2020 Smithsonian MS Meiofauna Diversity and Taxonomy Workshop
https://www.kocotlab.com/2020-sms-meiofauna-diversity-and-taxonomy-workshop.html (notizia inoltrata dal Prof. Antonio Todaro)
2020 Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) Meiofauna Diversity and Taxonomy Workshop
Dates: June 7-21, 2020
Location: Fort Pierce, FL
Cost: Free - need-based support for travel expenses is available; most meals will be catered during the workshop
Application deadline: February1, 2020
Organizers:
Kevin Kocot - University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Ashleigh Smythe - Virginia Military Institute
Mentors:
Michael Boyle - Smithsonian Marine Station - Sipuncula & confocal microscopy
Rick Hochberg - University of Massachusetts Lowell - Gastrotricha & Rotifera
Oleksandr Holovachov - Swedish Museum of Natural History - Nematoda & scientific illustration
Ulf Jondelius - Swedish Museum of Natural History - Acoela & (some) Platyhelminthes
Kevin Kocot - University of Alabama Tuscaloosa - Mollusca, Entoprocta, Hemichordata, & genomics
Francesca Leasi - University of Tennessee Chattanooga - Rotifera & metagenetics/metagenomics
Jon Norenburg - Smithsonian Institution - Nemertea & diverse other invertebrates
Thomas Schwaha - University of Vienna - Bryozoa, Phoronida, 3D anatomical reconstruction
Ashleigh Smythe - Virginia Military Institute - Nematoda
Course Description
The term "meiofauna" refers to tiny animals capable of passing through a ~0.5-mm mesh. Many meiofaunal animals are interstitial, meaning they burrow in marine sediments. Several entire phyla (such as kinorhynchs, gastrotrichs, and gnathostomulids), major clades of other invertebrate phyla (especially arthropods, nematodes, annelids and flatworms), and miniaturized representatives of most other animal phyla are meiofaunal. Meiofaunal animals have been estimated to account for half of the biodiversity in complex biotopes such as coral reefs, with most of it associated with sediments. While the great phylum- and class- level diversity of meiofauna is well-known, the species-level diversity remains largely unexplored and undocumented. By some estimates, the number of species of meiofaunal nematodes alone that waiting to be formally named dwarfs the number of already described meiofaunal species by two orders of magnitude. Morphological studies of meiofauna have led to groundbreaking insights about their evolution, adaptation, and functional biology (e.g., adhesive and sensory structures), as well as fundamental insights into the evolution of the major animal groups in the tree of life. More recently, advances in molecular biology ranging from DNA barcoding to metabarcoding to whole-genome sequencing have accelerated the pace of the study of all aspects of the biology of meiofauna.
The overarching goal of this course is to help train the next generation of marine invertebrate taxonomists. Specifically, the course is designed to familiarize participants with the vast biodiversity of marine meiofauna through field and laboratory work. We will take a taxon-survey approach to emphasize the development or enhancement of practical skills essential for collection, identification, characterization, preservation, and molecular analysis of meiofauna. Sampling of diverse habitats near Fort Pierce (e.g., Capron Shoal and local beaches) and the Florida Keys (e.g., coral reefs, rubble fields, mangroves, and beaches) by snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and boat (grabbing/dredging) will provide a wealth of specimens of diverse taxa for our investigations. Note that SCUBA-certified participants will have the opportunity to dive recreationally in the Florida Keys at their own expense/risk, but the course will not involve scientific diving.
Morphological laboratory work will emphasize the preparation of specimens for microscopic examination and sorting to the level possible with light microscopy. Participants will have the opportunity to collect specimens of meiofaunal animals for their own research (if desired) and will be expected to compile and contribute species lists, images, and metadata to public databases.
Molecular laboratory work will begin with training in basic molecular lab skills and DNA barcoding for participants not already familiar with these techniques. Subsequently, participants will learn transcriptome (cDNA) and genomic DNA sequencing library preparation techniques that can be used on single meiofaunal animals. Each participant will have the opportunity to sequence at least one transcriptome or one mitochondrial genome as part of the course.
The course is limited to 8 students and will be taught in English. We use the term "student" broadly and will consider applicants at diverse career stages interested in studying meiofauna.
How to Apply
Send your CV and a 1-2 page statement explaining your background and reasons for taking the course to Dr. Kevin Kocot at kmkocot@ua.edu before February 1st, 2020. Please be sure to describe your ultimate career goals and how participation in this course will help you excel in your career. It is anticipated that significant and lasting interactions and collaborations will develop among participants and mentors of the course. Thus, applicants are encouraged to identify specific taxa of interest and mentors they are particularly enthusiastic to work with if applicable). One letter of recommendation should also be sent directly from the letter writer to Kevin Kocot at kmkocot@ua.edu before February 1st, 2020.
To be considered for need-based financial support, applicants should also include a second 1-2 page statement briefly describing their need, efforts to obtain funding from other available sources (including planned efforts), and a travel budget.
Students admitted to the course will receive a letter of invitation by the end of February at the latest. International students will be responsible for securing a visa (if required).
Please contact Kevin Kocot (kmkocot@ua.edu) with any questions or concerns about the course.
[Ultimo aggiornamento: 28/01/2020 17:35:39]