Monday, March 30th, 2009
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CES News
· Spring 2009 Seminar Series
· New Environmental Studies Course:
On Campus
· Government at Work: Brown Making the Difference
· Global Change in the Urban Century
· The Conservation Medicine Group Guest Lecture
Off Campus
· Union of Concerned Scientists' Sound Science Initiative Webinar
· The Importance of Conserving Biodiversity for Ecosystem Sustainability
· Bird Fest
· Movie Night For Trees!
· AIA Rhode Island and the Department of Architecture at RISD Present
Internships & Opportunities
· Career website
· Nourish International
· Metcalf Seeks Publicity Coordinator
· The Tokelau Science Education and Research Project
· Olson Family Fellowship
· Summer Field School in Ireland
· Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
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CES News______________________
Spring 2009 Seminar Series
Thursday, April 2nd at noon
UEL Classroom
Lindsay McAlpine
A Study on the Effectiveness of The Nature Conservancy's Weed-It-Now Program
Pizza served for $1/slice
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New Environmental Studies Course:
African Environmental History - 15513 - AFRI 1060M - S01
Tuesday/Thursday 9:00 - 10:20 am
African Environmental History
This seminar will be devoted to the study of the environmental history of sub-Saharan Africa. The goals for this class are that you learn more about the history of Africa, about the ways that relations with the environment shaped its human history, about the construction of environmental knowledge and its repercussions, and about historical research.
This course also has an applied dimension. Seven African environmental professionals visiting Brown through the Watson Scholars of the Environment (WISE) program will also participate in the class. In their final course project, students will conduct research of use to the WISE fellows on historical cases related to their training at Brown. (For more information see http://www.watsoninstitute.org/ge/watson_scholars/).
This course counts as a capstone seminar in the history department.
On Campus______________________
Government at Work: Brown Making the Difference
The Taubman Center for Public Policy in collaboration with the Career Development Center has initiated a new project on campus called: Government at Work: Brown Making the Difference. The goal of this project is to bring awareness of federal government job and internship opportunities for students.
Below is a link, which describes the types of jobs that are available for students concentrating in the Physical Sciences and Environmental Sciences.
http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/assets/documents/physicalsciences10_01.pdf
http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/assets/documents/environmentalsciences10_01.pdf
If students are interested in getting more information on this project I will be happy to speak to them. We also have a listserv in which we send out job/internship postings and career related news, every couple of weeks or so. If a student is interested I can add them to the listserv.
The website is also available for more information: http://brown.edu/Project/Government_at_Work/
Geeta geeta_Chougule@brown.edu
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Global Change in the Urban Century
Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 6 p.m.
117 MacMillan Hall, Brown University
Nancy Grimm is a Professor of Life Sciences and Co-director of the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research Project. In that capacity, Grimm oversees and coordinates interdisciplinary research in urban ecology involving over 100 scientists in many disciplines. She is a believer in interdisciplinary approaches to answering fundamental ecological questions, collaborating with hydrologists, engineers, geologists, chemists, sociologists, geographers, and anthropologists (among others) in her urban and stream studies. Dr. Grimm's research concerns the structure and function of ecosystems in arid lands. Her current research focus is on the cycling and retention of the element nitrogen, considered in the context of patch dynamics and landscape heterogeneity. Nitrogen is an important element because it limits productivity of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the Southwest, it is a potential groundwater pollutant, some gaseous forms of nitrogen are potent greenhouse gases, and nitrogen inputs to the earth from the atmosphere have increased dramatically.
URL: http://brown.edu/Research/ECI/activities/index.html
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The Conservation Medicine Group Guest Lecture
Thursday, April 1st, 2009 from 4-5pm
MacMillan 115
The Conservation Medicine Group will host a guest lecture on Oceans and Human Health by Dr. Linda Amaral-Zettler of The Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole.
You can learn more about Dr. Amaral-Zettler at: http://amarallab.mbl.edu/
Check out other Conservation Medicine Group events at:
http://www.brown.edu/Research/ECI/activities/cmg_main.html
Off Campus____________________
Union of Concerned Scientists' Sound Science Initiative Webinar
Climate Policy: The State of Play in U.S. Congress is planned for a future date. UCS is actively engaged in crafting and advocating for the best available policy options to reduce heat-trapping emissions and transition to a low-carbon clean economy.
