Announcements, Nominations and Applications
Announcements, Nominations and Applications
LENETTE ROGERS ATKINSON 1899-1996
75-YEAR BSA MEMBER
Longtime member Lenette Rogers Atkinson, 97, a resident of Bellvue, Washington, passed away November 26,1996. Dr. Atkinson had been a member of the Botanical Society of America since 1921, longer than any current member. Born March 30, 1899, in South Carver, Massachusetts, she was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College. She received the Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1926. She taught briefly at both those institutions.
She was married in 1928 to Geoffroy Atkinson, professor of romance languages at Amherst College in Massachusetts. They had met in Belgium while they were both on Guggenheim and Belgian-American Foundation fellowships.
Dr. Atkinson's research was in classification of ferns. She was an honorary member of the American Fern Society, a member of the Linnean Society of London, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She was secretary of the American Fern Society from 1963-1968. In her 70's she was invited to present results of her research
in London.
Her survivors include two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The family suggest remembrances Dr. Atkinson's name be made to the American Fern Society.
(Based on material from the Eastside Journal, Bellevue WA, and from Dr. Atkinson's family).
The Humboldt Field Research Institute offers a number of I or 2 week seminars which involve intensive practical field experiences, follow-up lab work and discussions, and are taught by leading national and regional authorities. Topics of botanical interest include Mosses, Liverworts, and Sphagnum Mosses, June 8-14; Lichens and Lichen Ecology, June 15-21; Bryophyte Ecology, June 22-28; Systematic Botany, July 20-26; Sedges, Rushes, and Grasses, July 27 - August 2; Marine Macroalgae
and their Microscopic Forms, August 24-30; and Field Ethnobotany: Medicinal Plants, September 7-13.
The seminars are offered at the Humboldt Field Research Institute (formerly know as Eagle Hill Field Research Station), which is located on the coast of Maine on the summit of the peninsula just east of the Schoodic Pt. section of Acadia National Park and just west of Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. Most seminars may be taken for 2 or more graduate or undergraduate credits by registering through the University of Maine. A detailed brochure is available from Humboldt Field Research Institute, PO Box 9, Steuben ME 04680-0009, (207) 546-2821, fax: 3042, e-mail: eaglhill@maine.maine.edu, WWW: http://maine.maine.edu/~eaglhill/
During the summer of 1997,
Indiana University's Department of Biology, in cooperation with
the I.U. Division of Continuing Studies, will offer two week-long
laboratory courses focusing on the techniques and procedures used
in recombinant DNA research and their application. Participants
also have the opportunity to work with a DNA sample of their own
research organism. Both courses will be taught on the Indiana
University campus in Bloomington.
Recombinant DNA Technology
- The first course, "Recombinant DNA Technology," will introduce participants to procedures involved in recombinant DNA work and to the molecular aspects of genetic engineering. Most of the procedures that are taught to biology graduate students in the recombinant DNA section of a graduate techniques course at Indiana University will be covered. Participants can make arrangements to isolate genomic DNA from their own research organisms during the course.
The following techniques will be included: DNA and cloning vector manipulation, PCR technology, preparation of recombinant DNA, transformation of bacterial cells, selection and assay of cloned and amplified fragments of "foreign" DNA, transfer of DNA for probing (Southern blot), preparation of nonradioactive DNA probes, and use of web sites in research and teaching. "Recombinant DNA Technology" is designed for those with a basic understanding of the structure of DNA and elemental genetics and with a minimal understanding of enzymes and biochemistry. The course is scheduled for June 1-6, 1997. Registration deadline is May 16.
Application of recombinant DNA Technology: RFLP and Fingerprinting Analysis, RAPD Analysis and DNA Sequencing - This course will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the materials and techniques used in recombinant DNA research. Participants may bring a DNA sample to sequence during the course. This course will emphasize the following techniques: DNA sequencing using non-radioactive methods, RAPD analysis of genomic DNA, fingerprinting and RFLP analysis of genomic DNA, electroporation of bacterial cells, chemiluminescent detection of nucleic acids, application of computers to DNA sequencing data analysis, preparation of random
fragment sequencing libraries and double-stranded DNA for sequencing, use of bioneb cell and bipolymer disruption systems, and use of web-based sites for molecular biology.
A basic understanding of the structure of DNA and elemental genetics is assumed for participants in this short course, as is a minimal understanding of enzymes and biochemistry. Previous experience with PCR or RFLP analysis and DNA sequencing is not a prerequisite, nor is completion of "Recombinant DNA Technology." This course is scheduled for June 8-13, 1997. Registration deadline is May 16.
