Melanie Colón

The Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program was established in 1996 to provide supplemental awards to graduate students in support of their research in the fields of integrative and comparative biology. Students may apply to ONLY ONE program, either the Fellowship for Graduate Student Travel or Grants-in-Aid of Research. This program typically makes 25 awards for a total of approximately $24,000 to students from all divisions of the Society. Use of and eligibility for funding: Awards are made payable to the individual recipients. No part of an award may be used for the payment of indirect costs to the recipient's institution. All funds must be expended directly in support of the proposed investigation. Any equipment purchased shall be the property of the institution. Awards are made in amounts up to a maximum of $1,000. Previous recipients of any SICB award (GIAR or FGST) are not eligible. Awards are limited to graduate students currently enrolled in degree programs who are active members of SICB. Non-members must become members for the current grant year to be eligible to receive awards. If two or more applicants are working on part of a larger project but are applying separately for support, each one should identify the other applicant(s) of the project. Unless indicated to the contrary, the SSC will assume that failure to provide support for one applicant does not affect the ability of the other applicants to pursue their research. Electronic application process: All grant applications must be filed electronically using the forms provided at this website. All fields in the electronic form must be completed unless noted otherwise. The electronic submittal system will not accept any empty fields! Limits of field length apply. Proposal writing and evaluation: Proposed investigation (3000 characters maximum) is the most critical part of the proposal. This should be written by the applicant with feedback from the major professor. Suggestions for writing the proposal: In the first paragraph, state the focal problem clearly and concisely with an explicit research hypothesis that has been set in the context of a broader theory or model. Non-experts will be reading the proposal, so pertinent background information is necessary. The second paragraph should describe the proposed research methods and how the gathered data will relate to previous work in the field, the hypothesis, and the broader theory or model. The third paragraph should present the planned use of the funds. A well-proofread application indicates professionalism and credibility. Literature citations should be indicated, but used sparingly. Include the authors' names and date of publication (e.g., Darwin, 1859, rather than a number) in the narrative. The full citation should be given in the appropriate field using the format in the Journal of Integrative and Comparative Biology. Requested support should contribute directly to the success of the proposed study. The SSC attaches low priority to support for institutional and departmental equipment and facilities. Travel to field research sites and living expenses while doing field research (beyond those normally incurred at home) are considered fundable items. The following are NOT granted support: educational programs and curriculum development, stipends for applicants or assistants, manuscript preparation and publication costs, purchase of standard equipment and supplies that should normally be available in an institutional research laboratory, travel to scientific meetings or symposia, requests for a second award. The SSC is unable to provide feedback to applicants concerning their individual proposals. Application forms are open now through October 20 on this page: www.sicb.org/grants/gfforms/index.php.

The Birds of Shropshire provides the most comprehensive record of the County's avifauna ever published. Produced by Shropshire Ornithological Society, the book is based on the results of six years fieldwork by over 650 different observers who submitted over 333,400 records. These records have been used to produce maps showing the current distribution of almost 200 different species. Stunning images of 220 species have been contributed by 21 local photographers. The book includes an account for each species, describing its distribution and relative abundance, and the breeding status where relevant. The current breeding and winter maps will be compared with those shown in An Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Shropshire (1992) and with the Shropshire part of the national An Atlas of the Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (1986). Historical data, and results of specific local studies, are also incorporated. For many species it will show that massive changes have occurred in their population and distribution. The book will shape conservation priorities in the County for the next 20 years.

Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology is the longest running scientific association devoted to the study of vertebrate ecology in the Pacific Northwest. Our society strives to promote professional working relationships among ornithologists, mammalogists, herpetologists, and ichthyologists in our region.

