Re: [ECOLOG-L] Families in Science - Balancing your personal and professional life
Such humble opinions fly in the face of, at the very least, a significant body of empirical evidence. One might peruse the work of, for example, Carmen Binnewies (e.g. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1348/096317909X418049/abstract) or the heavily cited works of Charlotte Fritz (various work found at http://pdx.edu/psy/charlotte-fritz-phd). Time away from work seems to be very important to actually doing good work while one is at work. I will let better qualified posters (e.g., parents) consider whether 14 hours a week with their children is preferable for all involved (and at all ages?). Though research also consistently shows benefits of parents being able to help check on homework completion and provide other extra-curricular education to their kids at various ages; something academics would seem well equipped to do--and the children may be less happy about it, but that's mostly irrelevant in this case to whether it benefits them! There also appear to be benefits of eating together regularly as a family. As far as work being the most important activity making a difference, a cursory perusal of the governance literature (e.g. Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom's decades of work) shows that there can be substantial need for individual and community involvement in governance (which takes time outside of work!), and Prugh, Costanza and Daly, 2000, (among others) posit that high engagement/involvement in the public (e.g. governance) sphere is a necessary but not sufficient condition for (ecologically) sound policies. The growing interest in deliberative and participatory democracy would also reflect such findings. (Prugh et al. point out that the Greek word idiot evolved in part from a derogatory term for someone who didn't take part in public life and democratic governance activities.) And indeed, for the trust and social capital of a functional society to be maintained, networking -- spending time at work and at play together -- is pretty essential. And certainly, history shows that overcoming systematic disadvantages requires plenty of time for communities and groups of people (or perhaps the U.S. Founding Fathers, the abolitionists, the suffragists, and Civil Rights leaders should have simply worked harder and longer, rather than spending all that time and effort organizing and agitating). I also would find it far more embarrassing for the public to get the perception that academics think spending significant time with your family is a frivolous, marginal, or unnecessary pursuit, or that, sure, not only do we respect those who work two jobs, but further, we think that's the way they obviously would prefer it. There is really little reason to think, from the literature, that a life devoted singularly or primarily to work is a healthy, wise, or sustainable way to live for most people. It is, of course, perfectly fine for those who find their lives to be most enjoyable that way to do so--but to insist that what one finds most gratifying for oneself is also the best for all others or society in general, in the face of (or without being aware of) considerable counter-evidence is, at the least, insufficiently rigorous. On Wed, 2 May 2012 09:11:00 -0400, Robert Hamilton roberthamil...@alc.edu wrote: I don't think people are nasty because they work hard. In fact, it could well be that people who don't get as much done get nasty/envious and backstab more productive people...but I could be wrong about that! I see work as a much higher level social interaction that say networking. Working with other people to actually get things done is a lot tougher than being friendly and fun at parties. I see the best steel goes through the fire as representing that ability, which comes from motivation. If the issue is productivity then the harder working person, who is so because they want to do the work, will be the more productive. Academics very generally have a lot of free time, and can do a lot of the things we do at our convenience at a place of our choosing. FWIW I would not take a child into the field because it is too dangerous; you are focused on something other than being the caregiver of the child in a situation that has a lot of aspect unfamiliar to the child, but that's JMHO. People who spend a lot of time seeking recognition do get some very transient success with their work, but it quickly dissipates and what stand over time is the well done science that is almost (but not exclusively) done be people who seek the joy of doing the work over the gratification of recognition and social status. If the doing of the work isn't enough for someone, they have unrealistic expectations of life, IMHO. What someone else thinks is only relevant if and when they are involved in the work itself. Gossips are losers. IMHO work is the real social activity we do that makes a difference. It's the doing of it that counts. I don't see the point of spending too much time seeking amusement. Doing something is far more fulfilling
[ECOLOG-L] On-Call Scientists: Call for Agroecologists
On-Call Scientists: Call for Agroecologists A human rights organization working in more than 40 countries seeks to develop long-term partnerships with volunteers who can advise the group's projects about connections between human rights, empowerment, and agroecology, including through research and documentation, monitoring and reporting, and training staff and community partners. If you are suitably qualified and interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact onc...@aaas.org.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat
John Some work has been done regarding importance of golf courses as habitat, including my husband's masters work in Naples, Florida Jodice P.G.R. 1993. Movement patterns of translocated Big Cypress fox squirrels (Sciurus niger avicennia). Florida Scientist 56: 1-6. Jodice P.G.R. and S.R. Humphrey 1992. Activity and diet of an urban-population of big cypress fox squirrels. Journal of Wildlife Management 56: 685-692. and his former student's work (see http://etd.lib.clemson.edu/documents/1181250764/umi-clemson-1147.pdf and Meehan, K.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Landscape scale correlates of fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) presence on golf courses in coastal South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 9:573-586. Audubon also has a certification of some sort for golf courses. Laurie Jodice -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Gould, William A -FS Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 3:29 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat Hi John, There is such a fundamental difference between impervious surfaces and living soil and vegetation that I think it is a good idea to include any kind of managed land with things growing on it as part of the conservation picture. BG William Gould, Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry Jardín Botánico Sur 1201 Calle Ceiba Río Piedras PR 00926-1119 Telephone:787-766-5335 ext. 302, fax:787-766-6302 wgo...@fs.fed.us -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of John Mickelson Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 2:39 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this heavily urbanized setting. Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) really serve as habitat. Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and fauna (presumably more so within green managed programs), but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan? I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts? -John This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
[ECOLOG-L] Making data management fun: help fund our video contest!
