UPCOMING
2008-09 Fellowship

ESA MEETING
2007 ESA Meeting Summary

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Micki Lindeman

PROGRAM NEWS
SEEDS gathering in the SW

SEEDS STAFF
Farewell from Katherine Hoffman
Student reflections on Katherine
Farewell from Samantha Schwab
New Temporary Staff
New Education Intern

BULLETIN BOARD
Resource Science Technician
Research Assistant Position
Botany Internship
Internship

SEEDS Dispersal is published online ten times a year by the SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Development, and Sustainability) program. SEEDS promotes opportunities to diversify and advance the profession of ecology.

2008-09 SEEDS Fellowship

The application for the 2008-09 SEEDS Undergraduate Research Fellowship is available at www.esa.org/seeds/fellowship/. The SEEDS Fellowship allows undergraduate students to complete an independent research project. This project includes working with program staff to select a research site and mentor, writing a research proposal and budget, conducting research in the field and/or lab, analyzing results and writing a paper, and presenting research at an ESA Annual Meeting. Each Fellow has a research mentor, a PhD ecologist from the ESA membership, to provide support throughout the project. The SEEDS Fellowship is essentially a mini-thesis that prepares students for graduate school research. The SEEDS program also provides support through stipends, designated staff, networking with other Fellows, workshops, etc. The application deadline is September 21, 2007.

Greetings to my SEEDS family.  After taking part of this last spring and the entire summer off due to illness, I am happy to report I am returning to school.  I will be finishing up the few remaining classes I need to get my AAS in Tribal Environmental Science at United Tribes Technical College.  I am also starting a few classes at Bismarck State College to complete a GIS Certification.   I really missed the SEEDS people, as well as their positive energy and support while I was out of the loop. I just wanted you to know that I am doing better and I am back in school.  I hope all is well with all of you.  I know you are all out there doing great things.  Keep up the good work.  I am sad to be leaving United Tribes soon.  It is a great place to be.  I plan on continuing on with Dickinson State College this spring. 

Note: Click on the below link to see Micki's writing in the Fall 2007 Tribal College Journal student edition, entitled “Eulogy of a Warrior”.

> Click here to see read "Eulogy of a Warrior"

2007 ESA Meeting Summary – Melissa Armstrong

click on the photo to enlarge image

The SEEDS Program at the 2007 ESA Annual Meeting in San Jose was again a huge success.  Over 90 participated directly in the SEEDS program, including undergraduate students, graduate student alumni, Chapter faculty advisors, and ESA meeting mentors.  Students gave 15 talks and posters, and organized the first educational outreach field trip and teacher workshop designed to bring San Jose teachers to the conference, with a small grant from Project Learning Tree. Two local teachers and 10 of their students participated. A corresponding Special Session to discuss ways to increase participation of communities that host the Annual Meeting drew about 40 people who will now work towards the 2008 meeting events.

Beyond what SEEDS did at the Annual Meeting, the energy generated during the week was monumental. A gathering of over 90 people from the far reaches of our nation and its territories, representing widely different cultures and backgrounds makes for an interesting group. But when such a group shares a passion for ecology and a deep hope for the future, it feels like we can accomplish anything despite the catastrophic forecasts we keep hearing. SEEDS simply knows that nothing will improve without action. We recognize our role in contributing to society through the means of research, communication, and mentoring. You can clearly see this philosophy in the recent blog postings of Lauren McGee (www.esa.org/esablog/?p=68) and Colibrí Sanfiorenzo-Barnhard (www.esa.org/esablog/?p=72) posted on the ESA home page.

When we think of our global environmental challenges, it can be hard not to become paralyzed at the enormity of it all and feel powerless. But the science of ecology is an excellent example of people making a career out of understanding natural interactions, even those that take place in cities. SEEDS participants play an important role within the profession. We are a collective voice, we are proud, we are supported, we are family. The writings of Katherine Hoffman and Raynell Rino in this issue demonstrate this ultimate strength of SEEDS.

