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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

April 14, 2008

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In this issue:

** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS: Two great lectures this week: Tom Tietenberg to deliver Grossman lecture -- Tuesday, "Unintended Consequences: The Effect of Maize Cultivation on the Transmission of Malaria" Wednesday

** CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY: Spudware in Spa, RecycleMania results are in

** ES PROGRAM NEWS: Mellon Stipends Available for ES Majors and Minors

** GRAD PROGRAMS: Masters or Doctorate, Interdisciplinary Graduate Sudies, UBC Okanagan

** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS: Stratus Consulting, Policy Intern, National Park Service, Washington, DC, Fairfield and Winslow Sustainability Projects, Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellowship at the Wells Reserve, U.S. Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division Law and Policy Section

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** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS:

Tomorrow will be a special night for the economics department and the environmental studies program. Professor Tom Tietenberg will give his last formal public lecture at Colby before his retirement. Don't miss learning about emissions trading from one of the people who worked to design this important program!

Grossman lecture by Professor Tom Tietenberg

"Emissions Trading: The Evolution of an Economic Idea from Concept to Global Implementation"

Tuesday April 15th at 7:30

Ostrove Auditorium

Over the last thirty plus years the use of transferable permits to control pollution has evolved from little more than an academic curiosity to the centerpiece of the US program to control greenhouse gases. In this lecture, Tom Tietenberg, one of the key people involved in this transformation, will describe how this policy approach has evolved over time, assess some of its key strengths and weaknesses and share some specific lessons on policy design and effectiveness that emerge from our experience with it.

ES 402 credit

"Unintended Consequences: The Effect of Maize Cultivation on Malaria Transmission"

Jim McCann from the African Studies Center at Boston University

Lovejoy 100, at 7:30PM,

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008.

This presentation will tell the story of the origins and progress of a research project in the agricultural history of Africa that has uncovered a new dimension of disease transmission. The project includes elements of inquiry from history, entomology, remote sensing, botany, economics, and epidemiology. The project explores the question of whether hybrid maize cultivation contributes to the presently increasing distribution and intensity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in that region. It examines the unintended effects of agro-ecological change and indicates the need for policy adjustments in the overlapping arenas of food security and health equity. By the year 2020 the Institute for Food Policy Research predicts that maize will be the world's dominant food crop. Malaria continues to be the most widespread infectious disease affecting the human condition in Africa and the developing world. Moreover, current trends in maize food production in sub-Saharan Africa suggest that smallholder farms bear an increasing burden of maize production and thus potential increased malaria risk.

Sponsored by the STS Department, Environmental Studies Program, and African Studies Department

ES 402 credit

** CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY:

Spudware in Spa

Biodegradable serving dishes and utensils in the Spa, including "Spudware" knives, forks, and spoons, are among a wide range of green-friendly initiatives in Dining Services. When you pick up disposable cutlery to eat in the Spa, it's made of potato starch. Cups for cold drinks are made of cornstarch. Properly composted, they disintegrate in 90 days. Check it out for yourself at the Spa.

RecycleMania Results

After ten weeks of tough competition with campuses from all over the country, Colby came in 28th out of the 151 schools competing in the per capita waste category which is where schools compete to see which can collect the largest amount of acceptable recyclables per person. Thanks to all of you who reduced, reused and recycled. For more on RecycleMania, visit: http://www.recyclemaniacs.org/index.htm.

And for more on recycling at Colby: http://colby.edu/green/Recycle/ColbyRecycling.htm

** ES PROGRAM NEWS:

Mellon Funds available for Summer Internships

The Environmental Studies Program is very fortunate to have received money from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that can be used to provide stipends to students who want to undertake environmentally-related internships in the summer and over Jan Plan. If you are interested in applying for a summer Mellon internship and you meet the following criteria, please consider applying:

Criteria for Environmental Internship Stipend:

* Preference for ES majors, ES minors/concentrations

* Current seniors eligible for January only

* Internship should be related to environmental science or policy coursework

* Preference for students interning in humanitarian, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations

* Applicants must be in good academic standing and be able to demonstrate financial need

Applications should include the following:

* A written proposal describing the organization sponsoring the internship, the internship responsibilities, and the relationship of the internship to environmental science or policy coursework and to your future career goals;

* A letter of recommendation from a Colby faculty member;

* A current resume;

* A budget proposal listing projected income (including wages, stipends, family contribution, gifts and other) and projected expenses (including transportation, housing, utilities, food, and other); and

* A letter or other communication from the sponsoring organization confirming the internship.

