Using eDNA to help scientists monitor marine ecosystems

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Through eDNA, a sample of seawater can yield information about who is living in nearby waters. (graphic: Kelly Lance)
By sampling eDNA, scientists can gather information about what species are in nearby waters. (graphic: Kelly Lance)

Marine plants and animals leave behind tiny markers of their presence, often in the form of skin cells that have been shed, damaged tissues, or waste products – and within that lies their signature DNA. From a sample of seawater, scientists can read that eDNA — that is, environmental DNA — and paint a picture of species diversity in specific ocean ecosystems, determine whether or not invasive species have landed in local waters, and even sharpen their ability to monitor ecosystem changes as is often required by law. Led by School of Marine and Environmental Affairs assistant professor Ryan Kelly, a team of scientists published their findings on June 27 in Science on this emerging method and its potential for marine management, monitoring, and ecology.

Shellfish center – named after UW’s Ken Chew – to tackle shellfish declines

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Ken Chew
Ken Chew

Washington state’s newest shellfish hatchery – and the federal government’s only such hatchery in the region – has been named after long-time University of Washington faculty member Ken Chew, a professor emeritus of aquatic and fishery sciences. The Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration is housed at the Manchester Research Station operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration near Port Orchard. Its opening coincides with a new 10-year plan to rebuild populations of native Olympia oysters in Puget Sound.

UW DEOHS Green Labs Project Assistant

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The UW Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) Green Labs Project is seeking a project assistant to join its team.  This one-year project is funded by the University of Washington Green Seed Fund.  The goals of this project are to conduct a sustainability assessment of DEOHS laboratories using the UW Green Labs certification application and other tools, identify areas where improvements can be made, and quantitatively evaluate green practices that will be pilot-tested during the one-year project period. 

The job duties will include the following:

  • Conduct review of scientific literature, government documents, reports, Material Safety Data Sheets, and other sources of information on laboratory chemicals, energy consumption, waste stream analysis, sustainability, and green laboratory practices.
  • Participate in data collection activities including monitoring laboratory equipment using energy meters, sorting trash for waste stream audits, and searching online for information on chemical hazards, laboratory equipment, and other relevant topics.  
  • Enter and organize data on chemicals, energy consumption, laboratory supplies, and waste streams to be used for data analysis.
  • Assist with preparing reports, presentations, webinars, and other materials. 
  • Participate in meetings with departmental faculty, staff, and students as requested.

 Qualifications:

We are seeking an undergraduate student who has a keen interest in sustainability and would like to use this position as an opportunity to fulfill an internship, capstone project, or other academic requirement.  The project assistant will be encouraged to pursue areas of interest within the scope of the project.  Demonstrated competence using Microsoft Word and Excel is essential for the position.  Experience searching databases, such as Web of Science, for research articles is desirable as well as knowledge of chemicals and/or environmental health issues. 

Start date: April 1, 2014

Hours: 10 hours/week

Payment: $12-15/hour

The position will start on April 1, 2014 and run through Spring Quarter 2014, with opportunities to work through the summer and Fall Quarter 2014.  Hours will increase to 20 hours/week in the summer and decrease to 10 hours/week during Fall Quarter 2014.  

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to jkrenz@uw.edu.  The application deadline is Monday, March 24, 2014.  

Research Apprenticeship at Friday Harbor Labs

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Go to Friday Harbor Labs this Spring Quarter! Applications are still being accepted! 

Marine Sedimentary Processes: Elwha River Dam Removal Impacts 
Research Apprenticeship

(Ocean 492, 15 credits)The review of applications will begin on January 25, 2014. Applications will be accepted past that date if space is available. For information please contact Stacy Markman, FHL Student Coordinator:fhladmin@uw.edu

Spring Quarter 2014: Monday, March 31- Friday, June 6, 2014 (10 weeks) Students arrive Sunday, March 30 after 3:00 p.m., depart Saturday, June 7 after breakfast. Classes held Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.


