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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
NEWSLETTER
April 24, 2006
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In this issue:
** Upcoming ES Program Events: ES Colloquia "Traveling the Maine Island
Trail", and
viewing of Green Romanticism student films
** ES Program News: Check out new ES courses!
** Mellon Grant!: Deadline
extended until Monday April 24
** Sustainability on Campus: Earth Week a success
** Grad opportunities: Texas A&M, Villanova University
** Jobs and Internships: Environmental Health internship,
Stewardship Assistant with TNC, Chicago Botanic Gardens, and more
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** Upcoming ES Program Events:
April 26
12:00 in the Fairchild Room in Dana, join us for lunch with Dave at 11:30
Traveling the Maine Island Trail
Dave
Mention is the Trail Director for the Maine Island Trail Association, a
non-profit organization that promotes access to islands, stewardship of the
islands, and education of users about Leave No Trace. The Trail stretches
from Kennebunkport to Canada and is a model of volunteer management of our
natural resources. Dave is an adventure travel guide and Registered Maine
Guide, and has traveled the Maine coast in both sea kayak and aluminum skiff.
April 27
11:30 in the Fairchild Room in Dana
Green Romanticism
The
Romantics were known as the poets of nature, but how can we understand their
relationship to the environment from a contemporary eco-critical
perspective? How have the Romantic poets helped to shape the history of
Western environmentalism?
The students of English 321 have produced a series of short films addressing
these questions and on topics ranging from the politics of meat production and
the history of landscape gardening to contemporary neo-paganism and the
environmental aesthetics of the sublime.
Films
**
ES Program News:
Check out these two new ES fall courses:
Dr.
Curtis Bohlen will be replacing Professor Philip Nyhus next year while he is on
a year sabbatical.
ES297 Wetland Science
Four credit hours. Bohlen
Wetland ecosystems receive special protections under state and federal laws and
international agreements. One consequence has been the rapid development of
both basic and applied wetland science, which draws heavily on ecology,
hydrology, soil science and other disciplines to examine the structure and
function of wetland ecosystems. Introduces students to principals of wetland
science and to the diversity of Maine's wetlands. Students will also gain
familiarity with contemporary approaches to wetlands protection and application
of wetlands science within legal and policy contexts. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Biology 131 or 164.
Dr. Christopher Thoms will be the ES Environmental Justice fellow for 2006-07.
ES391 Reading Seminar in Environmental Studies
Two credit hours. Thoms
Discussions and presentations on topics of current interest in selected areas
of environmental studies. The focus of this seminar will be environmental
justice. Students will read primary literature, make presentations, and
complete writing assignments on articles discussed. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: Junior standing in environmental studies.
** Campus Sustainability
Earth
Week was a huge success, thank you to every one involved. There were many great
events including a clean up of the three mile loop -- hauling 11 tires ,
two TVs, a microwave, a box fan, a stereo, and a box full of Styrofoam packing
material, a clean up of the arboreteum, two great public lectures, an environmental
expo, a
really cool model dorm room display that will be available for viewing again May 6
if you missed it, a recycled art contest that you can still enter -- contact the
green house, a 5K race for the rainforest, and a great dinner at Foss on
Thursday night. Joe Klaus, Assistant Director of Dining Services arranged for a wonderful
local and organic dinner that was a wonderful celebration of the produce that
Maine has to offer.
Participation from the Physical Plant Department, EAG, Dining Services, the
Green House, ES Program, Outdoor Education and Safety Program, EnviroCo,
ES Club made this a success.
** Mellon Grant!: Deadline
extended until Monday April 24
Last call for applications. If you are an ES major or minor and would like to
apply for funds for a summer internship. Check out this link for details.
Applications are due by the end of the day Monday, 4/24.
http://www.colby.edu/environ/initiatives/melloncriteria.shtml
** Grad School and Research Opportunities
UNDER/GRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: ORCAS AND ACOUSTICS
Sail
with the orcas. Study their acoustic environment. Pioneer
sustainable practices and technologies. Join the Beam Reach
marine science and sustainability school today!
