BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT MATTERS | July 28, 2017

Dear all,

Our monthly department meeting is on next Tuesday, with lunch provided beforehand from 12.30pm. Please come along to meet all our new admin staff and discuss the issues of importance to the department.

cheerio,

Michelle

Save the Date

This coming week 31st July – 4th August

Mon 31st July: Teaching Session 2 begins.

Tue 1st August: Merck Display Event; 10:30am – 2pm; E8 Courtyard.

Tue 1st August: Department Meeting; 1 – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Wed 2nd: Department Morning Tea; 10:30am – 11:00am; The Hill.

Wed 2nd: Professor Rick Shine, The University of Sydney; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Thu 3rd: Writing Workshop; 2:30-4:30pm, E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Thu 3rd: Informal Talk – Dr. Melissah Rowe, University of Oslo; 4-5pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Fri 4th: Presentation by IMARIS on microscope image analysis; 1:30pm – 2:30pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Following week 7th – 11th August

Wed 9th: Department Morning Tea & Mettler Toledo Display; 10:30am – 11:30am; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Wed 9th: Dr Katherine Moseby, The University of Adelaide; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Thu 10th: Writing Workshop; 2:30-4:30pm, E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Coming up

Every Thursday for the next few months: Writing Workshop; 2:30-4:00pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

August 19th: Open Day

Sept 19th: ECR Showcase; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Nov 13-14: Department retreat for academic staff; venue TBD.

Department seminar schedule

August 16th: Associate Professor Nigel Andrew, The University of New England
August 23rd: Professor Chris Johnson, The University of Tasmania
August 30th: Dr Ayesha Tulloch, ANU/UQ
September 13th: Dr Caragh Threlfall, The University of Melbourne
September 20th: Dr Kate Lynch, MQ Departmental ECR
October 4th: Dr Lesley Lancaster & Dr Maren Wellenreuther, University of Aberdeen/ Lund University & Plant and Food Research NZ
October 11th: Dr John Martin, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
October 18th: Associate Professor Matthew England, The University of NSW
October 25th: Associate Professor Carla Sgro, Monash University
November 1st: Dr Ajay Narendra, Macquarie University
November 8th: Associate Professor Bob Wong, Monash University
November 15th: Associate Professor Nathan Lo, The University of Sydney

General News and Announcements

Three Minute Thesis Competition

The department is looking for 3 of our PhD students to compete in the university Three Minute Thesis Competition. The third person is likely to be a reserve. This is a competition to explain your PhD in 3 minutes and has become something of a national phenomenon. This year it will be held on 7 September and we would like to submit names by 31 August. There are amazing prizes:

Prize: 1st $700 2nd $500 3rd $350 People’s choice $250. All participants get a $50 book voucher.

If you are interested in competing, please e-mail Martin: <martin.whiting@mq.edu.au>

DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR SERIES

Day/Date/Time/Place: Wednesday, 2nd  August, 1-2pm, E8A-280 (Tea Room).

Speaker: Professor Rick Shine, The University of Sydney.

Title: Educated by the Toad: an invader’s tutorial on ecology, conservation and evolution.

Abstract: Just over 80 years ago, 101 cane toads were brought to northeastern Australia (from French Guiana, via Puerto Rico and Hawai’i).  Remarkably, the toads prospered, spread at an increasing rate, and have become an iconic pest in Australia. In this talk I will explore what we have learned from studying this now-classic example of an invasion in action. The extraordinarily rapid invasion, and its devastating impact on native wildlife, provide both depressing and encouraging news for conservation biology, and give a unique perspective on fundamental processes in ecology and evolution.

Informal Talk

3rd August, 4pm, Tea Room

Dr. Melissah Rowe, University of Oslo. There and back again: A Sperm’s Tale

Melissah did her undergraduate and Honours here at Macquarie, then headed off to the United States to do a PhD (albeit on Australian fairy-wrens), before moved to Norway, where she is currently based. She has been collaborating with Simon Griffith for a number of years. This will be an informal (i.e. data light) presentation about the work she has done that has taken her around the world, but still pulls her back to Australia. We will go to the U-bar for beers following the talk.

Special Seminar

Day/Date/Time/Place: Physics and Astronomy Colloquium, Tuesday 1 st August, 1pm in the E7B T2.

Speaker: Rong Liu, University of Western Sydney.

Title: Nano-resolution Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS):Techniques and Applications in emerging Materials and Biological Science.