If you are interested in participating in the webinar, RSVP here:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1907
Or sign up for the Sound Science Initiative to receive additional information:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=1420&1420.dona
tion=form1&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr008=xfwwkwu7v1.app306a
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The Importance of Conserving Biodiversity for Ecosystem Sustainability
Monday, April 6th, 2009 from 3 – 4pm
Weaver Auditorium, Coastal Institute, Kingston
Dr. Oswald Schmitz, the sixth prominent ecologist to visit URI as part of the CELS Ecology Seminar Series (ESS), will present the second annual Ledermann Lecture held to celebrate the memory of Ingeborg & Christoph Ledermann (http://nrs.uri.edu/ledermann/index.html).
Immediately after his seminar there will be refreshments outside of Weaver Auditorium. Please plan to stick around to chat with Os and your colleagues.
Dr. Oswald Schmitz is the Oastler Professor of Population and Community Ecology at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His research focuses on studying the linkage between two important components of natural systems: pattern in the distribution and relative abundance of species biodiversity and the quantity and rate of biogeochemical cycling, resource supply, and plant production-ecosystem function. He tackles issues of complexity using field experimentation guided by formal mathematical theory of species interactions. Both theory development and field research is aimed at identifying functionally unique groupings of predators and herbivores. These insights in turn motivate research aimed at discovering how species functional identity causally determines the species composition and productivity of plants in ecosystems, and ensuing ecosystem processes such as nutrient and carbon cycling.
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Bird Fest
Saturday, April 4th from 8:30am - 3:30pm
BAY Campus Coastal Institute
Lectures on Cornell's ornithological database, habitat management in RI, Block Island species of concern, and impacts of climate change on bird migration.
$25 = Special student price, including lunch (sandwich choice = veggie, tuna, chicken salad, roast beef, turkey, ham). REGISTRATION IS A MUST.
Email jlewis@asri.org to register with credit card.
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Movie Night for Trees!
Presented by the Providence Tree Advisory Committee
Friday, April 3rd, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Eddy Hall, Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St. (just off Broadway, parking lot behind on Grove St.)
Free!
For more information, please call Doug Still, City Forester, 785-9450 x219
Come celebrate the arrival of spring and a new tree-planting season! Please join the Providence Tree Advisory Committee for a viewing of two films that will raise your spirits and inspire you to roll up your sleeves.
The Man Who Planted Trees
Based on a short story written by Jean Giorno, this animated film is an allegorical tale about a shepherd who single-handedly reforested a desolate valley in the foothills of the Alps in southern France. The winner of many awards including an Oscar, this one will tug on your heartstrings!
Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
This documentary is the story of Wangari Maathia, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Kenya whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy. This award-winning film directed by Alan Mater and Lisa Merton was shown last year at the RI International Film Festival.
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AIA Rhode Island and the Department of Architecture at RISD Present
James Howard Kunstler
Wednesday, April 1st from 6:30-7:30 PM
Metcalf Auditorium at the Chace Center/RISD Museum
Reception to Follow
1 CEU Credit
$10 for AIA Members / $15 for Non-Members / Free for Students
Join AIAri and RISD for a discussion with celebrated author and critic James Howard Kunstler on the root causes of the current economic crisis and how our chosen patters of living affect the broad economic environment. Explore with us the destiny of cities, smaller towns and our connection with the rural landscape as economic, social and energy pressures begin to mount. James Howard Kunstler is one of the world's loudest critics of suburban sprawl and the impending fossil fuel shortage. Kunstler's non-fiction series on suburban sprawl, new urbanism and the end of the cheap oil era includes:
The Geography of Nowhere, The City in Mind: Notes on the Urban Condition, Home from Nowhere and The Long Emergency. His latest novel, World Made By Hand is a fictional account of the issues raised in The Long Emergency. He is also the author of eight other novels. Mr. Kunstler has lectured at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, MIT, RPI, the University of Virginia and many other colleges, and has appeared before many professional organizations, such as the AIA, the APA, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
RSVP by March 30th execdir@aia-ri.org 401-272-6418
Internships & Opportunities______
Career website
During Powershift 2009 Jared Duval, Allison Rogers and Juan Reynosa were on a panel about "Careers in the Climate Movement" in which they discussed resources for job seekers, including job boards, grants & fellowships, education & trainings etc.
