Undergrad Researcher Opportunity at Phoenix Zoo

The new Conservation Research Training Program (PZSoLS CRTP) – created through a partnership between the Phoenix Zoo and School of Life Sciences (SoLS) at Arizona State University (ASU) – promotes and facilitates opportunities for a SoLS undergraduate major at ASU to participate in research through the SOLUR program at the Phoenix Zoo’s Conservation and Science Center.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in real-world experimental design and applied research in strong collaboration with an academic institution and an internationally recognized zoo. The selected individual will enter into a mentorship with Phoenix Zoo and ASU researchers conducting ex situ and in situ studies at the zoo. This student will be exposed to all aspects of the scientific method, including observation, experimental design, and data collection and analysis, while drawing on the academic expertise of SoLS faculty and the species conservation expertise of Phoenix Zoo staff. They may also develop and conduct an independent study as part of this program. The student will also participate in ASU’s SOLUR seminar, where they become a part of the larger undergraduate research community at ASU and gain insights into broader aspects of the research enterprise (e.g. ethics, collaboration, community outreach). PZSoLS CRTP students will gain valuable real-world experience in conservation and will be challenged in a manner that will prepare them for a career in life sciences. A one-year paid position is available starting July 2014, with the potential to renew annually if sufficient progress is made.

Apply Here

PZSoLS CRTP PDF

The Earth Genome releases 2015 progress report

CBO Partner, The Earth Genome, recently released an exciting year one progress report. Earlier this year, the Earth Genome partnered with CBO and a team of ASU researchers to develop a series of decision support tools to aid in resource decision-making.

The Earth Genome has also partnered with leading GIS software developer Esri, the World Resources Institute and the Environmental Defense Fund.

In the coming months The Earth Genome will pilot its first tool that is designed to reveal options for decisions on water use. The water tool will be showcased at the World Business Council on Sustainable Development meeting in December 2015.

The Earth Genome and CBO are currently exploring the design needs for the next tool, to aid users in making sustainable investments.

EEarth Genome March 2015 Progress Report

CBO to sponsor ESA panel on youth engagement in conservation

CBO will sponsor a panel discussion at the 2015 Ecological Society of America annual meeting. The panel will explore the obstacles underserved youth face in pursuing ecological education at the college level as well as environmental careers. The panel will also explore existing programs designed to address these challenges.

A diverse panel of professionals and academics will engage leaders from a range of youth engagement programs to discuss challenges and opportunities of developing innovative educational programs that provide youth from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with basic literacy in ecological sustainability.

Key discussion themes include:

  • How too connect with environmental issues that matter most to underserved youth
  • How to engage with a diversity of underserved youth
  • How to improve youth engagement in ecology so that it flows from early education to higher education into the job market.