EES NEWSLETTER
WEEK OF DECEMBER 5, 2023
EES 5010 Geoscience Seminar – 12/8/2023 – 3:30 – 5PM, 125 Trowbridge Hall
Note: this is the final seminar of Fall 2023
Presenter: Dr. John Isbell, Distinguished Professor - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee - College of Letters & Science: Geosciences
Title: Evaluation of proxies used to interpret past glaciations with a focus on the late Paleozoic Ice Age
Abstract: The late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) was one of Earth's most important climatic events lasting for over 110 Mys from the Late Devonian until the Late Permian. Despite its importance, its history is controversial with two hypotheses that portray glaciation differently. Traditional views characterize the LPIA as a continuous glacial event with a massive ice sheet that covered Gondwana throughout this interval. This approach often uses only one or two proxies to define the glaciation. The other emerging hypothesis suggests that numerous ice sheets occurred in Gondwana with individual glacial events lasting up to 10 Mys alternating with glacial minima/non-glacial intervals of similar duration. Both views are prevalent in the literature. Both near- and far-field proxies are used to define the ice age. Here we will focus on the near field proxies. These proxies include the occurrence/absence of diamictites, glaciotectonic deposits/landforms, striated clasts and clast pavements, outsized clasts (dropstones), rhythmites, cyclic diamictite-bearing successions, glendonites, grooved and striated surfaces, streamline landforms, and U-shaped paleovalleys. Detrital zircons and chemical index of alteration (CIA) studies help to delineate the occurrence, extent, and location of glaciation. Multiple complexities occur with the use of these proxies as different non-glacial processes and driving factors can produce similar features or results. Here we discuss the limitations and use of these proxies and promote a multiproxy approach to investigating Earth's glacial intervals. We suggest that studies incorporate multiple proxies coupled with detailed environmental, paleoflow, and paleogeographic analyses to better constrain the occurrence, timing, and extent of glaciation and its influence on global systems. This approach provides a robust view of the LPIA and other glacial intervals.
reminders:
- Close of classes: 12/8
- Final Exam Week: 12/11 - 12/15
- Fall 2023 Commencements: 12/14 – 12/17
- Main Office Winter Hours: 8AM - 4PM, effective 12/18 – 1/12/2024
- Trowbridge Hall Winter building hours: 6AM – 5PM, Monday – Friday, effective until 1/16/2024
- Upcoming University Holidays, office closed:
- 12/25 - 12/26/2023, 1/1/2024. 1/15/2024
STUDENT, FACULTY, & ALUMNI: DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS!
Since 2019 your Earth and Environmental Science Alumni Board have announced a Distinguished Alumni Awardee. A “Distinguished Alumni” is alumni with a B.S., M.S., or Ph. D. who is recognized from making significant contributions to earth and environmental sciences throughout their careers, and personified service to and passion for the discipline and community, including public outreach. All nominations are kept on file so no nominee is ever “lost” in the review and selection process. The Distinguished Alumni is announced each year at Homecoming. (Distinguished Alumni Award | Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu))
Please send your nominations to Lee Phillips, EESB Chair (plphilli@uncg.edu), Brian Hartman (brianshartman@gmail.com) since he's the Chair of the Alumni Outreach Committee, which oversees this award process and Amy Sullivan, alumni and Past EESB Chair (cajes@mindspring.com) who coordinates nominee documentation. From that point the Alumni Outreach Committee will move forward with the review and documentation process. Let’s honor our awesome alumni!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
UNDERGRAD/ENTRY-LEVEL
MS Student Opportunities, University of Akron - Akron, Ohio
The Dept. of Geosciences, Univ. of Akron, Ohio has graduate assistantships available starting in fall 2024 for students who have the drive and curiosity to succeed in graduate school. Examples of the on-going research include studies in geo-biology, environmental geology, cave studies, climate records contained in lake sediments, rock mechanics and structural geology. Interested students may contact Dr. Caleb Holyoke at cholyoke@uakron.edu for more information and apply online at https://www.uakron.edu/graduate/admissions/apply
PROFESSIONAL/POST-GRAD
Assistant Professor of Surficial/Hydrogeology, Minot State- Minot, North Dakota
The Department of Geosciences at Minot State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in surficial geology and hydrogeology. The appointment will be at the assistant professor level starting fall 2024. A PhD in geological sciences or related field by time of appointment is expected. A broad, field-based background in surficial processes and hydrogeology is preferred. Teaching expectations include: upper-level courses in geomorphology and hydrogeology; and contribution to introductory geology courses and field-trip based regional geology courses. Expertise in GIS is desired but not required. Engagement of undergraduate students in research is also expected. More details, including department resources can be found online at www.minotstateu.edu/geology or in the job online at www.minotstateu.edu/hr/jobs. Review of applications will begin on December 18, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Minot State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity and veterans preference employer.