-- Explore the Pacific, its beautiful ecosystems, and the San Juan Islands at
the renowned Friday Harbor Laboratories and
aboard a 42' sailing catamaran
-- Analyze environmental problems and act to solve them
-- Learn and practice science and leadership through rigorous
experiential education
-- Earn 18 science credits from the University of Washington
without being in a traditional classroom
Now accepting applications for:
Fall 2006 (August 21- October 30)
Spring 2007, Fall 2007
Instructions at: http://beamreach.org/apply.html
www.beamreach.org
2-Year Graduate Research Position in Conservation Science
Opportunity
Description:
Texas A&M University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers a year
Graduate Research Assistant position, available to begin August 2006. The
successful candidate will have a strong academic record and research interests
in collaboration with a multidisciplinary project in conservation science. The
position is ideal for a student with a social science background wishing to
work in the field of conservation biology, who is seeking cross-training in the
natural sciences. Experience in theory and skills of naturalistic inquiry are
desirable.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, this research focuses on how science
policy is mediated in land conservation associated with land
trusts. A central question is how local, regional and global
perspectives on biodiversity become linked in the place-based
settings associated with protected areas. This place-based research strategy is
a logical extension of landscape approaches to
understanding behavioral ecology of animal populations. The research team
is led by an applied anthropologist and a conservation
biologist, who is cross-trained in behavioral ecology and cognitive
sciences. The assistant will be expected to complete a graduate
research project coordinated with one aspect of the research question.
The position requires enrollment in the graduate program at the Master's level,
with flexibility for advancement pending successful
competition for a fellowship or other matching funds. The student will receive
a stipend, benefits and tuition. To apply, send letter
of interest, resume, transcripts and three letters of reference to the contact
person listed below (email encouraged). Review of
candidates will begin in May.
Dr. J.M. Packard
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77845-2258
j-packard@tamu.edu
REU opportunity in climate change science at Villanova
University
We are searching for a creative, meticulous, and motivated environmental
science undergraduate student to lead a summer-long global change research
project. This NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) project
is part of a larger collaborative project being carried out jointly at the
Department of Biology at Villanova University and the Natural
Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University. The aim of the
project is to better understand the impact of global climate change on the
organic carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific goals of the REU
project are to study how changes in temperature alter the decomposition rate of
organic matter that is more or less physically protected by soil aggregation.
The REU student will be directly involved in method development, data
collection and analysis. The ultimate goal of this summer project is to produce
a scientific publication in the peer-reviewed literature. In addition to a
competitive summer salary, the REU student will
be a full team member contributing to cutting-edge ecosystem ecology research.
Funds will also be available for the student to attend the 18th World Congress
of Soil Science, held in Philadelphia, July 9-15 2006. This is a unique
opportunity to participate in an international conference attended by thousands
of researchers from around the world.
Applications received by May 1st, 2006 will be guaranteed full consideration,
with a starting date soon thereafter. The ideal candidate
should have an interest in earth science, biology, ecology, environmental
science or climate change, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related
field. Previous laboratory experience is preferred, but not required. Villanova
University is located in Villanova, PA (approximately 10 mi outside of
Philadelphia, PA), and is easily accessible by public transit. Applicants
should submit a cover letter stating their interest in the project, a
current CV, a copy of their most recent course transcripts, and have two (2)
letters of recommendation sent under separate cover. Submit application
materials electronically to alain.f.plante@villanova.edu, or by
mail to Dr. Alain Plante, Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800
Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085. Questions about the position can be
directed to Dr. Alain Plante (alain.f.plante@villanova.edu). Villanova
University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and
minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
** Jobs and Internships
Environmental Health Internship
The
Environmental Health Strategy Center, a Maine-based nonprofit organization
dedicated to protecting human health from exposure to toxic chemicals, seeks
highly motivated and independent interns to assist with our cutting edge work
in Maine.
Over the past three and a half years, EHSC has successfully campaigned to phase
out arsenic-treated wood, brominated flame retardants, and various
mercury-added products in Maine. We coordinate a broad public health coalition
- the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine - which includes community, labor,
medical, public health, and environmental organizations. Our work focuses on
preventing exposure to persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals (PBTs) where
we live, work, and play caused by the indiscriminate use of untested synthetic
chemicals in common consumer products.
