WORKSHOPS
PRE-MEETING WORKSHOPS
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Space is limited - register early.
Workshops are subject to cancellation if minimum registration is not met.
No refunds or cancellations after April 15.
Introduction
to R
9:00 am-5:00 pm - Limit: 20 participants
Cost: $100.00 SFS members; $75.00 SFS
student members
The R computing
environment has become a leading computational freeware for data analysis and
display. This workshop is intended to introduce participants to the"R"computing environment, participants will learn to import, export and transform
data to run statistical tests and data summaries. Instructors will demonstrate several
functions of R and associated packages increasing the understanding and use of
the R environment. Students will be
expected to bring their own computer, and will be provided with many additional
resources for exploring and learning in the R environment. A basic
understanding of statistics and statistical tests is required.
Introduction
to Gastropods and Mollusks: Sampling and Identification 101
9:00 am-5:00 pm - Limit: 20
participants
Cost: $150.00 SFS members; $75.00 SFS
student members
The focus of this
workshop is to provide participants with a background on biology and ecology of
freshwater mollusks (gastropods and bivalves), sampling techniques widely
accepted in the industry, and taxonomic skills for commonly encountered
species. Jeremy Tiemann and Kevin
Cummings of the Illinois Natural History Survey will bring knowledge and
charisma to an often under recognized taxa group. Whether you're a novice aquatic ecologist,
looking to gain more experience with another faunal group, or a seasoned field
biologist, this workshop will be informative and a thorough overview of mollusk
taxonomy and sampling. Completing this
workshop will prepare participants for the much anticipated SFS- Taxonomic
Certification Exam for Genus level IDs of Freshwater Mollusks.
Bioassessment
Analytical Methods for Freshwater Soft-Bodied Algae
9:00 am-5:00 pm - Limit: 20
participants
Cost: $100.00 SFS members; $75.00 SFS
student members
Soft-bodied algae
are increasingly used in freshwater bioassessment as bioindicators of
ecological conditions. The methods for their analysis are variable and
influence the quality of obtained ecological information. This workshop is
intended to demonstrate and discuss several analytical methods for benthic
soft-bodied algae currently used in US
federal and state stream bioassessment programs (such as National Aquatic
Resource Surveys, National Water-Quality Assessment Program, and Surface Water Ambient
Monitoring Program). In addition, methods for phytoplankton and periphyton from
lentic ecosystems (lakes, wetlands) will be briefly presented. Workshop leaders, Drs. Rosalina Stancheva
and Julianne Heinlein, will lead discussions regarding time and cost efforts,
and the advantages of each method. During this workshop the participants will
receive an overview of the methods, the data generated, and their applications
to bioassessment. Participants will compare the methods by hands-on experience
processing freshwater samples, using various microscope counting devices for
soft-bodied algae, and identifying and quantifying the soft-bodied algae under
light microscope. This workshop is intended for both new and experienced algal
taxonomists as well as those managing/designing projects which include algal
counts.
Stream
Hydrology for Ecologists
9:00 am-5:00 pm - Limit: 20
participants
Cost: $50.00 SFS members; $25.00 SFS
student members
This 6-hour
workshop is intended to be an introductory level course on stream hydrology for
aquatic ecologists. This workshop will provide a conceptual overview of how
hydrology and aquatic ecology intersect. Through interactive and hands-on
exercises, Ken Eng (USGS) and Ted Grantham ( USGS) will focus instruction on
methods for obtaining and calculating flow and watershed data, prediction of
natural and altered flows at ungauged locations, and modeling floodplain
hydrology. All participants are required to have R (version 2.11.1 or higher)
and R Studio (https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/) installed on their own
laptops.
Engage Science Communication Workshop:
Communicate Your Research to the Public
Saturday, May 21, 2016
9:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:30-4:30 pm -
Limit: 40 participants each session
Cost: $40.00 SFS members; $30 SFS
Young Professional Members; $20.00 SFS student members
Engage is an
organization dedicated to teaching public speaking and science communication
skills. At Engage, we train scientists to distill their knowledge without
distortion or dilution. Scientists are often the leaders of their field with
commanding depths of knowledge. However, these scientists struggle to
clearly communicate their research to those outside their area of knowledge and
the layperson. The problem isn't too little knowledge, but too much
knowledge.
The primary aim of
this workshop is to provide an opportunity for early career scientists to
strengthen their public speaking and science communication abilities by
developing a short, compelling, and jargon-free message about their
research. The workshop will train participants to deliver an elevator pitch
clearly and concisely with poise and confidence. This message will be
accessible to many different audiences, including the public and scientists
outside of the student's discipline. After developing this message,
participants in this workshop will be able to adapt their communication skills
and the message to multiple audiences, thereby improving their communication
with the public, the media, and other scientists.
Taxonomic Certification Genus Level Testing- 2016
Announcement:
The TCP will be offering beta tests for Chironomidae and Mollusk images at this event.
Sign up early if you wish to take part. Numbers are limited.
Image Tests are on USB sticks for this event and you will require your own laptop computer:
EPT- East or West
Chironomidae- North America
Mollusk- North America
Specimen & Slide Tests require microscope, light etc. (maybe provided if requested):
General Arthropods- East or West
Oligochaeta- North America
Test Sessions:
All testing will take place on Sunday, May 22nd., 2016 in room # 317-318 of the Sacramento Convention Cente. The tests are three hours long with a half hour setup time. :
Morning Session: 8:30am-12pm
Afternoon Session: 12:30pm-4pm
The tests are three hours long with a half hour setup time.
Please contact gail.corkum@acadiau.ca directly if you wish to sign up for any tests in Sacramento. Space is limited. Registration will close on April 15th, 2016.
Taxonomic Certification Committee Meeting- 2016
The TCC meeting will follow the test sessions from 4-5pm in the above room. All are welcome. Please rsvp: gail.corkum@acadiau.ca to let me know if you will be attending the TCC or not.