Fisheries & Wildlife Graduate Student Association

The Fifth Annual Research Advances in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology Symposium

November 1, 2007
The LaSells Stewart Center, Oregon State University

The Research Advances in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology (RAFWE) symposium showcases research, extension, and outreach activities conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, related departments at OSU and other colleges and universities, and state and federal agencies. The Fifth Annual RAFWE Symposium is scheduled for November 1 2007, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the LaSells Stewart Center on the main campus of OSU: Map to LaSells Stewart Center.

There is no registration fee: admission to the RAFWE Symposium is free.

Metered parking is available in the Reiser Stadium lot.

Keynote Speaker

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Nalini Nadkarni who is a member of the faculty at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Her research is focused on the ecology of tropical and temperate forest canopies, particularly the role that canopy-dwelling plants play in forests at the ecosystem level.

Keynote Address
4:00-5:00 pm
Construction and Engineering Hall

Collaborations and Connections: Carrying out Research in an Increasingly Linked World from a Forest Canopy Perspective

Two major problems facing humans today are the increasing distance between science and society, and between humans and nature. Scientists can and should play a key role in bridging these gaps, as nearly all scientists have both the passion and depth of knowledge that can help make these connections and inspire conservation. However, the traditional culture of academia typically views direct outreach to the public as being less important than fostering connections with other scientists. The urgency of environmental issues such as global climate change and loss of biodiversity, however, is leading scientists to view outreach as a valid academic activity. I discuss examples of how scientist outreach in one subfield of ecology – forest canopy studies – has helped disseminate information from academic circles to the general public. The focus of these projects has been on non-traditional public audiences, including church congregations, at-risk inner city youth, and medium-security prisoners. In all cases, the scientists and audiences were able to exchange information on topics that were of common interest. I discuss ways in which scientists from other fields might follow this model.

Oral Presentations and Posters

Abstracts for oral presentations and posters may be submitted by students and faculty at OSU, employees of state and federal agencies, and professionals associated with non-governmental organizations.

Oral presentations are 12 minutes in length with 3 minutes for questions. Contact Heidi Vogel ( vogelh@onid.orst.edu ) for more details.
The length of poster session has yet to be determined. However, it will likely be one hour in length.

Abstracts for both oral presentations and posters may be submitted online at: Abstract Submission Form or emailed to vogelh@onid.orst.edu . The deadline for abstract submission is October 15, 2007.

Workshops

Please see WORKSHOPS page for info and registration.

Services

Refreshments will be provided during the morning and afternoon sessions.

SPECIAL EVENT: Movie Viewing -RIVERWEBS!

NO REGISTRATION is required. 10:30am-noon
in Construction and Engineering Hall

RiverWebs chronicles the inspiring life and work of the pioneering Japanese ecologist, Dr. Shigeru Nakano. From his boyhood exploration of Japan’s mountain streams to his leadership of an international effort to understand river ecosystems, Nakano’s life demonstrates the unquenchable curiosity and bold creativity that drive scientific discovery. Yet it is Nakano’s tragic and untimely death that shows us the profound personal impact of his life, and reveals what is perhaps the greatest scientific strength... community.

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