April 23, 1999

Gary Moberg Appointed AFP Director
Professor Gary Moberg, associate dean of the Division of Animal Biology, has been appointed director of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Program (AFP). He brings to AFP an in-depth knowledge of the technical, academic and political issues confronting aquatic biology, aquaculture and fisheries. Moberg currently serves as chair of the board of directors of the Western Regional Aquaculture Center that sponsors multidisciplinary research and outreach in 12 western states. A leading authority on the biology of stress, Moberg's research in aquatic biology extends from fundamental studies to applied work in aquaculture and the conservation of aquatic animals. He consults with the National Marine Fisheries Service on the effect of tuna fishing on the well-being of South Pacific dolphins and the possible impact it has on international policy. Moberg has been involved in several international research and teaching programs in aquatic biology.


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Bruce Eldridge Awarded Entomology Medal of Honor
The American Mosquito Control Association, at its annual meeting in St. Louis, presented the association's Medal of Honor to Bruce Eldridge, Department of Entomology, director of the UC Mosquito Research Program. The medal, the group's highest award, recognizes Eldridge for research contributions in mosquito biology and systematics. Eldridge is past president of the association and currently serves as editor of the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.


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Barbara Shawcroft Project Scheduled for Finland
The experiment station research project of Professor Barbara Shawcroft, Department of Environmental Design, has been selected by a jury for presentation at the 8th European Textile Network Conference in Rovaniemi, Finland. Titled "Biological and Mathematical Systems Applied to Natural Constructions in Daily Life," the systems also will be exhibited in three-dimensional form in Helsinki, Finland prior to the June conference.


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Miguel Marino Elected Honorary Member of ASCE
Professor Miguel Marino, Department of Land, Air & Water Resources, was elected to an honorary membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was recognized for "mastery of surface and subsurface hydrologic processes, his renowned methodologies to plan, design and manage water resources engineering projects and for his leadership in civil engineering teaching and role modeling." He will be installed at the ASCE annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October. Marino also serves as interim associate director of the Centers for Water and Wildland Resources.


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Deanne Meyer Honored for Research
Livestock Waste Specialist Deanne Meyer, Department of Animal Science, recently received the Award for Outstanding Achievement from Friends of Agricultural Extension, a Central Valley support group for UC Cooperative Extension. She was honored for her research and implementation of an environmental short course on waste management. Meyer received the $5,000 prize at a ceremony held at the California Farm Equipment Show and International Exposition in Tulare.


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Robert Norris Receives Weed Science Award
Associate Professor Robert Norris, Department of Vegetable Crops, has been presented a Weed Science Society of American Fellows Award by the Weed Science Society of America. He was recognized for his many contributions to weed science and to the advancement of agricultural science and education. Norris was involved in initiating the plant protection and pest management graduate program at UC Davis and has served as a UC representative on the California Food and Agriculture Pest Control Advisory Committee.


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Gyongy Laky Exhibit in San Francisco
Professor Gyongy Laky, Department of Environmental Design, is exhibiting her celebrated work, "That Word," a 7-1/2-foot-high, three-dimensional word in the Philip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco. The word, "art," is three separate, free-standing letters created from orchard prunings and street tree cuttings, tied with wire to welded substructure. The exhibit has traveled to museums in Switzerland and Holland, as well as throughout the United States.

Gyongy S. Laky
Professor
Department of Environmental Design
gslaky@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-5480

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Michael Fry Invited to Aid Asian Consortium
Physiologist Michael Fry, Department of Animal Science, has been invited to help a consortium of nine Asian nations monitor estrogen-like agricultural and industrial pollutants in the environment. An internationally recognized authority on endocrine-disrupting pollutants, he was asked to join a program designed to investigate pollutants in Asia's coastal ecosystems. The second phase of the program will focus on endocrine disrupters, pollutants that mimic hormones or interfere with the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife. The Asian program is co-sponsored by the United Nations' Tokyo-based U.N. University and Shimadzu Corporation, a Japanese analytical instruments firm. Participating nations are Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Fry noted that some of these countries are gearing up for widespread use of pesticides, many of which are now banned in the United States and Europe. DDT, outlawed in the U.S. and Europe, is still used legally for malaria mosquito control in Asia.