Potential internship activities include research and writing, civic engagement,
public education, and constituency or community organizing. Current projects
include: grassroots civic engagement work to educate elected and appointed
public officials about dangers posed by untested chemicals in consumer
products; women's environmental health research, action, and advocacy; and the
first Maine-based biomonitoring study that will test Maine residents for the
presence of various synthetic chemicals in their bodies (for which we will need
someone to review recent studies on the toxicology of various classes of
synthetic chemicals).
To learn more about this work, visit www.preventharm.org
On-campus contact person: Gail Carlson (gcarlson@colby.edu,
x4848)
Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
Job Opening & Description: Program
Director: “Mil-Foiler”
The Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (Friends) are seeking a Program
Director for our “Mil-Foiler” Program for the 2006 season. The “Mil-Foiler”
Program has been designed to combat the effects of Invasive Aquatic Plants
(IAP), one of two major threats facing the 217 square-mile Cobbossee
Watershed. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating
the recruitment, training and scheduling the of volunteers associated with our
Courtesy Boat Inspection program; establishing a volunteer Invasive Plant
Patrol (IPP) group; coordinating a removal project on an infected lake and
other initiatives associated with the organization.
This position is seasonal full-time from April – September. Some
weekend work may be required.
Research Assistant: US Forest Service
A unique
opportunity for an undergraduate student with strong computer science skills
and an interest in ecology. The position is based at the US Forest Service,
Northeastern Research Station in Durham, NH and lasts from late May through
late August (negotiable). The work involves managing ecological data in a
research environment. Additionally, the student will be responsible for
developing a research project in the field of ecological informatics.
Applicants should have experience and/or coursework in database management, web
page development, PHP and MySQL.
Salary: $10.00/hr
For information contact:
John Campbell or Ellen Denny
US Forest Service
Northeastern Research Station
Durham, NH 03824
jlcampbell@fs.fed.us
ellen.denny@yale.edu
(603)868-7600
Northeast Climate Policy
Coordinator
The Union of Concerned Scientists seeks a climate policy
coordinator to advance priority regulatory and legislative climate policies in
the Northeast. UCS is an alliance of concerned citizens and scientists; we
augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and advocacy to
build a cleaner environment and safer world. In support of the UCS climate
campaign, the Northeast climate policy coordinator will maintain knowledge of
priority regulatory and legislative climate policy initiatives across the
region; draft and review legislation, agency proposals and decisions; represent
UCS in key policy venues, public forums and with the media; and maintain strong
relationships with key state and regional officials, technical and policy staff
in other organizations, and business, public health and other opinion leaders.
Applicants must have broad knowledge of the policy dimensions of climate
change, preferably in the Northeast U.S., understanding of state legislative
and regulatory processes and procedures, and a demonstrated ability to work
effectively in teams and to liaise with government and business leaders and
members of the NGO community. Successful candidates will have a Masters or Law
degree or equivalent in a related field, and at least five years of relevant
experience.
For more complete information, please see the job posting on our website: http://www.ucsusa.org/ucs/about/jobs-at-ucs.html.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to globalenvironment@ucsusa.org.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is an equal opportunity employer continually
seeking to diversify its staff and offers competitive salaries, excellent
benefits, and a rewarding work environment.
Chicago
Botanic Garden paid internships in the western states
We
are seeking three recent graduates to participate in the Seeds of Success and
Kew Millenium Seedbank program. Positions are located in Burns District (Oregon),
Richfield (Utah) and Rock Springs (Wyoming).
The positions are paid $750 bimonthly.
Applicants must have a botany background (plant systematics, plant taxonomy or
related) and demonstrate an enthusiasm for botanizing in wilderness areas. The
job positions include locating populations using GIS and GPS technology,
tracking phenology, collecting seed following specific protocols, processing
seed, and preparing herbarium specimens.A one week workshop at the Chicago
Botanic Garden will provide training in the roles and policies of the Bureau of
Land Management, plant identification, GPS and GIS technology, and seed
collecting and storage protocols.
The internship may also be extended to include an international seed collection
internship in Australia and/or Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (England), pending
funding.
How to apply: send a letter of interest, official school transcript(s), resume,
and three letters of recommendation to Lara Jefferson, Institute for Plant
Conservation, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60202.
