest within the overall framework of the project.


Background in plant biology, forest ecology or related field is  
essential, as is an interest in the linkages between forests and  
disturbance. Experience with any of the following will be an asset,  
but is not required: soil science, ecophysiology, plant nutrition, and  
silviculture. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a  
necessity. Selection of a student will be based on academic  
achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research  
experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are  
essential.


Application deadline: March 1, 2011 or until the positions are filled.  
Salary ranges between CAN$ 19,500 – 23,500 per year plus benefits for  
a period of 2 years for a M.Sc. and 3 years for a Ph.D.; extensions  
are possible but will depend on student performance. Students could  
also be eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in  
their first year. It is preferable that successful candidates start  
their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2011 while applying to the  
graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall or winter  
of 2011. The applicants must meet the entrance requirement for the  
University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, which can be  
viewed at: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm


Interested candidates should e-mail their transcript, curriculum  
vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2  
page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and  
contact information of three references to Dr. Simon Landhäusser,  
Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Science Building,  
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, CANADA. Phone:  
(780)-492-6381; Fax: (780)-492-1767.


Email: simon.landhaus...@ualberta.ca


Re: [ECOLOG-L] Hypothesis Testing in Ecology: Precision is what makes it valuable

2011-03-11 Thread Paul Grogan
Hi Kevin, this is great. Here's a link to a PDF of the article I wrote in
the British Ecological Society journal
http://post.queensu.ca/~groganp/Hypotheses%20in%20Ecology2foradobe.pdf. 
Figure 1 in particular may help in making more clear what I mean by
iterative, and how one cycle feeds into other larger cycles that ultimately
yields a product - a published piece of new knowledge (that could I think be
derived from 'observational' or 'exploratory' research as you put it)...and
ultimately that new knowledge leads to further new hypotheses.

Cheers, Paul

Paul Grogan
Plant and Ecosystem Ecologist

Dept. of Biology,
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
Phone: (613) 533 6152.Fax: (613) 533 6617.
http://post.queensu.ca/~groganp/


[ECOLOG-L] REU -Responses of plant-microbe interactions to climate change

2011-03-11 Thread Yolima Carrillo
REU opportunity for studying responses of plant-microbe interactions to
climate change in grasslands

A summer Research Experience for Undergraduates position is available to
work on an NSF sponsored project investigating responses of plant-microbe
interactions to climate change in native and disturbed grassland communities
in Wyoming.

This project examines community level rhizosphere processes driving
ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 and warming. Research utilizes a wide
variety of stable isotope and molecular techniques and combines the study of
the responses of plant and microbial communities structure and function.
Questions include the role of stoichiometry as well as invasive species on
nutrient and C cycling responses to climate change factors. Field research
takes place at an ongoing, state-of-the-art, manipulative climate change
experiment in grassland near Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Prairie Heating and CO2
Enrichment (PHACE) experiment. The PHACE experiment is one of only a few in
the world where both atmospheric CO2 and temperature are manipulated. 

The REU scholar will work in the laboratory of Dr. Elise Pendall at the
University of Wyoming in Laramie and will collaborate with researchers from
Colorado State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Fort
Collins, Colorado. The REU scholar will have the option to participate in
the design and execution of field and/or laboratory experiments and will be
jointly mentored by Dr. Pendall and a group of graduate student and
postdoctoral researchers. The selected student will become familiarized with
state- of-the-art compound-specific, stable isotope experimental and
analytical techniques. 

A generous weekly stipend is available for 12-14 weeks, preferably starting
in early May. Eligibility requires enrollment in an undergraduate degree
program in biology, ecology or soil science with expected graduation not
before Dec. 2011. 

For more information on the project and the field experiment visit Dr. Elise
Pendall’s website:  

https://sites.google.com/site/pendalllab/

and the PHACE experiment’s website:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=16756 

To apply, submit a resume, one page letter of interest, and transcripts to
Elise Pendall (pend...@uwyo.edu) and Yolima Carrillo (dcarr...@uwyo.edu) by
April 1, 2011. Please contact Yolima Carrillo or Elise Pendall for questions.

NSF requires that participants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of
the U.S. and its territories.


Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread Sara DiBacco
Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of Public
Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford School
of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment.



On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye ino...@umd.edu wrote:

 There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of
 Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology Degree
 (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural
 Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy with an
 emphasis in Environmental Policy:


 http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr

 It has been a popular program.


 Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor
 Dept. of Biology
 University of Maryland
 College Park, MD 20742-4415

 Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory
 PO Box 519
 Crested Butte, CO 81224

 ino...@umd.edu
  301-405-6946301-405-6946


Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread David L. McNeely
The Environmental Science and Policy program at UC Berkeley includes specific 
components for training graduate students in NEPA procedures, and students in 
other programs, such as Integrative Biology,  are able to take some of the 
courses.  mcneely

 malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org wrote: 
 Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally designed
 with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs.  I'm not
 sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years
 since I looked at the program.
 
 On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer brouw...@gmail.com wrote:
 
  Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the University
  of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in conjunction
  with the university's public policy school.  Are these programs very common,
  though?
 
  There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the years
  that have called for this type of training.  eg
 
  Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation
  Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998
  Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation
  biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology 10:1277-1282.
  Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology.
  Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440.
 
  From: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
  Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST
  Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt
  Reply-To: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
 
 
  I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
  professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
  contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
  agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of training
  in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
  important and needed addition to training in research methods.
 
 
 
 
 -- 
 Malcolm L. McCallum
 Managing Editor,
 Herpetological Conservation and Biology
 
 Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan
 Nation
 
 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
 and pollution.
 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
   MAY help restore populations.
 2022: Soylent Green is People!
 
 Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
 attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
 contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
 review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
 the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
 destroy all copies of the original message.

--
David McNeely


Re: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies

2011-03-11 Thread Jason Hernandez
On that note, let me give a brief plug for my undergrad alma mater, The 
Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington.  Evergreen is controversial for 
its approach to academics -- no grades, only a list of credits earned and a 
narrative evaluation.  Nevertheless, they have this strong point: a student can 
major in environmental studies, and in so doing, get exposure to both the 
scientific and policy sides.  In a single course -- Introduction to 
Environmental Studies -- we covered such foundational scientific concepts as 
biogeochemical cycles, and also such foundational policy concepts as NEPA, CWA, 
CAA, and were required to attend a legislative committee meeting on some 
environment-related bill.  I do think it is important both for scientists to 
understand how policy works, and for policymakers to understand the role of 
science.
 
Jason Hernandez
Biological Science Technician , USFS



Date:    Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:47:35 -0500
From:    Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt

I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of training
in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
important and needed addition to training in research methods.

We need to be training folks who can bridge the gap between science and
policy. This seems to make a great deal of since to me, especially at the
M.S. level, and yet in my personal experience many people focused solely on
research in academia don't seem to understand that the people they are
training may have these or other goals in mind. I have talked to many
friends and acquaintances recently who came back to school hoping to move
into higher positions within the conservation/regulatory world while
bridging the gap between science, land managers and regulators and feel that
grad school has not adequately addressed these needs.

Lee

--






Re: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies- literature requested

2011-03-11 Thread Olyssa Starry
Dear list,
I am interested in this topic, and specifically the variety of positions out
there for people with science degrees (or who are thinkng of getting them)
and who are deciding whether they want to be researchers, practitioners, or
managers.  Does anyone know of a publication that highlights specific career
paths (granted these paths are not clear-cut, but it might help to at least
define them)?  I am looking specifically for a document that would describe
these environmental careers in terms of training required, mission, and
typical work activities (ie whether they involve basic research or more
applied work).
Thanks,
Olyssa


On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 12:21 AM, Warren W. Aney a...@coho.net wrote:

 There have been relevant responses to Malcolm's challenge.  Even so, let me
 offer something semi-relevant using a perspective gained from a career with
 government followed by several years as a consultant:

 You can go to work for a government agency and end up very content with
 maintaining a status quo.
 You can get an academic appointment and end up satisfied with a short
 publication list in obscure journals and herding a progression of students
 through the mill.
 You can work for a not-for-profit organization begging for grants and then
 feel useful completing a long string of short term random projects.
 Or you can become a consultant with wildly fluctuating incomes and work
 loads and perhaps successfully educate or transform a client or two without
 selling your soul.

 So what do you want to accomplish given your knowledge and skills?  What do
 you hope is going to happen because of you?  These should be the top
 criteria for selecting a career slot in ecology.

