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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT MATTERS | May 10, 2019

Hi all,

It was great to receive the GOLD accreditation for Sustainability this week, presented at the Department Meeting. We are the first department at the university to achieve this – well done and thank you to the Sustainability committee led by Mariella and Sam Newton. For those unable to attend this week’s department meeting, you can find the presentation here.

Make sure to put next week’s Women in STEM morning tea in your calendar, hosted by Biological Sciences and held in the courtyard. All men, women and children are warmly invited!

cheers,

Michelle

Save the Date

This coming week 13th – 17th May

Wed 15th: FSE Women in Stem Morning Tea, hosted by Biological Sciences; 10.30am – 11.30am; Biology Courtyard (or Biology Tea Room if raining). RSVP here: http://bit.ly/2Y5mEJB

Wed 15th: Department Seminar – Dr Giulia Ghedini, Monash University; 1.00pm – 2.00pm; 14EAR(E8A)-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Thu 16th: Biology Social Club; 5.00pm – 7.00pm; Biology Courtyard.

Following week 20th – 24th May

Wed 22nd: Department Morning Tea; 10.30am – 11.30am; 205b Culloden Rd.

Wed 22nd: Department Seminar – A/Prof Shauna Murray, UTS; 1.00pm – 2.00pm; 14EAR(E8A)-280 (Biology Tea Room).

Thu 23rd: Workshop on introduction to tidyverse package in R; 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM; Continuum room (75 Talavera road, room 3114); snacks provided.

Weekly Events

Thu: Venture Cafe; 3–8pm; 58 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, NSW (map).

Fri: Writing workshops with Prof Ken Cheng – to support HDRs and ECRs with scientific writing; 2–4pm; Ken’s office at 205b Culloden Road, G12.

Fri: Behaviour and Evolution Journal Club; Friday at 12:30pm (bring your lunch); 205B Culloden Rd Boardroom.

Weekly Biological Sciences seminar program is here

Weekly Molecular Sciences seminar program is here

Future Events

June 11th-13th: HDR Conference 2019, 9am-1pm, Panel Interviews: 2-5pm; venue TBD – Save the date!

General News and Announcements

Biology Achieves Gold Accreditation for Sustainability – At the Department meeting on Tuesday we were presented with a certificate acknowledging our achievement of Gold Accreditation for Sustainability. This is the most recent achievement in a journey that started in 2013 when Biology first entered the Department Sustainability Challenge.

From that point we started to take proactive steps and work with the Sustainability Office to continue improving.

The first step was to form a working group and conduct an audit of our current practices. Following the Bronze, then Silver, accreditation process we identified our priorities, the changes we wished to make, and the areas of sustainability we wanted to focus on.

Our Priorities

  • Increase awareness of sustainability issues and involvement of all staff and students in becoming more sustainable (communicate what sustainability is; link with UN Sustainable Development Goals)
  • Promote behaviour and activities to contribute to improved sustainability across the department (e.g. increased and coordinated volunteering leave; sustainable events and catering)
  • Review curriculum against sustainability criteria, and articulate sustainability principles within the curriculum
  • Assist staff and students to achieve sustainability goals. Enhance collaboration and interaction between different staff and student groups within the department through sustainability initiatives.
  • Promote facilities available within the department
  • Continue to work to reduce waste and consumption
  • Work with Property to improve energy and water efficiency of buildings, labs and offices.

 Some of the actions identified as part of Gold Accreditation

  • Develop BioTree: intranet-based database of available resources eg equipment and consumables
  • Extend buddy system to encompass all new staff and HDRs. Include sustainability in HDR and MRes induction processes.
  • Develop ways of making department events more inclusive and enhance cross-collaboration between lab and professional groups
  • Plant potting up workshop
  • Develop a sustainability statement and target for each course
  • Increase volunteer leave uptake within the department
  • Lunch-time litter collection teams

Learn More – Talk to our Sustainability Officer, Samantha Newton.

Visit the Biology Sustainability iLearn page: BIOL 392 Biology Sustainability Resources https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/course/view.php?id=28538

Facebook: @mqu.biol Department of Biological Science Sustainability Initiative.

Sustainability Working Group – Current members of the working group are: Samantha Newton, Mariella Herberstein, Matt Kosnik, Lizzy Lowe, Rekha Joshi, Julian May, Ramila Furtado and Rachael Dudaniec. Other key people in the department have been Veronica Peralta, Jenny Ghabache.

