International Research Travel Grants

This spring, ESF's Randolph G. Pack Environmental Institute is able to provide partial financial support for a small number of graduate student research travel grants in the area of international environmental or natural resources policy. The grants likely will not exceed $500 and are for ESF graduate student research travel commencing prior to June 30, 2009, or for non-reimbursed research travel expenses incurred during the current academic year, prior to that date. To apply, please submit the following electronically or in hard copy to Professor David A. Sonnenfeld, Director, Randoph G. Pack Environmental Institute, 107 Marshall Hall, SUNY-ESF, e-mail: <dsonn@esf.edu>: name and contact information, graduate degree program, research abstract (max. 250 words), research site (destination), total travel expenses, how remainder of travel will be paid for, graduate degree program, adviser's name and dated signature. Deadline: Thursday, May 7, 5:00 pm.

Summer Internship: Pacific Gas & Electric

PG&E Environmental Policy Department
2009 Summer Intern Job Description

Assist in voluntary reporting of PG&E's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Perform a comparison of various existing and proposed GHG reporting protocols, including those of The Climate Registry, California Climate Action Registry, Western Climate Initiative, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), and the EPA National GHG Reporting Rule. (25%) Identify new opportunities for GHG emission reductions at PG&E facilities and on PG&E- owned property. Research and quantify GHG emission reductions associated with Early Action projects implemented by PG&E (including CO2 reductions and methane capture). Identify and analyze new clean air initiatives that can be used by PG&E to improve air quality and obtain emission reduction credits. (25%) Research various existing and proposed GHG emission reduction protocols to verify requirements for documenting emissions, managing reductions, and obtaining offsets associated with each new opportunity identified. (20%) Perform research on policies and criteria associated with renewable energy projects to help PG&E evaluate the feasibility of implementation. (10%) Assist in the development of components of PG&E's endangered species protection and habitat conservation programs including safe-harbor agreements and sorting of parcels associated with land conservation. (10%) Develop a strategy for PG&E to communicate its environmental stewardship initiatives both internally and externally. (10%) Required qualifications: MS, MA, MBA, BS, or BA candidate. Science or engineering background with environmental coursework preferred. If BS or BA should be a junior or senior. Salary to be negotiated with PG&E Human Resources. Send cover letter and resume to Mr. Rex Bell, RXBD@pge.com, by April 10, 2009. No phone calls please. Office location is in San Francisco, CA.

New Fall Research Seminar

EST 796, Section 01
Adv Topics/ Environmental Studies

Asian Environmental Policy

David A. Sonnenfeld*
Department of Environmental Studies

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Fall 2009, W 4:00-4:55 pm

This is a one credit-hour research seminar (workshop) for graduate students in Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy and related fields with active research interests in Asian environmental policy. The seminar will be conducted as a reading, writing, and discussion group, with contents contingent on the interests of the participants. Graduate students at every stage of research related to Asian environmental policy are welcome. The seminar will be limited to a maximum of 15 participants from ESF and Syracuse University. Instructor's permission required for registration (see below).

My research has been on social influences on technological environmental transformation/ the development of environmental regulatory regimes in industrializing Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore), with focuses on the pulp and paper and electronics industries, and a little bit on the food and agriculture sector. I am broadly interested, as well, in the comparative politics of state formation ('rule of law') and democratization in the region and neighboring countries. My geographic sphere of interest ranges from the Indian subcontinent, through Southeast Asia, to China and Japan. For more about me, see my website, which can be accessed through the URL below.

To be considered for enrollment in this course, please send me an e‑mail with your name, graduate program and institutional affiliation, statement of your academic and research interests, and what you would like to work on in this seminar. Students whose materials have been received by Thursday, April 2, will receive first consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!

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* e-mail: dsonn@esf.edu
URL: http://www.esf.edu/es/faculty/sonnenfeld.htm
tel. 315.470.6636

2009 WWF Social Science Internships

The following five social-science oriented internships are available at the World Wildlife Fund – United States. They are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester). Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are unpaid, but facilities, library resources, and computers are available at WWF headquarters in Washington, DC. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.

In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person.

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with “INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line.

Website: www.worldwildlife.org/science

(1) Title: Social Science Capacity-building

Description: Understanding the social dimensions of conservation is essential for its success. However, in the conservation world, social science capacity remains limited. The social science team at WWF is working towards building social science capacity to improve WWF's conservation efforts. The successful applicant will assist the social science team by conducting background research on one or more of the following topics: the role of social science in conservation, humanitarian-environmental partnerships, socio-ecological dynamics in Coastal East Africa, or other upcoming initiatives. The successful applicant will also provide assistance to the social science team in program backstopping and technical support. Requirements: Applicants should have a bachelors degree in the social sciences, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and a proven interest in people-conservation issues.

Stipend: none

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009; Include: “Social Science Capacity-building Internship” in the subject line.

Contact: Sharon Pailler (sharon.pailler@wwfus.org)

(2) Title: Scenario development for ecosystem service assessments

Description: Intern sought to assist in preparing guidance on developing scenarios for ecosystem service analyses. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) has developed a software tool called InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs). InVEST can show how ecosystem services and biodiversity are affected under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap with identification of best practice developing land use scenarios that are credible, legitimate and salient to policy. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of scenario development methodologies; research and write up case studies of scenario development in NatCap’s existing demonstration sites; develop a typology of scenario methodologies; undertake a comparative analysis to assess the conditions under which different methodologies are appropriate and effective; build a database of existing scenario literature and guidance materials; develop communication materials as needed. Requirements: Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics, environmental modeling and/or ecology. Requires excellent research, writing and communication skills. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and scenario development would be a plus.