 If you're good at planning, organizing and performing improved ecological
 management, then a government job may be the way to make a difference.
 If you're good at discovering and comprehending the meaning of rigorous
 ecological details and inspiring others to employ this knowledge, then
 academia may be our route.
 If you are good at envisioning and promoting an ecologically considerate
 socio-political structure, then some non-profit organizations could make
 great use of you.
 And if doing the right thing ecologically in ways that improve both the
 natural and human systems is your forte (and you don't need to make a lot
 of
 money), then consulting can be your field.

 In every one of these situations, you want to be able to finish your career
 able to look back and see where things changed and improved because of you
 -- you didn't just maintain a status quo, do some obscure research, make
 temporary improvements, or satisfy a client.  You made a difference because
 you chose the field where you, with your special abilities and interests,
 could make a difference.

 And I wish someone had told me that early in my career.

 Warren W. Aney
 Senior Wildlife Ecologist
 9403 SW 74th Ave
 Tigard, OR  97223
 (503) 539-1009
 (503) 246-2605 fax

 -Original Message-
 From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
 [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum
 Sent: Friday, 04 March, 2011 15:08
 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 Subject: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies

 Hi,
 With all the graduate students and recently graduated on this listserv,
 might it not be interesting to compare from personal experience working in
 different academic sectors (e.g. research, regional, private, public,
 SLAC),
 government (e.g. US EPA, USGS, US FWS, NOAA, USACE, USFS, state vs fed),
 not for profits (e.g. nature conservancy, zoos, museums), and consultancies
 (e.g. self-employed, tetra tech, c.).

 I just think this might be a useful discussion and we seem to have people
 from all groups!

 --
 Malcolm L. McCallum
 Managing Editor,
 Herpetological Conservation and Biology

 Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan
 Nation

 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
and pollution.
 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
  MAY help restore populations.
 2022: Soylent Green is People!

 Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
 attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
 contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
 review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
 the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
 destroy all copies of the original message.



[ECOLOG-L] NPS Northern Great Plains Network Seasonal Plant Bio techs open

2011-03-11 Thread Amy Symstad
The Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network has openings 
for several seasonal biological technicians. 

There are positions available at the GS-5, GS-6 and GS-7 levels.  The crew 
will be measuring vegetation in 13 National Park Service units in North 
and South Dakota, eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska.  Please forward as 
appropriate. 

Each position is open or will be open for 2 weeks and available on 
USAJOBS.  I've attached the links below.

GS-5 - several positions open March 10 - March 24
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=97629718JobTitle=Biological+Science+Technician+(Plants)q=where=rapid+city%2c+sdbrd=3876vw=bFedEmp=NFedPub=Yx=0y=0AVSDM=2011-03-10+00%3a03%3a00

GS-6 - one position open March 9 - March 23
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=97621680JobTitle=Biological+Science+Technician+(Plants)q=where=rapid+city%2c+sdbrd=3876vw=bFedEmp=NFedPub=Yx=0y=0AVSDM=2011-03-09+11%3a58%3a00

The GS-7 should open on Monday March 14 and be open through March 28.

If you have questions, please contact:


Kara Paintner-Green 
Network Coordinator
NPS Northern Great Plains Inventory  Monitoring Network
231 East St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Office 605-341-2807
Cell605-381-2441
Fax605-341-7192
kara_paint...@nps.gov


[ECOLOG-L] NSF Undergraduate Research--Phosphorus dynamics in high-elevation catchments of the Sierra Nevada, CA

2011-03-11 Thread Peter Homyak
Phosphorus Dynamics in High-Elevation Catchments of the Sierra Nevada
NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates
University of California, Riverside

We invite applications for a twelve-week undergraduate research program
during summer 2011 (June 13-September 16, 2011) at UC Riverside.  The
selected undergraduate student will participate in a research program aimed
at understanding P dynamics in lake sediments of high-elevation lakes of the
Sierra Nevada, CA.  Applicants should have backcountry experience and the
ability to carry heavy (50+ lb.) loads extended distances over steep and
uneven terrain.  They should be comfortable using small inflatable boats and
will be expected to work independently and, at times, without supervision. 
A general understanding of limnology, environmental chemistry, and computer
use are desirable.  Eligibility limited to currently enrolled and entering
undergraduates.  This REU program will provide a stipend of $5,500 in
addition to food and travel allowance to field sites.  Please visit
http://www.envisci.ucr.edu/jobs/homyak2011.html for additional information
and application form.  Please indicate your hiking/backpacking experience. 
Applications are due by April 15, 2011. 


