Submissions
Department Calendar
February 8 Department Council Meeting
February 20 Family Day Statutory Provincial Holiday – University Buildings Closed
February 21-24 Winter Term Reading Week
Payroll Deadlines and Information www.biology.ualberta.ca/department/hr/
Please make sure to check the departmental calendar for availability or contact Olga at olga.milligan@ualberta.ca before booking your event/special seminar
Department News and Notices
Travel and Expense Reimbursements
The University of Alberta requires that all refunds to individuals “must” be processed in the same fiscal year that the expense takes place. If you have miscellaneous expenses that you need to be refunded for please submit your refund request prior to March 31st of this year. The same is true for other types of refund requests such as field research or conference travel trips that you have returned from.
It is very important that all signed forms (along with proper documentation) be submitted byMARCH 15th as this ensures that the expenses will appear in the same fiscal year as when the purchases took place. Please do not wait until the last minute – year end can be busy enough as it is.
Once you are ready to begin the refund process we will be happy to help you fill out your claim forms in order to get them processed in an accurate and timely manner. Forms can be accessed at the url below.
http://www.biology.ualberta. ca/facilities/accounting/
If you are planning to travel on behalf of the University of Alberta, please feel free to stop by CW-405 BSB and see us regarding paperwork and documentation requirements (Appendix A form, receipts, boarding passes, credit card statements, etc.) that you will need to hand in for a problem free reimbursement.
Please contact:
Dean Wilson (dean.wilson@ualberta.ca 492-1258)
or Lori Dammann (lldamman@ualberta.ca 492-2710)
CW405 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. RE Peter Biology Conference - March 5th and 6th, 2012
The Biological Sciences graduate students are pleased to invite you to the Dr. R.E. Peter Biology Conference on March 5th and 6th, 2012. This multi-disciplinary event will showcase the quality and diversity of research our graduate students conduct to to an audience of faculty, staff, and their peers. Check out our website for further details and updates when they become available (http://peter.biology. ualberta.ca/)!
This year's conference will open with a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Hendrik Ponair from McMaster University, a leader in ancient DNA sequencing. His accolades include sequencing the genomes of the Woolly Mammoth and the bacterial strain responsible for Black Death.
Are you a Biological Sciences graduate student interested in participating? Submit your full name, degree program, RIG, email, abstract title and abstract (<200 words) torepeter@ualberta.ca or submit online at http://peter.biology.ualberta. ca/register/.
The organizing committee is looking for faculty volunteers from all RIGs to judge poster and oral presentations. Judges are needed for one hour (plus deliberation time, ~fifteen minutes) and all volunteers will receive a gift for participation. Please email repeter@ualberta.ca if interested.
ABMI Call for Proposals
Available at http://abmi.ca/abmi/aboutabmi/ aboutabmi.jsp?categoryId=30& showNews=true&newsId=365).
Proposals are due February 24.
Taxa and Elements surveyed by ABMI
ABMI Research Grant Application Form
ABMI Research Grants Call for Proposals
We expect there will be $100,000 available for grants during the fiscal year 2012/13. Graduate students and researchers are encouraged to apply.
ABMI collects information on terrestrial biota (lichens, mosses, vascular plants, mites, birds, mammals), aquatic biota (vascular plants, aquatic invertebrates), terrestrial and aquatic habitats (live
and dead trees, shrubs, herbs, litter, water physiochemistry, water basin characteristics) and landscape characteristics.
ABMI sampling occurs throughout Alberta with approximately 600 sites sampled to date, and 160 sites planned for 2012 (see attached figure).
