Can virtual and hybrid conferences increase the diversity of participants?
For decades, professional scientific societies and individual scientists have relied on in-person conferences to share cutting edge research and build collaborative research networks: conferences are instrumental for developing individual careers and scientific progress. However, in-person conferences have significant barriers to access and inclusion, often excluding scientists and institutions with less financial resources and individuals for whom long-distance travel is difficult. The shift to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated these historical barriers, as conferences were attended by more diverse groups of scientists. Our research (ECODIVE: Evaluating COnferences for DIVerse Engagement) investigates how and whether virtual and hybrid conferences in ecology, environmental science, and allied fields have increased participation by individuals from a diverse set of institutions, including academic organizations like universities and organizations outside of academia like government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and environmental consulting firms. By focusing on increasing institutional diversity, scientific conferences can improve collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic and extra-academic scientists, facilitating evidence-based environmental management. The ECODIVE project will also assess whether virtual and hybrid conferences are more inclusive of a diverse set of backgrounds and career stages and assess barriers, attitudes, and preferences related to conference access, attendance and participation. Lastly, researchers will identify future and alternative virtual and hybrid formats and features likely to best support members from diverse institutions and backgrounds. Short-term outcomes will include guidance for professional societies to develop equitable and inclusive conferences and overcome barriers to access; long-term outcomes will be increased visibility and awareness of a diversity of types of institutions in ecology and conservation communities.
Follow along with our project at ecodiveconferences.org
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation through a Bio-LEAPS award.
Follow along with our project at ecodiveconferences.org
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation through a Bio-LEAPS award.
How does road salt affect freshwater wetland plant communities?
Graduate student Ben Langey is leading research at the Great Marsh Institute to find out how road salt inputs from a major highway that cuts through the march affects the plants that live there. Ben will examine how salt concentration in soil and shallow groundwater vary with distance from road, and how they relate to the presence and dominance of native vs. non-native plants and plant species diversity.
Learn more about Ben's research from the video → |
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How do plastic bans affect the amount and types of trash in streams?
Several municipalities across southeastern Pennsylvania have banned the use of some single-use plastics (like plastic bags, straws, and take-out containers). What we don't know is how effective these rules are in keeping trash out of streams. Beginning in fall 2023, our lab will compare the amounts and types of trash in streams with and without plastic bans. We also plan to collect data in some streams before and after plastic bans go into effect so we can specifically test the effect of the ban on stream trash. We'll catalog, quantify, and measure stream trash to find out how effective this legislation is in protecting our streams.
This project is funded by a Provost's Research Grant from WCU.
This project is funded by a Provost's Research Grant from WCU.
Goose Creek: A living laboratory for urban watershed management and rehabilitation
Goose Creek in West Chester suffers many of the impairments common to urban streams, including flooding, poor habitat quality, excess sediment and nutrients, and high salt concentrations. Our lab is collaborating with the Goose Creek Alliance and local governments to restore and better manage this imperiled stream. As part of this effort, we are building and maintaining a living laboratory that will help us better understand urban watersheds while educating high school and college students in West Chester.
In addition, we hope to fund restoration projects along the headwaters of Goose Creek. You can help us reach our goal by donating to Save the Goose!
The Goose Creek Alliance was recently awarded a Growing Greener Grant from the PA DEP to fund the creation of a watershed action plan. We'll have plenty of opportunities to students to participate in this work to Save the Goose! Stay tuned for opportunities!
In addition, we hope to fund restoration projects along the headwaters of Goose Creek. You can help us reach our goal by donating to Save the Goose!
The Goose Creek Alliance was recently awarded a Growing Greener Grant from the PA DEP to fund the creation of a watershed action plan. We'll have plenty of opportunities to students to participate in this work to Save the Goose! Stay tuned for opportunities!
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