Help make data management fun! A group of us affiliated with the DataONE project are organizing a contest to develop fun, educational videos about data management. We'd like to raise a modest sum through SciFund to provide prizes to the winners (see description below). Thanks in advance for your support. http://www.rockethub.com/projects/7472-7-toed-terrestrial-dolphins-bored-to-death When a species becomes endangered, or a hurricane devastates an ecosystem, access to existing data about those organisms and ecosystems is critical, especially when those ecosystems directly provide resources to humans - like clean water, timber or food. What was lost? When might it rebound? How can we help? But most environmental data sets are not publicly shared, or even managed by scientists in ways that allow easy sharing. And scientists basically are bored out of their skulls when you try to talk to them about data management. We plan to run a video contest that invites people to talk about data management and sharing in ways that they think are funny and engaging - and we can do it, but we need just a little prize money to create extra incentive for all those creative and enlightened students, postdocs and other researchers to get involved! We are suggesting $150 for top prize, $75 for two more winners. Also see many other opportunities to support research through SciFund at http://www.rockethub.com/projects/by_category/34-science Cliff Duke Ecological Society of America
[ECOLOG-L] UCS Webinar: Help defend the Lacey Act and stop illegal logging
The Lacey Actand more specifically its 2008 amendments, created the world's first law to stop the import of illegal wood and wood products. Illegal logging threatens ecosystems, economies, and societies. Next Tuesday there will be a hearing in Congress on two bills that would gut the Lacey Act. The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to join a free webinar, The Lacey Act Amendments: Protecting Lemurs, Jobs, and the Environment Since 2008, on Thursday, May 10 from 2 to 3 pm EDT (GMT -4) to learn more about the Lacey Act and illegal logging. The webinar will feature leading ecologist Dr. Stuart Pimm, who will speak about illegal logging in Madagascar, information from the Union of Concerned Scientists new report: Logging and the Law: How the U.S. Lacey Act Helps Reduce Illegal Logging in the Tropics (online at www.ucsusa.org/illegallogging), and an update from the Congressional hearing on the Lacey Act. Additionally, the webinar will have key information about how you can get involved and help defend the Lacey Act. Reserve your spot on the webinar: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/what_you_can_do/rsvp-forest-webinar.html Want to get involved right now? Send a letter to your members of Congress urging them to stand up for the Lacey Act today: https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepagepage=UserActionid=3287 Hope to talk with you in a week, Sarah Sarah Roquemore Outreach Coordinator Tropical Forest Climate Initiative Union of Concerned Scientists 1825 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20006-1232 Direct Line: 202-331-5669 Fax: 202-223-6162 www.ucsusa.org/forests
[ECOLOG-L] looking for help with Eddy Covariance data
Dear all, I have one year of eddy covariance data from a temperate forest system, that needs to be gap filled and partitioned into GPP and Re from NEE. As I have very little working knowledge of the eddy covariance system, I am wondering if anybody would be so kind to offer some help. I would really appreciate it if you could help me perform this type of flux partitioning procedure or direct me to an online software or tool to do so. Thanks in advance! Eric
[ECOLOG-L] Retention and Recruitment
A lot of corrupt things are done at Universities in the name of retention and recruitment: http://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/would-you-trade-your-career-for-a-pickup-truck/31223?sid=ohutm_source=ohutm_medium=en http://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/would-you-trade-your-career-for-a-pickup-truck/31223?sid=ohutm_source=ohutm_medium=en -- Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation http://www.allthingsbugs.com/Curriculum_Vitae.pdf https://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs 1-352-281-3643 TEXT AaronTDossey to 90210 for Mobile Card and updates from ME! TEXT AllThingsBugs to 90210: Mobile Card/updates from All Things Bugs!
