**Greetings from the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research!**

November 20, 2007

*Topics At A Glance*

Forestry Seminar Series -- JSTOR is yours -- Graduate Research Opportunities -- AmeriCorp jobs -- Applications for UNDERC -- DISCCRS Climate Research Network -- National Phenology Network -- CAP Award for Water Research -- Lecture by Estevan Arrellano -- Society of Wetland Scientists Award for Travel -- Western Snow Conference Announcement -- ESA honored at White House -- 93rd ESA Annual Meeting Deadline for Workshops -- Deadline for NCEAS Proposals -- Jobs

*Forestry Seminar Series*

• Nov 28 - Liz Kalies, NAU School of Forestry "Wildlife in the WUI: small mammal responses to fuels reduction treatments." Host: Chris McGlone
  
• Dec 5 - Paul Beier, NAU School of Forestry, "Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary: measuring impact on natural, physical, and social capital." Host: Bill Bridgeland
  

*JSTOR IS YOURS!*

Hi everyone, I just spoke with Karen Appleby, who informed me that part of the university's allied health program expansion $$ is going to be spent getting JSTOR for the library - apparently the entire package. This happened, at least in part, as an outcome of a recent Saturday meeting with the Provost, VP McMahon and the President, where the question of necessary resources to support this initiative came up. Because of the recent departmental discussion, I brought up the need for JSTOR and how it was perfectly aligned with this expansion and should be covered by the university. Well, they listened, and it's happening!!! (and it's not coming out of our own Biomedical Science program budget). Karen's hope is that it will be on line and available starting sometime this spring. Thanks to all of you who put this at the forefront of my radar screen as a priority request. Best wishes, Maribeth

 

*GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP IN BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY*

A M.S. Research Assistantship is available in the School of Forestry (www.for.nau.edu), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. The successful candidate will join a group of researchers investigating the controls on ecosystem development in piñon-juniper woodlands using substrate-age gradients (i.e., soil chronosequences; http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/chrono_intro.html) and resource amendments. Specifically, this graduate research assistant will investigate the importance of atmospheric dust inputs and deep plant roots to the function of these semi-arid ecosystems. The position starts the summer of 2008 and is open until a suitable candidate is found. Flagstaff is located at an elevation of 2,280 m on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and offers exceptional recreational opportunities.
Contact Dr. Stephen C. Hart (http://www2.for.nau.edu/EELab/) for application information (steve.hart@nau.edu; 928-523-6637).

*ARIEL APPLETON RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR 2008*

Sponsored by The Research Ranch Foundation Purpose: To support non-destructive research in conservation ecology focused on species, communities, ecosystems, or human ecology in desert, grassland,savanna, and riparian areas of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan ecoregions.
Amount: $2000 per fellowship, which is considered to cover costs of the study, including room, board, transportation and minor equipment. Payment will be made directly to successful applicants. Duration: Study to be completed within one year.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or graduate students currently enrolled at recognized academic institutions. Dates: Complete electronic applications must be received on or before 1 February 2008 by Carl Bock (carl.bock@colorado.edu). Awards will be announced on 1 March 2008.
Application Requirements: applications must be received electronically, and must include the following four parts:

• 1. Biography of applicant including field experience, relevant courses completed, and other information the applicant deems relevant.
• 2. Two-page research proposal that describes work to be accomplished, its ecological significance, relevance to contemporary ecology, and a tentative timeline. All information, excluding literature citations, must adhere to two- page limit.
• 3. A one-page budget.
• 4. A letter of support from the faculty advisor stating that the applicant is capable of carrying out the proposed work. Letter describes level of supervision or indicates how the work can be conducted independently. Student's work plan also must be endorsed by the student's faculty advisor.

Note: Special consideration will be given to projects that involve the Appleton- Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, near Elgin, Arizona, and applicants are encouraged to consider this site for part or all of their field work. If the proposed study is to be conducted at the Research Ranch, applicants must complete and submit a separate application for work to the Director of the Research Ranch, in addition to applying to us for a fellowship.
Research Ranch application forms and information about the site can be found at http://www.audubonresearchranch.org. Address questions to Carl Bock (carl.bock@colorado.edu).

