Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 12 Feb 2003 to 13 Feb 2003 (#2003-44)
There are 12 messages totalling 497 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. News: The Political Ecology of the Gaza Strip
2. Trees & Associates in Winter
3. REU in Alaska
4. One year Faculty Position
5. mark-recapture methods
6. Great Lakes Nearshore Fisheries Habitat Workshop, April 1-2
7. accreditation in ecology?
8. Post-Doc insect dispersal montpellier
9. relative carcass odors?
10. Post-doctoral position in saltcedar biological control
11. Job: faculty, wildlife ecology, landscape ecology, Iowa State
12. Southwest Michigan Temporary Field Assistants (Birds)
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Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 19:58:04 -0800
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: The Political Ecology of the Gaza Strip
GAZA STRIPPED
As if the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians weren't
producing enough problems, the U.N. now says the clash is creating a
big environmental mess in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. A study
conducted by the U.N. Environment Programme over the last five months
documented increasing water pollution, loss of natural vegetation,
indiscriminate waste dumping, and the razing of forestland. Some of
the troubles -- such as asbestos contamination released when
Palestinian houses were bulldozed by the Israeli Army -- were
directly related to the escalated conflict that broke out in
September 2000 and still rages today. An U.N. report with 136
recommendations for minimizing the environmental degradation was
formally adopted on Friday; Palestinian and Israeli negotiators
backed the report and expressed a willingness to cooperate on solving
the problems. UNEP officials spun the agreement as a small step
toward peace, but some observers were skeptical.
straight to the source: Tel Aviv Haaretz, Associated Press, 08 Feb 2003
<http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=260658&contra
sID=1&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y>
from the Grist archives: Blood and water -- Israel and Palestine
struggle over water in an arid land -- a two-part series in our Main
Dish section
<http://www.gristmagazine.com/maindish/mccallin022602.asp?source=weekly>
see for yourself: The UNEP report
<http://postconflict.unep.ch/high3.htm>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 21:19:34 -0500
From: "John A. Keslick, Jr." <treeman@CHESCO.COM>
Subject: Trees & Associates in Winter
Dear people with interest in sound information on trees!
NEW RELEASE "PUBLICATION"
TITLE: Trees & Associates in Winter
BY: Dr. Alex L. Shigo
COST: FREE!
WHERE: http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/SHIGO/WINTER.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Tree Biologist
http://www.chesco.com/~treeman
Beware of so-called TREE EXPERTS who do not understand TREE BIOLOGY!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 17:57:30 -0900
From: Ginny Eckert <ginny.eckert@UAS.ALASKA.EDU>
Subject: REU in Alaska
Please distribute to potential students:
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN
MARINE BIOLOGY IN ALASKA, 2003
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) offers research experiences to
undergraduate students interested in the physiology, ecology, and
behavior of marine organisms. In addition to the Juneau area, field
research projects take place in Glacier Bay National Park and the arctic
ocean.
Students will conduct research under the guidance of UAS Biology faculty
and collaborating research scientists. The program is supported with
funds from the National Science Foundation and UAS. Participants will
receive a stipend of $350 per week and housing while in Juneau. Travel
and subsistence costs related to fieldwork within Alaska will also be
provided.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as
undergraduates (through at least Fall 2002) at accredited institutions
(graduating seniors are not eligible). The program seeks academically
strong students interested in marine biological research. Minority
applicants are especially encouraged.
All applications received by 28 February, 2003 will be considered in a
review during the first week in March. Applications received after 28
February will be considered only if all positions are not filled during
review of the original pool. (See WEB site address below for application
information.)
Field research projects include:
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF RINGED SEALS IN ARCTIC ALASKA
PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL STELLER SEA LIONS
ECOLOGY OF A DECLINING HARBOR SEAL POPULATION IN GLACIER BAY NATIONAL
PARK
REACTIONS OF HARBOR SEALS TO VESSEL TRAFFIC
KELP AS RECRUITMENT HABITAT FOR JUVENILE FISH IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA
A MODEL SYSTEM TO EXAMINE DELAYED EFFECTS OF OIL EXPOSURE ON FISH
TESTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A HIGH LATITUDE MARINE RESERVE NETWORK: A
MULTI-SPECIES MOVEMENT STUDY IN GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK, AK
LARVAL DISTRIBUTIONS IN AN ALASKAN MARINE RESERVE
BIOLOGY OF SEA CUCUMBERS IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
REGULATION OF GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION IN DECAPOD CRUSTACEA
INTERACTIONS OF PARASITES WITH DUNGENESS AND KING CRABS
METAL ATTENUATION IN NATURAL SYSTEMS
For more information on and applications for this program, please visit
our web site:
http://www.uas.alaska.edu/biology/REU.html
or contact
Elizabeth Mathews, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Biology
beth.mathews@uas.alaska.edu
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 18:04:49 -0900
From: Ginny Eckert <ginny.eckert@UAS.ALASKA.EDU>
Subject: One year Faculty Position
Faculty Position in Biology
University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast is seeking a qualified individual for
a one-year term position in the Department of Natural Sciences. The
successful applicant will be responsible for teaching upper and lower
division classes for the Biology Program, including Evolution,
Fundamentals of Biology and Animal Behavior. The candidate will be
responsible for teaching 12 credit hours each semester. Applicants must
have at least a Ph.D degree in a discipline within the biological
sciences.