SEEDS participants give and receive inspiration to and from professional ecologists. So often during an Annual Meeting a student will approach me with a bright face wanting to tell me all about the amazing talk they heard, or the fact they actually met the author of the papers they have read. Likewise, members are expressing how grateful they are to be a part of SEEDS, or how it's their favorite part of the meeting. The momentum is astounding and all we can do, as staff, is try and keep up with it all at this point, keep opening doors, and keep shouting “onward” as the participants burst forth. There IS so much hope in the world and an ESA meeting is the perfect place to feel it.

SEEDS gathering in the Southwest – Melissa Armstrong

click on the photo to enlarge image

On July 17, a small SEEDS gathering took place in New Mexico at the Sevilleta LTER. I drove with SEEDS Fellow Colleen Cooley from Flagstaff, Arizona, where we both live, to visit another SEEDS Fellow Jarrod Blue, who is conducting his fellowship research with Dr. Scott Collins at the Sevilleta LTER. Scott Collins, SEEDS Chapter Advisor at the University of New Mexico, and former Chapter president Jolene Trujillo joined us for an afternoon tour of Jarrod's research site. He is studying the influence of managed and unmanaged waterways on invertebrates of Cibola Springs. Cibola Springs is an unmanaged waterway that is truly an oasis in the desert. The springs seep from the earth forming a gentle creek that has carved its own cool canyon in Sevilleta-land. It is not easy to get to, especially after the rains; this was evident by the tracks left by Jarrod when he was stuck in the mud on his way to collect samples. We learned more about Jarrod's research methods, peeked into his pitfall traps, and collected water samples for water chemistry testing. It was a pleasant day and a great drive through the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. I was reminded, as I always am when working with SEEDS students, about the challenges of studying ecology while exploring beautiful and new places, as well as learning more about the great people we meet along the way.

Farewell from Katherine Hoffman, Education Program Manager

As some of you know and others will learn by reading this, I left ESA at the end of August. For the last six years, I coordinated components of the SEEDS program - field trips, Chapters, ESA Meeting travel awards and so forth. I enjoyed this aspect of my job, but the heart and soul of SEEDS is the people – the students, the faculty, the staff, and the ESA volunteers. For those of you fortunate enough to have participated in the program, you know that there's something special and powerful when all that energy comes together. For some, it's literally life-changing. It's no wonder that many say that SEEDS is family. Some of you are blessed to know this, but for those who aren't, be aware that there's a community of amazing people ready to support you. This family is what made my last six years transcend “work.” Even when carrying out the mundane elements of the position, I cared about the people for whom I was doing the job, knew their struggles and dreams, wanted to support their goals, and that made all the difference. I recognize and am so appreciative for the rarity of a professional experience with such a personal core.

I wish I had some great wisdom or advice to leave with all of you, but what I want to express most is gratitude. At the ESA Meeting in August, many of you expressed your appreciation for my work through your kind words and beautiful gifts. I was so touched and all I could think is that I should be honoring all of you for what you've given me. Thank you for your passion. Your unfaltering heart and spirit have given me inspiration. Thank you for your ideas and perspectives. As you've shared who you are and where you come from, I've been given new ways of knowing. Thank you for the experience. I've learned so much, grown personally and professionally, and have been given the opportunity to accept a new professional endeavor as a result.

It's bittersweet to leave. I have to remind myself of the perspective of a fellow Peace Corps volunteer when we were leaving our town at the end of our experience in Kazakhstan. I was crying during the goodbyes, not knowing if or when I'd see my Kazakhstani friends again. My fellow volunteer was smiling and I couldn't understand his emotion. He said that he was smiling because the friendships we had made were relationships to smile about, not cry over, and he knew that they didn't end with us leaving. These relationships would be carried with us as new friendships and opportunities await; this was not an ending, but a beginning. I have a new professional beginning ahead of me, but I know that it's built on a foundation of caring and support from the SEEDS family. I know that what I've been given will be with me indefinitely as it's helped to shape who I am and how I do my work. What I hope most is that the relationships I've formed with many of you will transcend my employment at ESA. Take care and keep in touch – katieinzhez@yahoo.com . I wish all of you the best.