If you have any questions please contact Jim Schieck at (780) 632-8306 or by e-mail Jim.Schieck@AlbertaInnovates.ca
Seminars
Friday, February 10, 2012, 12:00 p.m., M149 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. Ian Pearse, Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis
“PREDICTING HERBIVORE-ASSOCIATIONS WITH NON-NATIVE PLANTS”
Special Biol 631 & 507 Seminar presentation; Recruiting to the Plant Chemical Ecology position, Department of Biological Sciences
Friday, February 10, 2012, 3:00 p.m., M145 Biological Sciences Building
Julian Davies, UBC
“ANTIBIOTICS AS INTER-KINGDOM SIGNALS”
Molecules, Cells, and Systems
Monday, February 13, 2012, 3:00 p.m., B105 Biological Sciences Building
Rachel Browns, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
“TBA”
Biol 506
Monday, February 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m., M149 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. Christopher Keeling, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia
“CHEMICAL ECOLOGY IN CONIFER FORESTS”
Special Seminar; Dr. Keeling is a recruit to the Plant Chemical Ecology position with BioSci
Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 12:00 p.m., M141 Biological Sciences Building
Kim Ong, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
“NANOPARTICLE TOXICITY TESTING: INSIGHTS AT THE BIOCHEMICAL, CELLULAR, AND WHOLE ANIMAL LEVEL”
Biol 642
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 4:00 p.m., M149 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. Jessamyn Manson, Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
“BALANCING ATTRACTION AND DEFENCE: THE CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF FLORAL NECTAR”
Special Seminar; Dr. Manson is a recruit to the Plant Chemical Ecology position, BioSci
Friday, February 17, 2012, 12:00 p.m., M149 Biological Sciences Building
Rick Taylor, UBC
“CONTACT ZONES IN FISHES: EVOLUTIONARY INFERENCES AND CONSERVATION APPLICATIONS”
Ecology & Evolution, Biol 507 & 631
Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 4:00 p.m., M149 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. Sergio Rasmann, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
“ECOLOGICAL, EVOLUTIONARY AND GENETIC DRIVERS OF PLANT DEFENSE TRAIT”
Special Seminar; Dr. Rasmann is a recruit to the Plant Chemical Ecology position, BioSci
Monday, February 27, 2012, 3:00 p.m., B105 Biological Sciences Building
Emaline Montgomery, Department of Biological Sciences
“TBA”
Biol 506
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 12:00 p.m., M141 Biological Sciences Building
Dr. Chris Cairo, Principal Investigator, Alberta Glycomics Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta
“BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HUMAN NEURAMINIDASE 3 (NEU3)”
Biol 642
Of Interest
Friday, February 10, 2012, 3:00 p.m., Room 470 Medical Sciences Building
Tao Wu
“Prp8: A KEY PLAYER IN THE SPLICEOSOME”
Biochem 626
News from the Chair
News from the Associate Chair Research
Note: If you are applying to a funding agency not listed below, please be aware that the normal department deadline is 10 working days prior to the agency deadline. This allows the department opportunity to review your application, make recommendations if necessary and sign off in time to meet the Research Services Office deadline which is 5 working days prior to the agency deadline.
Please submit one hard/paper copy of your application to Peggy Poholko in CW405 Biological Sciences. The volume of applications that are processed through this office make it prohibitive for office staff to receive electronic copies and print them all. Thanks for your understanding.
Department Deadlines
February 10 - CIHR Bridge Funding to UofA CIHR Special Project Office (no department deadline) (contact Joanne Simala-Grant, Director, University-wide CIHR Special Project. jls24@ualberta.ca; phone: 2-1566)
February 16 - Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Operating see http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/35674.html
February 16 - Canadian Wildlife Federation (see http://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/action/funding-awards/grants/)
February 21 - UofA International - International Project Fund (see http://www.international.ualberta.ca/ipf.cfm)
March 1 - American Museum of Natural History - Lerner Gray Fund for Marine Research (see http://rggs.amnh.org/pages/academics_and_research/fellowship_and_grant_opportunities)
March 14 - Human Frontier Science Program - Young Investigator Grants (see http://www.hfsp.org/)
March 16 - Boehringer Ingelheim Young Investigator Award in Biological Sciences (see http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca/en/research_and_development/awards_corporate_sponsorships/young_investigator_award/yia_biological_sciences.html)
March 19 - NSERC Strategic Projects (see http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/RPP-PP/SPG-SPS_eng.asp)
March 19 - Alberta Innovates Health Solutions - Post Doctoral Fellowships (see http://www.aihealthsolutions.ca/grants/training-and-early-career-development-programs/postgraduate-fellowship.php)
April 17 - Alberta Sport, Parks, and Recreation Wildlife Foundation - Development Initiatives Program (see http://www.asrpwf.ca/grant-funding-programs/development-initiatives-program.aspx)
News from the Associate Chair Graduate Studies
Please note that the application material available on the FGSR website states 2011. This is acceptable as the 2012 material will not become available in time for the Biological Sciences competition.