Contact: Peter Homyak (peter.hom...@email.ucr.edu)


Re: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies- literature requested

2011-03-11 Thread R Erickson
The American Fisheries Society publishes the AFS GUIDE TO FISHERIES
EMPLOYMENT SECOND EDITION.

http://www.afsbooks.org/x55053xm

If this link doesn't work, search for the title and you should be able
to find the book.

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 9:05 AM, Olyssa Starry olys...@umbc.edu wrote:
 Dear list,
 I am interested in this topic, and specifically the variety of positions out
 there for people with science degrees (or who are thinkng of getting them)
 and who are deciding whether they want to be researchers, practitioners, or
 managers.  Does anyone know of a publication that highlights specific career
 paths (granted these paths are not clear-cut, but it might help to at least
 define them)?  I am looking specifically for a document that would describe
 these environmental careers in terms of training required, mission, and
 typical work activities (ie whether they involve basic research or more
 applied work).
 Thanks,
 Olyssa


 On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 12:21 AM, Warren W. Aney a...@coho.net wrote:

 There have been relevant responses to Malcolm's challenge.  Even so, let me
 offer something semi-relevant using a perspective gained from a career with
 government followed by several years as a consultant:

 You can go to work for a government agency and end up very content with
 maintaining a status quo.
 You can get an academic appointment and end up satisfied with a short
 publication list in obscure journals and herding a progression of students
 through the mill.
 You can work for a not-for-profit organization begging for grants and then
 feel useful completing a long string of short term random projects.
 Or you can become a consultant with wildly fluctuating incomes and work
 loads and perhaps successfully educate or transform a client or two without
 selling your soul.

 So what do you want to accomplish given your knowledge and skills?  What do
 you hope is going to happen because of you?  These should be the top
 criteria for selecting a career slot in ecology.

 If you're good at planning, organizing and performing improved ecological
 management, then a government job may be the way to make a difference.
 If you're good at discovering and comprehending the meaning of rigorous
 ecological details and inspiring others to employ this knowledge, then
 academia may be our route.
 If you are good at envisioning and promoting an ecologically considerate
 socio-political structure, then some non-profit organizations could make
 great use of you.
 And if doing the right thing ecologically in ways that improve both the
 natural and human systems is your forte (and you don't need to make a lot
 of
 money), then consulting can be your field.

 In every one of these situations, you want to be able to finish your career
 able to look back and see where things changed and improved because of you
 -- you didn't just maintain a status quo, do some obscure research, make
 temporary improvements, or satisfy a client.  You made a difference because
 you chose the field where you, with your special abilities and interests,
 could make a difference.

 And I wish someone had told me that early in my career.

 Warren W. Aney
 Senior Wildlife Ecologist
 9403 SW 74th Ave
 Tigard, OR  97223
 (503) 539-1009
 (503) 246-2605 fax

 -Original Message-
 From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
 [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of malcolm McCallum
 Sent: Friday, 04 March, 2011 15:08
 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 Subject: [ECOLOG-L] working in academia vs govt vs consultancies

 Hi,
 With all the graduate students and recently graduated on this listserv,
 might it not be interesting to compare from personal experience working in
 different academic sectors (e.g. research, regional, private, public,
 SLAC),
 government (e.g. US EPA, USGS, US FWS, NOAA, USACE, USFS, state vs fed),
 not for profits (e.g. nature conservancy, zoos, museums), and consultancies
 (e.g. self-employed, tetra tech, c.).

 I just think this might be a useful discussion and we seem to have people
 from all groups!

 --
 Malcolm L. McCallum
 Managing Editor,
 Herpetological Conservation and Biology

 Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan
 Nation

 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
            and pollution.
 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
          MAY help restore populations.
 2022: Soylent Green is People!

 Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
 attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
 contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
 review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
 the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
 destroy all copies of the original message.




[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer field assistants needed for poison frog behavioral research in Panama

2011-03-11 Thread Laura Crothers
VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS (1-2 positions available) needed for June 15, 2011 
to July 15, 
2011 (dates somewhat flexible) to assist in a study on the behavior of the 
strawberry poison-dart 
frog, Dendrobates pumilio. Work will be conducted at the Smithsonian Tropical 
Research Institute 
facilities in Bocas del Toro, Panama. 