[ECOLOG-L] Job Position: Biostatistics Adjunct position
Environmental Studies Adjunct Position - Adjunct Faculty Conservation Biology Concentration Department of Environmental Studies Status: Part-time, Keene NH, Start Fall Semester 2012 The Environmental Studies Department Master’s Program at Antioch University New England seeks an adjunct instructor to teach our fall semester Master’s level course in Biostatistics. Candidates must possess an MS in environmental studies or a related field. A specialization in biostatics or ecology is preferred. Professional experience demonstrating the application of statistics methods in the environmental field is required. Ideal candidates have teaching experience in higher education, graduate level, including strong skills in teaching through creative, experiential approaches. Capacity to actively engage students and facilitate their effective use of statistics to analysis and interpret environmental data is required. Theoretical and practical experience with statistics is highly preferred. Ability to work with others and communicate effectively is essential. Additional qualifications include flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, capacity to work independently, and ability to network and seek out resources. This class will be taught on Thursdays from 8/30/12 to 12/6/12. Depending on enrollment, two sections may be taught: 8-11 am and 1-4 pm. To apply: submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for three professional references to Peter Palmiotto, Director of the Conservation Biology Concentration in Environmental Studies, at ppalmio...@antioch.edu, with Biostats in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 1, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. *Course Description* Biostatistics. This course encourages successful ecological field research by building skills in hypothesis generation, development of appropriate data collection methods, the application of correct statistical analyses, and effective presentation of results. Basic univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures (chi-square and related tests; ANOVA; regression and correlation analyses) are reviewed. Through lectures, group homework projects, and analysis of quantitative methods used in current studies of conservation biology, students develop skills needed to design effective field and laboratory research aimed at biodiversity conservation and natural lands management. Antioch University New England offers a smoke-free environment, provides equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, gender, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, or disability. -- Beth A. Kaplin, Ph.D. Program Director, Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies Co-Director, Center for Tropical Ecology Conservation Antioch University New England Keene, New Hampshire, USA Office phone: 603-283-2328 Mobile in USA: 802-376-3800 Skype address: bethkaplin http://www.antiochne.edu/directory/employee_detail.cfm?ID=7160065291 http://www.CenterForTropicalEcology.org/ Technical Advisor, Conservation Biology Education Project Department of Biology, Faculty of Science National University of Rwanda Mobile in Rwanda: (250) 078 8664551 Address in Rwanda: BP 512 Butare
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat
Ecolog: Certainly more study is needed with respect to what exactly is going on with all forms of life in urban and other cultural places, but facts should not be twisted into misrepresentations. Skyscrapers might well make habitats, even refuges, for falcons and other species taking advantage, say, of feral pigeons and the like, and such populations might ironically be all that is left of some species when civilization finally rots away to repopulate wild places--there are lots of effects involved in the incursions of wild things into cities, but those effects need to be understood for what they are and no more . . . not made into posters and slogans to excuse the outrage to life that urban spaces are. That life hangs on, even colonizes such spaces is no substitute for what has been sacrificed for expediency. Recognize it, but don't lie about it, Audubon Society recognitions aside. WT - Original Message - From: John Mickelson jmicke...@yahoo.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 11:39 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this heavily urbanized setting. Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) really serve as habitat. Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and fauna (presumably more so within green managed programs), but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan? I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts? -John - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2411/4973 - Release Date: 05/02/12
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat
In Illinois we used to go to old abandoned cemeteries to look for prairie plants. These family cemeteries were rather common and were seldom larger than a typical backyard. But they often had many rare prairie plants that managed to tweak out an existence there. I have forgotten when or where, but I also recall an old cemetery where a particular snake was very common. This is probably a hit-or-miss proposition because cemeteries vary so much from one place to another in their size, isolation, regularity and extent of care, and visitation rates. Malcolm On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 1:39 PM, John Mickelson jmicke...@yahoo.com wrote: Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this heavily urbanized setting. Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) really serve as habitat. Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and fauna (presumably more so within green managed programs), but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan? I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts? -John -- Malcolm L. McCallum Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry School of Biological Sciences University of Missouri at Kansas City 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! The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi) Wealth w/o work Pleasure w/o conscience Knowledge w/o character Commerce w/o morality Science w/o humanity Worship w/o sacrifice Politics w/o principle 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] Publishing Internship at Frontiers - Ecological Society of America