Director of Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University
Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University - Kalamazoo, Michigan
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Western Michigan University, Seeks Candidates for Director of Michigan Geological Survey
Operation of the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) was transferred to Western Michigan University’s (WMU’s) Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences in 2011 (http://www.geology.wmich.edu/). In January 2023, MGS was granted annual funding as part of the state budget to support the societal needs of Michigan. Under this funding, MGS has grown rapidly over the past year, adding new staff and projects related to geologic mapping, critical minerals, groundwater resources and usage, near surface resources, and natural hazards. The MGS Director will oversee all functions of the Survey to accomplish and maintain current mapping and research programs, and to support the expansion of mapping and research to assess Michigan’s natural geologic resources, as mandated by the Michigan State Geologist and Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment and the Governor’s office. MGS also received a 5 year grant from the State to map Aggregates at $1.0M per year.
Applicants can review the attached link for more details on the position.
https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u925/2023/Director%20position%20flyer%20B.docx
Applicants should submit on-line a cover letter, curriculum vitae using the following website: https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/1637 and names and contact information for three references. Inquiries should be addressed to WMU HR, Review of applications will begin November 1 and continue until the position is filled. Western Michigan University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer consistent with applicable federal and state law.
University of Nevada, Reno - Reno, Nevada
Job Description: The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) at the University of Nevada, Reno, seeks applicants for a research faculty position focused on geologic mapping and field-oriented research in Nevada. NBMG is seeking candidates with a foundation in field based geologic data collection and analysis to contribute to the NBMG geologic mapping program. Primary responsibilities include geologic mapping, field work, interpretation of geologic data, and publication of results. The position is principally focused on the production of geologic map products, primarily at 1:24,000 scale, with support from the USGS STATEMAP and EarthMRI programs. The position will be a non-tenure-track faculty appointment with a 12-month salary based on the UNR campus in Reno, Nevada.
Applicants must have a Master’s degree OR a Doctoral degree in geology or a related geoscience field. In addition, a demonstrated record of field research and/or industry investigations on topics related to: structural geology, economic geology, and/or Quaternary geology, and may include experience with sedimentology, tectonics, or volcanology. Preference will be given to candidates with academic, government, or industry experience in field-oriented research. Expertise in geologic mapping, sedimentologic analyses, structural analyses (e.g. fault kinematics), geochronology, and/or paleomagnetism will be valued. Familiarity with ArcGIS software in the preparation of geologic map publications and compilation of geologic datasets is preferred. The successful candidate must work independently, show creativity, and be assertive in the development, application, and evaluation of geologic mapping projects, as well as publication of geologic maps and related reports. In addition, preference will be given to candidates whose research interests align with NBMG’s role as the state geological survey of Nevada.
For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Research-Scientist--Geologic-Mapping_R0139851 EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Assistant Professor in Evolutionary Paleobiology, Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
University of California, Riverside - Riverside, California
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California invites applicants for a tenure track Assistant Professor. This position is anticipated to be available from July 1, 2024.
UCR Earth and Planetary Sciences is a world-leading leading innovator in revealing the coordinated changes between physical and biological environments during major transitions in Earth’s history as well as the relevance of these relationships to planets other than the Earth. Current members of the Department have shown how the mechanics of life’s capacity to bio-engineer the planet’s oceanic and atmospheric composition and climate is a powerful complement to the geochemistry-based approaches for elucidating Earth history, in which our department is already eminent. A major current strength is hence in determining the empirical chemical and physical record of life’s history, and in drawing mechanistic inferences into the processes that governed ancient life directly from the geologic and fossil record itself.