***Act now, please contact your referees to request letters of support.***
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Master's) Competition
Government of the Province of Alberta
Value: $10,800 (September 1 start); $5,400 (January 1 start)
Eligibility: Candidates must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of nomination, and must be registered full-time in the first, second or third year of a master’s degree program during the tenure of the award. Applicants cannot be a recipient of a major award (ie. an award with a value equal to or greater than $13,000 as defined by the Graduate Scholarship Committee) during the tenure of the QEII Graduate Scholarship. Tenure of the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Master’s) may begin September 1 for an 8-month period at a value of $10,800, or January 1 for a 4-month period at a value of $5,400. Nominees must have a GPA of 3.5 or greater over the most recent 15 units of course weight and must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the time of nomination. All fields are eligible for funding. Recipients of major awards are not permitted to concurrently hold a Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship.
Application Form and 2 Letters of Reference (“Form” Portion) found at:
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/queenelizabeth/index.htm
*Departmental Deadline for Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship (Masters): Monday, March 5th by 4:00pm in the Graduate Student Office (CW 312)*
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral) Competition
Government of the Province of Alberta
Value: $15,000 (September 1 start); $7,500 (January 1 start)
Eligibility: Candidates must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of nomination, and must be registered full-time in the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth year of a doctoral (PhD or equivalent) degree program during the tenure of the award. Applicants cannot be a recipient of a major award (ie. an award with a value equal to or greater than $13,000 as defined by the Graduate Scholarship Committee) during the tenure of the QEII Graduate Scholarship. Tenure of the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral) may begin September 1 for an 8-month period at a value of $15,000, or January 1 for a 4-month period at a value of $7,500. Nominees must have a GPA of 3.5 or greater over the most recent 15 units of course weight and must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the time of nomination. Recipients of major awards are not permitted to concurrently hold a Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship.
Application Form and 2 Letters of Reference (“Form” Portion) found at:
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/queenelizabeth/index.htm
*Departmental Deadline for Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship (Doctoral): Monday, March 5th by 4:00pm in the Graduate Student Office (CW 312)*
McAfee Scholarship in Botany
Value: TA salary for one term.
Eligibility: Available to graduate students (MSc or PhD) studying botany in the Province of Alberta. Awardee may not hold a major scholarship ($13,000.00 or greater). Amount will be at the TA rate of pay for one term. Award may be held in either the fall or winter term (2012-13). Supervisor should submit a student support letter, brief description of the student's research and the student's C.V. to the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) in CW 312. If a suitable candidate is not found, no award will be given.
Departmental Deadline: Friday, March 2, 2012, 4:00pm, in CW 312 (Grad Office).
Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Scholarship
The FGSR will now be administering the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Scholarship competition. The application for the 2012 competition has been posted on the website, as well as links to the Guidelines and Handbook which you may access here: : http://www. gradstudies.ualberta.ca/ awardsfunding/scholarships/ albertainnovates.htm
Please note: the 2012 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Scholarship is for international and Canadian students who are not currently holding a NSERC. As results from the 2012 NSERC competition have not yet been released, the FGSR is encouraging all eligible students (including those whose NSERC applications have been forwarded to Ottawa) to apply for this scholarship.
The application for the 2012 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Scholarship NSERC Top-up Award will be posted soon. Information regarding renewals will be posted soon.
