Absdigest Digest, Vol 16, Issue 3
James Ha
jcha at u.washington.edu
Mon Jan 28 15:01:24 EST 2008
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+ A B S n e t - Electronic Newsletter +
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| Maintained in association with the Animal Behavior Society +
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| Editors: * James C. Ha Internet: jcha at u.washington.edu +
| ** Shan D. Duncan Internet: sdduncan at abs.animalbehavior.org +
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Today's Topics:
1. 2008 ABMA Conference: Second Call for Papers & Posters! (Nicole Dorey)
2. PhD opportunity to advertise (Dr. Ludwig Huber)
3. STUDY MARMOT BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY (Dan Blumstein)
4. Dolphin Research Internships (Emily Guarino)
5. Job Ad (Bilgray, Adriana)
6. Field assistant opportunity (Jill Mateo)
7. STUDENT DIVERSITY FUNDS FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS (James Ha)
8. Reminder: Call for Proposals, Measuring Behavior 2008 (James Ha)
9. New summer course in Animal Social Behavior (Robin Hadlock Seeley)
10. Announcement Call For Papers (ANN Senior Editor)
11. Dallas Zoo Research Internships for Undergraduates
(Fripp, Deborah)
12. Paid Research Field Assistant needed for Least Tern study in
Dallas, TX (Fripp, Deborah)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
From: Nicole Dorey <ndorey at ufl.edu>
Subject: 2008 ABMA Conference: Second Call for Papers & Posters!
2008 ABMA Conference: Second Call for Papers & Posters!
Abstract Submission Forms for the 8th Annual ABMA Conference to be held in
Phoenix, Arizona are still being accepted. We have received some great
submissions for this year’s theme of “A New Point of View.” Every year our
presenters inspire us with great ideas and innovations in the fields of
training and enrichment. In 2008 we would like to hear yours! If you
have never presented a paper or haven’t done so in a long time, now is the
chance to take that first step. We want to hear your “New Point of View!”
Go to www.theabma.org for additional information. We hope to see and hear
your great ideas in Phoenix!
Nicole R. Dorey
Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Exeter and
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Florida
Box 112250
Gainesville, FL 32611
------------------------------
Message: 2
From: "Dr. Ludwig Huber" <ludwig.huber at univie.ac.at>
Subject: PhD opportunity to advertise
PhD opportunity in animal cognition
Project: The role of stimulus quality in picture-object recognition by
pigeons
The Department of Neurobiology and Cognition Research, University of
Vienna (http://cognition.univie.ac.at), is seeking to fill a two-year
PhD-position in the area of pigeon visual categorization, beginning in
February 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of
a new project aimed at investigating various aspects of stimulus quality
that may play a role in establish-ing picture-object equivalence. The
experiments will be carried out in parallel to and in close coopera-tion
with those of another research program investigating picture-object
recognition, which started last year.
We invite applications from prospective PhD-students who should have
completed qualifications e-quivalent to an Austrian Master’s degree.
Preferably, we will hire a candidate who will increase the student
diversity of our working group and who can be expected to give a fresh
impetus to our re-search in the form of innovative views and ideas. The
preferred candidate will have a theoretical back-ground in visual
perception and categorization and experience in performing learning
experiments with animals. In particular, familiarity with training
pigeons in experimental chambers (“Skinner-boxes”) would be
advantageous. Furthermore, reasonable skills in English language are
required, and some basic competence in statistics is recommended.
The candidate’s work will be under the supervision of Dr. Ulrike Aust
and Prof. Dr. Ludwig Huber. We offer a friendly and interactive
environment for sciencific work and the possibility of conducting pigeon
research with state-of-the-art infrastructure and excellent
computational facilities.
Interested students are encouraged to e-mail a letter of motivation and
CV to Dr. Ulrike Aust (ulrike.aust at univie.ac.at); these should include a
statement of research interests, information on scientific background,
and (if available) study results, publication list, and references.