Publishing Internship at Frontiers - Ecological Society of America The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is looking for an intern, to be based at its Washington, DC, office, to help with the production of its journals, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (www.frontiersinecology.org). The internship is a great opportunity to learn about scientific publishing. Depending on experience and aptitude, the intern will be involved in many different aspects of journal production, including editing/proofreading, news writing, podcasting, and image research, as well as other day-to-day activities of the editorial office. The internship includes a small stipend. The successful applicant should be a graduate student with a knowledge of ecology and/or environmental science; an interest in, or experience with, publishing or science writing would be an advantage. Resume and cover letter, together with letters from two referees, should be sent electronically to Dr Sue Silver, Frontiers Editor-in-Chief (suesil...@esa.org). Please specify availability between mid-May and end of August. Closing date for applications is May 21, 2011. The ESA is a non-partisan, nonprofit professional society, founded in 1915, to promote ecological science. Applicants unfamiliar with the ESA are encouraged to visit www.esa.org and www.frontiersinecology.org
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat
I wonder if anyone knows of the tradition in Korea, Japan, or other east Asian countries in terms of natural areas associated with grave sites. My understanding is that families (at least in the past) in Korea would have a semi-natural tract of land that was kept undeveloped and served as a family burial site. Does anyone else have more information on this? I suppose such practices would become more challenging with increased population densities in those countries. Mark D. -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Kirsten Martin Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 11:25 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat While I agree with the previous sentiment, things are not often as black and white as Do we choose urban development or a 'natural' state?. The continuum of natural to man made habitats is vast and there are certainly some semi-natural, or cultural landscapes, that may be of conservation value for both their cultural and biodiversity value. I work on heathlands in New England for example. Both the heathlands of North America and those in Europe were formed by harsh European land use, and traditional agricultural practices. Today, in the absence of these traditional practices, these openland systems are reforesting. Now we could let them reforest, but then what happens to the many openland plants, insects, birds etc. that call these areas home? In many cases they may go extinct. Now what? Does it not make sense to manage some of the New England landscape to be in this semi-natural open state? As a conservation biologist, I believe part of the role of my field is to protect biodiversity, even if it means maintaining these cultural landscapes, which while sub-par habitat for some, may be ideal (and necessary) habitat for other species. I agree, this is a slippery slope. Where does nature stop, and where does urban begin? When is one intrinsically more valuable than the other? Kirsten MartinVon Holle LabDepartment of Biology, BL 405University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL 32816 Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 08:11:54 -0700 From: landr...@cox.net Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Ecolog: Certainly more study is needed with respect to what exactly is going on with all forms of life in urban and other cultural places, but facts should not be twisted into misrepresentations. Skyscrapers might well make habitats, even refuges, for falcons and other species taking advantage, say, of feral pigeons and the like, and such populations might ironically be all that is left of some species when civilization finally rots away to repopulate wild places--there are lots of effects involved in the incursions of wild things into cities, but those effects need to be understood for what they are and no more . . . not made into posters and slogans to excuse the outrage to life that urban spaces are. That life hangs on, even colonizes such spaces is no substitute for what has been sacrificed for expediency. Recognize it, but don't lie about it, Audubon Society recognitions aside. WT - Original Message - From: John Mickelson jmicke...@yahoo.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 11:39 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this heavily urbanized setting. Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) really serve as habitat. Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and fauna (presumably more so within green managed programs), but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan? I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts? -John - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2411/4973 - Release Date: 05/02/12
[ECOLOG-L] Petridish.org crowdfunding site
Hi all - Petridish.org is looking for another round of projects to put up on their site (still in beta), and are particularly interested in good ecology projects. (Disclaimer: a friend of mine started the site.) They've gotten over $100k in pledges in just over 2 months, which is impressive. Seems like it could be particularly useful to grad students or postdocs looking for a little extra funding to kick the science up a notch. Best, Naupaka New Source of Funding for Research Projects: Crowdfunding! Petridish.org is looking for researchers with interesting project proposals who want to share their work with the world and raise money for their research. Weâre a passionate community of science-lovers and researchers.  Our mission is to increase the funding available to science by engaging the public in new discoveries. Researchers share information about their work on our website, where the public has the opportunity to donate to individual projects.  With your help, we are pioneering a completely new way to fund research. Weâre currently accepting applications for our next class of projects.  Once chosen, you will have the opportunity to create and post a short video about your work targeted at the general public.  We will feature high-level overviews of the projects seeking funding on our website and in our media coverage.   Donors contribute to specific projects for the opportunity to build relationships with researchers including frequent updates on their work, and to receive small tokens of appreciation. Applications are welcome from all disciplines including Astronomy, Archeology, Ecology, Social Science, Biology, Health, Medicine and more.  It only takes a few minutes to apply.  If interested, please visit http://www.petridish.org/project_inquiries/new or email t...@petridish.org for more information.