Women In STEM Morning Tea – Biology is hosting the Faculty’s Women in STEM morning tea. The theme is:  STEM & having kids. If you are on parental leave, please bring your offspring along. May 15, 10:30 in the E8 Tearoom. We are also looking for bakers to bring delicious baked goods for morning tea. Please email <marie.herberstein@mq.edu.au> if you are baking. RSVP here: http://bit.ly/2Y5mEJB

Learning and Teaching Support Survey – DVC(Academic) has now commenced a University-wide process to further improve the learning and teaching support of both staff and students at Macquarie, focusing on student success in their coursework, and successful student career paths upon completion. The first stage of the process is focused on consultation with key stakeholders, staff and students to understand what’s working well, what can be improved and what more we can be doing to set our students up for success in the future. With this in mind, all staff are now invited to offer their thoughts on the current learning and teaching support at Macquarie via a short online questionnaire (https://www.mq.edu.au/about/about-the-university/governance/executive/deputy-vice-chancellor-academic/student-success-strategic-framework). All academic and professional staff and students are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire.  Your feedback, along with key stakeholder and student inputs will be used to inform the next steps in the process. The survey closes at 5pm, Monday 20 May.

Ally Training – If you have not participated in an Ally training yet or want to refresh your training, there are some workshops coming up:
 
 
Facilitated by Pride in Diversity (PiD). Please share this information with your networks and/or use the links below to register to attend a training. The workshops will raise current issues for LBGTI+ staff and students and equip you with language and resources to support sexual diversity on campus.
Ally Forum – Wednesday 15th May from 2pm to 3.30pm.
In the lead up to IDAHOBIT on Friday 17th May (International Day against homophobia, biphobia, intersexism and transphobia) the Ally Forum will be a chance to meet and network with other Allies. There’ll also be an update from the Executive Sponsor and the Ally Network Steering Committee and an update on what’s planned for IDAHOBIT at Macquarie University. You’ll also get to have your say on plans for the Ally Network in 2019. Please make sure that you register using the link below for catering purposes:
 

Plant of the Week

– click the thumbnails for larger images – 

This Week: Salvia – When we think of Salvia flowers, our first thoughts probably turn to Salvia splendens, the very common garden annual with orange-scarlet flowers. But Salvia is a huge genus, with perhaps 800 to 900 species, many of which are popular garden plants, many used in food preparation, and many used in traditional medicine. Before you dismiss Salvias as exotics, keep in mind that the common, culinary sage is Salvia officinalis, and Chia seeds come from Salvia columbariae. There is even one species, Salvia plebeia, that is native to Australia and much of south-east Asia.

Green Bins for Better Arboretum Maintenance – Last month the Arboretum Project acquired 4 new wheelie bins for green waste. These bins have been funded by Property. You might see these around the Science teaching gardens. They are invaluable for clearing weeds and dead branches from around the garden, making it easy for everyone involved to keep the gardens tidy and interesting.

They are also useful for Bushcare activities and have already had their first outing with a recent group of Work Experience students. Staff and student Bushcare activities have been focusing on controlling Madeira Vine along College Creek, between Herring Road housing and the research park.

Call for Research and Professional Development Workshop Suggestions The Department is compiling a program of workshops focused on research and professional development for postgraduate students and ECRs in the Biological Sciences, and we want your suggestions! Perhaps there is a particular skill you want to develop or advice that you are seeking. Or you may want to deliver a session on something relevant! This could range from writing and data analysis, to publishing and interview skills, and anything in between. We are looking for suggestions of workshop topics as well as nominations for people or groups to run them.
Please submit your suggestions via this google form: https://forms.gle/KaYnCr4fp2b1ucWm8

OPPORTUNITIES

Skype A Scientist connects “real scientists” with classrooms around the world. They match scientists based on their specialties with k-12 classrooms looking to met someone in your field. Once matched, you video chat into the classroom for a 30-60 minute Q and A style chat. The idea is to put a friendly face to science and lower the intimidation factor that surrounds science for some students. This is a great opportunity for PhD’s and ECRs to get some SciComm and outreach experience. Check it out here: https://www.skypeascientist.com/

Higher Education Academy Fellowship Program Now Open for Mid-2019 Applications – Macquarie educators interested in having their professional practice in higher education teaching, learning support, and leadership recognised, can now register to apply for HEA Fellowship. Applicants must first attend a 1-hour information session; sessions will be held between 29 May and 15 July – register and see more information: https://teche.mq.edu.au/2019/05/macquarie-hea-fellowship-program-now-open-for-mid-2019-application/

Educators at all levels are encouraged to participate – from casual tutors (Associate Fellow) through to program and unit leaders (Senior or Principal Fellow). Information about Fellowship itself: https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/individuals/fellowship
Looking for Work Within the Department – Claire Laws is looking for any work or interesting volunteer opportunities within the Department. She has been with Macquarie since 2012 and has worked as a Research Assistant in various plant ecology labs, and more recently, with the Biology admin team.
Claire has a B. Environmental Science (Hons) and is currently studying a Master of Laws in Environmental Law. 
If anyone has any job opportunities for Claire, please email her at <claire.ava.laws@gmail.com>.