*AMERICORPS JOBS*

*The following four positions at The Arboretum at Flagstaff* are offered through AmeriCorps. Please visit the AmeriCorps web site at http://www4.nau.edu/americorps/ to obtain an application and learn about stipends and educational awards for AmeriCorps service in 2008.

Job Description: *Horticultural Assistant/Environmental Educator* (two 20-hour per week positions available)

The AmeriCorps members will be trained to assist staff with educational public programming and plant propagation related to the mission of The Arboretum. The 20 hour per week position will synthesize activities between The Arboretum's Gardens Department and Public Programs Department. When working closely with the plants in the greenhouses the AmeriCorps member will gain a wide range of knowledge of native and adapted plants. While leading educational programs, this information can be passed along to the public. Greenhouse Projects: We specialize in growing plants native to the Colorado Plateau and other plants that are adapted to high elevation environments. The Arboretum has several greenhouses where we propagate and grow plants for use in our gardens and for sale to the public. Training: The AmeriCorps member will learn how to identify native and adapted species of plants. They will also learn about the proper care of these plants.

Duties:

• Plant Care: watering, fertilizing, transplanting, etc. (At least on weekend day).
• Plant Propagation: seed collecting, both sexual and asexual techniques of propagation greenhouse maintenance: pest control, cleaning, etc.
• Volunteer Supervision: once trained, the AmeriCorps member will assist in the supervision of other greenhouse volunteers Gardens Department
• Special Events: Summer Plant Sale and Penstemon Festival preparation and assistance including, labeling plants, preparing signs, manning cash registers, inventorying plants from outside vendors, etc.

Requirements: Must have reliable vehicle. Ability to work in a team or independently Must be detail oriented. Available for at least one weekend day Hours: 10 hours per week. Public Programming Projects Members may be involved with educational programs including public events, garden tours, docent training, and exhibits as well as classes for school aged children and adults. The AmeriCorps members will help to design hands-on activities and age appropriate curriculum to share with the public. The members may also be involved in grant writing and promoting programs in the media. Docent Training Participate in the classes held on Tuesday afternoons from February through April. Assist in preparation of materials for docents and set-up of training classroom. Provide public programs focusing on native and non-native live birds of prey after completing a series of classes that cover the habits and handling of rehabilitated birds. School Group, Grade-Specific Programs Learn grade specific curriculum and assist in leading programs for school groups Prepare and maintain materials for programs. Help adapt and expand current offerings. Daily Tours for the Public Work with Education Department staff to become familiar with the gardens and lead tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on at least one weekend day per week. Special Events Preparation Assist Education Department staff with preparation of materials and educational activities for public events at The Arboretum and off-site. Exhibit Preparation Assist staff with the development, design, and installation of temporary exhibits on and off-site.
Assist with Summer Adventure Program Work with a professional educator to conduct programs with preschool and early elementary aged children throughout the summer months. Hours: 10 hours per week For more detailed information about this position, call Hanna Raiter at 774-1442, ext.111

Job Description: *Environmental Educator/Public Relations Assistant *(two 20-hour per week positions available)

The AmeriCorps members will be trained to assist staff in public relations efforts and educational public programming related to the mission of The Arboretum. The 20 hour per week positions will synthesize activities between direct educational programming for the public and publicity tasks in The Arboretum's and Public Programs Department. The members will work closely with the Public Programs Manager to promote and provide educational programs for visitors to The Arboretum. The members will be trained in touring techniques and will be able to use their knowledge to educate visitors about the environment on theColorado Plateau. Public Relations at The Arboretum The Arboretum offers many types of public programs to the community and out-of-town visitors. The members will be responsible for sharing information about Arboretum events with print and broadcast media as well the members of
the Flagstaff Convention and Visitor Bureau as well as visiting travel writers.