------------------------------
Message: 3
From: Dan Blumstein <marmots at ucla.edu>
Subject: STUDY MARMOT BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY
STUDY MARMOT BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY
Several field assistants needed for a field study of yellow-bellied
marmot behavior and ecology. Work begins on 16 April in Crested
Butte, Colorado and goes through 10 September. We're looking for
people who can commit to at least 2 months, preferably more, and we
are especially looking for people who can start work in the early
(mid-April to July).
Early season applicants must be prepared to ski or hike in and work
on cross-country skis or snowshoes in and around the 9,500 foot Rocky
Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org). Days are long and work
is physically demanding; you must be willing to hike and work in this
spectacularly beautiful sub-alpine valley. You will be expected to
trap, mark and observe marmots, collect biological samples (blood,
feces, hair), and regularly enter data into spreadsheets. A vehicle
is a bonus, but not required. The ideal person will learn quickly,
and be able to work both independently and as a member of a
close-knit team.
This is a great opportunity to obtain field experience before
graduate school. Previous volunteers have obtained course credit,
engaged in independent study, conducted honors research that formed
the basis of senior theses back at their home institutions, or
collected data that became part of masters work at their home
institution.
We have up to two REU positions (the first is through the RMBL and
applications for this close 15 February); the second is pending. We
may have funds to pay expenses for 1 or 2 volunteers. We may be able
to provide free housing for early-season volunteers. Otherwise,
volunteers are expected to pay RMBL station fees, housing and food
(for most, this works out to about $25/day).
Interested? Contact Dan Blumstein (marmots at ucla.edu; 310-267-4746)
for more details. Positions open until filled.
--
Daniel T. Blumstein
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
621 Charles E. Young Drive South
University of California
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606
Phone: (310) 267-4746
Fax: (310) 206-3987
Lab: http://www.eeb.ucla.edu/Faculty/Blumstein
The Marmot Burrow: http://www.marmotburrow.ucla.edu
Animal Behavior @ UCLA: http://www.animalbehavior.ucla.edu
JWatcher--Free software for studying behavior: http://www.jwatcher.ucla.edu
------------------------------
Message: 4
From: "Emily Guarino" <emily at dolphins.org>
Subject: Dolphin Research Internships
> Dolphin Research Internships
>
> Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for
> Research Interns for the Summer term. DRC is a not-for-profit education
> and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
> and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of
> the Florida Keys.
>
> Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as
> an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal
> facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research
> projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research
> methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing
> marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with
> research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions.
>
> Specific job duties include:
> * Collecting observational behavioral data
> * Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions
> * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental
> research sessions
> * Operating video equipment
> * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis
> * General support of the facility through participation in the
> volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with
> public programs, guest interactions, etc.)
>
> Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For
> information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our
> website, at www.dolphins.org <http://www.dolphins.org > .
>
> Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week.
> The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their
> own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or
> matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful
> candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and
> flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required.
>
> The deadline to apply is *** February 1st ***. To apply, download the
> application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then
> "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities".
>
The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and
letters of recc.) must be mailed to DRC.
> --------------------------------
> Emily Guarino
> Admin. Director of Research
> emily at dolphins.org
> Dolphin Research Center
> 58901 Overseas Hwy.
> Grassy Key, FL 33050
> www.dolphins.org
>
------------------------------
Message: 5
From: "Bilgray, Adriana" <BilgrayA at si.edu>
Subject: Job Ad
THE SMITHSONIAN TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS SEARCHING FOR A RESEARCH
SCIENTIST
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), headquartered in the
Republic of Panamá, is seeking world-class scientists to establish
research programs in any current field of marine or terrestrial research,
working anywhere in the tropics. These fields include all biological
sciences, anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, geology, and soils
science. Ideally, research initiated by the successful applicants will
complement existing programs (see http://www.stri.org). We are especially
interested in research on vertebrate biology; anthropology and
archaeology; paleontology; and climate change.