Here is a website full of their career tips: http://sustainability.tufts.edu/?pid=111
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Nourish International
Take the opportunity to empower thousands of people around the world, and gain valuable leadership experience in the process through Nourish International.
For more information regarding the opportunity, please visit
http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1047185444&msgid=5312458&act=
RX2G&c=41963&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nourishinternational.org>
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Metcalf Seeks Publicity Coordinator
Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting seeks a part-time publicity coordinator to manage communications and strategic outreach efforts for Metcalf Institute.
The person in this position will be responsible for conducting independent research and composing formal communications, leading the effort to develop a strategic outreach program, researching and implementing outreach activities, and maintaining records and databases. This person will also assist in the implementation of endowment and grant-funded activities of the Metcalf Institute.
The position is 26 hours per week and includes benefits.
A bachelor's degree and professional experience in communications or media/public relations is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and experience with web resources also required. Experience with database management is preferred.
For a full description for this position, Marine Research Specialist I, and instructions on how to apply, visit the University of Rhode Island Web site: http://www.uri.edu/hr/employment/NewJobs/12417.htm
Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting
URI Graduate School of Oceanography
Narragansett, RI 02882
Tel: (401) 874-6211
Fax: (401) 874-6486
www.metcalfinstitute.org
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The Tokelau Science Education and Research Project
A Hawaiian community based learning effort. After long consideration and consultation with the community we have decided as a trial to allow 5 selected off-island students to join us in
2009. This year's fieldwork will use archaeological techniques to recover samples to help understand the long term dynamics of human/environment interactions.
Visiting these sea level-endangered remote atolls is a truly unique experience.
Those interested can find more information at:
www.anthropology.hawaii.edu/Field%20Schools/tokelau/
Project Directors:
David Addison, PhD
Samoa Studies Institute
John Kalolo
Tokelau Dept. of Education
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Olson Family Fellowship
Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain Nature Association
Application Deadline: Until filled
Fellowship Term:
Winter/Spring January 13 - May 31, 2009
Summer/Fall June 1- December 15, 2009
Rocky Mountain Nature Association (RMNA) seeks an intern of exceptional ability for the Olson Family Fellowship. In 2006, the Olson family of Boulder, Colorado began funding this fellowship to enable students and recent graduates to serve in a nonprofit while exploring career options in environmental education and the nonprofit sectors.
This is a unique, entry-level position the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, a supporting, non-profit organization. It is recommended that the candidate be actively pursuing or have already completed a degree program and has a strong interest in environmental related studies, interpretation, education, environmental stewardship, or environmental education. In addition, experience volunteering for or working with non-profit organizations and an interest in public relations and/or marketing is desired.
Required Traits:
▪ Dedicated to child-centered education with the ability to also lead adult audiences
▪ Demonstrated ability to think and act creatively
▪ Adept with communication--both speaking and writing - for diverse audiences and mediums required
▪ Strong problem solving skills with the ability to organize ideas and information
▪ Demonstrated ability to be flexible and independent with assignments and duties
▪ Computer literacy/experience with Power Point and desk-top publishing preferred
▪ Enthusiasm, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stress of children in stride
Internship Responsibilities:
▪ Develop and lead interactive winter youth and school group nature activities and programs
▪ Assist with program development, planning and implementation for Rocky Mountain Field Seminars
▪ Complete projects that may include advertising, basic marketing, graphic design and/or custom program requests
▪ Teach nature-based programs to diverse audiences (e.g., K-12 students, youth/adult outreach
groups)
▪ Schedule and present informational programs about educational opportunities at RMNP
▪ Assist in leading teacher education workshops
▪ Draft news releases and feature articles
If completing the fellowship is an internship for a degree program, the candidate will work with RMNP and RMNA supervisors and an academic advisor to construct goals and meet all goals.
Compensation: $900/month stipend, housing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Work Schedule: The Olson Family Fellow will work a 40-hour week, with time divided between RMNP and RMNA. The work schedules with both organizations are somewhat flexible and depend upon program reservations by visiting groups and scheduled projects.
Send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to:
J'Ann Wright, Ed.D.