The hiring of a paleontologist focused on the evolutionary record of Earth-Life interaction is a priority in promoting the Departments long term goals in understanding feedbacks between organic and paleoenvironmental evolution. A major opportunity exists to exploit the burgeoning genomic record of living and sub-fossil organisms for direct insights into the evolution of those gene regulatory networks that governed critical steps in the evolution of the Earth-Life system. This can be achieved using a comparative genomic approach based on understanding of the shared genetic information and architecture, and optimized by drawing on a unique campus resource: the Department’s extensive recent and fossil collections of Pacific coast invertebrate fossils. This collection is currently being digitized through a grant from the NSF iDigBio initiative, and promotes interactions with the UCR’s Center for Integrated Biological Collections and the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology (IIGB). Accordingly, we will seek an individual using specimen-based data to address long-term biotic phenotypic and genotypic change in the context physical changes to the Earth system, particularly with respect to paleoclimate, and in the boarder context of evolving planetary habitability. This hire will complement but significantly expand the Department’s current strengths in paleobiology, current and past climate change, and will bridge both with our initiative in Alternative Earth Astrobiology, and with college-wide objectives regarding UCR’s natural history archive and genomics, and can also complement interests in BCOE.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California – Riverside, is seeking a tenure track assistant professor who uses specimen-based paleontology to address phenotypic and genotypic change in the context physical changes to the Earth system, particularly with respect to paleoclimate, but also in the boarder context of evolving planetary habitability. This may be achieved using a comparative approach based on both genetic and morphological architecture and could potentially draw on the Department’s extensive recent and fossil Pacific coast invertebrate fossil collections. We expect the successfully candidate to have proven ability in both the field and lab. Candidates for this position are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in geology, evolutionary biology, or a related field, and demonstrated excellence in research and teaching. The successful candidate will be fully engaged in the teaching mission of the Department and the College, including formal classroom and field instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentoring of baccalaureate, MS, and PhD students in research and the process of knowledge development. Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.
To apply: Interested individuals are required to submit a cover letter, most recently updated curriculum vitae, contact information for three to five letters of reference, a Statement of Teaching, a Statement of Research, and a Contribution to Diversity Statement to the AP Recruit website at https://apptrkr.com/4770714. Review of applications will begin February 1st, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include:
• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in paleontology, evolutionary biology, Earth sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in research and demonstrated (or the clear potential for) excellence in teaching.
Preferred qualifications for this position include: extensive experience of field- and/or lab-based geological investigation.
To apply: submit the following to https://apptrkr.com/4770714
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact details of three to five referees
• Statement of Teaching
• Statement of Research
Review of applications will commence on February 1st, 2024, and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to this above date. For more information about this position, please contact Andy Ridgwell, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, at aridgwel@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ashley Lawson, CNAS Academic Personnel Service Center, at ashley.lawson@ucr.edu.
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HRSU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIP
The Conservation and Land Management Program (CLM) at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers real-world experience to recent college graduates and early-career professionals interested in land management, applied ecology, botany, and native seed collection.
We hire folks to work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (USFS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Open positions for the 2024 season will be posted soon. To find more information and provide your name and email address for updates on applications opening, please visit: https://www.clminternship.org. Positions will start from February to June, 2024.
To submit your name and email address for updates on applications being opened, please scroll down to 'Apply For A Position' and enter your information.
BLM - Seeds of Success (~5-8 months). We will be hiring Lead Botanists, Natural Resource Specialists, and Field Technicians. Teams of 2-3 crew members.
For questions, please reach out to Chris Woolridge at: cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org We will be hiring crews to work on the following BLM Field Offices:
- AZ Strip - St. George, UT
- Bishop - Bishop, CA
- Cedar City - Cedar City, UT
- Cosumnes River Preserve - Sacramento, CA
- Eastern Mojave - St. George or Cedar City, UT
- Eagle Lake/Applegate - Susanville, CA
- El Centro - El Centro, CA
- Grand Junction - Grand Junction, CO
- Price - Price, UT
- Redding - Redding, CA
- Southern Nevada District Office - Las Vegas, NV
- Ukiah - Ukiah, CA
- Uncompahgre - Montrose, CO
- Vernal - Vernal, UT
CLM Internships (~5 months).
