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American
Genetic Association Laboratory
of Genomic Diversity/National Cancer Institute The Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation & Research Center announce
a course RECENT ADVANCES IN CONSERVATION GENETICS August
17-30, 2002
At
the Smithsonian Institution's Conservation & Research Center in Front Royal,
Virginia, outside Washington, DC, the AGA and the LGD are presenting a two-week
intensive course in methods, interpretation, and applications of molecular
genetic analyses for conservation of endangered species.
This course will be taught by scientists with expertise and a variety of
personal experiences in this important field.
Participants
will learn how to develop and interpret a wide range
of genetic data using real examples, laboratory demonstrations and a variety of
computer programs. COURSE
DIRECTOR: Stephen J. O'Brien, Chief of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA FACULTY: The 2002 faculty is being assembled, but previous faculty has included such pioneers in conservation genetics as: John
Avise (University of Georgia), Scott Baker (University of Auckland), Jon Ballou
(National Zoological Park), Brian Bowen (University of Florida), Mitchell Bush
(CRC), Mike Clegg (U. of California-Riverside), David Coltman (U. of Sheffield),
Susie Ellis (CBSG), Rob Fleischer (National Zoological Park), Richard Frankham (Macquarie
University), Bruce Grant (College of William & Mary), Phil Hedrick (Arizona
State University), David Goldstein (Oxford University), Marshall Jones
(Department of the Interior, USFWS), Sue Lieberman (USFWS), Phil Morin (Max
Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology), Steve Palumbi (Harvard
University), Oliver Ryder (CRES, Zoological Society of San Diego), Barbara
Schall (Washington University), Ulysses S. Seal (CBSG), Paul Sharp (University
of Nottingham), David Swofford (Smithsonian Institution), Blaire Van Valkenburgh
(UCLA), Robert Wayne (UCLA), Chris Wemmer (CRC), David Wildt (CRC), David
Woodruff (UCSD) In
addition: Renata
McCarthy and Peter Cooper (National
Center for Biotechnology Information) and members of the Laboratory of Genomic
Diversity, National Cancer Institute-Frederick: Victor David, Warren Johnson,
Bill Murphy, Steve O’Brien, Marilyn Raymond, Melody Roelke, Jill Slattery TOPICS
include:
o
Bioinformatics
and the use of molecular genetic databases o
Estimating
relative genetic diversity with gene markers o
Phylogenetic
algorithms: their use and interpretation o
Phylogeography o
Subspecies and
population substructure o
Demographic and
genetic simulation modeling of small populations o
Kinship and
paternity assessment
TUITION: US
$2,000 (includes housing, meals, and Dulles International Airport transfers)
To apply, see application procedures
below. Follow the mailing instructions on the form. Deadline for receipt of
applications: March 15, 2002 Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
What is Conservation Genetics? As an applied science,
Conservation Genetics utilizes concepts, theories and methods of more
traditionally defined fields, but also adds to our knowledge of these fields:
One of the primary
objectives of Conservation Genetics is to develop effective management
strategies for the conservation of threatened species or populations. These
strategies should consider and include: ·
past and current
status, as well as future prospects of a population or species ·
efforts to
preserve genetic diversity ·
efforts to
preserve evolutionary processes such as hybridization and speciation 2. What is the purpose of this course? The goal of RECENT
ADVANCES IN CONSERVATION GENETICS is to teach the participants how to develop and
interpret a variety of genetic data in order to answer specific questions
regarding endangered taxa. We
present an overview of molecular techniques available for pursuing population,
taxonomic and phylogenetic questions, with special emphasis on PCR-based
technologies for DNA polymorphism detection and computer programs for analysis
of molecular genetic data. Guest
lecturers present case histories exemplifying application of conservation
genetics. We found during previous
courses that students learn a great deal from each other as well as from faculty
because of shared interests in conservation and a common goal of applying
conservation genetics in the management of endangered species. 3. Who should apply for this course?