Abstract: SIMS is one of the most powerful characterization techniques for materials, chemistry, physics, and biology because of its unique capabilities to provide trace sensitivity (ppm to sub-ppb range) and excellent depth (as good as 1 nm) and lateral resolution (< 1 µm for ion microscopes and 30 nm for ion microprobes). In particular, it has become an indispensable characterization technique in the fields of material, marine and biological science which require analytical techniques capable of probing small areas and detecting impurities at low concentrations. A succinct review on the basic principles of SIMS, will be given, followed by a description of the current status on the SIMS technique. The principles of SIMS data acquisition will be illustrated as well as an evaluation of procedures to achieve useful information on the elemental, isotopic, and molecular composition of the respective samples. Some most intriguing results of SIMS studies in materials, such as MoS₂, WS₂, TiO₂ thin film and biological science will be reviewed (including studies of diatom and otolith samples) and a comparison of SIMS with other micro-analytical techniques – such as AES, XPS, EPMA, TOF-SIMS, laser ablation ICP-MS, and RBS will be made.

Flyer for SIMS talk at MQU 2017

Postgraduate Research Fund assessments

The Faculty currently has 30 applicants for this round and we need to send a couple of representatives to help with assessment. There will be a few meetings at the end of August/early September. ECRs are encouraged to help and certainly any academic with supervising experience. Please e-mail Culum if you are available to help.

With respect to preparing applications, here are some tips: make sure everything is filled out. Try and emphasise how the proposal will enhance research and training. Do NOT mention that you (the student) will use this opportunity to find a potential postdoc. It is crucial for supervisors to carefully vet their student’s applications and to be thorough.

Did You Participate in an Outreach Activity Recently for the Department?

Don’t for get to fill in the super-quick form here – – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE

Another Way for Ecologists to Get More Media Coverage

The Ecological Society of Australia seeks to increase media coverage of the work of their members and of ecological research in general. ESA has contracted Simon Torok and Paul Holper, Scientell, to undertake proactive media and communication activities. Please contact them if you have a story idea, or if you’d like any advice regarding publicising your work. Simon and Paul would also like to know if your organisation has initiated, or is planning, media coverage of your work, such as a media release. They can help spread the word.

See www.scientell.com.au for full contact details.

MARIS Presentation

The Microscopy Unit have organised a presentation by IMARIS on Friday 4^th August 2017 1.30-2.30pm in the Bio Tearoom – details on attached flyer. Imaris-Presentation_BioTeaRm-MQ_2017-4_Fri

Tutoring with Walanga Muru

Invitation to Participate in the Recent Ecological Change in Australia Project

Over the past century, average land surface temperatures have risen by almost 1° C across the Australian continent. Models suggest this may have already had significant impacts on Australia’s ecosystems and biodiversity, but these impacts have not been systematically investigated.

CSIRO Land and Water and the Department of the Environment and Energy are undertaking an exciting project to collect observations and anecdotes that will help to build a national picture of the kinds of ecological changes that have been occurring across the country over the past 10-20 years or more, and where changes may not have been occurring. We are looking for people with strong links to Australian environments (e.g. farmers, natural resource managers, ecologists, naturalists, rural scientists) to share their perceptions of recent ecological change (or lack of it) in an area they know well, and how this might link with climate or other change.

To participate, you would need to be able to select a natural area (e.g. your local region or farm, a Nature Reserve, urban bushland) that you have been familiar with for at least the last 10 years. Note that we are interested both in areas where change has been observed and where change has not been observed. The survey will take about 30 minutes – please click here to undertake the survey. Additional information about the project can be found here.

STEM Careers – Women Employment Bootcamp Series Workshop

Date/Time: 24 Aug 2017, 9.00am – 1.00pm.

Location: 36 Bradfield Rd, West Lindfield NSW.

There is no cost to attend this event.

Register Here!

Are you looking to boost your employment pathways for the jobs of the future?
City of Ryde invites women of all ages to attend the STEM Careers for Women Employment Bootcamp Series (WEBS)!

Join us at WEBS to:

• Understand the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career market
• Network with women in leadership roles in STEM careers, industry and the education sector
• Enhance your employment options.

This event includes a Workshop component which you will pre-book on registration (there are four to choose from as listed below, please choose ONE Workshop when registering, as the Workshops will be held simultaneously from 11.00am – 12noon). Click on the ‘Register here’ link above.

