Upcoming Opportunities & Deadlines

March 6, 2006: SEEDS Konza Prairie Field Trip Application Deadline
The June 2006 SEEDS Field Trip application deadline is March 6, 2006. The June 4-9 field trip, hosted by the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program, will be an excellent opportunity for students to explore their interests in ecology, find out more about what ecologists do, and to network with students and professionals. The field trip will feature the research of the Konza Prairie LTER, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program designed to address long-term research questions relevant to tallgrass prairie ecosystems, and the science of ecology in general. For more information and applications, please visit www.esa.org/seeds/activities/FieldtripsInfo.php.

 

March 13, 2006: 2006 ESA Annual Meeting SEEDS Travel Award Application Deadline
The SEEDS Program offers travel awards for students, faculty, and alumni to defray travel, lodging, meal, and registration expenses to attend the Ecological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting. The ESA Annual Meeting draws more than 4,000 professionals from around the world to participate in scientific presentations, symposia, workshops, field trips, and a trade show. It provides an excellent venue to engage students and faculty in one of the most important facets of science – communicating ideas and new knowledge with the scientific community. The 2006 ESA Annual Meeting will be held August 4-11 in Memphis, Tennessee. For more information and applications, http://www.esa.org/seeds/activities/AnnualMeetingInfo.php

 

Call for ESA Mentors for 2006 Annual Meeting
SEEDS is seeking ESA members to serve as “meeting mentors” for SEEDS undergraduate students at the 2006 Annual Meeting in Memphis, Tennessee.  SEEDS sponsors Annual Meeting attendance for underrepresented students and those with a demonstrated commitment to the program’s mission.  The mentorship program is integral in helping SEEDS nurture student interest in ecology, ultimately to diversify and advance the field. For more information and to complete the signup form, visit http://esa.org/seeds/activities/AnnualMeetingInfo/mentor.php.

 

SEEDS Highlights

2005-06 Undergraduate Research Fellow: Andrea Rivera mentored by Hunter Lenihan

Growing up in Honduras exposed me to the fascinating world of nature and my father, who was a geologist at that time, introduced me to the field of science. National Geographic Magazines, maps, and having the rainforest as my backyard helped me develop a true interest in tropical ecosystems. To read more go to: Andrea.

 

Undergraduate Research Fellowship Mentor: Hunter Lenihan
My name is Hunter Lenihan and I am an Assistant Professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara in the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. I have enjoyed very much participating as a SEEDS Fellowship mentor and look forward to future interactions with this unique and important program. Working with Fellow Andrea Rivera on her coral population ecology study has been rewarding and fun for both of us. To read more go to: Hunter Lenihan.

 

Student Highlight: Angela Loud Bear
My name is Angela Loud Bear and I am from Keshena, Wisconsin located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. I am a graduate of Sherman Indian High School located in Riverside, California and am a recent graduate of Mount Mary College (MMC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I recently applied to graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and University of New Mexico. I would like to conduct my graduate work on the Menominee Reservation, ideally working with wild rice restoration. To read more, go to: Angela.

 

Campus Ecology Chapter & Advisor: Johnson C. Smith University
The JCSU SEEDS Chapter seeks to generate minority ecologists who will go on to further their education, help their communities through environmental work, and generate new generations of minority ecologists. To read more, go to: JCSU.

 

SEEDS Updates

Three New Campus Ecology Chapters

SEEDS welcomed three new schools into its Campus Ecology Chapter program in February: Fort Lewis College, Howard University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fort Lewis College is in Durango, CO; Howard University is in Washington DC; and, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is, of course, in Madison. Read more about these new Chapters at http://esa.org/seeds/activities/CampusEcologyChapters.php.

 

Staff Activities

SEEDS Exhibit & Workshop at MANRRS

SEEDS will have an exhibit booth and be presenting a workshop at the 2006 MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) Annual Conference, March 30 – April 1, in St. Louis, Missouri. SEEDS’ Saturday workshop, “St. Louis Riverfront Trail: How People Use Ecology,” will be a field trip that travels along the twelve-mile trail on the Mississippi River’s west bank. Enjoy the natural and cultural sites while learning about local conservation, restoration, and environmental justice efforts. We hope to see you there!