Faculty Staff (Professional & Academic) Travel Grants – support for staff travel is now provided centrally by the Faculty.  Funding is available for ECR travel, international collaboration, teaching and professional staff development. If you would like to apply, please discuss with your supervisor and A/Prof Andrew Barron (for research travel) or Dr Drew Allen (for teaching travel). Research Eligibility and application details can be found here.https://staff.mq.edu.au/intranet/science-and-engineering/faculty-awards,-schemes-and-procedures
Two rounds remain for the rest of the year:
– Round 2 closes Friday 31 May 2019
– Round 3 closes Friday 27 September 2019
Apply as soon as possible for any travel you intend on taking in 2019, that meets the criteria. Funds awarded must be spent in 2019 and will not be carried into 2020.

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

Biological Sciences Seminar – Date/Time: Wednesday, 15th May, 2019; 1pm – 2pm. Speaker: Dr Giulia Ghedini, Monash University. Title: How do ecological interactions alter energy use and what are the consequences for community function? Venue:  14EAR-280 (Biology Tea Room). More information on this and all department seminars ON OUR WEBPAGE HERE.

Molecular Sciences Seminar -Date/Time:Tuesday, 14th May, 2019; 1pm – 2pm. Speaker: Dr Dominic Glover, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW; Title:Redesign of Protein Interfaces for the Assembly of Functional Biomaterials. Venue:4WW 322 seminar room. More Information: https://goto.mq/6s

And: Date/Time: Thursday, 23rd May, 2019; 2pm – 3pm. Speaker: Dr Laura Nolan, the Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection (MRC CMBI), Imperial College London; Title:  Using ‘Insider Information’ to Identify Novel Antibacterial Targets. Venue: 4WW 322 seminar room. More Information: https://goto.mq/7l

R-Users Group (RUG) Fortnightly Help Sessions – Do you have a problem with data analysis? You might want to give R a go which is a fantastic analytical and plotting tool. For all your R-related queries, drop by ‘Ask An R Geek for Help’ (aaRgh) session where you can get one-on-one assistance. No registration is required and there will be snacks and beverages. Date: 9 May, 2019. Time: 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Venue: Continuum Room (75 Talavera Road, room 3114).

Wildlife at the Watering Hole – 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm @ Botany View Hotel, King St Newtown!

Sensing Technology Conference 2-4 Dec – The 13th International Conference on Sensing Technology (ICST 2019) will be held on December 2 to 4, 2019 at Macquarie University. Topics include vision sensing, biological sensors, acoustic, noise & vibration sensors, sensor arrays and application of sensors. The conference flyer with all details is attached here.

ICST_CFP

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Australian Academy of Science

There is a wide range of funding opportunities available for research, travel and conference support, closing dates generally 1st June. For details see here

HDR NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

University Scholars Leadership Symposium: Kuala Lumpur, August 1-7 – The Government of Malaysia and Humanitarian Affairs Asia is looking for 10 Outstanding Student Leaders to attend the 10th University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 1 to 7.  

A video of last year’s 9th USLS, held in the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, should give a good understanding of the general content of the symposium. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=parlOvytPas&t=3s). 

For more information about this unique global opportunity and the registration fee, please send enquiries to Global Partnership Associate, Mr. Alexi Heazle at <alexi.heazle@humanitarianaffairs.org> or visit the website at www.universityscholars.org.uk. 

There is more information (blurb, brochure, poster, testimonials) at this google drive link. Please note that the priority deadline for students to apply is the 30th of May. 

The library has announced that the HDR Study Space on level 5 of the library is now open with automatic swipe card access, i.e. you no longer need to apply for access. This space is available to students enrolled in approved HDR courses, Bachelor of Philosophy / Master of Research students, and academic and professional staff. This may be of interest to those of you who are looking for a quiet place to finish off a writing project.

PhD Students: got a grant? Dept. will co-fund up to $1500 – The Department would like to encourage students to seek external sources of funding, and has a small budget with which to support successful candidates.New limits from 2019:PhD students ONLY: Dept. will match up to $1500 of external (non-MQ) funding ONCE during the student’s candidature.

If you have received a grant (student as chief investigator) and wish to request co-funding, please forward a copy of the award letter to <sharyon.odonnell@mq.edu.au> and <julian.may@mq.edu.au>.

Australian Wildlife Society University Research Grants are scholarships offered to honours or postgraduate students at Australian universities. Each year, ten $1,500 grants are awarded. Applicants wishing to become a member of the Society can do so at www.aws.org.au. Closing date:  31st May 2019.