Applications for the 2012 Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Graduate Student Scholarship must be received in CW 312, Bio Sci Building by 9:00am, February 15, 2012.
TAVERNER AWARDS
Taverner Awards are offered by the SCO-SOC to honour Percy A. Taverner and to further his accomplishments in increasing the knowledge of Canadian birds through research, conservation, and public education. The awards are aimed at people with limited or no access to major funding, regardless of professional status, who are undertaking ornithological work in Canada. Two awards of up to $1,500 each are made annually.
Deadline: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
http://www.sco-soc.ca/studentawards.htm
JAMES L. BAILLIE AWARD
The James L. Baillie Student Research Award is open to any student conducting ornithological research at a Canadian university. It honours the memory of James L. Baillie and shall be for research that is consistent with the objectives of the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund. These are to support: studies of Canadian birds in their natural environment; projects which contribute to preservation of birds; and projects which disseminate knowledge of birds. The James L. Baillie Student Research Award is funded by Long Point Bird Observatory / Bird Studies Canada from proceeds of the Baillie Birdathon, and is administered by the SCO-SOC. One award of up to $1000 is made annually.
Deadline: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
http://www.sco-soc.ca/studentawards.htm
FRED COOKE AWARD
The Fred Cooke Student Award is offered jointly by the SCO-SOC and Bird Studies Canada to honour the contributions of Professor Fred Cooke to Canadian ornithology by supporting ornithological conference travel or research activities by a student at a Canadian university. The award shall be open to any student conducting ornithological research at a Canadian university, except that previous recipients of the award shall not be eligible. The award shall be for travel to ornithological conferences at which the student will make an oral or poster presentation, or research in any aspect of ornithology anywhere in the world. One award of up to $1000 is made annually.
Deadline: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
http://www.sco-soc.ca/studentawards.htm
Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society Post-Graduate Award
Value: $1,500
Eligibility: This award is open to students planning a career in wildlife management and accepted into a full-time post-graduate degree program at an Alberta university in Biological Sciences, Forest Science, Animal Sciences, Zoology, or related field of study (must be enrolled full time in September 2012).
Deadline: March 2, 2012
For more information please visit:
http://joomla.wildlife.org/Alberta/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=23&Itemid=305
Alberta Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence
The Alberta Emerald Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2011 Alberta Emerald Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that set an example of excellence in preserving, protecting, enhancing and sustaining our environment. The nomination deadline is February 27, 2012. For details, visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca
Biological Survey of Canada Scholarship
Value: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be post-graduate students at the time of application, be studying at a Canadian university, and be carrying out a project on insect (or terrestrial arthropod) faunistics in a Canadian habitat. Offered in alternate years to the Keith Kevan Scholarship.
Deadline: Thursday, February 16, 2012
http://www.esc-sec.ca/bscschol.html
Awards – Funding Opportunities
Sangster Award - The CNC/CODATA is accepting applications for The Sangster Award. This award, valued at Can. $3000, will enable a Canadian graduate student enrolled in a Canadian university, or recent graduate (within 3 years of graduation and of Canadian citizenship), to attend and present his or her work at International CODATA Conferences. It is expected that the award winner's field of study will support the general objectives of CODATA, namely, to help foster and advance science and technology through developing and sharing knowledge about data and data-related activities. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2012. See attached poster or visit http://www.codata.org/canada/ sangster/ for more information.
News from the Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies
Training and Workshops
Lunch and Learn
Sponsored by Health Promotion and WorkLife Services, Lunch & Learn Presentations are free, but seating is limited. Sessions from 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. (Except where noted otherwise). See locations below. Register at: www.learningshop.ualberta.ca
February 16 – Communication in Intimate Relationships, presentation by Cecile Schultz, Homewood Human Solutions; Education South 113
February 23 – Bollyrobics, presentation by Deepti Sami, Bollywood Beats; W1-17 Van Vliet
February 28 – Mix and Mingle, presentation by Kim Arsenault, Meridian Learning and Development; Heritage Lounge, Athabasca Hall
Facing Change When You Don’t Choose It
Workshop – February 14, 2012, 9 a.m. – 12p.m. in Prairie Room, Lister Centre
HPaWS Newsletter January – February 2012
February 2012 Program Schedule
To register for a program offered below, please visit the Learning Shop,www.learningshop.ualberta.ca.