[ECOLOG-L] UCS Trivia Night in DC
The Union of Concerned Scientists is hosting a young scientist Trivia Night in response to the EPA's new carbon standard on Thursday May 17th, 6 PM at Science Club. Join us for free food, drinks, and fun! For more information and to RSVP, please click on the link: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/what_you_can_do/ucs-trivia-night-dc.html Amanda B. Johnson, Ph.D. Expert Engagement Intern Union of Concerned Scientists 1825 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20006 202-331-5433
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship - Wetland Ecology
The Wetland Lab at Indiana University-Bloomington, directed by Dr. Chris Craft, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to evaluate the responses of coastal wetland biogeochemistry to climate change on the Georgia coast. Our current projects are focused on understanding the effects of sea level rise, including submergence and salt water intrusion, eutrophication, and increased variability in temperature, rainfall and river discharge on the delivery of key ecosystem services that are provided by tidal wetlands. Our research is conducted in field sites that are a part of the both the University of Georgia Marine Institute at Sapelo Island, GA (http://ugami.uga.edu/) and the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER site (http://www.lternet.edu/sites/gce/), providing the opportunity to work alongside researchers from multiple academic institutions. This position is primarily a research assistantship, with the opportunity to teach, that comes with a tuition waiver, a $20,000 stipend, and health benefits. Our lab is part of the School of Public Environmental Affairs (SPEA; http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/) at IU, which is one of the highest ranked graduate programs in the nation (U.S. News 2012). Our lab facilities are housed in a new multidisciplinary science building (MSB-II) where the environment is very collaborative, offering access to expertise and instrumentation used across various fields of science. Indiana University is a Big Ten school that supports a culturally diverse community which in turn supports access to a wide variety of activities, food and entertainment in a place where the cost of living is low (http://www.visitbead.com/). Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and motivated to develop their own research project. A strong work ethic, good communication skills (verbal and written), and the flexibility to work both as part of a team and independently are critical, in addition to being prepared for work under variable field conditions and possessing a valid US drivers license for travel to field sites. Applicants who already possess an MS in ecology or a similar discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry, environmental science) are preferred, but will also consider those with a BA/BS and considerable lab/field experience. A working knowledge of basic bench-top chemistry and spectrophotometric techniques is required. Applicants with a background in any of the following: wetland biogeochemistry, including greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, CO2), soil processes, plant ecology, as well as GIS and landscape modeling will be highly competitive. For those interested in applying, please send a copy of your cv/resume, a cover letter describing your relevant experience and research goals, a copy of your transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial okay for both) to ccr...@indiana.edu, for review. Ideal candidates will be encouraged to apply to IU-SPEA for the 2013-2014 academic year, with a start date as early as January 2013 open for consideration.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Chief of Party for USAID Measuring Impact Project
CHIEF OF PARTY - Biodiversity and Forestry Conservation, USAID Measuring Impact Project Duration: Long-term Location: Washington, DC Integra Government Services International LLC (www.integrallc.com) is an international development firm dedicated to improving the lives of the poor by facilitating economic growth and human progress in the developing world. In the area of Environment and Natural Resources Management, Integra employs a knowledge-driven, technologically empowered, participatory, and empirical approach to the challenges of managing the environment and natural resources in an economic development context. The firm places solid analysis backed by evidence ahead of conventional wisdom. Integra seeks a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated USAID Measuring Impact (MI) project. The project aims to enhance the impact of biodiversity and forestry programs in USAID. This goal will be achieved by 1) enhancing the capacity of USAID and partners to design and adaptively manage effective biodiversity, forestry and related integrated programs; 2) increasing USAID evaluation capability for biodiversity and integrated program; 3) strengthening the evidence base for the impact of biodiversity and forest conservation on development; and 4) enhancing USAID's technical leadership in the forestry and biodiversity field. The project/position is pending USAID approval. Primary Duties: . Provide overall project leadership, strategic guidance, and technical direction of the entire program, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the contract. . Work with various stakeholders, including high-level government, USAID officials and local partner organizations. . Act as the key liaison between USAID/Washington, USAID Missions and all other counterparts and implementing partners involved with the program. . Identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate program adjustments. Qualifications: . More than 10 years of senior-level management experience; including in the areas of international development strategic planning, project design and evaluation; . Minimum 5 years of relevant experience managing international development projects and overseeing field-based operations in developing countries; . Strong technical expertise in biodiversity, forestry and/or natural resource management; . Advanced degree (graduate level: Doctorate, Master's) in relevant field such as international development, conservation, natural resource management; . Record of achieving development impacts in a similar context; . Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local governments, local stakeholders, donors, community-based organizations, think tanks and universities, the private sector, project partners and staff; . Excellent management, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate team members of all levels. To Apply: Please send your CV to mvandu...@integrallc.com or submit through www.integrallc.com indicating COP Biodiversity and Forestry Conservation position. Please indicate where you saw this posting. Integra LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Call for abstracts and scholarship applications, deadline extended to May 15, 2012