Duties:

• Maintain web listings for Arboretum events
• Write press releases and public service announcements
• Design and distribute promotional posters
• Create media kits for visiting travel writers
• Update Arboretum web page

Requirements: Must have reliable vehicle. Must have excellent writing skills. Must be detail oriented.

Training Provided: The AmeriCorps members will be given examples of tasks and guidance until they are comfortable in completing tasks on their own. Hours: 10 hours per week.
Possible Public Programming Projects in 2008 Members may be involved with educational programs including public events, garden tours, docent training, and exhibits as well as classes for school aged children and adults. The AmeriCorps members will help to design hands-on activities and age appropriate curriculum to share with the public. The members may also be involved in grant writing. Docent Training Participate in the classes held on Tuesday afternoons from February through April. Assist in preparation of materials for docents and set-up of training classroom. School Group, Grade-Specific Programs Learn grade specific curriculum and assist in leading programs for school groups. Prepare and maintain materials for programs.

Help adapt and expand current offerings. Daily Tours for the Public Work with Education Department staff to become familiar with the gardens and lead tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on at least one weekend day per week. Special Events Preparation Assist Education Department staff with preparation of materials and educational activities for public events at The Arboretum and off-site. Assist with Summer Adventure Program work with a professional educator to conduct programs with preschool and early elementary aged children throughout the summer months.
Raptor Program Provide public programs focusing on native and non-native live birds of prey after receiving training that covers the habits and handling of rehabilitated birds. Exhibit Preparation Assist staff with the development, design, and installation of temporary exhibits on and off-site. Hours: 10 hours per week.
For more detailed information about these positions call Rachel Edelstein at 774-1442, ext.110 or Hanna Raiter at 774-1442, ext.111

*SEASONAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN*

The Presidio Trust is a Federal government corporation that manages and protects the Presidio of San Francisco as part of the National Park System. The Trust is now accepting applications for the following Federal excepted-service position. SEASONAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN Duties consist of technical biological science tasks common to natural resource management including: field resources management work in native plant restoration, protection, inventorying and monitoring. Installs and maintains native plants with attention to ecological requirements of each species; controls invasive plants using a variety of methods; implements monitoring protocols to track rare plants and characterize plant communities at restoration sites; collects and organizes field data; leads and trains volunteers and students in resource management and field research; assists with tool inventory and maintenance; participates in Integrated Pest Management Program, which may include using chain saws, weed whips, flamers, and application of herbicides (for which a Qualified Applicator's Certificate from California Department of Pesticide Regulation is required). The work requires strenuous outdoor activity including walking, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy items, and the completion of repetitive tasks requiring the use of power tools and application of herbicides. Part-time 24 hours per week, not to exceed 7 months.

Requires associate's degree; bachelor's degree is strongly favored. Must have knowledge of established practices, procedures, and techniques of one or more of the biological sciences; knowledge of routine natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures; basic understanding of natural resource management principles and techniques to support, understand, and relate results to the broader natural resource function; ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, develop reports and present information; and knowledge of vegetation management tools and equipment, and how to maintain them.

Duties consist of technical biological science tasks common to natural resource management including: field resources management work in native plant restoration, protection, inventorying and monitoring. Installs and maintains native plants with attention to ecological requirements of each species; controls invasive plants using a variety of methods; implements monitoring protocols to track rare plants and characterize plant communities at restoration sites; collects and organizes field data; leads and trains volunteers and students in resource management and field research; assists with tool inventory and maintenance; participates in Integrated Pest Management Program, which may include using chain saws, weed whips, flamers, and application of herbicides (for which a Qualified Applicator's Certificate from California Department of Pesticide Regulation is required). The work requires strenuous outdoor activity including walking, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy items, and the completion of repetitive tasks requiring the use of power tools and application of herbicides. Part-time 24 hours per week, not to exceed 7 months.