The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship for a woman seeking an undergraduate degree in science, engineering, or math, funded by Cards Against Humanity. The ideal candidate will be an ambassador for their field–someone passionate about discovery who shares their excitement with others. To apply, submit a video of yourself explaining a topic in science you are passionate about. The videos will be reviewed by a board of fifty women who hold higher degrees and work professionally in science and engineering. Ten video finalists will move onto the next round and submit additional materials. Scholarship funds will be provided from Cards Againsst Humanity's Science Pack–a 30-card expansion pack co-authored with Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal's Zach Weinersmith and Bad Astronomy's Phil Plait. The winner of the Science Ambassador Scholarship will receive full tuition coverage for up to four years. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a full-time college student in the 2016-2017 academic year seeking a degree in a STEM field. This scholarship is for women (trans-inclusive). Record and upload a public video to YouTube explaining a scientific topic you’re passionate about. The video should be no longer than three minutes– we won’t watch anything longer. Make sure the video is set to public, but feel free to disable comments. Don’t worry about using a fancy camera or equipment; production value isn’t a factor. We’re looking for someone passionate and excited to talk about science.

Western Wildlife is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research, reviews, perspectives, and correspondence on the ecology, natural history, management, and conservation biology of vertebrates. All vertebrate taxa will be considered. While the primary geographic coverage is western North America, the journal accepts relevant wildlife manuscripts outside this area as well. Western Wildlife is a continuation of the Transactions of the Western Section of The Wildlife Society and the journal will continue to cover traditional wildlife species and management topics related to these species, but the coverage is broadened to reflect the need for information on species and topics that are affected by human growth and development. The journal also will publish basic biology of species if the data are robust and soundly collected. Surveys and population monitoring data are within the scope of the journal, especially if the groups studied are of conservation concern. The journal welcomes student publications that fit within the scope and standards of the journal. Western Wildlife is committed to its authors and finalized, accepted manuscripts are uploaded to the website as soon as final formatting is completed. In addition, the title, author(s), abstract and a link to the full article are emailed to the Western Section membership once the manuscript has been uploaded to the website.

With their distinctive pink coloring and one-legged stance, flamingos are easily the most recognizable bird in the world. Most of us don't know, however, that there are actually six different species of flamingo, each differing in size and hue––and, despite excellent fossil records, scientists have had a difficult time positioning the flamingo within the avian genetic tree. In Flamingo, Caitlin R. Kight untangles the scientific knowledge about this unusual ornithological wonder and looks at how it has figured in popular culture. Kight presents the flamingo in a concise and accessible way, introducing its detailed scientific history alongside what we know about its often hostile habitats and complex social behavior. She explores its genetic lineage and the confusions it has caused, and she details the significance it has had for many cultures, whether as a spiritual totem or a commercial symbol of the tropical life. She even explains how it gets its extraordinary color (hint: it has to do with its diet). A wonderful resource for any bird lover, Flamingo provides valuable insight into just what makes this flashy-feathered character so special.

A symbol of power, divinity, war, and justice, the eagle has been one of the most dominant birds in the human imagination for millennia. Exploring the rich history of this bird and its portrayal in art, film, literature, and poetry, this book examines how eagles became an emblematic creature that also embodies the paradoxes of our existence. Janine Rogers reveals that while humans associate eagles with light and learning, they also connect the birds to death and corruption. Eagles adorn flags, crests, and other emblems, but as she shows, they have also been relentlessly persecuted and perceived as predatory threats to livestock. While considering these contradictions, Rogers argues that eagles have suffered from the effects of human activities for years, from pesticide use to habitat destruction and global warming. She demonstrates the dangers of not saving eagles from destruction, as they are key to controlling pest populations and clearing carcasses. Featuring many illustrations of eagles in the wild, art, and popular culture, Eagle shines new light on our complex relationship with these birds, their international significance, and the dire implications of losing them to contemporary ecological threats.