Call for abstracts and scholarship applications, deadline extended to May 15, 2012 Conference on Public Participation in Scientific Researchhttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/ http://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/ August 4th and 5th, 2012 in Portland, Oregon $30 with registration for ESA meeting, $95 for this event only Citizen science. Volunteer monitoring. Community-based research. Crowd science. These are all forms of public participation in scientific research (PPSRhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/about/defining-citizen-science/) proliferating across astronomy, molecular biology, human and environmental health, ecology, and other disciplines. This conference, to be held in conjunction with the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting, will offer a forum for sharing insights across projects and fields of study and for discussing how to advance the field of PPSR itself. If you are invested in the future of this field, you should not miss this eventhttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012! We encourage researchers, project leaders, educators, technology specialists, evaluators, and others to submit abstractshttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/posters/ in order to share work with a wide range of colleagues at this event. If financial considerations are a barrier to attendance, apply for a scholarshiphttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/scholarships/. Due to popular demand deadlines for both have been extended to May 15. To promote exchange of ideas the primary mode of presentations for this event will be posters. Join colleagues across this broad field and submit an abstracthttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/posters/ to highlight your work and be a part of the conversation. Note that submitting an abstract to the PPSR Conference DOES NOT count against ESA's presentation limit. A fantastic line-up of speakershttp://www.citizenscience.org/community/conference2012/agenda/speakers/, including Seth Cooper (FoldIt), Terry Root (Nobel Laureate, IPCC), Arfon Smith (Zooniverse), and Wallace J Nichols (Ocean Revolution), will provide fodder for conversations about the state of the field and where it is headed. The conference will culminate in an open meeting to explore strategies for large-scale collaborations to support and advance work across this field of practice, potentially through the development of an association. May 15, 2012 deadline for abstracts and scholarship applications June 14, 2012 deadline for ESA early bird registration rates We look forward to seeing you in Portland! Conference Co-Organizers: Meg Domroese, Conference Coordinator Heidi Ballard, University of California – Davis Rick Bonney, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Tony DeFalco, Consultant, Equity and Sustainability Abraham Miller-Rushing, National Park Service Sarah Newman, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Jennifer Shirk, CitizenScience.orghttp://CitizenScience.org/, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Jake Weltzin, U.S. Geological Survey, USA National Phenology Network Alison Young, California Academy of Sciences
[ECOLOG-L] MS wetland ecology
TEACHING AND GRADUATE RESEARCH (FRESHWATER RESTORATION ECOLOGY) OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTH TEXAS We are inviting applications for a graduate position (MSc) that includes 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, in addition to assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. The appointment is to begin Fall 2012 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville. We are seeking a motivated student interested in graduate research assessing ecosystem development following the reflooding of a resaca (oxbow lake). Research site is within the Sabal Palm Sanctuary which borders the Rio Grande, and in a nearby reference site. Opportunities exist for complementary activities with other on-going research projects in transitional wetlands linked to the Lower Laguna Madre, south Texas. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in ecosystem ecology and/or wetlands is preferred, as is the ability to conduct fieldwork occasionally under hot weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in either the UTB Biology or Interdisciplinary Sciences Masters program (emphasis in Biology) pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary likely available. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Alejandro Fierro (alejandro.fie...@utb.edumailto:alejandro.fie...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat
Hello Mark, I am second-generation Korean-American and I can ask family members for more accurate information, but yes, I think that is true about pieces of land being kept partially undeveloped for burial mounds of ancestors. Traditionally, family members -- usually direct descendents -- go back every year to weed, trim the grass, and offer their respects. I believe the tradition varies slightly upon region as well -- for instance, on the island of Jeju, burial mounds are often found in farm plots, although I do not know if this is because the farms expanded around the graves or if family members were buried deliberately on that land (I think it is more likely the first). These traditions are very rapidly disappearing, in Korea at least. I was in Korea just last year and visited my grandparents' graves. My grandfather was buried in a stretch of rural forest, while my grandmother was buried in a modern cemetery, her grave one among crammed thousands. South Korea has one of the highest population densities in the world, and indeed land is a most limited resource, something that is especially evident when you visit a Korean park. You will likely encounter just as many, if not more, people there as you would on an average American city street corner. Please note, population density is extremely skewed, with cities overwhelmingly crowded (the Seoul metropolitan area contains a quarter of the entire country's population) and many rural regions suffering from severe lack of young-to-middle-aged adults. Studying natural areas in Korea would be somewhat complicated because most of Korea's forests were stripped during the Japanese annexation and invasion of the early 20th century. Much of the land has since been reforested through efforts made in the 50s/60s/70s, but those forests are not only very young, they were also planted more with industrial pursuits in mind. Therefore, species composition often does not reflect what the native ecology might have looked like. -Grace Ha On Thu, May 3, 2012 at 11:13 AM, Dixon, Mark mark.di...