Applicants must have a visa authorized for employment in the United States of
America.
Lara Jefferson
Manager, Conservation and Land Management Internship Program
Institute for Plant Conservation
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
ph: +1 (847) 835 6919
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/research/conservation/blm/index.html
Undergrad Training: Energy & Climate:
Toward Sustainable Systems
The MIT Lab for Energy & the Environment is offering a
1-week training for upper level undergraduate students on Energy & Climate
Systems, June 11-16. 2006. Speakers include Kerry Emanuel (hurricane
researcher recently published in Science) and Ross Gelbspan (author of
groundbreaking global warming books including "The Heat is On"), as
well as many leading MIT experts in the science, economics and policy of energy
& climate systems. The course will develop participants'
understanding of the complex interrelationships of science, technology, and
society within the energy and climate challenge. Students will gain
practical, project-based experience improving energy management (either on
campus or in the community) that can form the basis for taking action
on their own campuses and in their professional lives. Application
required, space is limited. $50 fee covers costs. Housing is not
offered, but we can refer students to budget housing options.
More info and application at
http://lfee.mit.edu/metadot/index.pl?id=3D3841&isa=3DCategory&op=3Dshow
or email Amanda Graham at agraham@mit.edu
The Nature Conservancy, NH Chapter
Stewardship Assistant
This
position will be located in Southwest and South-central New Hampshire. Position
will be responsible for supporting TNC's stewardship and management of its
preserves and conservation easements. The position will be based in the
Conservancy's Concord, NH office. The Stewardship Assistant will be responsible
for preserve management and monitoring, and equipment upkeep and maintenance.
Specific duties are expected to include trail and boundary line maintenance;
signage installation and upkeep; invasive species management; trash removal;
stocking and maintaining information kiosks; and interacting with the general
public while working on preserves. The Assistant may also help with stewardship
activities in the Great Bay and NH's seacoast region. Approximately timeline
for this position will be 10-11 weeks during June - August, 2006. Detailed job
description with requirements available at: www.nature.org/careers. TO APPLY: Send
a resume, cover letter and 3 references to: Krista Helmboldt, Land Steward, The
Nature Conservancy, 22 Bridge Street, 4th Floor, Concord, NH 03301 or
khelmboldt@tnc.org. EOE.
Editorial Intern High Country News
Contact: Jodi Peterson
jodi@hcn.org
High Country News,"for people who care about the West," is looking
for energetic editorial interns. Published in Paonia, Colo., High Country News
is a nonprofit every-other-week news magazine covering communities and the
environment in the American West. The journal reaches 25,000 subscribers —
an estimated 50,000 readers — including grassroots activists, public land
managers, tribal officials, government policy makers and educators.
The Los Angeles Times has written that High Country News is "the most
influential environmental journal in the Mountain West," and according to
Newsweek, "High Country News is a must for anyone following land use
issues west of the 100th meridian."
Interns are a key part of our editorial staff; aside from a few minor tasks
such as sorting the mail and answering phones, interns write intensively for
four months. The editing is rigorous - all copy goes through three layers of
editing and it is not
unusual for a story to see six or eight drafts. Interns write the majority of
HCN's 250-word "hotlines" and reporting for those stories is
generally conducted over the phone and the Internet.
After gaining some experience, interns also write more in-depth 750- to
900-word stories. We do have money to send each intern out into the field at
least once to do some on-the-ground reporting for those stories.
Qualifications: Qualifications for internships include strong communication
skills, initiative, background in the West and environmental issues, and a
sense of humor.
We especially encourage Native American, Hispanic and other minority applicants.
Location: Paonia, CO
Duration: 4 months
Start Date: January, May, September -- see hcn.org/about/interns.jsp for
deadlines
Hours: 40 hrs/week
Compensation: Free room and board in a small house near the office and a
stipend of $500 per month.
Application Procedure: For more information and application deadlines, see
hcn.org/about/interns.jsp.
Applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, contact information for three
references, and three writing samples to:
Jodi Peterson, News Editor
High Country News
P.O. Box 1090
Paonia, CO 81428
Call 970-527-4898 or email jodi@hcn.org for further information.