We welcome applications
from conservation-minded scientists (advanced graduate students, post-docs,
teachers, and researchers with advanced degrees) of any nationality from
academia, government, NGOs, or industry who are studying the genetics of
endangered species and who will apply the knowledge gained from this course to
the conservation of such species. 4. How do I apply?
Print the application form or request an application from the course coordinator, Ms. Jan Martenson,
NCI/FCRDC Phone:
301/846-1296; FAX 301/846-6327; email:
noahscrc@ncifcrf.gov
1)
Admissions Application form 2)
One-page Curriculum Vitae 3)
One-page summary or abstract of ongoing or future research project(s) 4)
A brief statement of what is expected to be gained from the course and
how you will apply what you learn 5)
OPTIONAL:
Financial Aid Request Form
5.
How are the participants selected? The Admissions Committee
evaluates and selects 24 participants based on information provided in the
applications and required attachments. This
is always a difficult task in view of the large number of well-qualified persons
who apply. Positions are typically
offered to those whose application materials convey that they will make the best
use of, and most benefit from, this course.
Request for financial aid is not a factor in admission decisions. 6. When will those selected to
participate be notified of acceptance? Applicants will receive the
decision by the Admissions Committee in early April by email with a follow-up
letter. Actions will be:
admit; wait-list; or not recommended for admission.
Those who are admitted will be asked to confirm their participation in
the course by June 1 with a 50% deposit. Should
any accepted candidate(s) be unable to attend, the first person(s) on the
waiting list will be notified in early June. 7. What is the cost of the course and
when/how is it paid? US$2,000
includes housing and meals at the CRC and ground transportation to/from Dulles
International Airport. If accepted,
attendance must be confirmed by June 1 with a 50% deposit of
the course cost. The balance will be due before or on the first day of the
course, August 17. Payment by checks is preferred, but electronic transfer of
funds is possible. We cannot accept
credit cards for payment. 8. Is financial aid
available? How do I apply? Limited financial aid is
available in the form of partial scholarships granted by the American Genetic
Association and will be awarded on the basis of need. Those wishing to be considered for assistance must submit
the Financial Aid
form with their application package. 9.
Where is the course held and what is the structure? The
CRC is 2.5 miles south of Front Royal, Virginia (50 miles SW of Dulles
International Airport and about 70 miles west of Washington DC) in the beautiful
piedmont region of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail border the CRC
property. The CRC
Conference/Training Center’s accommodations are comfortable, air-conditioned,
dormitory-style rooms (participants share a room with one other person).
All meals will be provided and served in the dining room
of the training center. Generally, the morning sessions will be lectures
in the CRC auditorium. Afternoon
sessions will be a mix of demonstrations, "hands-on” labs and computer
labs, held either in the research building or in the training center. Evenings usuallly feature a plenary lecturer after
dinner. There will one free day. AMERICAN
GENETIC ASSOCIATION The AGA is the world’s
oldest genetics society, founded in 1914 to advance the knowledge and
applications of the growing field of genetics.
Today the AGA remains committed to the advancement of organismal genetics
and genome diversity using the most advanced technologies and computational
theory. The parent scientific
publication, the Journal of Heredity,
embodies these principles of scientific excellence including a strong commitment
to Conservation. In this new
millennium the AGA has generously agreed to provide scholarships for “Recent
Advances in Conservation Genetics.” THE
Laboratory of Genomic Diversity The
LGD is part of the Center for Cancer Research at the National
Cancer Institute-Frederick,
Maryland. Led by Dr. Stephen J.
O’Brien, the lab is world-renowned for
contributions to the fields of human genetic diversity (primarily in discoveries
of genetic factors controlling susceptibility to cancers and viral diseases),
feline gene mapping, and conservation genetics of the Felidae family.
THE
CRC The Conservation
& Research Center (CRC) of
the National
Zoological Park/Smithsonian Institution
is dedicated exclusively to biodiversity conservation, education, and training. CRC scientists and their
collaborators at the National Zoo, the National
Cancer Institute, and the
Smithsonian combine an uncommon range of skills for addressing complex
conservation issues, for generating sound scientific data for decision makers,
and for training the conservation leaders of tomorrow.