@usd.edu wrote: I wonder if anyone knows of the tradition in Korea, Japan, or other east Asian countries in terms of natural areas associated with grave sites. My understanding is that families (at least in the past) in Korea would have a semi-natural tract of land that was kept undeveloped and served as a family burial site. Does anyone else have more information on this? I suppose such practices would become more challenging with increased population densities in those countries. Mark D. -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Kirsten Martin Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 11:25 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat While I agree with the previous sentiment, things are not often as black and white as Do we choose urban development or a 'natural' state?. The continuum of natural to man made habitats is vast and there are certainly some semi-natural, or cultural landscapes, that may be of conservation value for both their cultural and biodiversity value. I work on heathlands in New England for example. Both the heathlands of North America and those in Europe were formed by harsh European land use, and traditional agricultural practices. Today, in the absence of these traditional practices, these openland systems are reforesting. Now we could let them reforest, but then what happens to the many openland plants, insects, birds etc. that call these areas home? In many cases they may go extinct. Now what? Does it not make sense to manage some of the New England landscape to be in this semi-natural open state? As a conservation biologist, I believe part of the role of my field is to protect biodiversity, even if it means maintaining these cultural landscapes, which while sub-par habitat for some, may be ideal (and necessary) habitat for other species. I agree, this is a slippery slope. Where does nature stop, and where does urban begin? When is one intrinsically more valuable than the other? Kirsten MartinVon Holle LabDepartment of Biology, BL 405University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL 32816 Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 08:11:54 -0700 From: landr...@cox.net Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Ecolog: Certainly more study is needed with respect to what exactly is going on with all forms of life in urban and other cultural places, but facts should not be twisted into misrepresentations. Skyscrapers might well make habitats, even refuges, for falcons and other species taking advantage, say, of feral pigeons and the like, and such populations might ironically be all that is left of some species when civilization finally rots away to repopulate wild places--there are lots of effects involved in the incursions of wild
[ECOLOG-L] AP BIOLOGY/LIFE SCIENCE teacher, Santa Cruz, ca
AP BIOLOGY/LIFE SCIENCE Pacific Collegiate School, a small, nationally recognized 7-12 grade charter school in Santa Cruz with a college-preparatory focus, is looking to hire one full-time teacher for four sections of AP Biology (taught primarily to 11th and 12th grade students) and one section of introductory life science (taught to 7th grade students). PCS is an open-enrollment public school, and AP Biology is a graduation requirement. Therefore, applicants must be prepared to work with students of diverse backgrounds and aptitudes to achieve a high level of mastery in the subject area. Applicants must also be excited about working with interested, motivated students, and we will be looking for someone with a strong background in the life sciences. Ample training, resources, support and mentorship will be provided as necessary, and salary is commensurate with experience. A valid California credential is preferred but not absolutely necessary (though any interested applicants who don't have a credential must be prepared to obtain a credential in the near future). To apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, college transcripts and three letters of reference to the Faculty Dean, Ms. Tara Firenzi. It is preferred that materials be sent electronically to tara.fire...@pcsed.org mailto:tara.fire...@pcsed.org, but materials will also be accepted through the mail: 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060. More information about the school is available at www.pacificcollegiate.com http://www.pacificcollegiate.com. PCS is an equal opportunity employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Internship Clearinghouse Portal
NCSE Launches New Environmental Internship Clearinghouse Portal http://environmentalinterns.ncseonline.org/http://environmentalinterns.ncseonline.org/ As an extension of the National Council for Science and the Environment's (NCSE's) Campus to Careers (C2C) program, NCSE has created an environmental internship clearinghouse with support from the UPS Foundation. The clearinghouse enables university students to search for internships in the environmental field and provides a forum for internship providers to tap into a solid community of quality applicants. Thanks to the UPS Foundation, all services provided by the Environmental Internship Clearinghouse are 100% free. Students: Looking for a summer internship? Visit http://environmentalinterns.org to look through over 100 internships (and counting!) already uploaded to the platform. You can apply directly through the clearinghouse portal. Internship Providers: Need a talented, passionate and energetic intern? You can post internship opportunities today at http://environmentalinterns.org About NCSE: The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the scientific basis for environmental decision-making by bridging the gap between science and policy to catalyze solutions. The Council connects diverse communities and links scientific knowledge to the decision-making process. For more information on NCSE, please visit www.ncseonline.orghttp://e2ma.net/go/11030112646/208889642/234012056/1401437/goto:http://www.ncseonline.org.
