Department of Biological Sciences Newsletter “from biomolecules to the biosphere” No. 2 January 17, 2014 Announcements Welcome! Please welcome Lauren McDermaid who started January 6th in the BioStore as the Stores Administrator. As of Monday, January 13, 2014, the Store will open from 9:30AM to 4:00PM each day, except over lunch (noon to 1PM). We are also very pleased to welcome Benedicta Odame-Ankrah to the main office. Benedicta started January 3rd and will be someone all of you interact with as she is replacing Christine as the point person in the office. Please stop by and say hello, if you haven’t already. Recent Publications Stanton, M.M., Nelson, L.K., Benediktsson, H., Hollenberg, M.D., Buret, A.G. and Ceri, H. 2013. Proteinase-activated receptor-1 and immunomodulatory effects of a PAR1-activationg peptide in a mouse model of prostatitis. Mediators of Inflammation 2013: Article ID 748395, 12 pages. Scholarships UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards: To be considered for this award, the student must work under the supervision of a BioSci faculty member who holds an active NSERC research grant. Application (form 202), eligibility details can be found at http://www. nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/instructions/202/e. asp http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/UG-PC/USRA-BRPC_eng.asp Deadline: 30 January to submit a complete application to BioSciences (BI 186). Important Dates Jan 24 - 2 - 4:30 EEEL 210 - Faculty Council Meeting Jan 28 - 2-4 BI 211 - Department Meeting “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 1 AIHS Summer Studentships: For eligibility requirements, application procedures and other details, please visit: http://www.aihealthsolutions.ca/grants/ Sum-student. php Deadline for applications to reach AIHS: 7 Feb Department courier deadline: Submit your complete AIHS application to BI 186 by Feb 6 (12.00 pm). PURE -Programs for Undergraduate Research Experience: Applications (including docu- ments from the supervisor) are due on 14 Feb http://www.ucalgary.ca/provost/ TLFC/awards/undergrad USRP-Undergraduate Student Research Program in Health and Wellness: Application deadline- 14 Feb http://www.ucalgary.ca/usrp/ For more undergrad summer research opportunities, visit the department webpage http://bio.ucalgary.ca/undergrad/scholar.html Graduate Award Competition: Departmental deadline 20 January. There are five awards under this competition: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Open Doctoral Scholarships, Izaak Walton Killam Pre-Doctoral Scholarships, Special Awards and Bursaries. http://grad.ucalgary.ca/awards/opportunities/gac Please contact Sophia (georg[email protected]) for details. Email the complete application to [email protected] ABMI Research Grants Call for Proposals 2014/15 - The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) collects information throughout Alberta on a wide range of terrestrial biota (lichens, mosses, vascular plants, mites, birds, mammals), aquatic biota (vascular plants, aquatic invertebrates), terrestrial and aquatic habitats (soil, live and dead trees, shrubs, herbs, litter, water physiochemistry, water basin characteristics) and landscape elements. http://www.abmi.ca/abmi/aboutabmi/aboutabmi.jsp?categoryId=30&showNews=true&n ewsId=568 2 “from biomolecules to the biosphere” Seminars EEB seminar - Friday at Noon in BI 211 Jan 24 - John Gilleard - TBA ICB seminars - Fridays at 14h30 in BI 211 Jan 24 - Samuel Abbassah-Oppong - TBA BCEM 601 seminar - Monday at 16h00 in BI 211 Jan 20 - Maxwell Chilije - Studying the first step in the de novo synthesis of glycerolipids in metazoa EEB 601 seminar - Monday at 12h00 in BI 211 Jan 20 - Arian Cantin- TBA ICB 601 seminars - Thursdays at 13h00 in BI 211 Jan 23 - Carol Best - TBA Graduate Student Affairs Research Proposals None scheduled Ph.D. Candidacy Oral Examination - Candidacy Exams are Closed Exams. None scheduled Thesis Oral Examinations - Exams are “Open” unless otherwise noted. Please note: Pre-defense seminars are a degree requirement for all M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in Biological Sciences. Typically, the seminar will take place immediately preceding the Oral Defense Exam. Room bookings for Student Meetings - It is the student’s responsibility to book the necessary com-media equipment with either Benedicta (220-3578 [email protected]) or David (2208307) for their examination. Please book the equipment as soon as you have the date set for your exam/proposal meeting. (defense seminars are held one hour before the stated defense time in BI 211 unless noted otherwise) “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 3 Sian Wilson (Supervisor: J. Anderson), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Evolutionary Biology”, on February 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 389. (Neutral Chair: R. Cartar). Congratulations to… Jason Burt, who successfully defended his M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Biochemistry”, on January 9, 2014! Dr. Kiva Ferraro, who successfully defended his Ph.D. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Biochemistry”, on January 16, 2014! “Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham www.phdcomics.com Personal Ads 1 Room available March 1st – NW Calgary, nearby Foothills Hospital / UofC We are Grad students (1 male, 2 females) looking for 1 housemate (friend) to share a large and convenient house located right between the Foothill Hospital and the University of Calgary (1944 Uxbridge Drive NW). Here is what you might need to know about the place: 1. The house is fully furnished, except for the room you will be renting; it has a large living room, large dining room, 2 bathrooms, a large basement, laundry, backyard with bbq grill; 2. 