For questions, please reach out to Monica Depies at: mdepies@chicagobotanic.org We plan to hire USFS positions at the following National Forests:
- Flathead NF - Kalispell, MT
- Helena-Lewis & Clark - Neihart, MT
- Bitterroot - Hamilton, MT
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge - Dillon, MT
- Dakota Prairie Grassland - Lemmon, SD
- Bighorn - Sheridan, WY
- Lincoln - Ruidoso, NM
- Tonto - Phoenix, AZ
- Coronado - Tuscan, AZ
- Uinta Wasatch Cache - Ogden, UT
- San Bernardino - San Bernardino, CA
- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Lassen - Susanville, CA
- El Dorado - Pollock Pines, CA
- Sierra - North Fork or Prather, CA
- Plumas - Oroville, CA
- Malheur - John Day, OR
- Willamette - Detroit, OR
- Umpqua - Toketee Falls, OR
- Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie - Wilmington, IL
- Chugach - Moose Pass, AK
- Tongass - Ketchikan, AK
We plan to hire a Botanist (10 months) and two Field Technicians (5.5 months) conducting Seeds of Success collections in support of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the Midwest. This team will likely be based at a USFWS office in East Lansing, MI, scouting and collecting at public and private partner lands, as well as USFWS refuges. For questions, please reach out to Chris Woolridge at: cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org.
RESEARCH
The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech is now accepting applications for our Summer 2024 REU program
The program is 10 weeks long, starting on Sunday, May 19th, 2024 and ending on Friday, July 26th, 2024. The application is due Thursday, February 15th, 2024.
***Note that this program for next summer is contingent on receiving renewal funding from NSF, and we will update the status of this ASAP on our REU website. If the program is not funded, this will either lead to a significant reduction in accepted applicants or cancellation of the program.***
This REU program is designed for undergraduate students interested in acquiring research experiences within one or more of the following fields - note that students do not have to have any prior experience within these fields to be eligible for our research program:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Dynamics of Weather and Climate
- Biogeochemistry
- Geophysics
- Oceanography and Climate
- Paleoclimate
- Space and Planetary Science
- Remote Sensing
Selected participants will receive a $7,000 stipend along with housing on campus throughout the duration of the 10-week program.
To apply, please visit our EAS REU website: https://easreu.eas.gatech.edu/
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at zachary.handlos@eas.gatech.edu.
FELLOWSHIP
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for its Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows program for 2024-2025.
This is a highly competitive, endowed institutional award open to recent doctorates (degree within the past 3 years) in Earth, marine, and planetary science or allied fields. The appointment is for two years, contingent upon performance. Recipients of this endowed fellowship will join a vibrant community of postdocs and research scientists where they are expected to pursue self-directed research in any scientific subfield that complements or expands ongoing programs. Applicants are encouraged to identify and contact one or more prospective UTIG mentors (see Institutional Postdoctoral Research Fellows for a list of past awardees and projects).
Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as March 1, 2024.
Salary is $72,000 per year and appointees are eligible for benefits; the appointment also comes with discretionary funds of $5,000 for research and travel expenses, and $3,000 for relocation costs.
Responsibilities
Develop and carry out independent research in collaboration with UTIG mentors.
Present results to the scientific community and broader public.
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Required Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field must have been received within the past 3 years. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Ability to perform independent research as well as collaborate effectively.
How to Apply: Apply online at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website:
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed beginning January 2, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.
Questions: Contact the search committee: Harm Van Avendonk, Luc Lavier or Benjamin Keisling (benjamin.keisling@austin.utexas.edu).
About UTIG: UTIG is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, which houses top research programs across all areas of the Earth Sciences. UTIG is also closely allied with the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and it is involved in several research centers and programs at UT focused on emerging Earth Science problems, such as the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability, the Center for Space Research, and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. UTIG employs both computational- and field-based technical support staff, and operates a variety of field equipment and lab facilities. More information about UTIG at www.ig.utexas.edu.
The University of Texas at Austin is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All positions are security sensitive, and conviction verification is conducted on applicants selected.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CAMPUS EVENTS
FINALS WEEK @ IOWA MEMORIAL UNION
The Iowa Memorial Union will have events throughout Finals Weeks, starting on Sunday, 12/10 - Thursday, 12/14. Check the schedule linked above for information on coffee and snack offerings, study sessions, quiet spaces, meals including breakfast and dinners, and activities including yoga and crafting, when you need to relax.
If you have questions on locations for the events linked above, please see the IMU building directory here.
WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING IN THE WEEKLY EES NEWSLETTER?
The EES Department newsletter is published every Tuesday during the academic year, outside of semester breaks. If you would like to add an event, club meeting, or other item of interest, please submit an email to clas-ees@uiowa.edu, with the subject heading "Newsletter Item," on Fridays by noon, and your submission will be added to the following Tuesday's newsletter.