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Award of Distinction Nominations Due
The Award of Distinction, the highest recognition presented by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, honors Californians who have made a significant contribution to the college's image and reputation and whose achievements have enhanced the college's outreach efforts. Awards will be presented Friday, October 15, 1999, at College Celebration. Candidates may be nominated in one or more selection categories: CA&ES alumni or friends who have made major contributions of time, leadership, financial support or promotional support for the betterment of the college's departments, divisions, programs and Cooperative Extension. CA&ES alumni whose volunteer or professional careers have brought distinction to the college. Faculty, Extension specialists, staff and emeriti who have brought distinction to the college through meritorious service to the public. Young CA&ES alumni (no more than 10 years from last degree) who have fulfilled the requirements of categories A and/or B above. Nominations and letters of support to second nominations must be received by April 30, 1999. Please make every effort to keep the nomination confidential from your nominee.

Sharon E. Lynch
Assistant Director for Relations
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
selynch@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-1602

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Wild Things in the Arboretum
These wildlife events for families begin at 7 p.m. at Putah Creek Lodge: April 28, 1999: California Ground Squirrels: Conversations with the Devil and Other Villains" Don Owings, psychology professor, will discuss the habits and survival strategies of these much-maligned creatures. May 12, 1999: Melanie Truan, graduate student and wildlife researcher, will discuss the fauna of our own ecosystem and current efforts to document their populations and habits.


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CSREES Annual Awards Program for Diversity
The Annual Award for Diversity 1999 Program is sponsored by Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services, the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy and the Personnel, and Organization Development Committee and Subcommittee on Extension Diversity. The purpose of the program is to recognize outstanding efforts and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in Extension. The Award for Diversity supports efforts that go beyond EEO/AA programs to develop a culture and an environment in which diversity is valued and pluralism is achieved. The award is presented annually at the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges' annual meeting. It is for accomplishments in achieving organizational change to support diversity, pluralism and innovation programs that impact our audiences. The recipient can be an individual, team or organization. Anyone can recommend nominee(s), including oneself. Deadline: May 21, 1999


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ICC Travel Grant Program
The Internship and Career Center is co-coordinating a travel grant program (through funding provided by Summer Sessions) for students participating in international internships. The grant provides $1000 to assist students with the travel expenses for summer internships abroad. (U.S. sites are not eligible.) Students sponsored by UC or non-UC placement programs are eligible for grants, as are students pursuing self-developed internship. Applicants must apply by April 30 to be considered for summer 1999. Applicants must either have a confirmed internship in place or anticipate imminent confirmation at or around the April 30 deadline. They also must enroll in Summer Session for six units. The following must be included with your application:

    1. Resume in English (Note: Applicants may want to begin drafting an additional version in the target language)
    2. Current transcript (unofficial copy accepted)
    3. Letter of recommendation (Letter from Internship Placement Application may be used.)
    4. One-page Statement of Interest that includes objective and motivation in seeking an internship. (Include how academic courses and other experiences relate to internship and country of interest.)




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Agricultural Student Scholarship Program

      1. THANKS, INC. (Together Helping Americans Nationwide Keep Strong) was founded to support the American farmer by promoting American-grown agricultural products and assisting in the education of American agricultural youth. Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students with preference points given for students from Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and southern Santa Clara Counties. Applicants must have at least junior-level standing at Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or UC Davis. Applicants must be involved directly or indirectly in some form of agricultural enterprise or activity and be pursuing a degree leading to a career in an agricultural field. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5 (calculated on last semester prior to application) and submit a certified official transcript to document. Deadline: May 28, 1999





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Milton E. and Mary M. Miller Plant Science Award