Panamá and adjacent regions of tropical America are rich in terrestrial
and marine habitats, archaeological sites and geological deposits. STRI
maintains sophisticated research laboratories, a library, and support
centers, in Panama City, as well as diverse facilities for field research
throughout the tropics. A 100' vessel is available for marine and coastal
research. STRI scientists maintain cooperative research programs with a
world-wide network of institutions. Opportunities for mentoring young
scientists are available through a vigorous fellowship program, and formal
teaching is possible through programs with affiliated universities.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral research experience
in their fields. Interested candidates should submit a summary of research
accomplishments and interests, curriculum vitae, five significant
reprints, and the names and contact information of three potential
referees.
Annual salary is commensurate with experience. Laboratory set-up and
relocation expenses are provided. Housing and family education allowances
may apply. Spanish-English bilingual education is available in some
Panamanian schools, which follow international curricula and standards.
Review of applications will begin in April 2008. Please send applications
electronically to the Director of STRI, c/o Ms. Luz Latorraca, Office of
Human Resources at: LatorraL at si.edu. Address inquiries to Dr. William
Wcislo, Chair, Search Committee at: WcisloW at si.edu. STRI is an equal
opportunity employer and appointments are made regardless of nationality.
------------------------------
Message: 6
From: Jill Mateo <jmateo at uchicago.edu>
Subject: Field assistant opportunity
Field Assistants needed for studies on mate choice, kinship and
endocrinology in Belding's ground squirrels.
Research will be conducted in the eastern Sierra Nevada, centered at a
field station near Mammoth Lakes, CA. Work will include trapping and
marking of free-living ground squirrels, as well as behavioral
observations throughout the reproductive season. Work will begin in
mid-April and continue through July. Previous field experience is
desired, but not necessary. Assistants will be provided with
transportation, room and board, with a nominal salary. If interested,
please see additional information and application details at
<http://mateolab.uchicago.edu/fa.htm.>http://mateolab.uchicago.edu/fa.htm.
------------------------------
Message: 7
From: Jan Randall <janners98 at yahoo.com>
Subject: STUDENT DIVERSITY FUNDS FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS
STUDENT DIVERSITY FUNDS
FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS
A limited number of awards will be made from the Diversity Fund to cover
registration fees for graduate students attending the annual ABS Meeting
in Snowbird, Utah. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at
the time of application and must be members of under-represented
minorities, including those living in North America who are African
American, Native American, Asian American, and Hispanic American or are
citizens of Central/South America. Awards will be chosen by a lottery of
all valid applications received by 7 April, 2008. An electronic letter of
application and an electronic statement directly from the student's major
professor (confirming the student's graduate status) should be directed to
ABS Treasurer James C. Ha, Department of Psychology, University of
Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. E-mail:
jcha at u.washington.edu
Dr. Jan Randall
Department of Biology
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, Ca 94132
jrandall at sfsu.edu
janners98 at yahoo.com
jan at janrandall.org
------------------------------
Message: 8
From: Measuring Behavior 2008 <mb2008 at noldus.nl>
Subject: Reminder: Call for Proposals
Call for Proposals: Measuring Behavior 2008
6th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral
Research
Maastricht, The Netherlands
26 - 29 August 2008
Measuring Behavior 2008, the 6th International Conference on Methods and
Techniques in Behavioral Research, is the premier interdisciplinary event
for scientists and practitioners concerned with the study of human or
animal behavior. This unique conference focuses on methods, techniques and
tools in behavioral research in the widest sense, from behavioral ecology
to neuroscience and from psychology to ergonomics. Measuring Behavior 2008
contains a number of novel elements compared with previous meetings,
including Workshops, and a Demonstration Showcase with a prize for the
most innovative demonstration.
Call for Proposals
The Scientific Program Committee would like to remind you to submit
abstracts for Symposia, Oral Papers, and SIGs before 31 January 2008.
Submission Deadlines
Symposia - 31 January 2008
(Symposia - Indvidual papers - 28 February 2008)
Oral Papers - 31 January 2008
Special Interest Groups - 31 January 2008
(Special Interest Groups - Individual papers - 28 February 2008)
Demonstrations - 31 March 2008
Tutorials - 31 March 2008
Workshops - 31 March 2008
Poster Presentations - 31 March 2008
Details of all program elements can be found on
www.noldus.com/mb2008/.If you have any questions about the submission
procedure, please let us know.