Requires associate's degree; bachelor's degree is strongly favored. Must have knowledge of established practices, procedures, and techniques of one or more of the biological sciences; knowledge of routine natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures; basic understanding of natural resource management principles and techniques to support, understand, and relate results to the broader natural resource function; ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, develop reports and present information; and knowledge of vegetation management tools and equipment, and how to maintain them.The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To apply call (415) 561-5300 (Monday-Friday, 8 am -- 5 pm) to request an application package, OR download the application from our website, http://www.presidio.gov/jobs, and mail the application to Human Resources, Presidio Trust, P.O. Box 29052, San Francisco, CA 94129-0052.

*MS or PhD GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP* -- UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY:

Aquatic Vascular Plants of Dinosaur National Monument We are looking for a Masters or PhD student to work on the Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument. Part of this work will be to survey the aquatic vascular plants in the Monument. Habitats to be surveyed include the Green and Yampa Rivers, perennial tributaries to these rivers, wetlands, springs and seeps. Opportunities for expanding this work to develop an interdisciplinary study of aquatic biota, fluvial geomorphology, and the effects of a large dams on aquatic ecosystems abound. Applications are sought from outgoing, self-motivated students with an interest in aquatic botany, aquatic ecology, or fluvial geomorphology, and a love for field work and river trips.

This project is part of a long-term collaborative research effort to document the aquatic flora and fauna in the Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument. The Green River has been regulated by Flaming Gorge Dam since 1963. The Yampa River is essentially free-flowing. The two rivers join about 65 miles downstream from Flaming Gorge Dam in Dinosaur National Monument. As the Yampa River closely mimics the Green River's environment prior to the construction of Flaming Gorge Dam this setting provides a globally unique opportunity to assess the effects of a large dam on aquatic ecosystems.

Information on our research group and our work on the Green and Yampa Rivers can be found at: www.usu.edu/buglab. Our laboratory currently employs around 20 interesting full and part time scientists and students working on a variety of projects from Africa to the Arctic documenting the occurrence and distribution of aquatic biota and their response to a host of environmental issues. Additional information on Dinosaur National Monument can be obtained at: http://www.nps.gov/dino/.
Please send a letter of interest and a CV/resume to Dr. Mark Vinson (Mark.Vinson@usu.edu), Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5210. Perspective PhD students must also apply for a S.J. & Jessie Quinney PhD Fellowship (http://www.cnr.usu.edu/quinney_brochure_2008-2009.pdf).

*We are taking applications for UNDERC-East summer 2008*

...and the potential to participate in UNDERC-West that continues the following summer 2009. (Additionally, applications directly for UNDERC West 2008 will be accepted from students of Junior or Senior standing that have had prior research experience) In each summer, you receive six credits.
From the 32 students participating in the summer 2008 at UNDERC-East, 8 students will be selected to continue the next summer at UNDERC-West 2009. Acceptance in either program includes tuition, housing, round trip transportation between Notre Dame and the UNDERC site and a $2500 summer stipend. The UNDERC-East site encompasses more than 7500 acres with abundant wildlife (including wolves, black bear, deer, and fisher) and includes 30 lakes, several streams, wetlands, and northern forests that have been protected for nearly a century. The UNDERC-West site encompasses more than a million acres with abundant wildlife (including bison, elk, mountain lion, and grizzly bear) and includes grasslands, montane forests, streams and lakes on the Flathead Reservation in Montana and associated tribal lands.
Each summer includes 4 - 5 modules (each a week) on field biology. At UNDERC-East, modules include bird/mammal ecology, amphibian/reptile ecology, insect ecology, aquatic ecology and forest ecology. At UNDERC-West, modules include wildlife and grassland ecology, mountain ecology, stream ecology and Native American ecology. Remaining time is spent designing and completing an independent field research project under the direction and assistance of a faculty member or graduate student.Applications are available at http://underc.nd.edu/ and the extended deadline is December 3rd, 2007.