Dr. Andrea Ogston
School of Oceanography
University of Washingtonogston@ocean.washington.edu

Dr. Charles Nittrouer

School of Oceanography
University of Washingtonnittroue@ocean.washington.edu

Dr. Ian M. Miller

Washington Sea Grant
Coastal Hazards Specialistimmiller@uw.edu

This research apprenticeship focuses on the impacts of dams on the marine sedimentary system and the impacts during dam deconstruction of the release of reservoir-trapped sediment into the marine environment. Rivers deliver tons of sediment each year into the Puget Sound area, creating a variety of seabed morphologies and habitats for benthic biology. Dam removal projects are becoming an attractive means of restoration for depleted fisheries, river ecosystems, and coastlines, and we are working to understand the full range of effects these restoration efforts will have. 

https://catalyst.uw.edu/workspace/ogston/23399 

Students from University of Washington may be eligible for funding from the Mary Gates Endowment for Students ($3000 for a 15-credit research apprenticeship). Minimum eligibility guidelines are at least a junior standing as a matriculated undergraduate student at University of Washington, a 3.0 GPA and sufficient course background in introductory science courses; exceptions can be made for students with excellent recommendations and other specific information.

Research Apprenticeship Course Registration: All students accepted for a research apprentcieship at FHL will be registered by FHL staff through University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education (UWPCE); UW students may not register themsleves for FHL research apprenticeships.Link here for additional registration information. 

 

Apply at https://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentApplicationInfo.html

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Location: Wallace Hall Commons, 1st floor (Corner of Brooklyn & Pacific)
When: Thursday, March 6th 11am-12pm, Presentation including time for Q&A, followed by light, casual reception
Come hear students present findings from their research and pilot projects to promote renewable energy at UW as part of our Climate Action strategy. Topics include:
  • Promoting conservation in the dorms using real-time electricity consumption data,
  • Evaluating the feasibility of future solar projects on and off-campus,
  • Evaluating the overall feasibility of diverse renewable energy options to power UW’s campus,
  • Human generated electricity on bicycles, and
  • Education and outreach to broader campus.

Teaching Assistant Position, University of Washington

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“Food and the Environment” C ENV 110 is looking for two teaching assistants for Autumn Quarter 2014, 9/16/2014 – 12/15/2014. 

This course will use food production and consumption as an introduction to many of the elements of environmental science including nutrient cycles, population growth, food webs, water supply and demand, impact of exploitation on natural populations, land transformation, energy consumption and its impact on climate. Food is produced in a variety of ways; crops are grown, animals are fed on crops and or grazed, fish are caught in the ocean and fresh water, and fish are raised in aquaculture. Each method of food production impacts the environment in many ways through transformation of habitats, consumption of energy and release of CO2, pollution of waterways, soil erosion, and reduction in biodiversity.  Understanding how food production affects and shapes the environment can help us make choices about what kinds of food we eat, but also can provide a window for learning about the basics of environmental science.

TA Responsibilities: The TA will be responsible for approximately 20 hours of work per week related to the course.   The primary duties of the TA will be: grading homework and exams and leading three discussion sections. There will be additional course-specific duties as required by the instructor, which may include helping managing electronic resources, meeting with students, and creating formally or informally a positive learning environment for students.  

Must have academic standing as a graduate student. 

Applicants should submit: (1) Current CV/resume; (2) Two references (name, title, phone, email) familiar with your teaching abilities; (3) Cover Letter, no more than 2 pages worth of text, stating what strengths you would bring to serving as a teaching assistant in an interdisciplinary, introductory environmental science course, as well as your strengths and background relevant to the specific activities outlined in the position and course description. Application review begins immediately.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For priority consideration, apply by March 3, 2014. Notification by April 4, 2014

**Apply online via UWHIRES

This Spring Quarter: ENV H 490/590

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The course will address the impacts of environmental change on human health. It will use a multidisciplinary approach to address the interplay between environmental change (including but not limited to climate change) and emerging infectious diseases. By focusing on the interactions between the two phenomena, the class will help tie together previous and subsequent coursework on environmental change and emerging infectious diseases.

Interested in Teaching? Love Environmental Studies?