Good Foundations Guide SEEDS Through Changes – Raynell Rino

As we have all returned to our institutions, we can't help but to reflect on the past summer and all the memories made. It's during times like this where we find ourselves in the routine of day jobs, academic environments, and the familiar places of our day-to-day living. It's difficult to imagine that SEEDS completed another successful annual meeting in San Jose just about a month ago. The theme for this past meeting was focused on a changing world, however, little did the program know that change was to come to us, and suddenly.

Upon the announcement of Katherine Hoffman's departure from the program, students, staff, and faculty were faced with the reality that one of the most important individuals to the program was, in her own right, ready for change. As Theresa announced that Katherine would leave SEEDS by the end of August, there was an immediate thickness of attentiveness in the room followed by the confusion of, “is it true?”

Speaking from personal experience with Katherine, I can only express gratitude and stress the importance of having such an individual as manager of this program. Most members can confirm that upon learning about the SEEDS program, the idea of good mentorship is emphasized substantially, as a goal of the program. As the program manager, she has proved to us that she is also a great mentor and supporter of the program as a whole.

I was initially introduced to the program in 2004 when I applied for both the annual field trip to Calgary, Canada and travel awards to the annual conference, which was held in Portland, OR that year. I was fortunate enough to receive both opportunities and quickly became excited about joining a program which purposes for ecology I strongly supported. I remember all the planning and coordination needed in order to be a part of these experiences, and also being impressed that some of the logistics were handled so smoothly by some woman named Katherine Hoffman. All documents, questions and concerns were to go to “Katherine Hoffman”! The day quickly came where I was to fly to Canada to explore and learn the ecology of the Rocky Mountains. As I descended upon international land I found myself melting into a sea of other travelers, trying to find my way to the arrivals where I would finally see who this “Katherine Hoffman” was and what this program was about. Surely enough I walked through the last gates in the airport and saw a woman holding a SEEDS sign! In a sigh of relief that I wasn't lost I began my journey with the program. From that instance I knew Katherine to be the comfort of the program. She was the “go-to” person if anything went wrong, and along with Melissa and Jason, gave more than 100% of their energy into maintaining a great experience with SEEDS.

Although I give a personal glimpse into my interaction with Katherine, there are other members of the SEEDS family that would like to express their gratitude. Keep in mind we are speaking for the SEEDS family as a whole:

Katherine has been such an integral part of the SEEDS program, her quiet demeanor and tendency to lead from behind has been her signature to us students. It has been quite a year, we've lost two very important members of the SEEDS family and the “terrific trio” (Jason, Katherine, and Melissa) has been dwindled down. I think the most shocking part is that if we students could have it our way, we'd do anything to keep our SEEDS program just the way it was. However, as budding ecologists, we know that change plays a very critical role in growth, and unfortunately we have to accept the uncomfortable changes just as we accept enjoyable ones. I know for myself, as well as other SEEDS members, Katherine takes with her a little piece of our hearts and we gladly give them to her. She has made our trips and experiences with SEEDS absolutely unforgettable and surely the next person to step in her place will have big shoes to fill. I am confident that all of us will recover from this loss, but Katherine's reign as SEEDS program coordinator will never be forgotten. We wish you the best that life has to offer and we certainly hope you know that many of us will keep in touch. Katherine, GOOD LUCK in your new endeavors and as there is never a good-bye, we look forward to seeing you again!  Amber Finley

Thank you so much for your guidance and support Katherine. Your spirit and dedication to the program are what keep us moving forward, and I hope you know that you share a part of any success we may have. As you move forward in your career, know that we will miss you and that we wish you the best of luck.  Noemi Baquera

With a good foundation of dedicated staff and students that stand by SEEDS' goals, the program remains resilient through these changes. As we bid farewell to a member of our family commonly seated at the head table, we embrace her dedication to the program and wish Katherine Hoffman only the very best in her next step. She sets the example of change and growth. As change comes to each of our lives in good intention, we will strive to be the best by creating impacts in every endeavor we face. You will be deeply missed, Katherine!