Ecology Marketplace

These opportunities are shared with the mission of promoting ecology. Inclusion of announcements does not indicate endorsement by SEEDS. Please direct questions to each individual program.

Berry College Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Rome, Georgia         Participation Dates: May 30 – August 4
Discover something new! Berry College will host 8-10 undergraduate students in a 10-week NSF REU program in Ecological and Environmental Biology, allowing students to design and implement research projects with faculty mentors who are conducting research in similar areas. This summer's programs include research in longleaf pines, limestone glade restoration, plant-animal interactions, host-parasite relationships, stress response in corals, and monitoring of coyote populations. Highlights include Berry's 28,000-acre campus which serves as an outdoor laboratory and has a state-of-the-art science building; weekly seminary series, social events, and field trips; a final seminar presentation at an on-campus research symposium; and, collaborating in the preparation of a scientific manuscript.
Benefits: Students will receive free on-campus housing, a $3250 stipend, access to $1000 in materials and supplies funds, and a travel allowance of up to $600.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students selected based on research interests, career goals, and academic achievement. Program is designed especially for individuals traditionally underrepresented in science. Must be a U.S. citizen attending a U.S. college or university.
Application & Deadline: http://www.Berry.edu/Academics/Science/REU - March 10, 2006
Contact: Dr. Martin L. Cipollini at mcipollini@berry.edu or 706-290-2149

 

Institute of Ecosystem Studies Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Millbrook, New York         Participation Dates: May 30-August 21
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES) is pleased to announce its 19th summer of undergraduate research opportunities through our "Ecology in Context" program. In 2006, 10 students will join the unique IES research community to carry out cutting-edge investigations of their own design, working closely with a mentor scientist. The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise.
Benefits: Participants receive a $4560 stipend for the twelve-week program, and free housing in an Institute dormitory.
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors are eligible to apply.
Application & Deadline: http://www.ecostudies.org/reu.html - March 15, 2006 (extended)
Contact: Heather L. Dahl at DahlH@ecostudies.org.

 

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Courses
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado        Participation Dates: June 15-July 16; July 16-August 13; June 15-August 13
Taking classes is an excellent way to decide if a career in field biology is right for you.  RMBL’s summer coursework program offers intensive mountain field work and emphasize individual research projects.  You will interact with a variety of scientists and their research projects at RMBL.  This year we offer a regular 8-week session and two 4-week sessions, including conservation biology/ecosystem management, field ecology, and introduction to animal behavior.
Benefits: There are a substantial number of full and partial scholarships. Students may also earn up to $500 working in various jobs during the summer session.
Eligibility: no restrictions
Application & Deadline: http://www.rmbl.org/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=2. - Classes full by April 1
Contact: 970-349-7481

 

University of Michigan Courses
Location: Pellston, Michigan        Participation Dates: Spring term May 14-June 10; Summer term June 17-August 12
For students who are searching for a learning adventure this spring or summer, the UM Biological Station (UMBS), is just four hours north of Ann Arbor on Douglas Lake, in the wild splendor of the Northern Michigan woods. We have four great new classes (full listing at www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs): Field Training Course in Archaeology (6 credits) taught by Meghan Howey and Prof. John O’Shea; Summer term (-10 credits in 8 weeks): Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands, Forest Ecosystems taught by Prof. Burton Barnes, and Environmental Writing & Great Lakes Literature taught by Keith Taylor (director of the UM Creative Writing Program and Bear River Writers’ Conference).
Benefits: UMBS has its own Scholarship and Financial Aid program, with monies allocated for both merit-based and need-based scholarships and grants (including non-MI residents)
Eligibility: Some courses have prerequisites.
Application & Deadline: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/forms/. Deadline varies depending on the opportunity and space available.
Contact: umbs@umich.edu or 734-763-4461

Help Support SEEDS

We invite you to contribute to ESA's SEEDS Program to help support and encourage greater diversity in the ecology profession. Contributions to the SEEDS program are tax deductible and are used to support special initiatives for underrepresented students. To contribute, visit www.esa.org/seeds/supportSEEDS.php