*DISCCRS Climate Research Network for New Ph.D. Graduates

http://disccrs.org
Did you recently get your Ph.D.? Are you interested in climate change andits impacts? If yes, then read on...
DISCCRS (pronounced "discourse ") is an interdisciplinary initiative for recent Ph.D. graduates conducting research related to climate change and its impacts. The goal is to broaden research interests and establish a collegial peer network extending across the spectrum of natural and social sciences, humanities, mathematics, engineering and other disciplines related to climate change and its impacts. The initiative includes a public webpage, electronic newsletter, and annual symposia funded through 2008.
Register NOW at http://www.disccrs.org/register.html to have your Ph.D dissertation abstract archived on the DISCCRS webpage and receive the weekly electronic DISCCRS Newsletter. You will also receive reminders of the upcoming symposium:
DISCCRS IV Symposium http://disccrs.org/disccrsposter.pdf November 2 - 8, 2008, Saguaro Lake Ranch, AZ. Application Deadline April 30, 2008. Eligibility: Ph.D. requirements completed April 1, 2006 - March 31, 2008 in any discipline related to climate change and impacts. Although the focus is on the U.S., recent Ph.D graduates from all countries are invited to join the DISCCRS network and apply to be a DISCCRS symposium scholar.
Thirty-six applicants will be selected by an interdisciplinary committee of research scientists. During the week, participants will provide oral and poster presentations in plenary format, hone interdisciplinary communication and team skills, and discuss emerging research, societal and professional issues with each other and with established researchers invited to serve as mentors.
Symposium Participant Expenses: Airfare and on-site expenses are provided through NSF grant EAR-0435728 to Whitman College. Sponsors : DISCCRS is jointly sponsored by the following societies: AAG,AGU, AMS, ASLO, ESA, ESS-ISA, STEP/APSA and USSEE. Funding: DISCCRS is supported through U.S. National Science Foundation Collaborative Grants EAR-0435728 to Whitman College, C.S. Weiler PI, and EAR-0435719 to University of Oregon, R.B. Mitchell PI. Contact : disccrs@whitman.edu
C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D., Office for Earth System Studies,Tel: 509-527-5948, Whitman College Walla Walla, WA 99362, weiler@whitman.edu
DISCCRS: Initiative for recent PhD's engaged in climate change and its impacts: http://disccrs.org/ Poster: http://www.disccrs.org/DISCCRSposter.pdf NGPR Symposium for IPY researchers: http://www.disccrs.org/ngpr/

*USA-National Phenology Network (USA-NPN)*

At the last OBFS meeting, Mark Stromberg described the goals and history of *USA-National Phenology Network (USA-NPN*). Many of you may remember the poster describing the Phenology Network that was on display during the meeting. This is a request for assistance vetting potential species to be sampled by USA-NPN. We are seeking expert advice and suggestions for species to be sampled at national, large regional and smaller regional scales, and welcome all input into the process.

For many years, OBFS has been telling funding agencies that it can function collectively as a network to address questions of national importance. USA-NPN represents an opportunity to demonstrate that capability. As a program still in development, here's a chance to engage as a founding collaborating site and help set directions for research.
If you have any questions, please contact Mark Losleben who is sending out this mailing for me. Thanks for your assistance with this effort.

Sincerely, USA-NPN Species and Protocols Vetting Committee (SPVC)/
Art McKee, Chair, SPVC Art.McKee@umontana.edu
Mark Losleben, Assistant Director/Program Scientist, National Phenology Network National Coordinating Office , Tucson, AZ 85721, Phone:(520) 626-4696 Email: losleben@email.arizona.edu, http://usanpn.org/
PHENOLOGY: the PULSE of our PLANET

*Papers are now being accepted for the CAP Award for Water Research.*

*First Place** Award: *$1,000
*Second Place** Award: *$500
Papers should focus on water issues that affect central and southern Arizona and the Colorado River, including legal, economic, political, environmental, or water management issues, as well as any other issue that might be of interest to CAP or Arizona water users. Winners will
present their research at the Arizona Hydrological Society's annual symposium.
The CAP Award is available to students at any college or university in the State of Arizona. To apply, submit your complete paper online at www.cap-az.com *Deadline: June 1* Get more information on the web at www.cap-az.com
Abe Springer, Ph.D. , Associate Professor, Department of Geology , NAU Coordinator, Arizona Water Institute , Northern Arizona University , ph (928) 523-7198 (is forwarded to my cell phone) e-mail: abe.springer@nau.edu