5 minutes walking to Foothills, 10 minutes walking to the U of C; 4 “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 3. Bus stop (20, 91, 40) are just outside, 10 minutes walking to Banff trail C- train station; 4. Right in front of the Foothill mall, which includes small store, bakery, pub (Moose McGuire’s), pharmacy, post office, Scotiabank, fast food and Vietnamese restaurant; 5. No smoking, no pets (although we love animals); 6. 490 $/ month plus utilities (generally around 50-100 $ per person); 7. garage and 2 parking spots; 8. long term rent (>6 months) preferred. The roommate we are looking for is friendly, clean and responsible. We study and work hard, but we are friendly and easy-going: we like to hike, play music, cooking and have dinner with friends. To arrange a view, e-mail Stefano ([email protected]) Positions / Opportunities Field Assistant-Canada Warbler habitat selection and demography study Job type: Seasonal Duration: May-August, 2014 Number of Positions: 3 Location: Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park area Compensation: $14-18/hour, depending on experience Application Deadline: March 31, 2014 Description: Seeking 3 field assistants for a University of Alberta Master’s study on a threatened forest songbird: the Canada warbler. The main objective of the study is to compare micro-habitat use and productivity among old growth aspen-dominated mixed-wood stands, riparian buffers, and harvested stand with varying amounts of tree retention. Field assistants are needed from early May to mid-August, 2014. Successful applicants will live in field housing near Lesser Slave Lake and Calling Lake with other technicians and Master’s student. This position is a great opportunity to gain field wor experience in avian ecology and bird behavior, and to work on a Species at Risk in the beautiful boreal forest of northeastern Alberta. Duties: Avian point count surveys; Radio-telemetry monitoring of male Canada Warblers; Nest searching and monitoring; Vegetation surveys “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 5 Qualifications: Background in ornithology and/or ecology; Avian identification experience (sight and sound); Comfortable working early mornings, outdoors, for long hours, and adverse conditions ; Comfortable living with others in a field setting; Valid driver’s license Assets: Experience using aerial photos and GPS to navigate; ATV training; Experience with vegetation surveys ; Experience conducting point count surveys; Experience mist-netting and banding birds Contact: Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Anjolene Hunt ([email protected]) or Erin Bayne ([email protected]) Canada Warbler Research Photo by Darlene Friedman http://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/bird-of-the-week-canada-warbler/ The University of Alberta will be hiring: 3 field assistants for a study on the demography of the Canada Warbler, a species at risk breeding in the boreal forest. The study will compare habitat use and productivity in old growth aspen stands and stands with different harvesting intensity in the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park area. Tasks:     Point count and playback surveys to detect Canada warblers Tracking warblers using radio-telemetry to determine habitat use and breeding success Nest searching and monitoring Vegetation surveys Qualifications  Background in ecology/ornithology       Attention to detail/excellent note-taking skills Avian identification experience (sight and sound) Experience using aerial photos and GPS to navigate Comfortable working early mornings, outdoors, for long hours Comfortable living and working with others in a field setting Valid driver’s license Additional Assets    Experience conducting point count surveys Experience with radio-telemetry Experience performing vegetation surveys Position will run from May-August, 2014. Compensation is $14-18/hr, depending on experience. Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references by March 31, 2014 to ([email protected]) or Erin Bayne ([email protected]). 6 “from biomolecules to the biosphere” The Calgary Zoological Society is committed to excellence in animal stewardship and conservation leadership. Our staff and volunteers are what make us a success in these activities and keep us focused on our mission to take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places as part of our commitment become Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation If you would like to be part of this dynamic team, the Calgary Zoo has the following Limited Term employment opportunity available: Field Technicians The Centre for Conservation Research, whose main focus is the science of recovering at risk species, is currently seeking eight field technicians to assist with field work. The research will primarily be on northern leopard frogs in Southern Alberta and/or black-tailed prairie dog/ black-footed ferrets in Grasslands National Park, Sask. Frog research is typically 10 days in the field with 4 days off in Calgary. For prairie dog research days off are highly variable and weather-dependent and will be spent in Val Marie, Sask. The positions are outlined below: nd th • three positions from April 28 to June 4th; July 22 to August 28 , 2014 (frog research) • Five positions from June 2 to Oct. 5, 2013 (prairie dog/ ferret research) Successful applicants will have: • Experience with biological field work (e.g. GPS, map reading, wildlife and vegetation surveys) • An eye for detail, as accurate and precise data collection and entry is essential • Excellent interpersonal skills • A high level of physical fitness • Class 5 drivers license; successful candidates will be required to provide a driver’s abstract Academic/Educational Requirements: Possess or working toward a B.Sc. or equivalent education (or above) Working Conditions: • Expected to work early and long hours independently or in a team. • Hiking in remote locations under various weather conditions. • Long hours spent driving on highways or gravel roads. • Living in close quarters with field team in camp setting. • Requires animal handling (live trapping, swabbing for disease testing). • Carry heavy equipment over long distances. • Working at night in isolated conditions (ferret monitoring). th Applications and cover letters must be received by February 9 . Please clearly specify the position title in your application. Please send applications to: No phone inquiries please. Human Resources Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V6 All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Fax: (403) 695-3807 Email: [email protected] “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 7 The Calgary Zoological Society is committed to excellence in animal stewardship and conservation leadership. Our staff and volunteers are what make us a success in these activities and keep us focused on our mission to take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places as part of our commitment become Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation If you would like to be part of this dynamic team, the Calgary Zoo has the following Limited Term employment opportunity available: 2014 Conservation Research Fellowship We are pleased to announce our annual Conservation research Fellowship position. The aim of this fellowship is to aid the professional development of recent graduates as they develop their careers in the field of conservation biology. The fellowship is tenable in the Calgary Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research, which conducts innovative scientific research in zoos and in the wild to develop applicable solutions for environmental problems threatening the Earth’s species and ecosystems. As part of the Husky Energy Endangered Species Program, the successful applicant will join the Centre for a 10-month term from April 28th, 2014 through Feb 27th, 2015. This salary position will focus on conservation based projects and will involve contributing to the Centre’s existing field research on two or more SARA species. Part of the successful applicant’s time will be spent in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, assisting in field research on population dynamics of the black-tailed prairie dog and the black-footed ferret, and assisting in surveying and habitat assessment for northern leopard frogs in southern Alberta. The final components of the applicant’s time will be spent on data analyses and/or written documents regarding the effects of land use on northern leopard frog conservation. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and have graduated from their most recent undergraduate or graduate degree within the last two years (minimum qualification is a B.Sc. or equivalent). Undergraduate students may be in their final semester and graduate students must have completed their defense. Preference will be given to applicants possessing or working towards an MSc with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) experience. Academic/Educational Requirements: B.Sc., MSc. Biology preferred Required Skills/Experience: Experience with biological field work Experience with data analysis, GIS analysis, and report writing 8 Working Conditions: In the field • Will be in the field from April 29th to October 5, 2012. This time will be split between the frog & prairie dog projects. • There are two Northern Leopard field seasons (April 28th-June 5th and July 22-August 28th). Typically we work 10 days in the field with 4 days off in Calgary (applicant is expected to supply own accommodation during days off). th st • There are also two Prairie Dog Ecosystem Research Project field seasons (June 6 - July 21 th th and August 29 – October 5 ). This field season is very weather dependent thus we have a very dynamic schedule but will maintain the ratio of 5 working days to 2 days off. The entirety of the two season will be spent in Val Marie, SK including days off. Food and accommodation will be provide. • Expected to work early and long hours independently. Hiking in remote locations with heavy loads under various climatic conditions. Long hours spent driving on highways or gravel roads. • Living in close quarters with field team in camp setting. “from biomolecules to the biosphere” • Requires animal handling. In the office • Office based data management, data entry, GIS analysis and writing. Applications and cover letters must be received by February 9th, 2014. Interviews will be conducted on th th February 18 and 19 , 2014. Please clearly specify the position title in your application Please send applications to: Human Resources Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V6 No phone inquiries please. All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Fax: (403) 695-3807 Email: [email protected] “from biomolecules to the biosphere” 9 Suite 600, 344 Bloor St. West Toronto, Ontario M5S 3A7 Phone: 416 907 4404 Toll Free: 1 877 878 0882 Fax: 416 628 4625 Email: [email protected] Web: www.prep101.com DearGraduateStudentsandMedicalStudents: Re:PartͲTimeSummerMCATPrepInstructorPositions Prep101 has openings for partͲtime MCAT prep instructors to teach weeknight and/or weekend classesthissummerin: • Calgary • Edmonton • Guelph • • • Halifax Hamilton Kingston • • • London Mississauga Montreal • • • Ottawa Toronto Waterloo • • • Winnipeg Vancouver Victoria Remunerationis$50Ͳ$70/hour($50/hourbasepayplusupto$20/hourperformancebonus)and classes are on weeknights (5:30pmͲ9:30pm) and weekends (10:30amͲ2:30pm). Training is providedandPrep101providesallnecessarylecturematerials. 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