Ecological Society of America Student Section

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Contributed by Aurora MacRae-Crerar

What does next generation of ecologists look like?

1. Collaboration with SEEDS and student section – Jenny and DC Randle
2. Another good group to collaborate with for this topic: International Network of Next-Generation Ecologists (INNGE)

   Mission Statement: The International Network of Next Generation Ecologists (INNGE, [in-jee]) is a newly established network of ecologists that seeks to bring early career ecologists together from around the world. It is the hope that this will help to strengthen international ties and inspire new activities in a growing global community of ecologists.

   While in Korea I have been helping this group make ties with various ecological societies in Asia.

   Both Naupaka Zimmerman and Rob Salguero-Gomez are on the INNGE working group. As past chairs of the ESA’s past student section, they would be great people to collaborate with when considering the questions: “How can ESA serve the next generation of scientists better? What are they looking for? What are their interests?”
   - perhaps we could use their membership base for a survey?
   - I would be happy to act as liaison between INNGE and EHRC

Science communication training

1. Interesting article about scientists & public engagement (in case you already see it
   circulated on Ecolog): http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/science/09emily.html?pagewanted=all
2. Eco-focus communications programs, in addition to Aldo Leopold: Research Ambassador Program (RAP), Director - Nalini Nadkarni

   Also see: “Not preaching to the Choir” article
   - Nalini is currently working on another grant to fund RAP, could be a very good person to collaborate with if ESA wants to develop similar programs

Student Diversity Internship Programs

1. Environmental Justice (EJ) eco-Ambassadors: The Environmental Justice (EJ) eco-Ambassador Program, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Student Diversity Internship Program (SDIP) is providing student internship opportunities focusing on environmental justice. This new partnership supports Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priorities to "expand the conversation on environmentalism and work for environmental justice.

   The EJ eco-Ambassador focus area aims to:

   - Expand opportunities for graduate students to work collaboratively with EPA offices to support community based programs and increase local community's capacity to address environmental concerns; and
   - Facilitate career development opportunities for graduate level students who have been involved in or have a strong interest in environmental justice.

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