NEW! Skillsoft online learning
Go to www.hrs.ualberta.ca/stafflearning/skillsoft for the link to
register now to access thousands of online learning resources
NEW! Pathways Learning Series – February is Organizational Citizenship month!
www.hrs.ualberta.ca/learning/pathways
This brand new half day session provides learners with the opportunity to increase their knowledge and awareness around respect. The course provides education, exposure and hands-on experiences to enable you to learn, practice, and discover more effective ways to create inclusive and respectful working, studying and living environments at the University of Alberta. Topics include: developing awareness of inclusive and respectful vocabulary, definitions and interpretations of what “respect” means, awareness of norms and rules in the UofA culture, and developing awareness of personal assumptions in relation to respect and inclusion. This course is foundational to establishing positive relationships with colleagues, students and anyone you may interact with at the University.
Date(s): February 15, 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Glacier Room, Lister Centre
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to all Support Staff as part of the Pathways Learning Series
Facilitator: Organizational Learning and Effectiveness
This brand new full day course is focused on understanding how the university functions, and gives employees the opportunity to see how their work connects to the UAlberta vision and mission. Time will be spent introducing some relevant policies and legislation that all employees should be aware of. Participants will explore the concepts of personal accountability and relationship building, with the goal of creating fully engaged and integrated staff members.
Date(s): February 29, 2012
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Location: Glacier Room, Lister Centre
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to all Support Staff as part of the Pathways Learning Series
Facilitator: Organizational Learning and Effectiveness
Pathways Learning Series Information Session
Pathways is a new series of learning sessions designed to help support staff strengthen their professional skills. Pathways offers several face-to-face learning sessions, which will be held on Wednesdays throughout 2012. Each month will focus on a different skill set, with both in-class and online choices. Skillsoft is the online portal and learning system that offers you information about the key skill areas and much more - 24/7!
This self-directed learning series is based on seven key skill areas:
· Organizational Citizenship
· Communicating
· Providing Service
· Thriving as a Team Member
· Being Adaptable and Flexible
· Utilizing Technology and Equipment
· Demonstrating Professionalism
Come find out more about the program and how it can help you and your co-workers realize your potential at one of the Pathways Information Sessions:
Date(s): February 13 OR February 14
Time: 1:30 to 2:30
Location: various. Go to www.learningshop.ualberta.ca to register
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to all Support Staff and their supervisors
Facilitator: Organizational Learning and Effectiveness
Workplace Learning Calendar Offerings
Introduction to Business Process Mapping
This session, presented in collaboration with the Excellence Canada, is intended for employees, managers and quality professionals responsible for increasing the effectiveness of their workgroup or organization. The full-day course will cover:
· The definition of a process
· How to facilitate process mapping
· How to define processes in terms of suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers
· How to map processes at three levels of detail (Level 1, 2 and 3 process maps)
· How to use process mapping to facilitate process improvement
Date(s): February 23, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 2-51 University Terrace
Fee: $100 by indent or cheque payable to the UofA (Send attention to: Cynthia Munro, 2-60 University Terrace)
Audience: Open to all University employees
Facilitator: Organizational Learning and Effectiveness
Budget Planning
This session is open to UofA Staff - Academic & Support staff welcome. The University’s budget has increased in size and complexity over recent years. In response to that change, the University has expanded and integrated much of its planning process. This workshop is presented as a general overview of managing operating budgets at the University of Alberta. It will be of interest to anyone who is new to administering an operating budget in a Faculty or administrative unit, or who wants an understanding of how the current operating budget works. It will include an overview of operating budget planning and the maintenance of operating budgets, and the existing annual budget cycle, budget policies and procedures, and budget reporting. Detailed position budgeting/management is not included in the workshop.
