Evolution 2016
Austin Convention Center
Saturday, June 18 8:30am-11:30am

Join us for the 2016 SSE Education Symposium.  One of the goals of this symposium is to consider the example of a local conservation topic (Karst watershed conservation) as a way to bring together academic researchers and more applied scientists to address global issues.  

Karst areas cover about 10% of the Earth and provide water for a quarter of the world’s population (USGS).  The role of this environment for both humans and other species makes karst areas an important and relevant focus for researchers, government agencies, and private businesses interested in conservation and land use issues.  This symposium is designed to bring these groups together to share their perspectives, knowledge, and challenges with the goal of exchanging information and ideas, and forming fruitful collaborations.  

Opportunities for academic scientists and applied researchers to interact are uncommon and crossing between these viewpoints can present challenges.  To provide a framework for the conversation, participants will read a paper by panel members and engage in pre-conference discussion on a virtual platform.  Participants will have the opportunity to present virtual posters to inform the discussion on karst research and conservation during this pre-symposium activity.  The symposium will consist of two panel sessions which will set the stage for breakout group discussions to identify mutually relevant areas of interest and potentially fruitful areas for collaboration.  Participants should be prepared to interpret their work and knowledge for interested individuals from a different discipline in small group discussions.  

Questions? Contact Louise Mead (lsmead"at"msu.edu) or Kristin Jenkins (kristin"dot"jenkins"at" bioquest.org).

Apply here to participate: http://tinyurl.com/jdb6cq6
There is no charge for this symposium, however participation is limited so registration is required.  Participants will be notified by June 10.