How did flying birds evolve from running dinosaurs, terrestrial trotting tetrapods evolve from swimming fish, and whales return to swim in the sea? These are some of the great transformations in the 500-million-year history of vertebrate life. And with the aid of new techniques and approaches across a range of fields—work spanning multiple levels of biological organization from DNA sequences to organs and the physiology and ecology of whole organisms—we are now beginning to unravel the confounding evolutionary mysteries contained in the structure, genes, and fossil record of every living species. This book gathers a diverse team of renowned scientists to capture the excitement of these new discoveries in a collection that is both accessible to students and an important contribution to the future of its field. Marshaling a range of disciplines—from paleobiology to phylogenetics, developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology—the contributors attack particular transformations in the head and neck, trunk, appendages such as fins and limbs, and the whole body, as well as offer synthetic perspectives. Illustrated throughout, Great Transformations in Vertebrate Evolution not only reveals the true origins of whales with legs, fish with elbows, wrists, and necks, and feathered dinosaurs, but also the relevance to our lives today of these extraordinary narratives of change.

Penguins are perhaps the most beloved birds. On land, their behavior appears so humorous and expressive that we can be excused for attributing to them moods and foibles similar to our own. Few realize how complex and mysterious their private lives truly are, as most of their existence takes place far from our prying eyes, hidden beneath the ocean waves. This stunningly illustrated book provides a unique look at these extraordinary creatures and the cutting-edge science that is helping us to better understand them. Featuring more than 400 breathtaking photos, this is the ultimate guide to all 18 species of penguins, including those with retiring personalities or nocturnal habits that tend to be overlooked and rarely photographed. A book that no bird enthusiast or armchair naturalist should do without, Penguins includes discussions of penguin conservation, informative species profiles, fascinating penguin facts, and tips on where to see penguins in the wild. Covers all 18 species of the world's penguins Features more than 400 photos Explores the latest science on penguins and their conservation Includes informative species profiles and fascinating penguin facts

Raptors are notoriously hard to identify, even if seen well. Contrary to expectation, it is actually easier to identify raptors in flight, rather than perched, and it is fortunate that most raptors are usually seen in flight! This will be the ultimate flight-identification guide to Western Palearctic raptors. It covers 60+ species compared to 40+ in the first edition, and goes to subspecific level wherever needed. The geographical area covered is Europe, North Africa, the Middle East including Arabia, and east to Central Asia. Like the first edition it will be a photographic guide with stunning images, most of which have been reserved for this book and have never been published before. The thorough text will cover every plumage and age in breathtaking detail, and each species will be illustrated with a range of photographs covering all the principal plumages. Based on this stunning photographic coverage, most of which has never been published before, this book represents a landmark in bird identification books and a major work for all raptor enthusiasts.

On remote Codfish Island off the southern coast of New Zealand live the last ninety-one kakapo parrots on earth. These trusting, flightless, and beautiful birds—the largest and most unusual parrots on earth—have suffered devastating population loss. Now, on an island refuge with the last of the species, New Zealand’s National Kakapo Recovery Team is working to restore the kakapo population. With the help of fourteen humans who share a single hut and a passion for saving these odd ground-dwelling birds, the kakapo are making a comeback in New Zealand. Follow intrepid animal lovers Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop on a ten-day excursion to witness the exciting events in the life of the kakapo.

A complete guide to the natural history, ecology, and conservation of North America’s twenty-three woodpecker species

Discover more than four hundred bird species in Birds of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest—the quintessential guide for serious birders or those who are ready to take their bird-watching to the next level. Renowned bird experts Richard Cannings, Tom Aversa, and Hal Opperman present a complete account for each of the hundreds of species that call this region home, including maps and gorgeous photographs by some of the top bird photographers in BC and the Pacific Northwest. You will learn to identify a vast array of bird species, from the Western Tanager to the Northern Pygmy Owl to the American Kestrel, and learn about their status, distribution, and habitat associations. With a wide territorial range that extends from British Columbia south to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of western Montana and Wyoming, this is the most complete and comprehensive guide of its kind on the market.