Date(s): February 28, 2012 OR March 8, 2012
Time: 1:30 to 3:00
Location: various
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to all University employees
Facilitator: Ian James Bernard, Associate Director of Resource Planning, Brittany Shmyr, Budget Assistant and Angela Strachan, Budget Administrator, Department of Resource Planning
What Does the Research Tell Us About Workplace Bullying
In partnership with Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights
A recent edition of the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association (JIOA – Volume 3, number 2, 2010) focused on the topic of bullying. This introductory IOA webinar series builds upon this edition of JIOA.
Date(s): March 14, 2012
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Telus Centre, Room 236
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to all University employees
Facilitator: Wade King
Register by contacting Sheryl Raivio at Sheryl.raivio@ualberta.ca. (Registration for this session is not available on the LearningShop)
Registration
To register for these sessions please go to the Learning Shop:
http://www.learningshop.ualberta.ca
Select the appropriate month for the upcoming session, click on it in the calendar, select Register.
You may need to set up a new Learning Shop account if you do not have one already. Please download the instructions:
Department Classifieds
Job Posting
Terrestrial & Aquatic Biological Technical Assistants needed - summer positions in Saskatchewan.
Samles Needed
I am a PhD candidate studying in the University of Otago, New Zealand. I am focusing on the use of DNA-based techniques to analyze the diet of small mammals. I am particularly interested in frogs as prey
items and the ability of researchers to identify frog remains using either visual or molecular methods.
At the moment I am in the process of gathering mammal diet samples (stomach contents or scats) that have already been collected as part of other studies. Specifically I am hoping to obtain a large array of samples from different predators where frog remains were identified in some percentage of those samples. I am also collecting my own samples here in New Zealand but am hoping to bolster my study and develop a technique applicable to a wide range of predators and prey with samples from all over
the world. I am also willing to explore the diet of other frog-eating animals, such as birds, reptiles etc.
If anyone has samples in storage that they think might suit this project then please do not hesitate to get in touch. There may be potential for collaboration on this project. I can of course provide much more information anyone who is interested.
Bastian Egeter (egeba296@student.otago.ac.nz)
Job Posting
Canadian Wildlife Services, Environment Canada
Room for Rent
I'm moving out of my place for the field season (March through August) and am looking for someone to rent either for the 6 months I'm away, or on a more permanent basis. I share the upper floor of a house (2 bedrooms) with a male PhD student. The rent is $425 plus utilities (~$150). The house is at 106st and 67ave, and is close to bus stops. Pets are negotiable. If interested, please email Conrad at cgscott@ualberta.ca.
Looking to Rent
I will be coming to UoA from March to beginning of July 2012 and I am looking for a place to me and my family (a couple with a 5 yr old daughter). I am looking for a place preferably within walking distance of campus or near one of the closer LRT stations. If someone could help me, please contact me at zheschoereder@gmail.com (Jose H Schoereder)
Looking to Rent
I will be coming to UoA for the Winter semester to do my Masters and I was looking for a place starting Jan 1st. I am looking for a place preferably within walking distance of campus or near one of the closer LRT stations. Also I would prefer an apartment over a house. I have already lived in Edmonton for 5 years, so I am familiar with lease agreements and so on. If you have anything, please contact me at mg19@ualberta.ca.
Teaching News
On/Off Campus News and Notices
International Symposium of Society & Resource Management
17-21 June 2012
Edmonton, AB
Key Dates:
Feb 10th, 2012: Abstract submission deadline
Feb 15th, 2012: Student paper competition applications due
April 1, 2012: Student papers (for competition) submitted to ISSRM
May 17th, 2012: Last day for early-bird registration
May 25th, 2012: Presentations uploaded to ISSRM 2012 website
http://www.issrm2012.iasnr.
Coldest Night of the Year
Herman Cortes is doing a fundraiser called "Coldest Night of the Year" for Hope Mission, a homeless shelter in downtown Edmonton. February is typically a very cold month (this year notwithstanding) so shelters need a lot of support so homeless can have a place to stay and a warm meal.