[ECOLOG-L] AIC MODEL SELECTION COURSES -- SUMMER 2012
I am planning to offer several 2-day courses on the Information-Theoretic approaches to statistical inference over the coming summer months. These courses focus on the practical application of these new methods and are based on Kullback-Leibler information and Akaike's information criterion (AIC). The material follows my recent textbook, Anderson, D. R. 2008. Model based inference in the life sciences: a primer on evidence. Springer, New York, NY 184pp. A copy of this book is included in the registration fee. These courses stress science and science philosophy as much as statistical methods. The focus is on quantification and qualification of formal evidence concerning alternative science hypotheses. These courses can be hosted, organized, and delivered at your university, agency, institute, or training center. I have given over 50 such courses and they have been well received. The courses are informative and the material is fun to understand. For more insights into what these courses are about, see http://aicanderson2.home.comcast.net Details on the course costs and related material can be found at http://aicanderson1.home.comcast.net If you are interested in hosting a course at your location, please contact me. Thank you. David R. Anderson quietander...@yahoo.com
[ECOLOG-L] CURRENT ZOOLOGY: Vol 58, Issue 3, with a special column about Sexual selection and Speciation
http://www.currentzoology.org/currentissue.asp Volume 58, Issue 3 Contents ( PDF[2618 KB] ) Analyses towards determining Madagascar’s place in global biogeography ( PDF[3161 KB] ) Şerban PROCHEŞ, Syd RAMDHANI Analyses towards determining Madagascar’s place in global biogeography:Supplementary appendix ( PDF[318 KB] ) Şerban PROCHEŞ, Syd RAMDHANI Risk factors connected to gastrointestinal parasites in mantled Alouatta palliata mexicana and black howler monkeys Alouatta pigra living in continuous and in fragmented rainforests in Mexico ( PDF[170 KB] ) Genoveva TREJO-MACÍAS, Alejandro ESTRADA Changes in nectar supply: A possible cause of widespread butterfly decline ( PDF[2282 KB] ) Michiel F. WALLISDEVRIES, Chris A.M. Van SWAAY, Calijn L. PLATE Phenotype manipulation influences microhabitat choice in pygmy grasshoppers ( PDF[217 KB] ) Lena WENNERSTEN, Einat KARPESTAM, Anders FORSMAN Fish embryo and juvenile size under hypoxia in the mouth- brooding African cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor ( PDF[478 KB] ) E.E. REARDON, L.J. CHAPMAN Special Column: Sexual selection and Speciation. Guest Editor: Maria SERVEDIO, Department of Biology,University of North Carolina ( PDF ) Editorial: The relationship between sexual selection and speciation ( PDF[28 KB] ) Maria R. SERVEDIO Incipient sexual isolation in Laupala cerasina: Females discriminate population-level divergence in acoustic characters ( PDF[272 KB] ) Jaime L. GRACE, Kerry L. SHAW A robust new metric of phenotypic distance to estimate and compare multiple trait differences among populations ( PDF[926 KB] ) Rebecca SAFRAN, Samuel FLAXMAN, Michael KOPP, Darren E. IRWIN, Derek BRIGGS, Matthew R. EVANS, W. Chris FUNK, David A. GRAY, Eileen A. HEBETS, Nathalie SEDDON, Elizabeth SCORDATO, Laurel B. SYMES, Joseph A. TOBIAS, David P. L. TOEWS, J. Albert C. UY Variation in sexual dimorphism and assortative mating do not predict genetic divergence in the sexually dimorphic Goodeid fish Girardinichthys multiradiatus ( PDF[347 KB] ) C.MACÍAS GARCIA, G.SMITH, C.GONZÁLEZ ZUARTH, J.A. GRAVES,M.G.RITCHIE Heterospecific interactions and the proliferation of sexually dimorphic traits ( PDF[648 KB] ) Karin S. PFENNIG, Allen H. HURLBERT Can sexual selection and disassortative mating contribute to the maintenance of a shell color polymorphism in an intertidal marine snail? ( PDF[211 KB] ) E. ROLÁN-ALVAREZ*, M.SAURA, A. P. DIZ, M. J. RIVAS, M. ALVAREZ, B. Cortés, A. de COO, D. ESTÉVEZ, L. IGLESIAS Sexual selection on color and behavior within and between cichlid populations: Implications for speciation ( PDF[216 KB] ) Michael J. PAUERS, Jeffrey S. MCKINNON The relationship between intraspecific assortative mating and reproductive isolation between divergent populations ( PDF[2226 KB] ) Daniel I. BOLNICK, Mark KIRKPATRICK The role of male contest competition over mates in speciation ( PDF[3172 KB] ) Anna QVARNSTRÖM, Niclas VALLIN, Andreas RUDH Sexual selection and magic traits in speciation with gene flow ( PDF[2934 KB] ) Maria R. SERVEDIO, Michael KOPP Coverd by SCI and Current Contents, BIOSIS Preview,Biological Abstract, Zoological Records, Chemical Abstract, and Scopus, CURRENT ZOOLOGY is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed international journal that publishes reviews and research articles, including significant new findings of fundamental and general interest. Submissions in the research fields of ecology, behavioral biology, biogeography, conservation biology, evolutionary biology and genomics are especially welcome. In particular, CURRENT ZOOLOGY seeks to publish research that explores the interface between zoological disciplines, and is truly integrative by illuminating the greater picture. Looking forward to your submissions! Dr Zhi-Yun JIA Executive Editor Current Zoology http://www.currentzoology.org