Letter of application, short statement of teaching interests, curriculum
vitae, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and names and contact
numbers of three references should be sent to: University of Alaska
Southeast, Personnel Services, 11120 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK
99801-8675.
Deadline for application is March 7, 2002. Official transcripts will be
required from the successful candidate
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 23:19:35 -0500
From: Alex Olvido <aolvido@UNAGI.MOREHOUSE.EDU>
Subject: mark-recapture methods
Hi, folks:
An undergraduate researcher and I are trying to find a method of
marking small (<4mm length) beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus,
that will somewhat permanently mark the animal yet be safe for the
beetle so as not to affect its walking, mating, etc. behaviors. Please
send suggestions directly to me at (without quotes)
"aolvido@mail.morehouse.edu". I will be happy to post the
suggestions if there is sufficient interest in this subject.
Thanks for any help.
With regards,
Alex Olvido,
Research Scientist
Department of Biology,
Morehouse College,
830 Westview Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30314
404-681-2800 x2325 (work)
404-658-1142 (fax)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 10:51:45 -0500
From: Reuben Goforth <goforthr@MICHIGAN.GOV>
Subject: Great Lakes Nearshore Fisheries Habitat Workshop, April 1-2
Please join us for a workshop entitled,
"Research, Assessment, and Data Needs to Promote Protection of Great
Lakes Nearshore Fisheries Habitat".
April 1-2, 2003
Annis Water Resources Institute, Muskegon, Michigan
The goal of this workshop is to identify information gaps that
currently impede efforts to evaluate, manage, and protect nearshore
fishery habitats in the Great Lakes. The workshop and proceedings will
be used to inform and guide future research goals and funding
decisions.
We are seeking input from the community of agency personnel,
researchers, conservationists and other interested parties through a
pre-workshop survey. This survey will refine issues to be discussed at
the workshop and provide interested parties who will be unable to attend
the workshop with the opportunity to provide input into these very
important issues. Please take time to complete the survey, even if you
cannot attend the workshop. We are also accepting both oral and poster
presentations for the workshop.
Please see the workshop website at
http://www.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/nearshoreworkshop.htm
for a preliminary agenda, the survey, registration and other workshop
details. Registration is due by Wednesday, March 19th.
This workshop is sponsored by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and
facilitated by the Aquatic Ecology Program of Michigan Natural Features
Inventory. Please contact Stephanie Carman (carmans@michigan.gov) or
Reuben Goforth (goforthr@michigan.gov) for more information.
Your participation in this survey and this effort to identify
impediments to the protection, management and conservation of Great
Lakes nearshore fisheries habitats is greatly appreciated. We hope to
see you at the workshop in April!
******************************************************************
Reuben R. Goforth, PhD
Aquatic Ecology Program Leader
Acting Zoology Program Leader
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan State University Extension
Mason Bldg, POB 30444, Lansing, MI 48909
Voice: (517) 335-4581 Mobile: (269) 967-7620
E-mail: goforthr@michigan.gov or goforthr@pilot.msu.edu
*****************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 11:22:51 -0500
From: Werner Wieland <wwieland@MWC.EDU>
Subject: Re: accreditation in ecology?
The problem of budget constraints has come up before and will continue to so
In Virginia, not too many years ago, there was a proposal put forward to d
crease the number of laboratory courses because of their higher cost and lim
ted enrollment (they require a lot of resources for a few students). In sho
t, when money is tight, administrators look for ways to cut programs. Grant
d, most want to do this in a manner that does not negatively impact the acad
mic programs. Still, they are making decisions as to what is "fat" and what
is required. A program of accreditation by a recognized professional group
ould be helpful for justification of various aspects of any academic program
However, will it make a difference? I asked one of my colleagues in the c
emistry department about the ACS accreditation for undergraduate programs.
There are a number of standards such as library holdings/subscriptions, mini
um hours in lab, etc. . . The stumbling block for our program w!
as the requirement of instructor teaching load. Apparently the ACS standard
is a maximum of 15 contact hours. Our institution uses credit hours taught,
with a minimum of 12 credit hours required for full time faculty. The norma
class is 3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab. for a 4 credit course. As a 3 hr labora
ory counts for only 1 credit hour toward your teaching load it becomes impos
ible for us to meet the ACS requirement unless the institution changes its p
licy. There are combinations, such as teaching multiple sections of the sam
course and combining the lectures which allow one to reduce 'time in class"
however at smaller institutions one typically needs to teach multiple course
in each academic session and this does not allow combining of lectures.