These activities reach far beyond the Washington, DC, area with
international training programs, "mobile laboratories," and research
and education projects ongoing throughout the world.
At the same time, long-term studies at CRC itself are unraveling the
ecological mysteries of the Virginia Piedmont and eastern deciduous forests. Cutting-edge technologies
in ecology, veterinary medicine, genetics, and the reproductive sciences allow
CRC to stand in the forefront of local, national and international efforts to
protect endangered species and habitats. Success is based on partnerships --
with other conservation and educational organizations, universities, government
and non-governmental entities, and local communities. The scientific achievements
are numerous. They include helping breed the endangered black-footed ferret for
reintroduction into the American West; producing cheetahs, tigers and
scimitar-horned oryx using reproductive technologies originally developed for
humans; studying viruses in lions to help understand HIV infection in humans;
and studying migratory patterns in song birds and the status of their North
American habitats -- our local forest. More than a thousand alumni
of CRC training programs and courses are now advancing environmental causes
around the world as scientists, policy makers, wildlife authorities, and
educators. Scholarly productivity
is emphasized - technical publications convey new discoveries to the scientific
community while books popularize conservation and science for the lay public.
Of particular significance is the use of this new knowledge to enlighten
and excite children, the conservationists of the new millennium. This course has been supported in the past
by British Airways, Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin Elmer, Apple
Computers, Life Science International, MJ Research Inc., NOVEX, Stratagene and
Pharmacia-Hoeffer Biotech. Comments from past participants:
“It was one of the best
educational experiences of my life. The
material learned and exposure to the many dimensions of conservation genetics
will be invaluable to me…. The facility at the CRC was very pleasant and
especially conducive to learning. The
researchers/faculty …and invited plenary lecturers were extraordinary.” – John
Pierce (’00), Chief Wildlife Scientist and PhD candidate, Washington
Department of Fish & Wildlife. "The setting at the
Conservation & Research Center was perfect and very conducive to learning.
However, the content of the course and quality of the instructors far
exceeded my expectations. I return
to my laboratory excited and enthused to apply this new knowledge to my field of
marine ecology." - Paul Montagna
(’97), PhD, Associate Professor, Marine Science Institute, University of
Texas, Port Aransas “The course exceeded my
expectations in terms of material covered, and the excellent instruction given
by the people in the field. Most
importantly, I met like-minded students and professors… the course represented
a turning point in my career…” - Ravinder
Sehgal (’98), PhD., Stockholm, Sweden. "It has been an
enormous experience to learn updated methodologies and techniques, as well as
current issues related to conservation genetics research ... The organization of
the course was just great..."- R.
Eduardo Palma (’96), PhD., University of Chile "This course will
greatly enhance my effectiveness as a teacher... The material I learned...will
also greatly strengthen my ability to excite the students about the importance
of wildlife conservation." - Lisa
Muller (’97), PhD, Assistant Professor, Delaware State University “I’ve come
away…feeling truly inspired. The
diversity of instruction and presentations offered during the course provided me
with many tools that I will use to address the hypotheses I am currently testing
using genetic data.” –Gail Blundell
(’98), PhD. Student/Research Assistant, Alaska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife
Research Unit "The course in one
word has been overwhelming. The scope
of the program was very comprehensive; in my opinion instrumental in positioning
one's own research project in this highly interdisciplinary field." -
Paul Wenink (’97), PhD., Post-doctoral researcher, Wageningen Agricultural
University, The Netherlands "I learnt [sic] more
in those two weeks than I would have ever thought possible..., was given so many
new ideas that I'll be busy for at least the next twenty years..., and best of
all, had the opportunity to meet and get to know the most fantastic group of
like-minded people...!" - Merel
Dalebout (’96), PhD. Student, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Last Updated on December 18, 2001 by S. Palmer |
