Breakfasts, Bird Talk, Student Mixer, and Career Development Workshops

20160227_2-584Breakfast Roundtable Discussion

  • Requires separate registration fee, advance registration required.
  • Wednesday, 7:30-9:30am
  • Breakfast and discussion start promptly at 7:30am
  • Breakfast Discussion Topic:   Implications of protections for sub-species versus full species

The purpose of the Breakfast Roundtable is to facilitate small-group conversation about issues of importance to Western Section members and conference attendees. We will be exploring the conference theme of Death and Taxas using the World Café method. Participants will start at small tables, then change tables over several discussion rounds. This allows for many conversations with different participants and different perspectives. This year we are trying a new approach, building on the discussion with a new focus each round. We will still come together at the end of the breakfast roundtable to share highlights with the entire group.

From evolutionary theory we know that genetic mutations occur and that over time, advantageous ones will spread in a population, which may result in new subspecies. Under many circumstances those subspecies are considered sensitive in some capacity, whether due to geographic restrictions, low populations, specialized habitat, etc.

Round 1: Should sub-species be afforded the same level of protections as full species, why or why not?

Round 2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of listing/protecting sub-species versus full species?

Round 3: What are the differences that must be addressed to protect multiple sub-species versus a single species?

 

Wednesday Breakfast Buffet Menu:  Cinnamon Raisin French Toast with Butter & Maple Syrup; Chicken Apple Sausage, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Country Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Salsa, Fruit Yogurts, Sliced Seasonal Fruits, California Granola & Assorted Cereals. Served with assorted chilled juices, sweet butter and preserves as well as coffee, decaf, milk and tea service.

Breakfast Socials

  • Thursday 7-8am and/or Friday 7-8am
  • Requires separate registration fee, advance registration required.

The Breakfast Socials are a new take on the Breakfast Roundtable concept, providing attendees an opportunity for an unstructured, yet prompted, conversation around a theme.  Suggested conversation starters consisting of a few questions will be displayed on tables to encourage lively conversation around the breakfast social theme.  So, come join other wildlifers for an informal, casual breakfast buffet and friendly conversation before the daily events begin each morning.

Thursday Theme: Coordination and Collaboration

Discussion prompts will include: what makes successful collaborations, what are important characteristics of professional partnerships, and good ways to initiate and maintain these relationships. Participants may also share lessons learned, favorite success stories, or how they benefit from collaborating on research, management, fundraising, etc.

Thursday Breakfast Buffet Menu:  Breakfast Burritos (Make-Your-Own) —  Tortillas, Scrambled Eggs, Country Potatoes, Chorizo, Diced Tomato, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese & Salsa.  Served with Sliced Seasonal Fruit, House Pastries, assorted chilled juices, sweet butter and preserves as well as coffee, decaf, milk and tea service.

Friday Theme: Conference Conversations

Start the final day of the conference with breakfast and a conversation about your highlights from the week thus far, from interesting presentations and new scientific approaches to your favorite recreational activity or best thing you ate at Tenaya Lodge!

Friday Breakfast Buffet Menu:  Cheese Blintzes with Strawberry Topping, Plain Scrambled Eggs & Signature Scrambled Eggs Topped with Sauteed Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Cheese & Salsa.  Grilled Ham, Chicken Apple Sausage, Country Potatoes, Fruit Yogurts, Sliced Seasonal Fruits, California Granola & Assorted Cereals. Served with assorted chilled juices, sweet butter and preserves as well as coffee, decaf, milk and tea service.

Publishing and Peer-Reviewing Scholarly Papers: Process, Pitfalls, and Responsibilities

I developed this workshop for the 2018 annual meeting because of Western Section of TWS members had requested a such a workshop to aid graduate students and young professionals in their quest to publish scholarly papers as well as review such papers for peer-reviewed journals.  Based on excellent criticism of last year’s workshop, I have revised this workshop to steam line the presentation.  Although it is intended for students and young professionals, experienced researchers may glean a few tidbits about this process as well as hear about some trends I see emerging in publishing research. Therefore, the purpose of this workshop is to provide an overview of the process of publishing and reviewing papers.  Researchers employ many strategies when publishing papers, so there is no magic strategy for success.  In this workshop, I will simply provide my perspective on things to consider when one is trying to publish a paper including selection of journals, how to interact with editors, and respond to reviewers. These are observations synthesized from my own experiences over several decades as an author, reviewer, and editor.  Therefore, I broad issues of “why publish, what to publish, when to publish, how to publish, and where to publish.”

A related activity in scientific publication is the professional responsibility to serve as a peer reviewer of scholarly papers written by others.  The peer-review system exists only because of volunteer peer-reviewers, so, if you publish, you have a professional obligation to serve as a peer reviewer.  Peer review is essential for maintaining the integrity of the scientific research.  In addition to being a professional obligation, there are many moral and ethical responsibilities associated with peer review that I will discuss.  I will also discuss such topics as the purpose of peer review, blind and double-blind review systems, the elements of a good review, how to comport yourself in developing your written review, how to detect scientifically or politically biased papers, and when you should recuse yourself from reviewing.