To get back to the original question, will accreditation solve your problem?
Not necessarily. The institution must consider the accreditation importan
enough to warrant policy changes. Apparently ACS accreditation is not pres
igious enough for many institutions.
Now we get into a different question. Which accreditation program has the s
ature to be accepted by institutions. What will be the minimum standards an
is anyone willing to acknowledge that to maintain minimum standards in educ
tion it requires resources. More importantly who is willing to commit the r
sources. To some extent the general public is also responsible (at least wh
n public instructions are involved) because everyone wants something for not
ing. Let's cut taxes. There is too much fat in government.
I have to stop now as this is going on too long, leading me in another direc
ion and elevating my blood pressure. But that's OK because I can easily fin
someone to solve this problem. Someone who got their degree from some inst
tution that not only provides classes to fit their schedule but will provide
them on-line so they had the convenience of taking classes at home. It is a
most cost effective way of doing this and I am sure their degree is just as
aluable when it comes to meeting job qualifications as a degree from most an
other institution of higher learning. At least that appears to be true. W
y else would such programs be available throughout the U.S.? Or perhaps P.
. Barnum was right, there is a sucker born every minute.
(Sorry, I can't help myself)
Werner Wieland, Chair Voice: (540) 654-1426
Dept. of Biological Sciences FAX: (540) 654-1081
Mary Washington College Email: wwieland@mwc.edu
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
>>> Tim Maret <tjmare@SHIP.EDU> 02/11/03 03:11PM >>>
Hello All,
I work at a relatively small state university that is undergoing
some budgetary pains that involve cutting library resources, increasing
numbers of students in lab sessions, altering lab session hours, not
running an advanced course if it doesn't reach a certain enrollment,
etc. Some programs on campus are avoiding many of these pains by
pointing to requirements necessary to maintain accreditation of their
program. For example, accreditation requirements for the American
Chemical Society require:
minimum number of advanced courses per year, maximum number of students
per lab session, minimum number of contact hours for lab, maximum number
of contact hours per faculty member per week, minimum library holdings,
etc. Because the university values this certification, the chemistry
department is "immune" from many of the requirements imposed on other
departments. My question is "are any others out there experiencing
similar situations, and is accreditation of programs something that ESA
should consider?" Thanks.
Tim Maret
Department of Biology
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA
tjmare@ship.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:09:14 +0100
From: Sergine Ponsard <sergine.ponsard@CICT.FR>
Subject: Post-Doc insect dispersal montpellier
Job Description: An EU funded post-doctoral position in insect
dispersal is available immediately for a 3 year study involving
dispersal studies of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis
(Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The successful applicant will receive a
one-year appointment with good chances for a two-year renewal. This
appointment includes a salary (around 2,000 euros per month),
healthcare benefits, and a research/travel allowance. This position
is funded by an EU project entitled "Protecting the benefit of
Bt-toxins from insect resistance development by monitoring and
management". The aim of this project is the management of Bt maize
(maize producing a toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis) in order to avoid
the evolution of resistance in natural populations of the European
corn borer (ECB). A significant part of this project requires the
investigation of individual dispersal at a fine geographical scale.
Beyond the framework of the EU project, the post-doc fellow will be
involved in evolutionary studies on Ostrinia nubilalis related to
host plant adaptation and sympatric speciation and/or ecological
studies aimed at integrating the ECB-maize interaction into a
broader, community-wide perspective.
Job location: Center for Biology and Management of Populations
(CBGP), Montpellier (France). The successful candidate will join the
Population Genetics team which includes 10 evolutionary biologists
(Arnaud Estoup, Jean Marie Cornuet, Réjane Streiff, Jean François
Cosson..). For more information on the CBGP, please visit the web
site at http://www.ensam.inra.fr/CBGP/.
Required experience:, mark-recapture experiments, theoretical skills
on the analysis and modeling of insect dispersal, field surveys
including GPS and mapping techniques. A background in landscape
ecology and/or community ecology would be a plus. The applicant must
be physically fit (i.e. able to work long days in steep terrain),
able to supervise a field crew and field experiments.
Application : a Ph.D. is required; to apply, submit electronically
(1) CV, (2) copies of recent publications (maximum of three), (3) a
statement of research interests (4) the names and addresses of three
individuals to Denis Bourguet (bourguet@jouy.inra.fr) and Sergine
Ponsard (sergine.ponsard@cict.fr). Review of applications will start
on the 1st March 2003 and continue until the position is filled.
