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Postdoc position now open in my lab – The ecological effects of climate change on phenology (Start date early 2023, Review of applications begins Nov 1st)

October 16, 2022  /  Tony Dell

Postdoc position 2023 - Ecological effects of climate change on phenology (REVIEW OF APPS BEGINS Nov 1st)

A two-year postdoc position is available to work on the ecological effects of global climate change on phenology across time and space in the lab of Dr. Anthony Dell. This postdoctoral position is part of an NSF-funded project focused on the ecological effects of global climate change on phenology across time and space. The postdoc will integrate fine-scale spatial data from NEON with mathematical theory and new conceptual frameworks to forecast the effects of global change on biodiversity from local to global scales. In particular, the postdoc will use this approach to better understand the phenological responses of species to variability in present-day climate. The primary aims of the NSF award must be met, but beyond this there is scope for the postdoc to take on additional research projects within the broader theme of the award. The postdoc will have opportunities to mentor undergraduate researchers. The 2-year position (second year based on satisfactory performance) will be based at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) – a state-of-the-art research facility on the banks of the Mississippi River about 30 minutes from downtown St Louis, with expected visits to collaborating research groups and local/international field sites as required.

Applications can be submitted at https://jobs.lc.edu/postings/2120 where you will be required to submit: i) cover letter, ii) CV, iii) contact details for 3 referees, and iv) research statement. The research statement should focus on your research interests, experience, and any technical skills you have that are relevant to the position (e.g., meta-analysis, complication/management of large ecological datasets, ecological theory, and any other quantitative skills you think might be relevant to the position).

Review of applications will begin November 1st 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applicants who can begin early 2023.

Please address any additional questions to adell@lc.edu.

We just hosted SLEEC!

September 21, 2019  /  Tony Dell

NGRREC just hosted the 9th Annual St. Louis Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (SLEEC) Retreat! It was a lot of work, but a fun and productive day for all. Thanks to all the NGRREC and LC helpers, and the speakers, poster presenters and other attendees. Was also great to catch up again with Jason Rohr, who gave the keynote address on “Biodiversity and disease”.

Visit to Litzsinger Road Ecology Center

March 29, 2019  /  Tony Dell

Great trip today to the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, as part of the Living Earth Collaborative.

LREC helps teachers engage their students in place-based education: using local ecology as a framework for studying a variety of subjects while interacting with the community. Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, this unique 34-acre study center encompasses a rich variety of habitats including bottomland forest, restored prairie, and an urban creek.

New paper on the effect of higher temperatures on grazer metabolism and movement

March 15, 2019  /  Tony Dell

Check out this new paper published today in the Jounral of Animal Ecology, led by postdoc Carl Cloyed. You can find a pdf of this paper on our PUBLICATIONS page.

We collected snails from streams that have been differentially heated by geothermal activity for decades to determine how long-term exposure to different temperatures affected their metabolism and movement. Additionally, we collected snails from a cold stream (5°C) and measured their metabolism and movement at higher temperatures (short-term exposure). We used respirometry to measure metabolic rates and automated in situ image-based tracking to quantify several movement traits from 5 to 21°C.

GRC on Movement Ecology (Lucca, Italy)

March 05, 2019  /  Tony Dell

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Just back from a fantastic few days at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco in Lucca (Barga), Italy for the 2nd Gordon Research Conference on the Movement Ecology of Animals. Postdoc John Grady and I had a many stimulating discussions with new and old friends. GRC’s are always a highlight of the academic calendar!

New paper in Science on how metabolic asymmetry shapes the global diversity of marine predators

February 24, 2019  /  Tony Dell

Check out this new paper published today in Science led by postdoc John Grady. You can find a pdf of this paper on our PUBLICATIONS page.

Generally, biodiversity is higher in the tropics than at the poles. This pattern is present across taxa as diverse as plants and insects. Marine mammals and birds buck this trend, however, with more species and more individuals occurring at the poles than at the equator. We ask why this is (see the Perspective by Pyenson). We analyzed a comprehensive dataset of nearly 1000 species of shark, fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds. We found that predation on ectothermic (“cold-blooded”) prey is easier where waters are colder, which generates a larger resource base for large endothermic (“warm-blooded”) predators in polar regions.

JOB @ NGRREC: Human Dimensions of Large Rivers (Review of applications begins March 17, 2019)

January 24, 2019  /  Tony Dell

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We are looking for a scientist with interests in the Human Dimensions of Large Rivers to join the NGRREC team. This a full time research position, and represents an excellent opportunity for an early to mid-career scientist to establish their own laboratory focused on high-impact research on the ecology of large rivers. You can read more about the position here.

Candidates can apply online here, where they will be required to upload a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement (2 page max), Teaching Statement (1 page max), up to five representative publications, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references.

All inquiries should be directed to search committee co-chairs co-chairs, Dr. Craig Miller (craigm@illinois.edu) or Dr. Lyle Guyon (lguyon@lc.edu).

Review of applications will begin on March 17 (2019) and the position will remain open until a successful candidate is found.

JOB @ NGRREC: Aquatic Ecologist (Review of applications begins March 17, 2019)

January 24, 2019  /  Tony Dell

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We are looking for a river ecologist to join the NGRREC team. This a full time research position, and represents an excellent opportunity for an early to mid-career scientist to establish their own laboratory focused on high-impact research on the ecology of large rivers. You can read more about the position here.