Though no prior field experience is required, applicants should be comfortable 
with spending long 
hours outdoors in warm, humid climates. Work will include capturing frogs for 
body measurements, 
recording behaviors and calls in the field, ecological surveys, and behavioral 
experiments. Assistants 
are expected to work 5 days a week with 2 days off, and are encouraged to 
pursue independent 
projects during their days off. I will cover housing and $200 for food, but no 
salary will be available. 

If interested, please send a resume/CV and contact information for three 
references to Laura 
Crothers (email: croth...@mail.utexas.edu).


[ECOLOG-L] Seeking people to take part in a huge collaborative thinktank

2011-03-11 Thread Paul Wagorn (IdeaConnection)
Hi,

 

We are running a one week collaborative Idea Jam for geneticists,
biologists, chemists, biochemists, plant scientists, and other experts to
help develop the topic of Increased Crop Yield, with a goal of helping world
food supply.

 

There are prizes (up to $10k) being offered for the best ideas, and
opportunity for networking and consulting work.

 

If you are interested, please register for the Jam here in the next couple
of days:

 

http://www.ideaconnection.com/idea-jam/crop-yield/?partner=eco

 

Also, please pass this message on to your friends, colleagues, and other
chemists, biologists, plant scientists and geneticists.  We want to make
this count!

 

Thanks,

Paul


[ECOLOG-L] Call for abstracts for CZ11 Symposium on the Integrated Modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems

2011-03-11 Thread Felix Martinez

*Call for Abstracts for the*

* Symposium on the Integrated Modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems*

*A Special Session of
Coastal Zone 2011
July 17 -- 21, 2011
Chicago, Illinois*

**The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, as 
part of an inter-agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative effort along 
with GLOS, NOAA, USGS, and U.S. EPA, is chairing a symposium focused on 
the integrated modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems.The symposium will 
provide a forum for scientists and resource managers to come together to 
evaluate the state-of-the-science surrounding integrative modeling of GL 
ecosystems and explore how such models can address regional priorities 
and inform management strategies.


*Symposium Objectives*

**As resource agencies place greater emphasis towards implementing 
integrated ecosystems management approaches, models are needed that 
holistically address the complexity of these ecosystems in order to 
understand the components and processes that define them and forecast 
the impact of both natural and anthropogenic stressors. Moreover, 
ecosystem models and forecasts that integrate multiple disciplines and 
incorporate multiple sectors are becoming important tools in the 
development and evaluation of alternative lake-wide management 
strategies to address environmental issues. Within this context, 
researchers and managers are realizing the benefits of working together 
within a community framework to promote and facilitate coordination and 
collaboration and facilitate the transition of model results into 
management actions. Contributed talks will be expected to:


   * address current or novel approaches to community-driven integrated
 modeling or the improvement of existing model;
   * focus on specific topics that are, or could be, subcomponents of
 larger model architecture; or
   * explore the overall merits of integrated ecosystem modeling
 approaches, particularly those that identify the conceptual and
 informational gaps that may hinder the development of lake-wide
 ecosystem management models.

 Topical talks are encouraged within the following thematic areas:

   * Nutrients/runoff as drivers of harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, or
 beach quality
   * Invasive species
   * Toxics (sources, loads, biological effects)
   * Food webs
   * Hydrodynamics/hydrology/ice
   * Climate

*General Description*

The day-long symposium will be spread over five separate sessions on 
Wednesday, July 20^th . Several 15 -- 20 min talks will be presented 
during each session, followed by panel discussions with session 
presenters. Funds up to $750 will be available for non-Federal symposium 
presenters to reimburse appropriate conference costs such as 
registration fee, hotel, and transportation.


For more information and *to obtain an abstract submission form*, please 
contact Dr. Tom Johengen at johen...@umich.edu


--



Felix A. Martinez, Ph.D.
Program Manager
Regional Ecosystems Research Branch

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
N/SCI2, SSMC4 Rm. 8205  ph: 301-713-3338 x153
1305 East-West Hwy. fax: 301-713-4044   
Silver Spring, MD 20910 email: felix.marti...@noaa.gov

On Temporary Assignment until April 2011 at:
NOAA/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
4840 South State Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 741-2254

Note: The content of this message does not reflect any position of the U.S. 
Government or of NOAA unless otherwise specified.  The information therein is 
only for the use of the individuals or entity for which it was intended even if 
addressed incorrectly.  If not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, 
disseminate, or distribute the message or its content unless otherwise 
authorized.





Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread Ellen McCann Labbe
The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine Science
and Marine Policy.  The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing in
oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture.  The program is through its
School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD
continuation options.  I have two colleagues who have gone through the
program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine.

More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php


-- 
Ellen Nelle McCann Labbe

Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences
University of Southern Maine
cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu


On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco sdiba...@alumni.duke.eduwrote:

 Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of Public
 Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford School
 of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment.



 On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye ino...@umd.edu wrote:

  There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of
  Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology
 Degree
  (non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural
  Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy with
 an
  emphasis in Environmental Policy:
 
 
 
 http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr
 
  It has been a popular program.
 
 
  Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor
  Dept. of Biology
  University of Maryland
  College Park, MD 20742-4415
 
  Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory
  PO Box 519
  Crested Butte, CO 81224
 
  ino...@umd.edu
   301-405-6946301-405-6946



Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread malcolm McCallum
SIU-Edwardsville has an MS degree in Environmental Studies.  I took a course
in environmental impact assessment and in environmental policy from their
program and it was very good.  I believe they offer a whole array of similar
courses (environmental siting, etc.) in the program.  Again, that was back
in 1995, so the program may have changed considerably.  I hope this lead is
useful to someone!

Malcolm

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM, mcnee...@cox.net wrote:

 The Environmental Science and Policy program at UC Berkeley includes
 specific components for training graduate students in NEPA procedures, and
 students in other programs, such as Integrative Biology,  are able to take
 some of the courses.  mcneely

  malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org wrote:
  Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally
 designed
  with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs.  I'm not
  sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years
  since I looked at the program.
 
  On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer brouw...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
   Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the
 University
   of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in
 conjunction
   with the university's public policy school.  Are these programs very
 common,
   though?
  
   There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the
 years
   that have called for this type of training.  eg
  
   Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation
   Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998
   Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training
 conservation
   biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology
 10:1277-1282.
   Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology.
   Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440.
  
   From: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
   Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST
   Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt
   Reply-To: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
  
  
   I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
   professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
   contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
   agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of
 training
   in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
   important and needed addition to training in research methods.
  
 
 
 
  --
  Malcolm L. McCallum
  Managing Editor,
  Herpetological Conservation and Biology
 
  Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive -
 Allan
  Nation
 
  1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
  1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
  and pollution.
  2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
MAY help restore populations.
  2022: Soylent Green is People!
 
  Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
  attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
  contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
  review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
  the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
  destroy all copies of the original message.

 --
 David McNeely




-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum
Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology

Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan
Nation

1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
  MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.


Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread Wayne Tyson

Ecolog:

I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early days 
(1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's in 
environmental management or some such label, I got the impression that 
biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's. 
These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they 
had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals 
(though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must 
have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about, 
say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species 
interactions.


My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception 
(though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst 
fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the 
consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they 
wielded with absolute authority.


Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong, 
wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream.


WT


- Original Message - 
From: malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org

To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree 
programs



Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally 
designed

with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs.  I'm not
sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years
since I looked at the program.

On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer brouw...@gmail.com 
wrote:


Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the 
University
of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in 
conjunction
with the university's public policy school.  Are these programs very 
common,

though?

There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the 
years

that have called for this type of training.  eg

Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation
Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998
Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation
biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology 
10:1277-1282.

Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology.
Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440.

From: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST
Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt
Reply-To: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com


I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of 
training

in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
important and needed addition to training in research methods.





--
Malcolm L. McCallum
Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology

Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - 
Allan

Nation

1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
   and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
 MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3487 - Release Date: 03/07/11



Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread David L. McNeely
Wayne, I've run into all sorts.  For what it's worth, Environmental Science 
programs draw on students from all sorts of backgrounds, and have all sorts of 
tracks.  Some of them emphasize biology, others chemistry, engineering, soil 
science, geology and so on.mcneely

 Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: 
 Ecolog:
 
 I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early days 
 (1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's in 
 environmental management or some such label, I got the impression that 
 biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's. 
 These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they 
 had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals 
 (though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must 
 have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about, 
 say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species 
 interactions.
 
 My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception 
 (though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst 
 fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the 
 consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they 
 wielded with absolute authority.
 
 Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong, 
 wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream.
 