The instructor for both courses is Dr. Stefan J. Surzycki, Associate Professor of Biology at Indiana University. The registration fee for each course is $995. The fee for those enrolling in both courses is $1,615. The fees include all instruction, laboratory supplies, use of equipment, and lab manuals. For additional information, contact Jane Clay, Division of Continuing Studies, Owen Hall 204, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, phone (812) 855-6329, internet Jclay@indiana.edu, web: http://www.indiana.edu/~scs/dna.html.
The seminars are offered for an advanced and professional audience, well-qualified university and college students, and amateur naturalists. Seminar participants in the past have included independent scholars, university professors,
serious amateur naturalists, professional field biologists and consultants, foresters, teachers, as well as personnel from museums, botanical gardens, various federal and state agencies, and numerous environmental organizations.
Recombinant DNA Lab Courses
1-13 June 1997
The Greenman Award, a certificate and a cash prize of $1,000, is presented each year by the Missouri Botanical Garden. It recognizes the paper judged best in vascular plant or bryophyte systematics based on a doctoral dissertation published during the previous year. Papers published during 1996 are now being accepted for the 29th annual award, which will be presented in the summer of 1997. Reprints of such papers should be sent to Dr. P. Mick Richardson, Greenman Award Committee, Missouri Botanical Garden, P. 0. Box 299, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0299, U.S.A. In order to be considered for the 1996 award, reprints must be received by 1 June 1997.
The purpose of this award is to promote research into the practical means of managing and using tropical forest resources without destroying the integrity of the forest ecosystem. The research will synthesize elements of conservation and business and must lead to the development of a product or marketing technique that can provide incomes for community-based groups living in or near tropical forest areas. A thoroughly documented paper suitable for publication is required.
The Kleinbans Fellowship research area is restricted to Latin America, though projects that can eventually be replicated in other parts of the world are encouraged. Research involving any tropical forest type, wet or dry, in Latin America is eligible. Anyone with a master's degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science or appropriate related fields may apply; doctoral candidates or post-doctoral researchers preferred. Applicants may substitute relevant experience for degrees.
The fellowship provides a grant of $15,000 (US) per year, for two years. Please note that the Fellowship will not subsidize academic tuition and fees, nor will it cover costs of purchasing transport vehicles or unnecessary or unreasonable equipment. The Kleinhans Fellowship is administered by the Rainforest Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests. This fellowship is part of the Rainforest Alliance's program to develop ecologically and socially sound alternatives to the economic practices that cause tropical forest destruction.
For more information and guidelines for application, please contact Rain Forest Alliance, c/o Ina F. Chaudhury, Kleinhans Fellowship, 65 Bleecker Street, New York NY 10012, USA; tel. (212) 677-1900; fax (212) 677-2187; e-mail:canopy@ra.org. Application deadline is April 3, 1997.
Opportunities for lecturing or advanced research in over 135 countries are available to college and university faculty and professional outside academe. U.S. citizenship and the Ph.D. or comparable professional qualifications required. For lecturing awards, university or college teaching experience is expected. Foreign language skills are needed for some countries, but most lecturing assignments are in English.
The deadline for lecturing or research grants for 1998-99 is August 1, 1997. Other deadlines are in place for special programs: distinguished Fulbright chairs in Western Europe and Canada (May 1) and Fulbright seminars for international education and academic administrators (November 1).
Contact the USIA Fulbright
Senior Scholar Program, Council for International Exchange of
Scholars, 3007 Tilden Street, NW, Suite 5M, Box GNEWS, Washington,
DC 200083009. Telephone: (202) 6867877. Web Page (on-line materials):
http://www.cies.org/; e-mail: ciesl@ciesnet.cies.org (requests
for mailing of application materials only).
The New York Botanical Garden is pleased to announce that David S. Seigler of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is the recipient of the 1996 Rupert Barneby Award. Dr. Seigler will be working on the acacioid legumes of North America and Mexico.
The New York Botanical Garden also invites applications for the 1997 Rupert Barneby Award. The award of $1,000.00 is to assist researchers to visit The New York Botanical Garden to study the rich collection of Leguminosae. Anyone interested in applying for the award should submit their curriculum vitae and a detailed letter describing the project for which the award is sought. Travel to NYBG should be planned for sometime in 1998. The letter should be addressed to Dr. James L. Luteyn, Institute of Systematic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126 USA, and received no later than December 1, 1997. Announcement of the recipient will be made by December 15th. Anyone interested in making a contribution to The Rupert Barneby Fund In Legume Systematics, which supports this award, may send their check, payable to The New York Botanical Garden, to Dr. Luteyn.