*Lecture by Estevan Arrellano* Tuesday November 27th at 5:00pm

"Ancient Agriculture Hidden in Hispanic Acequias" W.A. Franke College of Business

Gardner Auditorium Room 101

Estevan Arrellano is an ethnohistorian, farmer, author, environmental activist, and community leader in the Embudo-Dixon area of the Rio Arriba of Northern New Mexico.He will be signing copies of his recent book, already a classic, Ancient Agriculture before and after the lecture.

Sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Environments, Dept. of Anthropology, Applied Indigenous Studies, Latin American Studies, and the Slow Food Alta Arizona Convivium

*The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS)*

...announces the availability of minority undergraduate student awards for travel to attend the annual SWS meeting âEUR" May 26-30, 2008 in Washington, DC. This has been a rewarding and enriching experience for many students the past four years. The SWS is committed to increasing diversity in its membership and is offering full travel awards and mentoring at the meeting for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. These awards are supported by the National Science Foundation, the Washington meeting organizers, several SWS Chapters (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, South Atlantic, and Western), and Huffman & Carpenter, Inc. The number of awards has been increased this year so there are more opportunities for applicants to receive an award. The interest areas of students in the program have been exceptionally broad and varied. Undergraduate student participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Application materials and additional information are available from Dr. Frank P. Day, Old Dominion University (fday@odu.edu). Application deadline is November 30, 2007.

* Western Snow Conference Announcement*

Please find the Announcement and call for papers for the 2008 Western Snow Conference to be held in Hood River, OR, April 14-17. at: http://www.westernsnowconference.org
This years theme is "Working Across Boundries" (be it watershed, county, state or country; a line in the sand or a major river) Please submit abstracts for poster or oral presentation no later than January 15, 2008.
There is also a short course titled "Understanding\Using Mountain Soil Moisture Data" scheduled for Monday the 14th. Pre registration will be required along with a nominal fee.
The announcement is posted on our "new" website location (which is still under construction). Please be patient but check back often for current updates. http://www.westernsnowconference.org
Please direct questions to myself or any member of the North Pacific Area Committee.
Hope to see you there. Scott, Chair- North Pacific Area Committee
Scott Pattee, Water Supply Specialist, Washington Snow Survey Office 2021 E. College Way, Suite 214 , Mount Vernon, WA 98273, 360.428.7684, ext 141 scott.pattee@wa.usda.gov
http://www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov/snow