--
--------------------------------------------------------
Sergine PONSARD
Laboratoire Dynamique de la Biodiversité
FRE CNRS 2628
Batiment 4R3 - Pičce 225
Université P. Sabatier - Toulouse III
118, route de Narbonne
31062 TOULOUSE Cedex 04
France
tel + 33 5 61 55 61 97
fax + 33 5 61 55 61 96
e-mail sergine.ponsard@cict.fr
http://www.let.ups-tlse.fr/
--------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 11:23:00 -0700
From: Dave Whitacre <dwhitacre@PEREGRINEFUND.ORG>
Subject: relative carcass odors?
Okay, here's a weird one.
I have the impression that rotting snakes have a different and more
powerful odor (to humans), than that of rotting mammals or birds. Does
anyone know of any research into such topics? Where I would look?
Thanks much,
David F. Whitacre
The Peregrine Fund
5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane
Boise, Idaho 83709
(208) 362-3716
dwhitacre@peregrinefund.org
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 14:41:40 -0500
From: Tom Dudley <tdudley@CABNR.UNR.EDU>
Subject: Post-doctoral position in saltcedar biological control
Position: The Dept. of Environmental & Resource Science, University of
Nevada, Reno, is seeking post-doctoral applicants (or master^Ňs degree with
appropriate qualifications) to assist in a USDA-funded study of the ecology
and biological control of invasive saltcedar (Tamarix) in Nevada and
California.
Dates: This is a 1-year position starting in Spring 2003, with the
possibility of extension to a second year or longer.
Salary: In the range of $2200-2750/mo., based on experience and qualificatio
s.
Qualifications: A strong background in field biology AND quantitative
analysis is needed to help co-ordinate a monitoring program to assess
effectiveness of target plant control and ecosystem recovery, and to collate
and analyze data resulting from the monitoring work. Employee would also
collaborate in experiments testing insect/plant interactions and other plant
ecology studies. Experience with plant identification, plant-insect and
plant-soil interactions and/or riparian ecology are desirable. Development
of your own related research interests and grant support are encouraged.
Contact: Please send statement of interest and C.V. to Tom Dudley, ERS-UNR,
MS 186, 1000 Valley Rd., Reno, NV 89512-0013 or via e-mail to:
tdudley@cabnr.unr.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 16:15:28 -0500
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: Job: faculty, wildlife ecology, landscape ecology, Iowa State
Assistant or Associate Professor Wildlife Ecology and Management and
Assistant or Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State
University is dedicated to understanding the ecology, management, and
sustainable use of natural resources. We wish to continue improving our
strong undergraduate and graduate programs, further diversify our
productive research programs, and sustain our active extension programs
serving the emerging needs of our society. We seek to recruit qualified
Ph.D. applicants for two nine-month, tenure track faculty positions.
Position 1-Ecologist or wildlife biologist with primary interests and
experience in wildlife research and management and an established record of
working with natural resource agencies and/or non-governmental
organizations. Teaching responsibilities would include an undergraduate
wildlife management capstone course for wildlife majors and a graduate-
level course in his/her area of research interest. Position 2-Ecologist
with primary interests and experience in landscape ecology. Teaching
responsibilities will include one course in the candidate s area of
expertise and one course to be based on departmental needs. Candidates for
both positions would be expected to direct graduate students, develop
competitively funded research programs, and participate in outreach within
the broad area of natural resource ecology and management. Candidates
experienced with projects that integrate across natural resource
disciplines will be particularly welcomed. Full position descriptions and
further information can be found on the departmental website at
www.nrem.iastate.edu. Applicants should send a letter of application,
curriculum vitae, descriptions of teaching and research interests and
experience, representative reprints of published material, and names and
contact information of three references to: Dr. Mike Kelly, Chair; Dept.
of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; 253 Bessey Hall; Iowa State
University; Ames, IA 50011-1021. To guarantee consideration, application
must be received by March 31, 2003.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 19:22:23 -0500
From: Rob Smith <Robert.J.Smith@USM.EDU>
Subject: Southwest Michigan Temporary Field Assistants (Birds)
Field assistants. Michigan. Six (6) field assistants needed from 22
April - 30 May 2003 to monitor spring migrants in forest patches in
southwestern Michigan. Must be able to identify birds by sight and sound.
Will participate in collecting data on vegetation structure, vegetation
phenology and resource abundance. Must provide own transportation; mileage
reimbursed. Housing provided. Salary: $1,200/month. Applications (cover
letter, resume, names, addresses and email addresses of 3 references) due
March 14, 2003. Contact: David Ewert, Great Lakes Program, The Nature
Conservancy, 100 East Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906. Phone: (517)
316-2256. Fax: (517) 316-9886. Email: dewert@tnc.org
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 12 Feb 2003 to 13 Feb 2003 (#2003-44)
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Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in