 WT
 
 
 - Original Message - 
 From: malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org
 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM
 Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree 
 programs
 
 
  Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally 
  designed
  with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs.  I'm not
  sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years
  since I looked at the program.
 
  On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer brouw...@gmail.com 
  wrote:
 
  Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the 
  University
  of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in 
  conjunction
  with the university's public policy school.  Are these programs very 
  common,
  though?
 
  There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the 
  years
  that have called for this type of training.  eg
 
  Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation
  Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998
  Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation
  biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology 
  10:1277-1282.
  Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology.
  Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440.
 
  From: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
  Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST
  Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt
  Reply-To: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
 
 
  I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
  professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
  contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
  agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of 
  training
  in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
  important and needed addition to training in research methods.
 
 
 
 
  -- 
  Malcolm L. McCallum
  Managing Editor,
  Herpetological Conservation and Biology
 
  Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - 
  Allan
  Nation
 
  1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
  1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
 and pollution.
  2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
   MAY help restore populations.
  2022: Soylent Green is People!
 
  Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
  attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
  contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
  review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
  the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
  destroy all copies of the original message.
 
 
  -
  No virus found in this message.
  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
  Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3487 - Release Date: 03/07/11
  

--
David McNeely


Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread Leah Wallach
ECOLOG- Might I also suggest looking into Public Health programs (PH).  I'm
currently enrolled in the MPH in Environmental Health Sciences program at
Georgia Southern University and we cover many of the topics mentioned in
this discussion.  PH offers professional training to individuals interested
in bridging the gaps between science, policy, and the public.  Typically,
there are five concentrations within PH: Epidemiology, Biostatistics,
Community Health, Policy and Management, and Environmental Health Sciences.


Leah Wallach


On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 5:33 PM, malcolm McCallum 
malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org wrote:

 If you are looking for these kinds of jobs you need to make sure the
 program
 has courses in the areas that will make you competitive such as:

 environmental policy
 environmental chemistry
 environmental geology
 environmental economics
 environmental toxicology or ecotoxicology
 environmental law
 environemntal impact assessment
 enviornmental risk assessment
 geographic information systems

 additional useful courses include:
 Landscape ecology
 environmental siting
 wildlife management/biology
 fisheries ecology/management
 conservation biology
 waste management
 hydrology
 geochemistry (or biogeochemistry)
 occupational health
 soil science/soil conservation
 forestry
 environmental instrumentation
 environmental sampling
 contaminant biology
 analysis of contaminants
 wetlands ecology
 pollution ecology
 planning
 environmental remediation
 agroecology
 wildlife techniques
 fisheries techniques

 I suppose this may help some folks.
 malcolm



 On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:54 PM, Ellen McCann Labbe
 ellenmla...@gmail.comwrote:

  The University of Maine offers a 3 year dual M.Sc. degree in Marine
 Science
  and Marine Policy.  The Marine Science degree has a focus of specializing
  in
  oceanography or marine biology or aquaculture.  The program is through
 its
  School of Marine Sciences and has various thesis options and PhD
  continuation options.  I have two colleagues who have gone through the
  program and are doing great things now around the Gulf of Maine.
 
  More information here: http://www.umaine.edu/marine/programs/dual.php
 
 
  --
  Ellen Nelle McCann Labbe
 
  Candidate - M.S. Biological Sciences
  University of Southern Maine
  cell: 207.319.9097 | ellen.m.la...@maine.edu
 
 
  On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Sara DiBacco sdiba...@alumni.duke.edu
  wrote:
 
   Duke University offers a 3-year joint degree program for a Master of
  Public
   Policy and a Master of Environmental Management through the Sanford
  School
   of Public Policy and the Nicholas School for the Environment.
  
  
  
   On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM, David Inouye ino...@umd.edu wrote:
  
There is a 3-year dual Masters degree program at the University of
Maryland, with the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology
   Degree
(non-thesis M.S.) in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and
 Natural
Sciences, and the School of Public Policy's Master of Public Policy
  with
   an
emphasis in Environmental Policy:
   
   
   
  
 
 http://cons.umd.edu/sustainabledevelopmentconservationbiologyconsgraduateprogram/programinformation/publicpolicydualdegr
   
It has been a popular program.
   
   
Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor
Dept. of Biology
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4415
   
Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory
PO Box 519
Crested Butte, CO 81224
   
ino...@umd.edu
 301-405-6946301-405-6946
  
 



 --
 Malcolm L. McCallum
 Managing Editor,
 Herpetological Conservation and Biology

 Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive - Allan
 Nation

 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
and pollution.
 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
  MAY help restore populations.
 2022: Soylent Green is People!

 Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
 attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
 contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
 review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
 the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
 destroy all copies of the original message.



Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree programs

2011-03-11 Thread malcolm McCallum
When I started my doctoral program in 1999, either Gary Emmert or Jerry
Farris, I have forgotten which but I am PRETTY SURE one of them told us that
the early environmental science programs back in the 1970s were sort-of
poor-man's chemistry degrees.  (Could have been someone else).  They often
emphasized water treatment and were generally not very rigorous.  A modern
environmental science program is extremely demanding because you have to
juggle the extra coursework and still get your research done.  The modern
programs are heavily laden in science but also laden in those other areas
(economics and policy).  So, Wayne's observation may be pretty accurate if
it was the kind of thing I was told about.  I'ld argue that a modern
environmental science program is harder to complete than either a comparable
biology, chemistry, policy or economics program.  However, an environmental
science graduate will not have as in-depth of an education in all of these
as the person specializing in one of thes areas.  However, a typical EVS
graduate will usually have a concentration in one of enviornmental biology,
env. chem, env. econ, env. policy, etc. and essentially that is their
primary specialty.  For example, I earned my doctorate in EVS but my primary
education is in biology.  However, most of us can communicate across
disciplines allowing us to effectively manage groups of people with wide
differences in specialty.

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 4:30 PM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote:

 Ecolog:

 I may be quite out of date here (I fervently hope so), but in the early
 days (1970's and '80's?) when universities first started cranking out Ph.D's
 in environmental management or some such label, I got the impression that
 biology/ecology had created a population of monsters on the order of MBA's.
 These were nice people, devoted to saving the earth. The trouble was, they
 had such a poor (if any) understanding of biology/ecology fundamentals
 (though I'm certain--though I never checked the curriculum--that they must
 have passed basic courses) that one couldn't communicate with them about,
 say, basic physiology, capillarity, or even habitat structure and species
 interactions.

 My sample size may be too small, but as I can't recall a single exception
 (though that's probably due to my poor memory), it could be that my worst
 fears had some validity. These nice folks had important jobs in the
 consulting industry and in government, and had tremendous power, which they
 wielded with absolute authority.

 Please tell me that this is no longer the case, or that I was wrong, wrong,
 wrong in my assessment and my experiences were all a bad dream.

 WT


 - Original Message - From: malcolm McCallum 
 malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org
 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
 Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:36 PM
 Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] academia vs consultancies vs govt - dual degree
 programs


  Arkansas State's Environmental Sciences PHD program was originally
 designed
 with the intention to train people for consultant and Govt jobs.  I'm not
 sure if it still has that focus or not because it has been well 6-7 years
 since I looked at the program.

 On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM, Nathan Brouwer brouw...@gmail.com
 wrote:

  Regarding cross-training in ecology and policy, I know that the
 University
 of Washington school of forestry offers a dual masters degree in
 conjunction
 with the university's public policy school.  Are these programs very
 common,
 though?

 There have been several op-ed pieces in Conservation Biology over the
 years
 that have called for this type of training.  eg

 Training Idiot Savants: The Lack of Human Dimensions in Conservation
 Biology Author(s): Susan K. Jacobson and Mallory D. McDuff 1998
 Cannon, J. R., J. M. Dietz, and L. A. Dietz. 1996. Training conservation
 biologists in human interaction skills. Conservation Bi-ology
 10:1277-1282.
 Jacobson, S. K. 1990. Graduate education in conservation biology.
 Conservation Biol-ogy 4:431-440.

 From: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com
 Date: March 6, 2011 7:47:35 AM PST
 Subject: academia vs consultancies vs govt
 Reply-To: Lee Davis m.lee.da...@gmail.com


 I think a major point that isn't being addressed here is that many
 professors who have focused solely on research and may have had little
 contact with regulation, on the ground conservation and management
 agencies/organizations often fail to understand the importance of
 training
 in NEPA, conservation easements, environmental economics, etc. as an
 important and needed addition to training in research methods.




 --
 Malcolm L. McCallum
 Managing Editor,
 Herpetological Conservation and Biology

 Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive -
 Allan
 Nation

 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea  W.S. Gilbert
 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
   and pollution.
 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and