Candidates can apply online here, where they will be required to upload a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement (2 page max), Teaching Statement (1 page max), up to five representative publications, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references.

All inquiries should be directed to search committee chair Dr. Anthony Dell (adell@lc.edu).

Review of applications will begin on March 17 (2019) and the position will remain open until a successful candidate is found.

Summer Undergraduate Internship in the lab (Deadline Jan 23): Temperature Effects on fish Schooling

January 10, 2019  /  Tony Dell

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We seek an outstanding undergraduate student for a paid internship through the NGRREC summer internship program (www.ngrrec.org/internship). Using state-of-the-art experimental methods that include video and automated tracking, the intern will conduct laboratory experiments to measure how changes to water temperature affect the schooling behavior of juvenile Asian carp. For general questions about the intern program at NGRREC contact Intern Program Coordinator, Natalie Marioni at ngrrecintern@lc.edu. You can read more about our specific project on thermal effects on fish schooling (Project #5) here. Questions about the specific project should contact one of the project mentors: Dr Anthony Dell (www.dellecologylab.org); Dr Andrew Berdahl (https://fish.uw.edu/faculty/andrew-berdahl/), and Dr Jason Knouft (http://knouftlab.weebly.com/).

All applications are due via online submission by midnight January 23, 2019.

New paper about how arena size modulates functional responses

December 02, 2018  /  Tony Dell

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In this paper we explore how the size of experimental arenas can modulate the shape of the functional response, primarily due to behavioral mechanisms associated with thigmotaxis (a tendency to seek physical contact with objects such as arena edges). You can find a pdf of this paper on our PUBLICATIONS page.

Unlike the circular arenas, annular arenas produced similar foraging rates and space clearance rate estimates across arena sizes, confirming that it is the increased density of prey along edges that generates the previously observed arena size effect. Our results provide a key insight into how animal behavior and experimental design must be considered for the accurate interpretation of foraging rates, both when considering standalone functional responses and when making comparisons across experiments.

SLEEC conference at Maryville University, St Louis

September 22, 2018  /  Tony Dell

The Dell lab attended the 8th Annual SLEEC (St Louis Ecology Evolution and Conservation) conference at Maryville University, where postdoc Britt Ousterhout presented some of her work on dispersal in pond-breeding salamanders. Always amazing to see and hear about all the awesome ecological research going on around the St Louis region.

New paper about the Alliance for Freshwater Life

August 28, 2018  /  Tony Dell

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In this paper we introduce the Alliance for Freshwater Life, a global initiative, uniting specialists in research, data synthesis, conservation, education and outreach, and policymaking. This expert network aims to provide the critical mass required for the effective representation of freshwater biodiversity at policy meetings, to develop solutions balancing the needs of development and conservation, and to better convey the important role freshwater ecosystems play in human well‐being. Through this united effort we hope to reverse this tide of loss and decline in freshwater biodiversity. You can find a pdf of this paper on our PUBLICATIONS page.

OFFICIAL AFL LAUNCH: SUNDAY 26 AUGUST AT 9AM

August 26, 2018  /  Tony Dell

COME CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE ALLIANCE! 9AM ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH IN THE FH CABARET ROOM AT WORLD WATER WEEK IN STOCKHOLM

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This showcase will launch the Alliance, bringing together expertise from some of the world’s top institutions specialized in research, conservation, environmental education, outreach, and policy for sustaining freshwater biodiversity. The showcase will celebrate what is possible through story-telling, and inspirational film, photography and interactive imaging. Using examples of successes and key lessons learnt, we will engage the audience in an interactive session to inspire and mobilize a collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The session will be effectively moderated and recorded, and with a focus to keep the conversation going well after the showcase is over!

World Water Week is the annual focal point for the globe’s water issues. The Alliance will be participating in this year's event, which will address the theme “Water, ecosystems and human development”.

This showcase will launch the Alliance, bringing together expertise from some of the world’s top institutions specialized in research, conservation, environmental education, outreach, and policy for sustaining freshwater biodiversity. The showcase will celebrate what is possible through story-telling, and inspirational film, photography and interactive imaging. Using examples of successes and key lessons learnt, we will engage the audience in an interactive session to inspire and mobilize a collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The session will be effectively moderated and recorded, and with a focus to keep the conversation going well after the showcase is over!

New paper on using camera traps to assess mammal and bird assemblages

August 20, 2018  /  Tony Dell

Check out our new paper on “Using Camera Traps to Assess Mammal and Bird Assemblages in a Midwestern Forest“. The paper includes two undergraduate interns (David and Laura), and was led by postdoc Carl Cloyed. You can find a pdf of this paper on our PUBLICATIONS page.

We designed a camera-trap setup that enabled us to capture images of both large and small animals and used our camera-trap design to investigate the community composition of mammals and birds and to estimate the biomass of mammals along two transects in a conservation reserve in Missouri.

Checking out the Palisades Nature Preserve as a potential field site

August 16, 2018  /  Tony Dell

Fun day today checking out NGRREC’s Palisades Nature Preserve for its suitability for our field experiments for the NSF Rules of Life funded project on metabolic asymmetry.

Dell Ecology Lab @ NGRREC  • One Confluence Way East Alton, IL 62024  •  Copyright 2018