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

(3) Title: Ecosystem service modeling and policy change

Description: Intern sought to research the relationship between scientific ecosystem service analyses and uptake in policy and decisions. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) is developing and applying tools to map and quantify ecosystem services under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap to understand the contexts and conditions under which this type of scientific information on ecosystem services effectively leads to policy change. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of ecosystem service studies aimed at changing policies at a range of scales and contexts; research the factors facilitating strong science-policy links in ecosystem services analyses; prepare a set of strategic recommendation for the Natural Capital Project on the basis of these findings.

Requirements: Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics and/or ecology. Requires excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to think strategically. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and the science-policy interface would be a plus.

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

(4) Title: Protected area emergence and evolution

Description: Protected areas are the cornerstone of conservation policies, but scholars lack convincing explanations for the patterns and trends in PA emergence and evolution. This project will analyze PA patterns and trends, in order to identify the factors that drive PA emergence and evolution. The project may include both marine and terrestrial PAs; geographic focus will depend upon data availability and WWF program priorities. Project outputs will include maps and graphs of PA patterns and trends, as well as statistical analyses identifying predictors of PA emergence and evolution. Results will be published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and shared widely across the conservation community. Requirements: degree in social science or a related field; basic GIS or statistical skills; familiarity with biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Foreign language skills preferred.

Stipend: unpaid

Due date for cover letter, CV, and writing sample: April 1, Include: “PA emergence & evolution internship” in the subject line.

Contact: michael.mascia@wwfus.org

(5) Title: TRAFFIC Trade Internship

Description: Wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global business. Understanding the flow of this trade is key in terms of being able to effectively stem illegal trade as well as illustrate the benefits of sustainable, regulated trade. High profile wildlife trade enforcement cases are important in terms of being able to garner public support and funding for activities and programs to stop illegal trade. Using available enforcement cases, seizures and trade data, this intern will develop a database of seizures from WWF US priority places and create mapping tools to show trade flows. The database and mapping tools will then be used to develop case studies to be used as part of TRAFFIC’s marketing and communications materials. Interns must have excellent analytical skills, be resourceful and creative in their work. Interns must work well independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with mapping software is desired and we are looking for an intern who is interested in making the link between research/data collection, synthesis and public dissemination of this research. Research (internet, institutional and literature) capabilities and a desire to learn about wildlife trade essential.

Stipend: This is an unpaid position.

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2009 Include: “TRAFFIC Trade Internship” in the subject line.

Contact: Jill Hepp at (jill.hepp@wwfus.org)

Summer Student Exchange Fellowship in Beijing

Project IMUSE (Initiating Mutual Understanding through Student Exchange) is a nonprofit organization offering undergraduate and graduate students around the United States with a unique fellowship opportunity in China. Each fellow will spend two weeks with other fellows from around the US and China, exploring US-China relations by attending events, learning from each other, and exploring their role in the future of their countries. Fellowship delegates will be provided will full living accommodations in Beijing for two weeks as they participate in a series of group discussions, cultural activities, speaker events, and guided tours that will promote both their understanding of China and of their Chinese peers. All events will be conducted in English and no Knowledge of Chinese is necessary. Please refer to the website for more information: http://www.projectimuse.org/. More information can also be found on the “IMUSE” group page on Facebook or on the “Project IMUSE” product page. Applications are due no later than April 1, 2009.

NYS Senate Fellowships

New York State Senate Graduate/ Post-Graduate/ Mid-Career Fellowships, including legislative fellowships (11), journalism fellowship (1), public service fellowship (1), and finance fellowship (1). Duration: September 10, 2009 through July 14, 2010. All fellowships are on-site in Albany, NY. $32,000, distributed bi-weekly. Must be US citizens, except for International Fellowship Program. Application deadline: April 10, 2009. Information: Krista Applebee, Director, tel. 518.455.2611, e-mail: students@senate.state.ny.us, URL: http://www.senate.state.ny.us.

ESF Grad Student Travel Grants

A maximum of $1,500 will be awarded for domestic meetings, and a maximum of $2,000 will be awarded for international meetings. For travel between: 1 March 2009 and 30 September 2009. These funds are not intended to replace other travel support sources. Applicants may apply for support of one event per funding cycle (academic year). The criteria for selection of awardees are 1) level of participation (e.g., poster, oral presentation, student committee); 2) significance of the meeting, 3) stage of progress toward degree (near-defense students receive higher priority); 4) strength of major professor’s recommendation with regard to professional development and ESF programs; and 5) availability of matching funds (not required).

To apply for an award. Submit the following itemized information (not to exceed two pages, exclusive of attachments):

1. Applicant name, graduate program affiliation and contact information;
2. Name and description of meeting:

• Sponsoring organization, place and date(s),
• Size and profile of expected audience, and
  
• Significance of the meeting;

3. Applicant role and engagement in the meeting;
4. Opportunities to promote the graduate program at ESF and recruit graduate students;
5. The value of the meeting to applicant and research, outreach or scholarly program; and
6. Funds required for the proposed travel:

• Expected expenses,
• Portion provided from other sources, and
  
• Reason the entire cost cannot be paid from other sources.
  

Attachments

• Meeting advertisement/announcement if available
• Major professor’s letter addressing value of travel to student and ESF

Submission. Proposals should be submitted as electronic files to Dean Scott Shannon, Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies, esfgrad@esf.edu. Deadline: Friday, 23 January 2009.