17th Annual Symposium

Recent research at the USDA-ARS Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) and the University of Arizona Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER)
 

Researchers measure the hydraulic conductivity of the soil near the RainMan experiment in the Santa Rita Experimental Range.

University of Arizona, Tucson, Marley Building, Rm. 230 [MAP] Saturday, 20 November 2021, 8:30AM to 3:00PM View the Symposium Program Word Format Acrobat Format Past Symposia: Select a Year: 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019   The 17th annual Research Insights in Semiarid Ecosystems (RISE) Symposium will be held Saturday, 20 November 2021, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on the University of Arizona campus.   OBJECTIVES Share recent results of research at the USDA-ARS Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) and the University of Arizona Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) Encourage future research activities at the WGEW and the SRER Promote the WGEW and the SRER as outdoor scientific laboratories

Dye tracers are used by ARS and University of Arizona researchers to measure the velocity of overland flow from simulated runoff events at the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (Photo: Justin Johnson, University of Arizona, School of Natural Resources and the Environment).

 

PROGRAM

The Symposium will feature invited speakers presenting recent or on-going research on the WGEW, the SRER or other outdoor laboratories in the region. There will be time for questions from the audience, which will consist of federal agency, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) stakeholders from southern Arizona and university faculty, staff and students

 

REGISTRATION

Conditions resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic could prevent an in-person meeting again this year. However, we are optimistic and are preparing for an in-person meeting on Saturday November 20, 2021.  Given the possibility that we may cancel the meeting due to Covid-19 conditions, we ask that you register on-line but do not submit registration payments until directed to do so. Registration will ensure that we can communicate the status of the meeting with you via email.

 

DEADLINES:

The deadline for registration (as a courtesy for catering plans) is 10 November 2021. Late registrations will be accepted at the Symposium site on 20 November, 8:30 to 9:00 AM. Registration is $25 for non-students and $10 for students. Make Checks Payable to: The University of Arizona. NOTE: Unless otherwise instructed, do not mail payments prior to the Symposium because we are not yet certain this will be an In-Person meeting.

The deadline for Poster Abstract Submission is 04 November 2021.  Note: Space may be limited to 20 posters and decisions about acceptance will be made by 10 November 2021.

 

Poster Dimensions (applies to all posters, including student contestants and others):  

Posters should not exceed 36 inches tall by 60 inches wide. 

NOTE: In the event of a Remote meeting, formatting guidelines for on-line posters will be forthcoming

Student Poster Contest:

Through a generous contribution from long-time supporter Mr. Malcolm McGregor, we are able to provide monetary awards for outstanding student posters.  A single award will be granted in each of the following categories: 

•  Best Graduate Student Poster ($500)

• Honorable Mention Graduate Student Poster ($200)

• Best Undergraduate Student Poster ($300)

• Honorable Mention Undergraduate Student Poster ($100)

To qualify for a poster award, the work presented on the poster must have been conducted on or have used data from the WGEW, the SRER, or both.  Entry to the contest is made via the symposium registration link above.

Contestant's posters will be judged and awards presented at the close of the Symposium. A poster should stand on its own merit, but poster judges will also be visiting with each student at their posters to evaluate enthusiasm and competence in the subject area. Note: Students in the competition will be asked to identify at least a 30-minute window in which they will be at their poster during the poster session. 

Poster Judging Criteria 

1. APPEARANCE: 1) Neat and visually appealing, 2) Well organized and easy to follow; it has a logical and clear progression of problem statement, methods, and results, and 3) Words are readable from an appropriate distance.

2. CONTENT: 1) Purpose of study is stated clearly, 2) Conclusions are stated clearly and supported by results, 3) Scientific method was utilized, and 4) Topic relevant to semiarid ecosystems.

3. SCIENTIFIC ORIGINALITY: Creative approach.

4. GRAPHICS: Graphics are effective and enhance the results.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/REFERENCES: Proper acknowledgements are given for support of the study, and literature cited. 

6. INTERACTION WITH STUDENT PRESENTER: 1) Presenter made appropriate reference to material in the poster and 2) Presenter spoke clearly and effectively. 3) Presenter provided requested elaboration and answered questions effectively