Cal U Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences

The Geology students did a great job this weekend on their tour of eastern Tectonic terrains. They survived two Sub-freezing nights of camping to see beautiful structures and sedimentary rocks!

On Saturday October 16, the Geology Field Methods class took a field trip to Ohiopyle State Park with Dr. Spieler. The students were tasked with using what they've learned in class to identify the local rocks and interpret the depositional environment.

Good day with the interns up at Presque Isle (Plant ID Workshop).

Changes are in place for the Fall semester in Geology! All of CalU Geology courses now have a GLG prefix. We'll miss our Earth Science legacy of EAS, but it is time for us to showcase our discipline as a standalone course portfolio under GLG.
For fall '21, we're offering an exciting array of classes including Hydrology, Tectonics, and a rare favorite, Planetary Geology! Those are in addition to our traditional major courses of Sed/Strat, Field Methods, and Professional Development! And if you are just getting started, Dr. Harris promises an exciting Introduction to Geology. But remember, all of these will be found under GLG in the registration tool!

Dr. Fredrick is out on a beautiful "Spring" day scouting field trip sites with the Pittsburgh Geological Society. The experts are weighing in on landslides today!

Job posting:
United States Department of the Interior, U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Great Lakes Science Center
PH: (734) 994-3331 FAX: (734) 994-8780
Position: Research Assistant (Student Services Contractor) – Invasive Species
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Salary: $19.97 – 24.74/hr depending on education and experience
Duration of position: Contract position that with a desired start date on or before May 1, 2021. The
intended duration is one year, with extension dependent on future funding.
Project: Effects of Great Lakes water levels on management of Phragmites australis

Position Description: The student contractor will serve as a Research Assistant in wetland ecology with a focus on Phragmites australis management strategies, especially as affected by high Great Lakes water levels.
Major duties include, (1) collecting plant materials (tillers, rhizomes, seeds) from field population of Phragmites across the Great Lakes Region and rearing plant material in controlled greenhouse
and growth chamber conditions, (2) conducting greenhouse experiments under the guidance of GLSC researchers, and (3) conducting data collection, QA/QC, and analysis during season-long field trials in populations of Phragmites at several sites in the Great Lakes Region. Additional duties include, but are not limited to, field assistance with other active Phragmites research, wetland and water quality field assistance, reviewing the relevant scientific literature, and/or help preparing text for technical reports and publications on project-related topics.
Education/Experience Requirements: The successful candidate must be currently enrolled as a student or must have received a degree within one year prior to beginning the contract. The ideal candidate would be a recent graduate with a B.S. or M.S. in biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field, but current students will also be considered. Experience working with invasive plants,
conducting fieldwork, and implementing studies in a greenhouse environment is preferred. Working knowledge of invasive species management is strongly desired. Strong verbal and written skills are important. The student contractor should have a keen attention to detail and a strong desire to learn. S/he also should be highly motivated and comfortable working both as a member of a close team and independently.
Other Details: This contract covers a 12-month period, with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2021. The student contractor will not receive holiday pay, annual or sick leave, or health care benefits, nor will they receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 80 within a two-week period. Hours in excess of the
established 80 per two weeks are not expected and will be paid at the regular hourly rate. Office/lab work will occur in a room equipped with a computer workstation, in a laboratory, or in the greenhouse. Field work will occur outdoors in the Great Lakes basin, often during challenging weather conditions. Paid travel may be required for multiple days at a time. The successful candidate will be hired as an independent contractor. This is not a government position, and time does not count toward time-in-service.
Application packages must be submitted by February 19, 2021. To ensure consideration of your application, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and a list of three references to Wes Bickford ([email protected]).

I know I always look forward to the start of a new year, but this has been a difficult year and, yes, it’s hard to always stay positive. But it is the holiday season and we do have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to. I encourage you to read this article on setting goals for the coming year - it may help move you forward. If you’re not a goal setter, maybe it’s time to start. My son will be graduating from college this year, and I hope to get him to read it as well and maybe motivate(I can always hope). Stay safe everyone.

How to set goals for 2021 when everything feels uncertain This year may not be the time for stringent New Year’s resolutions, but you can still create moments to look forward to.

Social distancing in the Chirachaua and Dragoon Mountains in Arizona. Lots of amazing geology, biology and environmental science! Beej Spieler