Program Topics
We are very pleased to announce that Professor Patrick Bateson
(author of the classic textbook, Measuring Behaviour) has agreed to
be a keynote speaker at the conference. His talk will be entitled
'What new techniques for measuring behaviour would you die for?' and
will focus on future developments in behavioral methodology. We will
also have keynote speakers focusing on specific aspects of measuring
animal and measuring human behavior, but we are not yet able to
announce who those will be.
In the past weeks we have had a large number of draft proposals for
symposia, and a good number of free paper abstracts coming in, so
already we can get an idea what to expect in the conference this
year. A session which should be fascinating for those interested in
the latest technology as well as multi-disciplinary aspects of
studying behavior will be one on measuring behavior of robots.
Multi-disciplinary technology will also feature in a session on
equipment error ? how reliably does our instrumentation measure what
it is supposed to do and how to detect that it performs correctly. As
usual some sessions focus on either animal or human behavior.
One symposium that covers both animal and human behavior will be on
examining the validity of animal models for understanding human
diseases. That will also tie in with a session measuring recovery
after brain and spinal injury in rodents and non-human primates. A
different way of measuring animal behavior will be examined in the
symposium 'Specific applications for the home cage approach and the
possibilities for its high-throughput use'.
An interesting session from the perspective of human behavior will
be one on ambient assisted living. Exciting new techniques are being
developed to measure behavior in houses wired with the latest sensory
technology, determining both how consumers struggle to use the latest
gadgets and how the measurements can provide intelligent feedback to
assist elderly or disabled residents.
We also expect sessions on more specific aspects such as measurement
of eating behavior of consumers. A broader topic is 'Measuring the
impossible', which focuses on research into complex phenomena such as
emotions and feelings; fun in computer games and brain activity when
listening to music.
We have had draft proposals for all of the above, and many more; now
is the time for you to finalize your proposals (with lists of
speakers) and to actually submit your abstracts for the individual
papers and symposia. You can find details about how to submit on the
Conference Program page of the conference web site
(http://www.noldus.com/mb2008/), and if we can be of any assistance
at all with your submission, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sign Up
To get on the mailing list for announcements, simply reply to this
message and submit your contact details. You can also visit the
conference web site on www.noldus.com/mb2008/ and sign up for
announcements (mailto:mb2008 at noldus.nl?subject=Sign Up For
Announcements.). We look forward to your contribution!
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Harry Steinbusch, Conference Chair
Dr. Andrew Spink, Chair, Scientific Program Committee
Measuring Behavior 2008
Conference Secretariat
P.O. Box 268
6700 AG Wageningen
The Netherlands
Phone: 31-317-473300
Fax: 31-317-424496
Email: mb2008 at noldus.nl
Web: www.noldus.com/mb2008/
------------------------------
Message: 9
From: "Robin Hadlock Seeley" <rhs4 at cornell.edu>
Subject: New summer course in Animal Social Behavior
Announcing a new course! ANIMAL SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Location: Shoals Marine Lab, Cornell University/UNH, Appledore Island, ME
Instructors: Tom Seeley, Paul Sherman, Janet Shellman (CORNELL UNIVERSITY,
Dept of Neurobiology and Behavior)
Dates: June 2-9, 2008
Credits: 2
Website for more information:
http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_cc_hegworld.html
Course description:
The emphasis of this course is steering you toward a theoretical framework
for understanding animal social behavior. We will focus on how natural
selection shapes behavioral traits that enhance reproductive success. How
and why natural selection fashions animal social behavior is best
understood by observing organisms in the ecological setting in which they
live and reproduce. Thus, for this summer, we will all become behavioral
ecologists as we attempt to explore the fascinating social behaviors of
the Herring Gull. The Herring Gull's World, a classic book by Nobel
Laureate, Niko Tinbergen, will be read and discussed while exploring the
topics of natural selection and behavior, levels of analysis,
communication, levels of selection, territoriality, mating systems, animal
cognition, kinship and infanticide. Methods of measuring behavior and
designing experiments will be taught, and students will conduct individual
research projects.