On February 25, his church's youth-group and him are doing a 5 km walk around downtown to experience what the homeless go through on a typical, chilly night. Their goal is to raise $500 for the shelter.
If you'd like to donate, please come talk to him in CW319, email Herman (hdc2@ualberta.ca) or donate online at http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3240591&langPref=en-CA. Any donation is greatly appreciated!! Please note, only donations greater than $20 get a tax receipt.
Chinese New Year Banquet/Fundraiser - February 11, 2012
Bring in the Year of the Dragon with a 10-course meal, lion dance, martial arts demonstration, traditional Chinese dancers, door prizes, and raffle prizes at the Shang de Tai Chi Praying Mantis Martial Arts Association fundraising dinner at Dynasty Century Palace restaurant. Tickets are $35.00 for adults (14 yrs and up), $20.00 for kids 7 - 13 yrs and free for kids under 6. Deadline to buy tickets is Monday, February 6, 2012. Doors open at 5:00 PM, dinner at 6:00. For more details or to purchase tickets, contact Amanda (kahn@ualberta.ca).
Workplace Wellness Promotion
Today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment
can often make it very challenging for many people to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Wellspring Health Centre ( U of A, HUB mall) and StillpointHealing Center (DOWNTOWN 112 str-Jasper Ave) would like to invite
you and your spouse for an INTRODUCTORY
MASSAGE , ACUPUNCTURE or SHIATSU session.
Our health centre specializes in treatment, prevention and management of computer and sedentary job related health problems, stress and pain management.
YOGA, Workplace Stretches, Personal training classes are added to promote workplace wellness.
Available through our DOWNTOWN location only.
Our Registered Therapists will be happy to introduce you to our professional health care environment.
This is a unique opportunity to relax and enhance physical and emotional wellbeing of you and your family.
MOST OF OUR SERVICES ARE COVERED By Sunlife and Bluecross Extended Health Benefit Plans
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART OF THIS HEALTH INITIATIVE PLEASE REPLY TO THIS OFFER VIA E-MAIL AND WE WILL E-MAIL YOU OUR INTRODUCTORY SESSION SCHEDULE AND INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT COUPON
We look forward to seeing you.
This offer will be valid till February 29, 2012
Phone: 780-432-1222
E-mail: info@albertawellness.com
Locations:
1. Wellspring Health Centre -University of Alberta, HUB mall, 8911 (South end) www.albertawellness.com
2. Downtown ( Stillpoint Healing Center) – 112str and Jasper Avenue
We are conveniently located close to LRT and Bus routes.
The 2012 8th International Conference on Natural Computation and the 2012 9th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Knowledge Discovery
The 2012 8th International Conference on Natural Computation (ICNC'12) and the 2012 9th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Knowledge Discovery (FSKD'12) will be jointly held from 29-31 May 2012, in Chongqing, China. The deadline for the 2nd (final) round of submissions is 8 March 2012 (papers already submitted in the previous round should not be re-submitted and will receive review notifications on 9 March).
Renowned as the Mountain City, Chongqing is a magnet for visitors from home and abroad for its cultural heritage and numerous attractions. There are many karst caves, hot springs, and gorges in the area. Major tourist spots in and near Chongqing include Dazu Grottoes (rock carvings began in the Tang Dynasty 650 A.D.), Three Gorges, Jinyun Mountain Natural Reserve, Hongya Cave, Shibaozhai, Wulong Karst, etc..
All papers in the conference proceedings will be indexed by both EI Compendex and ISTP as with the past ICNC-FSKD conferences. Extended versions of selected best papers will appear in an ICNC-FSKD special issue of Computers & Mathematics with Applications, an SCI-indexed journal. ICNC'12-FSKD'12 is technically co-sponsored by the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society.