* Submit full application materials (electronic and hardcopy please) to Beth Kopp, box 5356 (Beth.Kopp)

* DEADLINE APRIL 23

** GRAD PROGRAMS

Masters or Doctorate, Interdisciplinary Graduate Sudies, UBC Okanagan

Project: Deep Creek Land Use and Water Demand Modelling

Supervisor: John Janmaat, Economics (U6, IKBSAS), UBC Okanagan

This research project is part of an NSERC Strategic Project in Watershed Ecosystems and Sustainability (see below). The objective of this component of the project is to develop a later demand model for the Deep Creek watershed that can predict future water

withdrawals, as influenced by climate change impacts. Water demand will follow from agricultural management decisions, which are influenced by economic factors such as crop and input prices, climate impacts on crop water needs, and water availability. To

capture the economic factors, the student will need to develop a set of plausible price scenarios for crops that can be grown in the Deep Creek watershed and for the important inputs (fuel, fertilizer, labor) required. For each of the crop options, agronomic production functions will need to be found, and then calibrated to the soil conditions of the Deep Creek watershed and to the predicted climate scenarios. Finally, the economic and agronomic models will be assembled in a spatially explicit model of land use for the watershed. The model will be run against predicted water availability, iterated until water availability and withdrawals are consistent. This last component of the project will

require the student to work closely with those working on another part of the project, development of a watershed hydrology and sustainability simulation. In particular, the land use model will need to be constructed at a scale that can be integrated into the

hydrologic model, as well as working with important variables predicted by the hydrologic model.

The ideal candidate will have a major or minor in economics, strong math skills, and experience with computer programming and modeling. Some familiarity with computer models of crop production and/or hydrology would be an asset. On its own, this project can provide adequate support for a master's degree. Funding is not in place to support a doctorate. This project can fund the first two years of a doctorate, and provide a foundation for the doctoral thesis. Extending the project into a doctoral thesis will require extensions such as development of a more closely coupled economic-physical model of the Deep Creek watershed, and exploration of the impact of policy options ? water license reforms, well taxes, etc. on water use in the Deep Creek watershed. Funding for this would be sought in cooperation with Dr. Janmaat, from

sources such as Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

For consideration, please send a letter of intent, including a statement of interests, a resume or CV, and names and addresses of 3 references to john.janmaat@ubc.ca. Unofficial transcripts would also be appreciated.

Graduate Opportunities (4 positions): NSERC Strategic Project in Watershed

Ecosystems and Sustainability

We are undertaking a NSERC strategic project ?assessing water sustainability under climate change and increasing demand using a one-water approach at the watershed scale?. As a result, we have 3 immediate openings for graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) at University of British Columbia (Okanagan). Successful candidates will work with multidisciplinary teams in watershed hydrology, hydrogeology, water economics and sustainability simulation. Financial support will be provided through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Interested candidates should have a background in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, physical geography and ecohydrology.

For consideration, please send the appropriate contact below by e-mail with: a letter of intent, including a statement of interests, a resume, and names and addresses of 3 references. Unofficial transcripts would also be appreciated.

1) Surface water and groundwater interactions: geo-chemistry (Principal Investigator Dr. Craig Nichol, UBC; E-mail: Craig.nichol@ubc.ca, one graduate position). This project will focus on application of several geochemical methods to understand interactions between surface water and groundwater in a community watershed. 2) Estimation of spatially varied groundwater recharge (Principal Investigator Dr. Al Woodbury, University of Manitoba; E-mail: woodbur@cc.umanitoba.ca, one graduate position). The project will use field data and land surface model to estimate spatially varied groundwater recharge.

3) Estimation of future water demand (Principle investigator Dr. John Janmaat, UBC; E-mail: John.janmaat@ubc.ca, one graduate position). This project will involve Environment Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to estimate future water demand using a multiple crop land use model as well as climate change scenarios. 4) Watershed hydrology and sustainability simulation (Principle investigator Dr.

Adam Wei, UBC; E-mail: adam.wei@ubc.ca, one graduate position). This project will use a suitable watershed hydrology model to predict the impacts of watershed disturbance, climate change and population growth on hydrology.

** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS:

Research Associate, Stratus Consulting

(NOTE THIS JOB WAS SENT BY AN ALUM WHO SAID THAT SHE LOVED THIS JOB AND COWORKERS, THEY ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE SPECIFICALLY WITH AN ES BACKGROUND. SHE (BETH SCHERER) HAS KINDLY OFFERED HER CONTACT INFORMATION IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION (email bscherer@stratusconsulting.com; phone 202-466-3731 ext. 20).

Stratus Consulting offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary expertise in environmental sciences and natural resources, environmental economics, information management, and climate change management. Stratus Consulting serves federal, state, tribal, and international government agencies, as well as utilities, industries, and law firms. Stratus Consulting is a privately held company with offices in Boulder, CO and Washington, DC.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Stratus Consulting has an opening for a full-time Research Associate located in our Washington, DC office. Project areas include environmental information, climate change, stratospheric ozone protection, and drinking water infrastructure and security.

RESPONSIBILITIES

* Conducting literature searches and reviews

* Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses

* Writing reports

* Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, or environmental studies

Excellent attention to detail; proven commitment to excellence and quality control

Ability to meet deadlines

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong quantitative skills

Knowledge of environmental issues and EPA regulations

Master degree and experience in government or consulting are a plus, but not required.

COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

Stratus Consulting offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; medical care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; paid time off; business casual dress; and more.

HOW TO APPLY

For immediate consideration, submit:

Cover letter

Salary expectation and history

Complete resume

Please reference the job codes "SWO RA08."

You may make this submission by:

e-mail to: hr@stratusconsulting.com

fax to: (303) 381-8200

mail to: PO Box 4059; Boulder, CO 80306-4059

Calls will not be accepted.

Paid Summer Internship Opportunity - Fairfield and Winslow Sustainability Projects

Two exciting positions for a paid summer internship is now available to initiate a sustainability project for the bordering towns of Fairfield and Winslow. Housing, meal plan, and transportation expenses will be covered.

The intern will research what other communities, both in and outside of Maine, have done and are doing to enhance sustainability, focusing mainly on reducing energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions. The research will include visits to some of these communities and meetings with climate change authorities. The intern will also perform an audit of the city's energy use. At the completion of the project the intern will submit a report containing the findings of the research and audit and recommendations for action steps to reduce energy use as well as to develop a continuing sustainability program.

Please respond to me <beth.kopp> ASAP if you are interested. The internships have not been approved yet, we are looking for the right candidate before going further.

Policy Intern, National Park Service, Washington, DC

The Office of Policy advances the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) by coordinating, developing and communicating policies for all NPS parks and programs in an atmosphere of teamwork. The NPS is a bureau under the Department of the Interior.

The Office of Policy is seeking an intern to assist with various projects during the summer of 2008. The intern will be encouraged to explore his/her own unique interests and incorporate them into policy assignments. The position is located in the Main Interior Building in downtown Washington, DC. The intern is expected to attend lectures and workshops relevant to policy issues throughout the city. This is an unpaid position, but daily travel expenses will be reimbursed through the NPS volunteer program.

The successful applicant will be a self-motivated student with a demonstrated interest in policy and environmental studies. Several interns may apply and be accepted in any given semester.

To apply for this position, please email a resume and cover letter describing your special interests to Marcia Keener marcia_keener@nps.gov or at 202-208-4298.

Position Description: Charles C. and Rebecca S. Richardson Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellowship

June 2008 through June 2009

About the Wells Reserve:

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 27 protected areas throughout the nation dedicated to practicing and promoting coastal and estuarine stewardship through innovative research and education programs. The Reserves are a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states. The Wells Reserve encompasses 2,250 acres along the southern coast of Maine. It has 7 miles of trails that take visitors through the diverse habitats, which are home to a variety of wildlife including several endangered species. The Visitor Center, offices, and laboratory are housed in a cluster of restored 19th-century farm buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Laudholm Trust - the Wells Reserve's non-profit partner - spearheaded the effort to save this historic site and create Maine's only National Estuarine Research Reserve.

About the Charles C. and Rebecca S. Richardson Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellowship:

The Wells Reserve is actively engaged in interdisciplinary programs that focus on environmental learning and helping Maine communities address complex environmental issues. Through the Charles C. and Rebecca S. Richardson Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellowship, we propose an integrated approach to environmental study including coastal science, environmental stewardship, and environmental learning. This Fellowship will provide recently-graduated students from an accredited institution of higher education with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience. In turn, this experience will help Maine students to compete favorably for Maine based-jobs, adding to the qualified environmental workforce.