*ESA honored at White House Ceremony*

Society receives presidential Award in Mentoring
19 November 2007
President Bush announced on November 16 that the Ecological Society of America (ESA) is one of the recipients of the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). ESA is the only organization to receive the 2006 PAESMEM award; the other awardees are all individuals. The award, the highest of its kind in the United States, is supported and administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and includes a $10,000 grant for continued mentoring work.
ESA's program, Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS), garnered the presidential award. Made possible by generous support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Society established the program in 1996 to anchor its diversity initiatives.
"We view the ESA SEEDS Program as the jewel in our crown," said ESA President Norman Christensen. "It is truly one of the initiatives of which we are most proud and today's award underscores its tremendous value."
Over the years, ESA has partnered on SEEDS with the United Negro College Fund, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and others. With the goal of diversifying and advancing the profession of ecology, the SEEDS program provides a full spectrum of mentoring and learning opportunities to underrepresented undergraduate students.
Managed by ESA's Office of Education and Diversity Programs, these include SEEDS ecology clubs and chapters, research fellowships, group field trips, and travel to the ESA Annual Meeting where students are assigned a mentor for the duration of the meeting. SEEDS directly serves over 200 students and its chapters serve nearly 2,000 students. These students credit SEEDS with enabling them to pursue a career in ecological science and to forge lasting relationships with both peers and mentors that help support their academic pursuits.
SEEDS has reached beyond ethnic minority students to include an ever-expanding pool of ESA members involved in mentoring students and learning much from them. Over 200 ESA members have volunteered to serve either as a mentor at the Annual Meeting, as a mentor for a Fellowship student, or to assist with a field trip. Another facet to the program is ESA's web series, "Focus on Ecologists: What do Ecologists Do?" that profiles a diversity of people trained in ecological science and offers their advice to students.
(http://www.esa.org/education/ecologists_profile/EcologistsProfileDirect
"We recognized the need to increase the diversity of our membership early on," says ESA Executive Director Katherine McCarter. "The Society took a number of steps towards this goal in which the SEEDS program has figured prominently."
McCarter notes that the ultimate measure of success has been in the great strides ESA has made in membership numbers of underrepresented populations. In 1992, underrepresented minorities represented 5.7 percent of the Society's membership. In 2006, that number had grown to 11 percent. The number of American Indian/Alaska Native members more than doubled and that of African American members nearly tripled.
"It's imperative that we draw from the talent of the broad spectrum of the U.S. population who will bring the range of creativity, skills, and approaches needed to address ecological challenges," says ESA President Christensen.
The Society has made a long-term commitment to continue the mentoring opportunities for students and members alike, particularly those organized and supported at the Society's annual meetings. It plans to dedicate the presidential award to supporting travel for underrepresented students to continue to attend the annual scientific conference and to participate in the mentoring activities sponsored at these yearly events. More information about the 2006 PAESMEM Award can be found on the NSF website at: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=110716&org=NSF&from=news
The Ecological Society of America is the country's primary professional organization of ecologists, representing 10,000 scientists in the United States and around the world. Since its founding in 1915, ESA has diligently pursued the promotion of the responsible application of ecological principles to the solution of environmental problems through ESA reports, journals, research, and expert testimony to Congress. For more information about the Society and its activities, visit the ESA website at http://www.esa.org.

*93rd ESA Annual Meeting *
*Reminder: Deadline for Workshop and Special Session Proposals is November 30, 2007 *Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 3 - 8, 2008
You are invited to submit a proposal for a Workshop or Special Session at the 93rd ESA Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held August 3-8, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Midwest Airlines Center. Workshops are sessions intended to convey specific knowledge or skills; they are not intended for the presentation of research papers. Workshops are frequently more interactive and informal than sessions within the formal scientific program, and often involve extended discussion. Special Sessions provide an opportunity for presentations or extended dialogue and exchanges beyond what is usually possible in the regular scientific sessions. Special Sessions do not conform to any single structure; they may, for example, involve one presenter, a series of lectures or a panel; a film, video or illustrated lecture; or a discussion.
For additional information regarding the criteria, the submission process, and the cancellation policy for Workshop and Special Session proposals, please consult the "Call for Proposals" on the ESA meeting website (http://esa.org/milwaukee/presenters.php)
If you have any questions, please contact the ESA Program Chair, Louis Gross , gross@tiem.utk.edu), or the Program Assistant, Aleta Wiley (aleta@esa.org).

A reminder that *the next deadline for NCEAS proposals is 14 January 2008.*

Find full information by following the Call for Proposals link on our website: http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu
The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis was initiated in 1995 to promote synthesis, analysis, and multidisciplinary collaboration directed toward addressing important questions in ecology and allied disciplines. The Center seeks projects that address the development and testing of important ecological ideas and theories using existing data, cutting-edge analysis of ecological information, research on data access and use, use of sound science in policy and management decisions, and investigating sociological issues that pertain to the science of ecology. NCEAS supports Working Groups, Postdoctoral Associates, Center (Sabbatical) Fellows and Distributed Graduate Seminars. Proposals may be submitted by individuals of any nationality who hold a position in an academic institution, free-standing research institution, scientific society, governmental or policy agency, non-governmental organization, or a consortium of such institutions. Proposals are welcome from first-time applicants and from scientists and social scientists from fields other than ecology. Proposals may involve activities with partial support from matching funds or one or more other institutions or agencies.
Stephanie E. Hampton, Deputy Director, National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis
University of California, Santa Barbara, 735 State St., Suite 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3351, USA , http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu, hampton@nceas.ucsb.edu, Tel (805) 892-2505

