Information for 2004 Participants

FACULTY: The visiting faculty for 2004 will include the following: (subject to change) · Chip Aquadro (Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University) · Scott Baker (Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Auckland) · Jon Ballou (Department of Conservation Biology, Smithsonian National Zoological Park) · Brian Bowen (Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii) · Eric C. Anderson (Santa Cruz Laboratory, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA) · Rob Fleischer (Genetics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History) · James Hamrick (Botany and Genetics, University of Georgia) · Jose Lopez (Division of Biomedical Marine Research, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute) · Gordon Luikart (Laboratoire de Biologie des Populations d'Altitude, Universite Joseph Fourier, Grenoble) · Bob Vrijenhoek (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) · Jim Wilgenbusch (Florida State University) · Staff of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) In addition: members of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, NCI-Frederick: Victor David, Eduardo Eizirik, Warren Johnson, Bill Murphy, Colm O'hUigin, Steve O'Brien, Marilyn Raymond, Melody Roelke, Jill Slattery, Emma Teeling, Gila Bar-Gal, Al Roca, and Jen Troyer. COURSE DIRECTOR: Stephen J. O'Brien, Chief of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA TOPICS include: Sampling strategies Technologies for detecting genetic variation Genetic analysis: · bioinformatics and the use of molecular genetic databases · estimating genetic diversity with molecular markers · phylogenetic algorithms: their use and interpretation · phylogeography · population structure and demographic history · kinship and paternity assessment Emerging pathogens in natural populations Integration of genetics in conservation management TUITION:US $2,000 (includes housing, all meals, and Dulles International Airport transfers) Limited financial aid is available (FAQ #8). TO APPLY: See application procedure (FAQ #4). Follow the mailing instructions on the form. Participants in this course will be limited to 24. DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 15, 2004. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is Conservation Genetics? As an applied science, Conservation Genetics utilizes concepts, theories and methods of more traditionally defined fields, but also adds to our knowledge of these fields: genetics ecology behavior physiology molecular biology evolution demography One of the primary objectives of Conservation Genetics is to develop effective management strategies for the conservation of threatened species or populations. These strategies should consider and include: past and current status, as well as future prospects of a population or species efforts to preserve genetic diversity efforts to preserve evolutionary processes such as hybridization and speciation 2. What is the purpose of this course? The goal of RECENT ADVANCES IN CONSERVATION GENETICS is to teach the participants how to develop and interpret a variety of genetic data in order to answer specific questions regarding endangered taxa. We present an overview of molecular techniques available for pursuing population, taxonomic and phylogenetic questions, with special emphasis on PCR-based technologies for DNA polymorphism detection and computer programs for analysis of molecular genetic data. Guest lecturers present case histories demonstrating applications of conservation genetics. We found during previous courses that students learn a great deal from each other as well as from faculty because of shared interests in conservation and a common goal of applying conservation genetics in the management of endangered species. 3. Who should apply for this course? We welcome applications from conservation-minded scientists (advanced graduate students, post-docs, teachers, and researchers with advanced degrees) of any nationality from academia, government, NGOs, or industry who are studying the genetics of endangered species and who will apply the knowledge gained from this course to the conservation of such species. 4. How do I apply? Print the application form (Word Document) (pdf - requires Adobe Acrobat) or request an application from the course coordinator, Ms. Jan Martenson Phone: 301/846-7513; FAX 301/846-6327; email: noahscrc@ncifcrf.gov. To download Adobe Reader click here: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Complete the forms in black ink. Submit applications by mail, fax or e-mail. A complete application package comprises: 1) Admissions Application form 2) A brief statement of what you expect to gain from the course and how you will apply what you learn 3) One-page summary or abstract of ongoing or future research project(s) 4) One-page Curriculum Vitae 5) OPTIONAL: Financial Aid Request Form (see #8 below) March 15, 2004 is the deadline for receipt of applications. Notification of receipt of the application package will be sent by email. (back) 5. How are the participants selected? The Admissions Committee evaluates and selects 24 participants based on information provided in the applications and required attachments. This is always a difficult task in view of the large number of well-qualified persons who apply. Positions are typically offered to those whose application materials convey that they will make the best use of, and most benefit from, this course. Request for financial aid is not a factor in admission decisions. 6. When will those selected to participate be notified of acceptance? Applicants will receive the decision of the Admissions Committee in early April by email with a follow-up letter. Actions will be: admit; wait-list; or not recommended for admission. Those who are admitted will be asked to confirm their participation in the course by June. Should any accepted candidate(s) be unable to attend, the first person(s) on the waiting list will be notified in early June. 7. What is the cost of the course and when/how is it paid? US$2,000 includes housing and all meals at the CRC and ground transportation to/from Dulles International Airport. If accepted, attendance must be confirmed by June 1, followed by a 50% deposit of the participant's course cost by June 15. The balance will be due before or on the first day of the course, August 16. Payment by checks is preferred, but electronic transfer of funds is possible. We cannot accept credit cards for payment. 