Farewell from Samantha Schwab, Education Intern

I sincerely thank the ESA and SEEDS staff and students for teaching me so much this summer. Everyone's dedication and passion has convinced me to pursue a career in ecology. I am no longer tentatively minoring in biology, but definitely majoring, as well as pursuing ecological research and planning to go on to graduate school. Once I'm back at school, I am going to rally up as many likeminded people as possible and start a SEEDS Chapter at Barnard College and/or Columbia University. Thank you for inspiring me to focus on my goals and not on my limitations. I look forward to seeing all of you again at future SEEDS events!

New Temporary Staff

SEEDS is very pleased to announce that one of our own students, Amber Finley, will be helping with SEEDS until the Diversity Coordinator and Assistant positions are filled. Amber is a graduate student at the University of San Francisco, studying Environmental Management, and attending classes on the weekends due to the nature of the program. Amber has been interested in ecology education for a long time and diversity, as an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes). SEEDS has been working with Amber since 2004 when she started in the program during a field trip to the Kananaskis field station. Most recently, Amber was an alumni mentor during the 2007 ESA meeting, and has been involved in the formation of an alumni committee within SEEDS. We are fortunate to have Amber's capable help during our transition.

New Education Intern

Antonio Cordero is ESA 's fall 2007 education intern. He will be assisting the education staff in promoting and developing the SEEDS program, amongst other functions. Antonio is a senior in Oregon State University 's Environmental Science program, his area of specialty is in Wildlife Conservation. He has completed internships in ecological restoration for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Anacostia Watershed Society. Antonio has assisted in the field data collection phase of several ecological studies involving mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Currently, he is in the early stages of designing a research proposal of his own. In his free time, he enjoys bird watching, hiking and ecology related discussions. Antonio is very excited to join the SEEDS program and looks forward to working with all of its members.

Resource Science Technician
Date Posted: May 25, 2007 Close Date: September 14, 2007

Employer: Missouri Department of Conservation
Location: MO, U.S.
Salary: $8.49/hour, plus housing

Contact: Rochelle Renken Missouri Department of Conservation 1110 S College Ave Columbia, MO 65201 573/882-9909, ext.3242. Email: Rochelle.Renken@mdc.mo.gov

Description: Fifteen field technicians are needed for a project to monitor the effects of forest management on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals in Missouri 's Ozark forests. Technicians will install arrays, maintain and check traps, identify and mark captured animals, and enter data into databases. Applicants must have a B.S. in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or fish and wildlife biology. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed college coursework in vertebrate biology, herpetology, and mammalogy, and have field experience in amphibian, reptile and small mammal trapping. The employment period is from 9 January 2008 through 2 November 2008. To apply, please submit a detailed resume with a cover letter to Rochelle Renken, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 South College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201. Contact Rochelle at 573/882-9909, ext. 3242 or Rochelle.Renken@mdc.mo.gov with questions or inquiries.

Research Assisstant Position:
B.S. or M.S. level research assistant position available in Micky Eubanks' lab at Texas A&M University to study plant-herbivore interactions. Full-time position with competitive salary and benefits.
Full description: https://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0708a&L=ecolog-l&P=4689

Botany Internship: A paid 5-month-long botany internship position is available in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a recent graduate with a biology related major.
» Full description: https://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0708a&L=ecolog-l&P=7729

Study Abroad: Beam Reach sponsors a 10-week course on San Juan Island studying endangered killer whales.
» Full description: https://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0708d&L=ecolog-l&P=64

Internship: Paid 5-month internship with the Conservation and Land Management Mentoring Program in Phoenix, Arizona for a recent graduate.
» Full description: https://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0707e&L=ecolog-l&P=1021