Fellowship Description:

The Charles C. and Rebecca S. Richardson Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellow will:

a) Coordinate Summer Camps: Develop and implement the curriculum for Junior Researchers and Just for Kids summer day camps for kids ages 6-12. He/she will work with a seasoned staff educator to co-lead all summer camp programs.

b) Develop Trail Guide Materials: The Wells Reserve has received a grant to re-design the Discovery Program, which is a series of trail guides and activity backpacks visitors can use on self-guided trail excursions. The Fellow will manage this project by researching types of trail guide materials in use at other nature centers, draft a proposal and plan for a new trail guide, and then implement the approved plan.

c) Have Involvement with Designing New Interpretive Exhibits: The Wells Reserve is re-designing the interpretive exhibits in the Visitor Center. The Fellow will assist with this project during the planning phase. Based on the concept design and the Fellow's specific interests, the Fellow may be responsible for developing components of the exhibits.

d) Environmental Leadership Program Development: The Environmental Leadership Program will be a new initiative designed to incorporate marine biology, environmental studies, and environmental education into an intensive summer experience for high schoolers starting in Summer 2009. The Fellow will work closely with the Education Director to develop an outline, identify and secure commitments from relevant natural resource managers, market the program, and set up logistics.

e) Gain experience in the breadth of programs offered by the Wells Reserve, including the Research, Stewardship, and Coastal Training Departments, and the School and Public Interpretive Programs. The Fellow will also gain exposure to other regional environmental education, research, and stewardship centers through professional field trips.

f) Receive considerable opportunities for networking with regional environmental organizations and agencies through the above projects and through participation in relevant conferences and workshops.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree granted in 2007 or 2008 from a Maine institution of higher education in environmental education, education, environmental science, marine biology, biology, or related field

Desired Skills and Abilities:

teaching experience with a wide range of age levels in a variety of settings

experience with curriculum development and educational program planning

proven ability to work independently and as part of a team

multi-tasking and prioritizing

computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign preferred

knowledge of northeastern coastal ecosystems, especially salt marshes

strong work ethic

strong organization skills

valid driver's license with clean driving record and ability to drive a 15 passenger van, positive attitude and flexible worker

Time Commitment:

A full-time commitment is required from early June 2008 through early June 2009. Work days will typically be Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends. Depending upon the candidate, continuation of the position may be possible, up to an additional year.

Compensation:

$16,640 annual stipend; free communal housing at the newly completed sustainable dormitory within walking distance; $1,500 annual health care stipend.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to the email, address, or fax number below; email is preferred.

Applications must be received by Sunday, April 13.

Intern Position Available

U.S. Department of Justice

Environment and Natural Resources Division Law and Policy Section

The Law and Policy Section (LPS) advises and assists the Assistant Attorney General on legal and policy issues. Working with the Office of

Legislative Affairs, LPS coordinates the Environment and Natural Resources Division's legislative program. LPS also represents the

Department of Justice on interagency groups of a variety of issues that relate to the mission of the Division. LPS also litigates amicus cases and undertakes other specially assigned litigation projects at the trial and appellate levels. Other duties include monitoring citizen suits; responding to citizen mail, congressional, and FOIA requests; and serving as the Division's ethics officers. LPS attorneys also

coordinate the Division's activities on international environmental matters and environmental justice matters.

Duties of the unpaid undergraduate intern position include: attending congressional hearings and reporting on environmental legislation;

researching legal and policy issues; and providing support for the section's amicus litigation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a

mandatory drug test, and be willing to commit for a period of at least ten weeks. Applicants should be either enrolled as undergraduates

during the internship, or planning on returning to their school in the time period immediately following the conclusion of the internship.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but must be received no later than the following application deadlines:

- For Fall Internships (September- November/December 2008, dates flexible): July 3, 2008;

- For Winter Internships (January- March 2009, dates flexible): November 7, 2008;

To apply, please fax a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and 3-5 page writing sample (may be an excerpt from a longer paper on any

topic) to Jacob Lipson at (202) 514-4231, or mail the above to:

Jacob Lipson

Environment and Natural Resources Division / LPS

P.O. Box 4390

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044-4390

For more information, please call (202) 305-0641.

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Beth Kopp

Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program

Colby College

5356 Mayflower Hill Drive

Waterville, Maine 04901

Office: 208 Diamond Building

207.859.5356