8. Is financial aid available? How do I apply? Limited financial aid is available in the form of partial scholarships granted by the American Genetic Association and will be awarded on the basis of need. Persons wishing to be considered for assistance must submit the Financial Aid form (Word document) (pdf-requires Adobe Acrobat) with their application package. (To download Adobe Reader click here: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html) (back) 9. Where is the course held and what is the structure? The CRC is 2.5 miles south of Front Royal, Virginia (50 miles SW of Dulles International Airport and about 70 miles west of Washington DC) in the beautiful Piedmont of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail border the CRC property. The CRC Conference Training Center's accommodations are comfortable, air-conditioned, dormitory-style rooms (participants share a room with one other person). All meals will be provided and served in the dining room of the training center. The days will be a mix of lectures in the CRC auditorium and computer labs held in the training center. Evenings usually feature a plenary lecture after dinner. There will be one free afternoon followed by an evening picnic. back to top Sponsors: AMERICAN GENETIC ASSOCIATION The AGA is the world’s oldest genetics society, founded in 1914 to advance the knowledge and applications of the growing field of genetics. Today the AGA remains committed to the advancement of organismal genetics and genome diversity using the most advanced technologies and computational theory. The parent scientific publication, the Journal of Heredity, embodies these principles of scientific excellence including a strong commitment to conservation. The AGA has generously agreed to provide scholarships for “Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics.” THE LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY The LGD is part of the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Maryland. Led by Dr. Stephen J. O’Brien, the lab is world-renowned for contributions to the fields of human genetic diversity (primarily in discoveries of genetic factors controlling susceptibility to cancers and viral diseases), feline gene mapping, and conservation genetics of the Felidae family. THE CRC The Conservation & Research Center (CRC) of the National Zoological Park/Smithsonian Institution is dedicated exclusively to biodiversity conservation, education, and training. CRC scientists and their collaborators at the National Zoo, the National Cancer Institute, and the Smithsonian combine an uncommon range of skills for addressing complex conservation issues, for generating sound scientific data for decision makers, and for training the conservation leaders of tomorrow. These activities reach far beyond the Washington, DC, area with international training programs, "mobile laboratories," and research and education projects ongoing throughout the world. At the same time, long-term studies at the CRC itself are unraveling the ecological mysteries of the Virginia Piedmont and eastern deciduous forests. Cutting-edge technologies in ecology, veterinary medicine, genetics, and the reproductive sciences allow CRC to stand in the forefront of local, national and international efforts to protect endangered species and habitats. Success is based on partnerships -- with other conservation and educational organizations, universities, government and non-governmental entities, and local communities. The scientific achievements are numerous. They include helping breed the endangered black-footed ferret for reintroduction into the American West; producing cheetahs, tigers and scimitar-horned oryx using reproductive technologies originally developed for humans; studying viruses in lions to help understand HIV infection in humans; and studying migratory patterns in song birds and the status of their North American habitats -- our local forest. More than a thousand alumni of CRC training programs and courses are now advancing environmental causes around the world as scientists, policy makers, wildlife authorities, and educators. Scholarly productivity is emphasized - technical publications convey new discoveries to the scientific community while books popularize conservation and science for the lay public. Of particular significance is the use of this new knowledge to enlighten and excite children, the conservationists of the 21st century. This course has been supported in the past by British Airways, Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin Elmer, Apple Computers, Life Science International, MJ Research Inc., NOVEX, Stratagene and Pharmacia-Hoeffer Biotech. Comments from past participants: "Without a doubt, one of the best educational experiences I've ever had. The mix of theory, hands-on application and case studies all steeped in an international mix of top-notch faculty and students made ConGen 2002 an enriching couple of weeks." - Kent Prior ('02), PhD, Science Policy Advisor, Canadian Wildlife Service. "Thanks so much for putting together such a wonderful course. Your staff is awesome and I learned all the tools needed for my project." - Jess Jones ('02), PhD student, VirginiaTech. "Thank you all very much for a unique and rewarding opportunity to moderninze my training for future research in conservation genetics." - Katharine Lofdahl ('02), PhD, Department of Biology, University of Guam. "I learned more than I expected to, but what is the most valuable, I met people from the field, learned about their research, got plenty of new ideas and made friends." - Ivna Tomaskovic ('02), graduate student, University of Zagreb, Croatia. "It was one of the best educational experiences of my life. The material learned and exposure to the many dimensions of conservation genetics will be invaluable to me…. The facility at the CRC was very pleasant and especially conducive to learning. The researchers/faculty …and invited plenary lecturers were extraordinary." - John Pierce ('00), Chief Wildlife Scientist and PhD candidate, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. "The setting at the Conservation & Research Center was perfect and very conducive to learning. However, the content of the course and quality of the instructors far exceeded my expectations. I return to my laboratory excited and enthused to apply this new knowledge to my field of marine ecology." - Paul Montagna ('97), PhD, Associate Professor, Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Port Aransas. "The course exceeded my expectations in terms of material covered, and the excellent instruction given by the people in the field. Most importantly, I met like-minded students and professors… the course represented a turning point in my career…" - Ravinder Sehgal ('98), PhD, Stockholm, Sweden. "It has been an enormous experience to learn updated methodologies and techniques, as well as current issues related to conservation genetics research ... The organization of the course was just great..."- R. Eduardo Palma ('96), PhD, University of Chile. "This course will greatly enhance my effectiveness as a teacher... The material I learned...will also greatly strengthen my ability to excite the students about the importance of wildlife conservation." - Lisa Muller ('97), PhD, Assistant Professor, Delaware State University. "The course in one word has been overwhelming. The scope of the program was very comprehensive; in my opinion instrumental in positioning one's own research project in this highly interdisciplinary field." - Paul Wenink ('97), PhD, Post-doctoral researcher, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands. Bibliography 2002 Syllabus 2002 Websites - ConGen 2002 Top of Page

This page was modified on April 22, 2004