R. J. Gutiérrez is Professor and Gordon Gullion Chair Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul and Senior Scientist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has been involved with peer-review and scientific publishing for nearly 50 years. During that time, he has served on the editorial board for 3 international journals, as an independent editor for many compendia, and as a reviewer of more than 1,000 papers.

Resume Workshops

Job Interview Skills Workshop:  Preparing for an interview can be stressful and overwhelming.  Many people will needlessly spend hours practicing answers to all the questions they find in an internet search.  This workshop will help you learn how to prepare efficiently, take control of the interview and ensure that you are ready for any question that might come your way.  With a little guidance, you can easily stand out from other applicants. (Wednesday, February 6, 2019:  2:30-3:45pm) Link to Job Interview Skills Workshop Handouts

A Beginner’s Guide: The Basics of a Resume, C.V., and Interview Skills This workshop will review the basics of a resume, with an emphasis on formatting and categories to include. Participants will learn to recognize where structure is necessary and when creative freedom is appropriate when constructing a resume. We will focus on how to gain experience to put on a resume and discuss interview skills for someone who has minimal experience in the Wildlife field. (Wednesday, February 6, 2019:  4-6pm )

Advanced Resume, C.V., and Interview Skills This workshop will build on a foundation of resume skills. Participants will learn how to use a job announcement to highlight their strengths and gain more information about C.V.’s. We will focus on how to build interview skills that will allow you to talk about unique experiences you have gained, while keeping it relevant to an employer. This workshop is most appropriate for those who have attended a workshop previously, have a successful resume or C.V., or are preparing to apply to (or are attending) grad school. (Thursday, February 7, 2019:  10am-12pm)

In both resume workshops, Kristina will provide sample resumes and C.V.’s, and a list of special qualifications that students develop as part of their undergraduate and graduate experiences (research techniques, field equipment & techniques, training, licenses, etc.), as well as interviewing tips and resources for job hunting in these fields.

Kristina will also be available on a sign-up basis to critique C.V.’s/Resumes; She is also willing to review emailed Resumes & C.V.’s after the annual meeting.

Kristina Hunt is a Career Advisor in the Academic & Career Advising Center for the College of Natural Resources and Sciences at Humboldt State University (HSU). Working as a Career Advisor, Kristina enjoys the opportunity to build relationships with students, inspiring them to explore their interests in wildlife and connecting them to fulfilling professions.    Kristina has 10 years of experience in Human Resources which has provided her with valuable insight from an employer’s perspective.  In her free time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and retreating to the family ranch.

20160227-633How ‘Not’ to Give a Scientific Presentation 

  • Wednesday, February 6, 2019:  12:30-1:30pm
  • No additional cost, included in the meeting registration fee

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, this informative (and likely humorous) mini-workshop will provide you with information and tips for presenting your research work to your peers. Instructor Jon Hooper will provide demonstrations on how to give an effective presentation….and how NOT to.

Dr. Jon K. Hooper is Professor Emeritus at California  State University-Chico, a Certified Wildlife Biologist, and Certified Interpretive Trainer.  He has a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and has taught communication workshops around the country for more than 35+ years.

20160227-727Job Interview Panel: I Got a Job Interview, Now What? – Getting Jobs in a Tough Job Environment

  • Friday, February 8, 2019:  11:15-12:15pm
  • No additional cost, included in the meeting registration fee

The job interview process can be an intimidating experience for the job seeker. To help make this less mysterious, a group of 4-6 invited speakers from agencies, private consulting, and academia will provide insights into what can be expected during a job interview with their respective employers. Topics include how to prepare for the interview, how you should present yourself, and the range of potential questions you may be asked. In addition, an open discussion follows the presentations.  This workshop will be led by David Wyatt who teaches in the Biology Department at Sacramento City College and Patti Krueger who works as the Regional Threatened and Endangered Species Coordinator for the US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region.

Birds and their Habitats in the Sierra Nevada

  • Wednesday, February 6, 2019:  8-9:30am
  • Speaker – Ted Beedy

Ted will take us on a virtual transect of the range from the oak savanna in the west, through serene conifer forests of the west side, up into the majestic alpine regions, as well as the arid habitats of the east side. Along the way we’ll see and hear the stunning diversity of birds that make the Sierra their home. We’ll learn about how they use the varied habitats, which birds are in decline and which are expanding and increasing. Ted will also address some mysteries surrounding some of those species and discuss how birders can help to solve them.

Ted Beedy has spent most of his life birding in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. He lives in Nevada City and leads frequent field trips for Sierra Foothills Audubon Society as well as other birding and conservation groups. He recently co-authored a new book with Ed Pandolfino that was illustrated by Keith Hansen and published by the University of California Press: “Birds of the Sierra Nevada: Their Natural History, Status, and Distribution.” Ted received his Ph.D. in Zoology from UC Davis in 1982.

Student Mixer

  • Wednesday, February 6:  6-7pm (Salon 1)

An opportunity for all students to come together in a relaxed environment to meet, network and share experiences.   Sodas, juices and snacks will be served.