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POSITION DETAILS:

Program on the Environment seeks two enthusiastic undergraduate students to work as peer TAs in Environmental Studies 100: Interdisciplinary Foundations. This is an exceptional opportunity!  Peer TAs are mentored by faculty, lead their own discussion section, get great teaching experience, and earn credit towards their degree. This opportunity is especially valuable for students interested in environmental education or applying to graduate school.

The total time commitment is approximately 15 hours per week. As a Peer TA, you are responsible for attending the lecture for ENVIR 100 (3 hours per week), attending a weekly instructor meeting (approximately 1 hour per week), and leading one discussion section (2 hours per week). Additional tasks include: preparing for your discussion section, evaluating student work and providing extra help when needed.

Peer TAs will earn academic credit (5 credits of ENVIR 489, ungraded). 

  • Course Instructors:  Kristi Straus (PoE) and Yen-Chu Weng (PoE)
  • Lecture Schedule:MWF 9:30-10:20
  • Discussion Sections: T or TH, various times

APPLICATION LOGISTICS:

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Resume
  2. Unofficial copy of your UW transcript (transfer transcripts not necessary)
  3. Brief statement of intent answering the following questions (no longer than 2 pages):
    1. Why are you interested in being a peer TA for ENVIR 100?
    2. What unique abilities or experiences would you bring to this position?
    3. How does your knowledge of or experience with teaching or environmental studies qualify you to be a peer T.A.?

Electronic materials may be submitted via e-mail to jkob@uw.edu.

Positions are open until filled. All applications submitted by Tuesday, February 11th  at 5:00 PM will receive full consideration.

*Priority will be given to students who meet the following requirements:

  1. Completion or current registration in either BIOL 492: Teaching of Biology or Environmental Pedagogy (an ENVIR 495)
  2. Completion of ENVIR 100 with a minimum grade of 3.0
  3. Environmental Studies (Program on the Environment) majors or minors
  4. At least Junior level standing

**Credits earned for being a peer TA can be applied to one of the following requirements for the major in Environmental Studies:

  • Policy and Decision-making perspectives
  • Departmental Honors requirement of ENVIR 497/498 (substitutes for both requirements)

Teach For America Application Deadline Reminder: 1/24

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Fourth Application Deadline: Friday, January 24

Learn how to apply and review the application timeline here.

Start your application here!

What’s the advantage of applying to at the 1/24 deadline as opposed to the 2/20 deadline?

  • Higher chances of being admitted to your top choice region
  • More access to transitional funding
  • More time to prepare for your future students (if you wait until the last deadline, you won’t confirm your offer to TFA until April 1 – that’s just about two months before you would have to leave for your induction!)

Teach For America is developing a movement of leaders who will help drive change at every level of our education system toward the goal of closing the opportunity gap in America.These leaders start their paths as corps members who teach for two years in urban and rural high-need communities and help students make the academic progress that expands their opportunities.  Deeply affected by their teaching experience, our alumni continue to advocate for students and build lasting change in many different roles and fields.

The Basics and Benefits:

  • All academic majors and backgrounds accepted.
  • Regional placement is not random; applicants preference location in our 48 regions.
  • All grade levels (preK-12) and subjects including ELL and SpEd.
  • Salary ranging from $25,500-$51,000 a year with health insurance and retirement benefits.
  • Possible Americorps Education Award of $11,100 and loan deferment/forbearance.
  • Option to earn your certification and/or Masters in Education/teaching.
  • Graduate school and employer partnerships for alum to continue their leadership and impact.
  • DACA recipients are eligible to apply to TFA. Learn more here.

On Campus Events this Quarter:

  • Teach For America Application Workshop – Tuesday 1/21 from 4:30pm -6:00pm in SAV 155

  • Post-Grad Service Panel with Americorps, City Year, Peace Corps and Teach For America – Wednesday 1/21 from 6:00pm-7:00pm in SMI 205 

 For additional information, explore our website and youtube channel or contact Katherine Kleitsch at katherine.kleitsch@teachforamerica.org.