 

*JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS*

*PhD Research Assistantship, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University*

*Forest** Ecology/Ecophysiology/Forest Health *A PhD-level Research Assistantship is open in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University (NAU). The PhD student will work with Dr. Tom Kolb (http://www.for.nau.edu/cms/content/view/21/43/) on research focused on understanding the causes and consequences of tree mortality in high-elevation mixed conifer forests of the southwestern U.S. Applicants should have a B.S. and preferably a M.S. in forestry, ecology, or a related discipline. Applicants without an M.S. should have significant research experience. The position is available July 1, 2008. The assistantship is funded for 4 years, will start at about $18,103 per year, and includes university health insurance and waivers of out-of-state tuition and half of in-state tuition. Interested applicants should email Dr. Kolb with a brief statement of interest in the position, qualifications, a summary of academic training and performance, and GRE scores. Tom Kolb, Professor of Forest Ecophysiology, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5018 , Ph: 928-523-7491, Email: tom.kolb@nau.edu

*DIRECTOR, Center for Invasive Plant Management*, Montana State University.

Seeking talented and enthusiastic individual to promote ecologically sound invasive plant management by facilitating collaboration and communication among researchers, educators, and land owners/managers. Complete announcement and application instructions:
http://www.montana.edu/level2/jobs.html under Professional Positions or contact M. Johnson (406-994-5633; email maraj@montana.edu). Screening begins December 15, 2007. No fax/email applications. ADA/AA/EO/VET PREF.

*Assistant Professor in the Environmental Science/Studies Program,*

Whittier College invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Environmental Science/Studies Program, an interdisciplinary major. Applicants need a PhD with a specialization in one of the physical sciences (environmental science, geology, geophysics, physical geography) with an emphasis on surficial processes. The ideal candidate will be comfortable teaching introductory environmental science courses as well as upper-division courses in their field of expertise. He/she is also expected to participate in our Liberal Education Program, such as teaching First-year Writing Seminar, courses in quantitative literacy, "paired" courses, and/or science and society courses. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will be expected to remain an active scholar in their field of expertise and involve undergraduates in their research program.
Whittier College is a small private liberal arts college located 18 miles southeast of Los Angeles, with a highly diverse student population. The college is committed to increasing opportunities for collaborative student research and internships. Please direct a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of reference to: Cheryl Swift, Coordinator of Environmental Science, Whittier College, P.O. Box 634, Whittier, CA 90608 (email: cswift@whittier.edu). Review of applications will begin February 5, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled (pending final approval). We seek to attract and retain a highly qualified and diverse faculty (AA/EO).

*Position: Department Chair of Biology/Associate/Full Professor*

Institution: Southern Utah University, Location: Utah, Date posted: 10/26/2007
Application deadline: 11/30/2007
Biology: Department Chair/Associate/Full Professor, Southern Utah, University, Full-time, 10-month, tenure-track position. Lead and serve eleven full-time faculty serving undergraduate biology majors with emphases in Botany, Zoology and Forensics. Teach courses in areas of vertebrate biology and other subjects as needs arise. Starts July 16, 2008. Earned doctorate in biological science required. Excellent benefits, including 14.2% university contributed retirement. See details and apply online at http://jobs.suu.edu. Closes November 30, 2007. Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Contact Information: Web Site : http://jobs.suu.edu, Phone : 435-586-7754, Human Resources, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT 84720

For more information, to subscribe or unsubscribe to this list contact:
Jan Kerata, Administrator, Merriam-Powell Center , 928.523.6221