ICNC-FSKD is a premier international forum for scientists and researchers to present the state of the art of data mining and intelligent methods inspired from nature, particularly biological, linguistic, and physical systems, with applications to computers, circuits, systems, control, communications, and more. This is an exciting and emerging interdisciplinary area in which a wide range of theory and methodologies are being investigated and developed to tackle complex and challenging problems. The registration fee of US-D430 includes proceedings, lunches, dinners, banquet, coffee breaks, and all technical sessions.
To promote international participation of researchers from outside the country/region where the conference is held (i.e., China's mainland), researchers outside of Chinas mainland are encouraged to propose invited sessions. An honorarium of US-D400 will be enjoyed by the organizer(s) for each completed (with at least 6 registered papers) invited session. The first author of each paper in an invited session must not be affiliated with an organization in China’s mainland. "(Invited Paper)" may be added below the title of each paper in the invited sessions. Invited session organizers will solicit submissions, conduct reviews and recommend accept/reject decisions on the submitted papers. Invited session organizers will be able to set their own submission and review schedules, as long as a set of recommended papers is determined by 21 March 2012. Each invited session proposal should include: (1) the name, bio, and contact information of each organizer of the invited session; (2) the title and a short synopsis of the invited session. Please send your proposal to icnc-fskd@cqupt.edu.cn
For more information, visit the conference web page:
If you have any questions after visiting the conference web page, please email the secretariat at icnc-fskd@cqupt.edu.cn
Join us at this major event in beautiful Chongqing !!!
Organizing Committee
North American Congress for Conservation Biology
15-18 July, Oakland, California
The first ever North America Congress for Conservation Biology (NACCB) this July 15-18 in Oakland, CA. And today we're delighted to kick start the New Year with two important NACCB announcements.
First, don't forget abstracts for oral, poster, and speed presentations for NACCB 2012 are due online by Monday, January 30.
The full call for abstracts and a complete set of instructions for preparation and submission is available on the Call for Abstracts page.
Second, we're proud to introduceStony, an American pika and the official mascot of NACCB 2012! American pikas are a flagship species when it comes to the challenges North American biodiversity faces under climate change. Pikas are sensitive to high temperatures and require winter snow pack to persist so biologists are keeping a close eye on this species. Conservation scientists are playing a key role in pika management and policy and will be presenting their findings as part of the many science symposiums planned for NACCB 2012.
So, come meet Stony and find out more about North American biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and new approaches to environmental policy and management.
Once again - Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you at NACCB this July in Oakland!
If you have not already done so please sign up to receive regular updates about the Congress.
And follow NACCB 2012 on Facebook
RiboWest 2012 Conference
8th Annual Meeting, June 10th – 13th, 2012
University of Lethbridge, Alberta
See the poster for more information
GeoAlberta 2012 Call for Presentations/ Workshops
Save the date: May 7th-9th, 2012, in Calgary.
The 2012 GeoAlberta Conference CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOPS is now! Click here www.geoalberta.com and check out our exciting theme:
"Ga3: Geospatial - anywhere, anytime for anyone!"
Celebrate our 10th Anniversary by presenting at the conference. Submit your abstracts by December 16, 2011, and you could win a free conference registration ($575.00 value). Student registration rate is only $100.
UofAPS 4th Biennial Symposium
The University of Alberta Palaeontological Society is holding its 4th Biennial Symposium on February 11th, and as such is sending out a call for abstracts for posters and presentations.
Call for Abstracts
The University of Alberta Palaeontological Society is hosting its 4th Biennial Symposium on February 11th, 2012 at the University of Alberta. We wish to hear about what research you have been doing! Whether in the fields of Invertebrate Palaeontology, Vertebrate Palaeontology, Palaeobotany, Palaeoanthropology, Micropalaeontology, Palaeoecology, Ichnology, Biostratigraphy, Taphonomy, Cladistics or Evolutionary Biology, feel free to submit abstracts for presentations, posters, or both.
Abstracts should be 500 words or less and can be emailed to uofaps@ualberta.ca.
This Week's Funny
There are three sides of an argument - your side, my side and the right side