Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology will hold its fourteenth annual two-day symposium showcasing student research Jan. 18-19. The two-day event will feature graduate student oral presentations, an undergraduate poster session and a keynote address given by Nick Haddad, University of Georgia alumni and associate professor at North Carolina State University.
“The Graduate Student Symposium is a completely student-run event and one of the highlights of our academic year. Students, faculty and other members of the UGA community exchange ideas on a wide range of topics in the field of ecology,” said GSS co-chair Chip Small.
Presentations will begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 18 in the ecology auditorium, with a welcome address given by Odum School dean John Gittleman. This event is free and open to the public. To conclude the symposium, Haddad will present his talk, “The Conservation Value of Landscape Corridors” at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. Haddad’s research focuses on the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on populations, communities and ecosystems. He also specializes in the application theory of ecological theory to conservation and management.
“From Brazil forests to Minnesota grasslands, Dr. Haddad’s studies encompass fascinating ecological topics, including habitat loss, species diversity, and conservation biology,” said GSS co-chair Ching-Yu Huang. “We are really excited having him here to brainstorm and exchange incredible ideas in ecology.”
According Gittleman, the worldwide driver of species decline and ecosystem fragmentation is ecosystem loss. “The science and application of corridors is an important approach to stemming the effects of habitat loss,” said Gittleman. “Nick Haddad’s work is interesting and important.”
With roots that date back to the 1950s, the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a certification program. Founder Eugene P. Odum is recognized internationally as a pioneer of ecosystem ecology. The school is ranked eighth by U.S. News and World Report for its graduate program. The Odum School is the first standalone school of ecology in the world. For more information, see http://www.ecology.uga.edu.
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