--
Robin Hadlock Seeley, Ph.D
Academic Advisor and Senior Research Assoc.
Shoals Marine Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853 / 607-379-3342 cell
607-255-3717 land
607-255-0742 fax
The Shoals Marine Lab website: www.sml.cornell.edu
------------------------------
Message: 10
From: ANN Senior Editor <jceditor at animalnewsnetwork.org>
Subject: Announcement Call For Papers
To all Members Animal Behavior Society,
The Animal News Network (ANN), animalnewsnetwork.org would like to invite
contributions to its' Call For Papers, which address animal related
research papers, scientific studies or articles. Contributions can also
include animal training or behavior cases. Papers can be related to
ethology, behavior, wildlife, fisheries, human animal bond and other
animal sciences & welfare. You are welcome to submit yours for review. If
approved, it will be listed in the next available issue.
Guidelines:
If your paper is scientific in nature, it must be a minimum of 8 pages
with references to support your findings. These papers must also include a
title page, abstract, a brief author biography & Contact details. All
other papers must be a minimum of 500 words and also include a title page,
A brief author biography & Contact details.
Call for Papers:
<http://animalnewsnetwork.org/callforpapers/>http://animalnewsnetwork.org/callforpapers/
The ANN is a digital resource available to subscribers.
I would like to thank Mr. Steve Ramey for allowing me to make this
announcement on behalf of the ANN.
Sincerely,
Joanne Coyle, Senior Editor
animalnewsnetwork.org
Joanne Coyle, Senior Editor
Animal News Network
www.animalnewsnetwork.org
------------------------------
Message: 12
From: "Fripp, Deborah" <deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com>
Subject: Dallas Zoo Research Internships for Undergraduates
The Dallas Zoo offers volunteer research internships for college students.
Interns assist the Zoologists and other staff members with ongoing
research projects. Their duties focus on learning research techniques,
data collection, sample processing, data entry, and data analysis.
Students must have at least one year of introductory biology courses to be
eligible.
Two levels of internship are available:
1. Introductory research internships require a commitment of at least
100 hours and 6 weeks, although more time is preferred.
2. Advanced research internships focus more on data analysis, although
interns will also learn data collection and sample processing. Advanced
internships require more research experience and a commitment of at
least 200 hours and 10 weeks.
All interns receive an evaluation and letter of reference; some also
receive college credit.
To apply, contact
Dr. Deborah Fripp, deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com, 214-671-0994 or
Dr. Jeanette Boylan, jeanette.boylan at dallascityhall.com, 214-671-0774.
Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2008.
------------------------------
Message: 13
From: "Fripp, Deborah" <deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com>
Subject: Paid Research Field Assistant needed for Least Tern study in
Dallas, TX
PAID RESEARCH FIELD ASSISTANT needed to assist with ongoing study of
interior least terns in Dallas, Texas, mid May to mid August 2008
(start/end dates flexible). Intern will be required to work both weekend
days, frequently starting at 6 am. Intern will not work more than 40 hours
per week but may work 7 days a week. Duties include identifying and
counting birds, collecting behavioral observations, data entry, writing up
reports, downloading GPS data, producing maps.
Experience with ArcView a plus. Attention to detail and legible
handwriting are critical. Applicants must have their own transportation.
Pay is $10.20/hr at 30-40 hours/wk, plus mileage; housing is not included.
Send a letter of interest and a résumé with 3 references (names, telephone
numbers and e-mail addresses) to Dr. JEANETTE BOYLAN Dallas Zoo, 650 South
R. L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, TX 75203; EM: jeanette.boylan AT
dallascityhall.com (e-mail preferred). Ph: 214-671-0774.
Applications will be accepted until March 14, 2008.
------------------------------
+========================================================================+
| Contact Addresses: |
| |
| James Ha |
| Department of Psychology and National Primate Research Center |
| University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 |
| |
| Shan D. Duncan |
| Animal Behavior Society Central Office at Indiana University |
| 2611 East 10th Street #170, Bloomington, IN 47405 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
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