• Building Your Personal Brand with Digital Media: Be the best version of you and learn how to build your personal brand online. Gina Jaaskelainen, Digital Marketing Expert, will deliver tips to build your personal brand online. This presentation will provide both a strategic perspective to personal branding as well as practical applications to ensure your personal reputation online is distinctive and professional.
  (Workshop Facilitator: Gina Jaaskelainen Gina.Digital Strategic Communication)
• Start a Business – Be your own Boss!: This workshop is perfect for anyone thinking about starting their own business or who has been in business for less than 12 months.
  (Workshop Facilitator: Katherine Blizard, Business Advisor Realise Business)
• Overseas Qualified – Entering the Australian Job Market: This workshop is ideal for those who have overseas qualifications and wants to break into the Australian job market.
  (Workshop Facilitator: Faiza Shakori, Community Development and Employment Hub Leader – Community Migrant Resource Centre)
• The Mentor Journey – Get Mentored or Be a Mentor: Whether you want to get a mentor or be a mentor this workshop will deliver insights into how to be part of a mentor program.
  (Workshop Facilitator: Eleni Karagounis, Sistemattika)

Registration and networking from 8.30am.
Proudly supported by: CSIRO, Macquarie University, TAFE NSW, Community Migrant Resource Centre, Realise Business and Ryde Business Forum.
More On This Event.

Share the Dignity
Share the Dignity collects sanitary items for Australian women and girls who are homeless, living in poverty or escaping domestic violence and Leigh Staas has volunteered her office as a collection point for the #Dignity Drive 2017. They collect tampons, pads and incontinence pants (all types and sizes) during the month of August and then distribute them to some of the 85,000 Australian women who cannot afford what many of us take for granted. If you would like to donate any of these items for the collection drive please bring them to Leigh’s office in Building E8C Room 153 before the Thursday 31st August.

Science Meets Policymakers – August 8th

Science meets Policymakers will empower the Future Earth team to meet their aims and objectives, with workshops covering many of the eight focal challenges identified by Future Earth globally. It is also a unique opportunity to begin meaningfully linking the expertise of researchers with policy-makers, business leaders, industry, practitioners and community stakeholders – while putting us in good stead to facilitate interdisciplinary activities and partnerships to collaboratively produce solutions-oriented research.

Those who attend will contribute knowledge and solutions in support of transformations to the way Australia tackles sustainability – with a particularly important opportunity to shape the way environmental accounting – one of Future Earth’s priority areas of focus – is utilised and understood in Australia.

As Science & Technology Australia greatly values the potential contributions from Future Earth, they are offering an exclusive 15% discount for registrations referred through Future Earth, which can be applied using the code “FUTURE”.

Registrations can be made by clicking here, and you can access the full program for the 8th of August here.

With the discount, STA members (i.e. those who are members of the organisations listed here) can register for $250.75 and non-members can register for $420.75.

Questions or comments?  Please contact Dion Pretorius <dion.pretorius@sta.org.au>.

Image of the Week

Title: String art under the scope.

Description: Crystal is normally in symmetric form and this unique asymmetric form of the synthetic chemical compound is made by PhD candidate: Masoud Kazem-Rostami in A/Prof Joanne Jamie lab. Colour-coded indicates the top (red) and bottom (yellow) of the crystal. Image captured by Arthur Chien in Microscopy Unit, Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Of Importance to All Researchers

Two new, related items from Nature of importance to all researchers: The first speaks for itself: An Obituary for the Impact Factor:

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v546/n7660/full/546600e.html?foxtrotcallback=true

while the second suggests that artificial intelligence might improve citation indices by going beyond mere counts:

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v547/n7661/full/547032a.html?foxtrotcallback=true

World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice
Twenty five years ago, in 1992, the Union of Concerned Scientists and over 1500 scientists published the famous declaration entitled “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity”. They called on humanity to curb environmental destruction, warning “all humanity that a great change in our stewardship of the earth and the life on it is required, if vast human misery is to be avoided.” Now, on the 25^th anniversary of their famous call, we looked back at their warning and evaluated the human response over the last quarter century. This 25-year update will soon be published by BioScience.

To see the in press article “World scientists’ warning to humanity: a second notice” and add your name as a co-signatory, click: http://scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/

This short article is only 1,000 words long and can be read in 6 minutes. If you are a scientist, we invite you to endorse this article by adding your name to the co-signatory list. In doing so, when the article is published by BioScience, you will be included in the full list of co-signatories in the article’s online supplemental material.

Please forward this email to other scientists that may also be interested in signing.  If you use Twitter, consider inviting your colleagues to add their signatures by including #ScientistsWarningToHumanity in a tweet.

New Publications

In the Media

Recent Completions

Jenny Aino Plath submitted her PhD Thesis entitled “Neuroethological analysis of visually oriented behavior in honey bees.”

Supervised by Andrew Barron

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Amélie Cabirol has submitted her thesis entitled “Experience-dependent plasticity in brain structure and olfactory learning capacities in honey bees (Apis mellifara).”

Supervised by Andrew Barron from Macquaire University and Jean-Marc Devaud from the University of Toulouse.

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