One of the most amazing and accessible wildlife-watching destinations on earth, the “Top End” of Australia’s Northern Territory is home to incredible birds and animals—from gaudy Red-collared Lorikeets to sinister Estuarine Crocodiles and raucous Black Flying-foxes. With this lavishly illustrated photographic field guide, you will be able to identify the most common creatures and learn about their fascinating biology—from how Agile Wallaby mothers can pause their pregnancies to why Giant Frogs spend half the year buried underground in waterproof cocoons. The Top End stretches from the tropical city of Darwin in the north, to the savannas of Mataranka in the south, and southwest across the vast Victoria River escarpments to the Western Australian border. The region includes some of Australia’s most popular and impressive tourist destinations, such as Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk, and Gregory national parks, and is visited by more than two hundred thousand tourists every year. An essential field guide for anyone visiting the Top End, this book will vastly enhance your appreciation of the region’s remarkable wildlife. Features hundreds of stunning color photographs Includes concise information on identification and preferred habitat for each species Provides a summary of each species’ life history, including interesting habits, and suggestions on where to see it Offers valuable tips on searching for wildlife in the Top End An essential guide for visitors to the Top End, from Darwin south to Katherine and Kununurra, including Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Gregory national parks

Here is the ultimate field guide to Botswana’s stunningly diverse birdlife. Covering all 597 species recorded to date, Birds of Botswana features more than 1,200 superb color illustrations, detailed species accounts, seasonality and breeding bars, and a color distribution map for each species. Drawing on the latest regional and national data, the book highlights the best birding areas in Botswana, provides helpful tips on where and when to see key species, and depicts special races and morphs specific to Botswana. This is the first birding guide written by a Botswana-based ornithologist and the only one dedicated specifically to Botswana. Portable and easy to use, Birds of Botswana is the essential travel companion for anyone visiting this remarkable country. Covers all 597 species of birds found in Botswana, including subspecies and color variants specific to Botswana Features more than 1,200 color illustrations—with more than one illustration for species where the sexes and ages differ Includes detailed species accounts, seasonality and breeding bars, and color distribution maps Draws on the latest bird data and the expertise of leading birders in Botswana

From two world-renowned ornithologists, Ali and Ripley's Handbook remains one of the most important reference work on the birds on India and Pakistan, along with the adjacent areas of Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. This ten-volume set presents the life history information, taxonomy, colour pictures of practically every species, of birds in one of the world's richest birdlife regions.

Of all birdgroups, none is more closely associated with the world's tropical forests than trogons and quetzals. With shimmering golden-green feathers and long ornamental tail coverts, Central America's resplendent quetzal often has been called the world's most beautiful bird. Other New World as well as African trogonids also are iridescent and brightly pigmented, while red or reddish brown hues predominate in Asian species. Since deforestation and fires have ravaged many of the reclusive group's prime habitats, ornithologists and conservationists may soon be unable to study many of the world's trogonids in their native environments. Beautifully illustrated with color plates and line drawings, this comprehensive review of trogons and quetzals -- the first to be published in more than 150 years -- covers all thirty-nine extant species. The book includes detailed species accounts, range maps, and identification keys as well as a chapter that discusses comparative biology in terms of evolution, anatomy and morphology, behavior, ecology, breeding biology, and populations. Forty hand-colored plates -- most by the renowned nineteenth-century illustrator John Gould -- depict adults of both sexes; nineteen line drawings by author Paul Johnsgard illustrate behavior and anatomy. The book also includes more than three hundred bibliographic references. Despite their beauty and renown among birders, little has been previously published about the biology of many trogon and quetzal species. This up-to-date survey will serve as a valuable reference for ornithologists, conservationists, aviculturalists, and birdwatchers worldwide.

Australia is home to a spectacular diversity of birdlife, from parrots and penguins to emus and vibrant passerines. Birds of Australia covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants and features more than 1,100 stunning color photographs, including many photos of subspecies and plumage variations never before seen in a field guide. Detailed facing-page species accounts describe key identification features such as size, plumage, distribution, behavior, and voice. This one-of-a-kind guide also provides extensive habitat descriptions with a large number of accompanying photos. The text relies on the very latest IOC taxonomy and the distribution maps incorporate the most current mapping data, making this the most up-to-date guide to Australian birds. Covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants Features more than 1,100 stunning color photos Includes facing-page species accounts, habitat descriptions, and distribution maps The ideal photographic guide for beginners and seasoned birders alike