      1. The Milton E. and Mary M. Miller Plant Science Award is available to active UC Cooperative Extension employees and to graduate and undergraduate students with an interest in Cooperative Extension careers. The fund annually provides monies for awards for UC Cooperative Extension plant science professionals. If there are no applicants from that group, then qualified graduate and undergraduate students interested in plant science careers in Cooperative Extension are considered. All eligible Cooperative Extension employees with specialization in plant science and graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a grade point average that would qualify for entrance to graduate school. Financial need may be considered but is not a requirement. Deadline: June 1, 1999




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Milton E. and Mary M. Miller Plant Science Award Research and Outreach Grant Program

      1. The UC Agricultural Health and Safety Center was established to improve health and safety of western agricultural workers. The center's current research, outreach and intervention activities are related to such diverse subjects as social and economic health and safety issues, ergonomic interventions, study of farmworker injury and diseases, development of accurate blood toxicity tests, pesticide safety training programs and exposure assessment. This year the center established a mechanism to encourage new research and outreach efforts relating to agricultural health and safety with a one-year research and outreach grants program. Projects may be either inter- or intradepartmental. Preference will be given to proposals describing innovative projects. This program is meant to initiate new center projects; hence, proposals in support of continuing center projects will not be reviewed. Applicants not associated with the center are encouraged to collaborate with center investigators. Graduate student projects will be evaluated separately and require a letter of support from the major professor. All members of the Academic Federation, UC Cooperative Extension, postgraduate researchers and graduate students are eligible. The average award will be $10,000 to $15,000 with a maximum of $25,000. Deadline: May 14, 1999




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Energy Innovations Small Grants Program

      1. The California Energy Commission is opening a new funding opportunity through its Public Interest Energy Research Program. Projects in the Energy Innovations Small Grants (EISG) Program must establish the feasibility of innovative energy concepts addressing a clear market need and benefit for California electricity ratepayers. They must serve one of the following areas of interest:
        1. Industrial/agriculture/water end-use efficiency
        2. Building end-use efficiency
        3. Advanced generation
        4. Renewable generation
        5. Energy-related environmental research
        6. Strategic energy research

Participation in the program is restricted to individuals, small businesses, small non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Federal agencies, federal laboratories or federally funded research and development centers are not eligible.

Details are availableonline


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RFP: Short-Term and Student-Intern Proposals
The UC Renewable Resources Extension Act Program is soliciting:

        1. Short-term proposals to assist or augment ongoing or develop new projects/activities that address the educational and extension needs in the management of California's valuable renewable resources. The primary purpose of this program is to promote the proper management of these resources, especially on private lands, and to provide the information/education/training needed by Extension personnel, landowners and land managers.
        2. Student-intern proposals that would utilize the services and talents of student interns during the summer of 1999. Internships are open to upper-division undergraduate or graduate students from any institution of higher education in California, particularly the UC and California State University systems. Student interns are expected to work 40 hours per week on projects and activities that address educational and extension needs in the management of California's renewable resources.
      1. Short-term projects must be completed by September 15, 1999. Extensions will not be granted. Long-term projects can be multi-year in duration but generally are limited to three years. Cooperative Extension specialists and advisors are eligible. Agricultural experiment station and other researchers/faculty are eligible when working with Cooperative Extension advisors or specialists.




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RFP: EPA Investigator-Initiated Grants

      1. The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting proposals for investigator-initiated grants in the following areas: Airborne particulate matter health effects; Drinking water; Combustion emissions Computing technology for ecosystem modeling; Exploratory physical science and engineering research. Deadline: Receipt dates vary depending on the specific research area within the solicitation.
        1. June 2, 1999
        2. May 19, 1999
        3. May 19, 1999
        4. May 12, 1999
        5. June 9, 1999



EPA Website


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RFP: Food Safety Research

      1. The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting proposals for the Food Safety Research Grants Program for fiscal year 1999. A leading authority on the biology of stress, Moberg's research in aquatic biology extends from fundamental studies to applied work in aquaculture and the conservation of aquatic animals. He consults with the National Marine Fisheries Service on the effect of tuna fishing on the well-being of South Pacific dolphins and the possible impact it has on international policy. Moberg has been involved in several international research and teaching programs in aquatic biology. Deadline: June 4, 1999

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