Manager, Field Seminars
Rocky Mountain Nature Association
1895 Fall River Road
Estes Park, CO 80517
970.586.3262 ext. 11
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Summer Field School in Ireland
Heritage Culture and Tourism
July 6th – 24th, 2009
The Heritage Culture and Tourism Field School involves a minimum of 120 contact hours and is transferable to all US colleges and universities (5 ECT credits). Due to the practical and applied nature of the programme, enrolment is limited to 10-20 students. Programme fee (including housing and programme related transport) is €2750.
Dublin Institute of Technology
To find out more about the Dublin Institute of Technology see http://www.dit.ie This Field School is Certified by the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism. For the School Website see http://hospitality.dit.ie/
Registration Information
For further programme details and to find out how to register for the Field
School please contact Dr. Kelli Costa Maoileoin at kelli.costa@dit.ie
An expression of interest must be made by May 1st 2009.
Topics to be Covered
• Ireland - the Physical Development.
• Development of Ireland’s Flora and Fauna
• Protected Flora, Fauna and Landscapes in Ireland
• Archaeology on the Landscape - Life and Death
• Early Christian Ireland - Isle of Saints and Scholars
• Vikings and Normans
• The Medieval Landscape - Churches and Castles
• Georgian Landscape - House and Demesne
• Georgian Dublin - Streets and Architecture
• Towns, Villages and Visitors
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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Seasonal Policy Intern
Non-point Source Pollution Program (NPS)
General Duties: Provide support to the DEM Nonpoint Source Management Program (NPS) in preparing watershed based plans that are required by the US EPA.
Specific Tasks: Working under the direction of the Nonpoint Source Program managers, this position will be expected to perform the following tasks in preparing a watershed plan:
1. Compile information describing the watershed – physical description, water quality data, biological resources, and human impacts.
2. Identify actions and policies in plans previously prepared at the local, state and federal levels that have an impact on water quality.
3. Assist in evaluating the progress of each community in the watershed toward addressing nonpoint sources of pollution.
4. Assist in developing maps and other graphics for the watershed plan.
5. Other tasks as may be required in preparing watershed plans or in the implementation of the Nonpoint Source Program.
Qualifications: The candidate should have a background in an appropriate science that includes coursework pertaining to water resource management. The ideal candidate will have some familiarity with the water pollution problems and strategies used to abate nonpoint source pollution. Candidate should be well organized and have good communication skills. Proficiency with common computer programs required, particularly Word and Excel.
Funding Source:
1751-50100-00473 (transferred position)
Wages: $10.50/hr.
Funding: FY03 PPG 319 carry-forward funds reserved for watershed based plan development per negotiation with EPA. Account: 3760101.02
Supervision Provided:
Ernie Panciera, Supervising Environmental Scientist, DEM-OWR
How to Apply:
Email a resume and cover letter to Jon Zwarg at jonathan.zwarg@dem.ri.gov.
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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Seasonal Policy Intern
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program (OWTS)
General Duties: Provide support to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program (OWTS) to implement cesspool replacement requirements under the R.I. Cesspool Act of 2007 and the DEM Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Rules.
Specific Tasks: Working within a protocol developed by OWTS staff, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following tasks:
1. Review municipal and state records to assist in identification of properties subject to the cesspool replacement requirements.
2. Develop and compile public outreach materials to support the goals of the cesspool replacement effort.
3. Provide research assistance for onsite wastewater policy and regulatory issues.
4. Other program implementation tasks as may be required.
Qualifications: The candidate should have a background that includes coursework in environmental studies, marine affairs or public policy, and an appropriate science pertaining to water resource management. The ideal candidate will have a basic understanding of septic systems and onsite wastewater treatment. Candidate must have good organizational skills and good written and verbal communication skills. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license. Proficiency with common computer programs required, particularly Word and Excel.
Funding Source:
Position #1751-10000-00261
Wages: $10.50/hr.
Funding: FY05 104b3 water quality grant (in the PPG); reprogrammed funds from cancelled project. Account 3760107.02
Supervision Provided:
Ernie Panciera, Supervising Environmental Scientist, DEM-OWR
How to Apply:
Email a resume and cover letter to Jon Zwarg at jonathan.zwarg@dem.ri.gov.
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Please send questions, comments and stories to:
CES Newsletter Editor, Marie-Laure Couët
marie-laure_couet@brown.edu
Thanks!