Graduate Programs Open House at University of Houston

The University of Houston Department of Biology and Biochemistry is hosting a Graduate Programs Open House. The purpose of the Open House is to expose local students to the exciting, cutting-edge research going on in the department, and encourage them to join their diverse graduate programs.  The Open House will take place during the morning of Wednesday, December 5, 2012. 

If you are planning to apply to graduate school in the areas of Biology and/or Biochemistry this is a perfect opportunity to learn about research-intensive graduate programs and meet UH's distinguished, internationally recognized faculty.

The Open House will consist of:

9:00–9.30am: Meet and Greet. Students meet Dept. of Biology and Biochemistry faculty and students, the department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. (Free continental breakfast will be provided.)

9:30am–12:30pm: Guided tours of the department and the research laboratories.

12.30–1.30pm: Pizza lunch (free for all participants).

If you would like to participate please register here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDZDNEdSUkFJX0lRZl9GRUJhaTFWcXc6MQ

Student positions with EPA in Gulf Breeze, FL

Follow this link for more information. Application deadline is December 3, 2012.

Interns needed to help with wetland assessment project

Galveston Bay Watershed Wetland Mitigation Assessment

Interns needed!

The Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TAMU) and the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) are conducting an assessment of wetland mitigation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in the greater Houston area (8 county region). We will assess the nature of mitigation for authorized wetland fill activity: Is it required where it should be? Is it documented? Is there follow up? And finally, how much of the required mitigation is actually successful in the long run?

We are seeking at least two student interns to work on this project. Much of the work will involve tedious examination of many records, but there will be opportunity to be involved in some ground-truthing later in the project.  Familiarity with Excel, Access or other spreadsheet and database software packages required. GIS experience preferred.  Most of the work will take place in the offices of the TCWP in Clear Lake.  With time, some of the work could be accomplished off-site.

20 hours a week. Work will commence in January 2012.

Contact John Jacob, jjacob@tamu.edu 

Wetlands lab in the news: mangroves and whooping cranes

As mangroves expand on the Texas coast, they may be displacing marshes that are used by endangered whooping cranes. I discuss this ecosystem shift in the Houston Chronicle article linked here.  

A whooping crane foraging near a newly-recruited mangrove tree (photo credit Dr. Lee Smee).

The research mentioned in this article is supported by grants from Texas Sea Grant and NASA.

Undergrad Internship in Waterbird Ecology at TAMUG

WATERBIRD ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Two Undergraduate Internship Opportunities (484 credit possible)

Spring 2013

Being offered in conjunction with Audubon Texas:

Preference will be given to students with strong interests in:

·       Coastal Ecosystems

·       Waterbird Ecology

·       Wildlife Management

·       The majority of work will be directly related to management/surveys of Audubon’s coastal rookeries, interns will assist with:

o   Rookery surveys and monitoring via boat mainly in the West Bay area, but occasionally at other locations on Galveston Bay or beyond. Accommodations will be provided if an overnight trip is required.

o   Management of Audubon owned or leased islands: fire ant control, vegetation work, predator management, construction of nesting platforms, volunteer workdays, etc.

o   Spring 2013 work will include coordinating and helping with a TPWD grant to install signage at major boat ramps to educate the public on rookery islands

o   Prep work/ compiling of data for the Texas Colonial Waterbird survey database

o   GIS work documenting management activities

o   Occasional office work entering data or related tasks

·       Interns will gain experience in all aspects of colonial waterbird management, boat safety and operation and wildlife research

·       Applicants must be able to work in challenging field conditions- areas prone to mosquitos and rattlesnakes; be able to lift 40 pounds; be able to work independently; be available to work hours other than 8-5 Monday- Friday as needed

To apply: email Dr. Kim Reich, reichk@tamug.edu.  Write “waterbird” in the subject of your email, attach a brief statement of interest, your resume, and include relevant course work and your current G.P.A.  Please respond NO LATER THAN 13 NOVEMBER 2012;  a time and location for an informational meeting to be held the evening of Nov. 15th and 16th will be sent to all who respond by the deadline.  Interviews will be scheduled at the informational meeting.

Peer-reviewed humor

Do you feel like this after a paper has been rejected?

http://researchinprogress.tumblr.com/post/33946389387/we-regret-to-inform-you-that-your-paper-has-not-been

And do you feel like this after a paper has been accepted?

http://researchinprogress.tumblr.com/post/33884075941/we-are-pleased-to-inform-you-that-your-paper-has-been

Expedition Sewee Instructor/Naturalist, South Carolina

Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute

Job Description

Title:                             Expedition Sewee Instructor/Naturalist

Work Dates:                 January 2013 – May 2013 (summer opportunities available)

Location:                      Awendaw, SC

Description:

The program combines a unique opportunity to work in varied curriculums and educate children in natural resources and marine biology. We are hiring to work at the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center in Awendaw, SC, where we teach our Expedition Sewee program (marine science).  We work with students from 2^nd to 8^th grade and instruct in day and night programming.  In addition, we also facilitate team initiatives and games.

Principal Duties:

·       Regularly teach all marine science and natural resource components of the core curriculum- (training provided).

·       Create and master lesson plans for six marine science classes including marine life, salt marsh and barrier island beach studies.

·       Lead students in daily program activities (wake-up, , meals, canteen, and campfire).

·       Be actively involved in all program activities, leading and participating in evening recreational and instructional times as scheduled.

·       Assist with routine clean up and set up of program areas.

·       Perform direct supervision of children while involved with activities.

·       Facilitate groups utilizing adventure activities.

Qualifications:

·       BA or BS in Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Geology, Education, Marine Biology or related field is preferred.

·       Must have the patience, understanding, flexibility, and a lot of energy.

·       Must demonstrate teaching skills and the ability to implement creative “hands on” teaching methods.

·       Must be willing to sacrifice, adapt and work hard as part of a team pursuing an objective.

·       Must be physically able to perform the tasks required to teach outdoors.

·       Must be willing to work long hours.

Pay Scale:

Twice a month pay of $550-$500 plus room, board, and a sickness/accidental insurance plan.  EOE.

Contact: 

You can send resumes to Shannon Repokis via email Repokis@clemson.edu