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Barn Dance!

So while I am *busily* working on gathering material from the Cooperator's Meeting for the blog, I thought I'd throw up a few photos from the barn dance last night.

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Tada!

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Dr. James Collins is the Director of the Directorate for Biological Sciences at the National Science Foundation. Additionally he is a Virginia M. Ullman Professor of Natural History and the Environment in the School of Life Science at Arizona State University.

Essentially, he is very important.

Dr. Collin's

He is visiting Hubbard Brook this week as the keynote speaker for the 2009 Cooperators Meeting, and spoke to the REU students Monday afternoon.

His talk included how he got interested in science, his work in biology, how the NSF works, and the future of careers in biology among other topics.

Dr. Collin's Talk

Personally, I thought it was great that Dr. Collin's took so much interest in what we as students are working on, and how we perceive the research world. The session was much more of a conversation than a lecture.

For audio from his talk, please click here: http://tiny.cc/JamesCollinsTalk

Did you always want to be a scientist? (And, why biology?)

While he was always interested in the natural world. Dr. Collin's initially wanted to be a pet store owner when he was younger (we're talking elementary school). Later on, his more realistic ideas included becoming either a pediatrician or something else in the field of biology. After working as a part of a research team in the Bahamas, he decided to pursue a career in research science.

What are some of your current projects?

His current work includes the biology and ecology of infectious diseases, diseases and wildlife, and how diseases can cause species extinction. Most of his work is conducted using amphibians (mainly salamanders), and studying the decline of organisms such as bats (via white nose syndrome) and chestnuts in the Eastern United States.

Additionally, he is busy working as the Director of the Biology programs at the National Science Foundation, and in his *spare* time he has just completed a book titled "Extinction in Our Times; Global Amphibian Decline". It can be found at the address below:

http://tiny.cc/ExtinctionInOurTime

Do you have any advice for aspiring young undergraduate scientists like us?

  • It's okay to not know what you want to study!
  • Be ready for the opportunities that will come along
  • Use your contacts and networks
  • Go where your heart wants to take you
  • Don't worry about the money!
  • Enjoy it!

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Cooperator's Meeting

It sounds utterly unamazing, but the name doesn't give it credit.

The annual Cooperator's Meeting will occur at Hubbard Brook this week. The meeting is essentially a large conference for all of the scientists working at Hubbard Brook. It consists of short presentations about current scientific work, poster sessions, board meetings, and of course, the dinner and barn dance!

The scientific presentations are broken down into several categories, including heterotrophs (animals), hydrology (water movement), biogeochemisty, vegetation, and special work in Watershed One and calcium levels. Scientists will be coming from Cornell University, Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, the University of New Hampshire, UC Berkley, the University of Vermont, and Dartmouth College among others.

For more info, check out:

http://www.hubbardbrook.org/events/coop_meetings/09agenda.pdf

And it all is a whole lot cooler than it sounds.

Barn Dance

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Happy Holiday Weekend!

Have a great 4th of July everyone! Next post will be on Monday, about the upcoming Cooperator's Meeting.

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Student Profile: Kaitlin Friedman

REU Student Kaitlin Friedman

Major/Home University: Wildlife Biology, University of Vermont

Project Mentor: Dr. Gene Likens

Why/how did you get involved with the program?

Kaitlin applied to the Cary Institute because it was "perfect" in every regard: there were ecological projects, it provided summer work, was interesting, and could expanded into a senior thesis. She was in contact with Dr. Gene Likens before the Cary program started, and became enthused about the project based on conversations she had with him.

What is your project?

"The Relationship Between Headwater Chemistry and Salamander Abundance"

A Salamander

Basically, she is seeing if there is a relationship between salamander abundance and the chemical variations that occur naturally in these systems during the summer wetting and drying period. Or even better put, if the amount of salamanders in an area depends on the quality of water there.

Why is it important?

This work could further our understanding of stream salamander distribution. Also, on a broader scale, it helps us understand how changes in water chemistry effect the ecosystem as a whole. A tiny increase in pH, for instance, could have large implications for plants and animals. Right now, we're just not sure.

And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?

Mud Boots

Mud Boots- Because they keep her feet dry, and there is nothing as wonderful as dry feet when you're in the field.

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Interview Questions

Hello again!

So I was thinking about how to present all of this summer's projects on the website. I think a classic interview type deal would be best?

I was hoping I could get some input about this...what do you think about the following questions, for each of the students?

Question 1: How and why did you get involved with the Hubbard Brook REU program?

Question 2: What is your project, and who are you working with?

Question3: Why is your project important?

Any thoughts?

Also, I am in the process of creating questions to ask the research mentors and others professionally involved with the Hubbard Brook program. More on these soon!

(And now, a token photo.....Kiah Pond in Sandwich, NH)

Kian Pond in Sandwich, NH.

Kian Pond in Sandwich, NH.

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Potluck!

Happy Potluck Monday!

Yeah, so here at Pleasant View Farm (the REU student residence) we're all about the weekly traditions. Like Potluck Monday. Or Cleaning Tuesday. Communication Wednesday? Oh yeah, and Science Thursday.

You get the picture.

Granted, when you're living with 11 people, you kinda have to plan things out.

Anyway, today was Potluck Monday. The REU crew invited down the "Veg Crew" and "Bird Crew", the other Hubbard Brook research groups. Good times....

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Science Night: David Sleeper

Welcome to the first installment of "Science Thursday"!!

So what is Science Thursday?

Science Thursday is a weekly tradition here at Hubbard Brook. Every Thursday night, the Hubbard Brook community (mostly the REU students) gathers for discussions with top scientists and members of the Hubbard Brook community.

This week's guest was David Sleeper, Executive Director of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation.

Science Night: David Sleeper

From left to right: Geoff Wilson (Manager Pleasant View Farm), David Sleeper (HBRF Executive Director), Kadeem Gilbert (REU Student)

Topics discussed included the Science Links program at Hubbard Brook (more on this later), the disconnect between scientists and the greater public, and new research opportunities for Hubbard Brook scientists.

Anyone up for researching the potential for manufacturing of wood pellets in Coos County? How about their ecological implications?

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