Are You a HDR Student? Need Help with Writing? – HDR Mentors in collaboration with HDR Learning Skills is running another round of Peer Writing Assistance (PWA) for the rest of the year! This program is designed to support MRES and HDR candidates in managing thesis writing and research-related concerns. All peer writing assistants have undergone training for their role and are current PhD candidates at Macquarie. Registrations are now open for individual consultation bookings. If you are interested, please go to book in for a 30-minute session with a PWA. If you have questions about the PWA program please email hdrmentors@mq.edu.au>

ADMIN THINGS
Outreach Activities – Have You Participated in an Activity for Biology Recently? Don’t forget to fill in the super-quick form here – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE

Building Name Changes – Cheat Sheet – If you are trying to identify buildings on campus with new names or old names, please use this link to convert them from old to new or vice versa.

THIS AND THAT

Call for Yellow Pages Books: Any unwanted yellow pages books old or new can be donate to PGF. Pages will be used to line pots. Kindly leave them outside office 14EAR(E8A)-175.

Harvest Hub – great food that doesn’t cost the earth

Do you want:

  • To eat with the seasons?
  • Have fresh fruit and veg delivered weekly?
  • Buy from local growers and support local farmer more directly?
  • Access weekly specials and a flexible, easy to use ordering system?
  • Have produce delivered to you at work?
  • Buy grains and cereals too?

Then try Harvest Hub www.harvesthub.com.au

Hub name: MACQUARIE04  F: @harvesthubau  

More information?

Correct Method for Submitting to Department Matters

Department Matters submissions now have their own email address. Please send all your news items for the newsletter to <fse.bionewsletter@mq.edu.au>

Also, please see the following to correctly format your additions, and keep them rolling in!

You may have noticed that we try to keep all the articles to the same format for the Department Matters, however, rest assured, they do NOT all turn up in this format! To help keep your Department Matters looking as good as possible, when sending in additions to the Newsletter, please try to keep these formatting guidelines in mind.

  1. Please write in third person. The information is coming from the Newsletter, not directly from you.
  2. Do not use fancy text formatting. Bold heading, normal text, and only italics or bold to highlight. No font size changes will make it through, sorry.
  3. If sending via email, set your email output to basic. HTML output will add all sort of formatting that will have to be removed before your article can go into the newsletter.
  4. Keep your submission short and direct (two paragraphs) and if possible provide a document, email or link where readers can get more information. Any long submissions will be cropped.

Keeping to these guidelines will streamline your article’s addition to the newsletter. Thank you.

Have You Missed Out on an Issue of Department Matters? Back issues can be found at this newsletter archive link for your reading pleasure.

New Publications

Range size and growth temperature influence Eucalyptus species responses to an experimental heatwave

By: Aspinwall, M.J., Pfautsch, S., Tjoelker, M.G., Vårhammar, A., Possell, M., Drake, J.E., Reich, P.B., Tissue, D.T., Atkin, O.K., Rymer, P.D. and Dennison, S., 2019. Global change biology. | Find with Google Scholar »

Marine reserves shape seascapes on scales visible from space

By: Madin, Elizabeth MP, Alastair R. Harborne, Aaron MT Harmer, Osmar J. Luiz, Trisha B. Atwood, Brian J. Sullivan, and Joshua S. Madin. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 286, no. 1901 (2019): 20190053. | Find with Google Scholar »

Acclimation and adaptation components of the temperature dependence of plant photosynthesis at the global scale

By: Kumarathunge, D.P., Medlyn, B.E., Drake, J.E., Tjoelker, M.G., Aspinwall, M.J., Battaglia, M., Cano, F.J., Carter, K.R., Cavaleri, M.A., Cernusak, L.A. and Chambers, J.Q., 2019. New Phytologist. | Find with Google Scholar »

Sex chromosome inversions enforce reproductive isolation across an avian hybrid zone

By: Hooper, Daniel M., Simon C. Griffith, and Trevor D. Price. Molecular ecology (2018). | Find with Google Scholar »

Botany Bay 1770 (chapter)

By: Downing, Alison & Brian Atwell. 2018. pp. 48 - 51. In Stone J (ed.) Empire. Macquarie University, Sydney. ISBN: 978-0-85837-010-4. | Find with Google Scholar »

In the Media

Robert Harcourt was interviewed on 2SER Razors Edge

Professor Robert Harcourt from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on 2SER Razors Edge about whether SMART drumlines are effectively preventing shark attacks.

Simon Griffith was featured in Australasian Science

Professor Simon Griffith from the Department of Biological Sciences was featured in Australasian Science regarding how growing up and fighting for food with lots of siblings can make zebra finches more sociable.

Vanessa Pirotta was interviewed on ABC Radio Hobart Evenings

Dr Vanessa Pirotta from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on ABC Radio Hobart Evenings about the northern migration of whales.

Recent Completions