TAXONOMY AND ECOLOGY OF CARIBBEAN SPONGES

August 15 - 25, 2005
Bocas Research Station, Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Registration Fee: $400 (some fellowships are available).
Instructors: Dr. Cristina Diaz, Smithsonian Institution
Dr. Robert W. Thacker, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Over 100 species of marine sponges have been reported in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama. This course will focus on morphological taxonomy, enabling field identification of the common Caribbean species. We will also conduct field surveys to provide baseline data for conservation at the Bocas Research Station and in the Isla Bastimentos marine reserve. In addition, students will complete independent projects aimed at stimulating interest in conducting future research at the Bocas Research Station.
Application: This course is directed towards graduate students and advanced Licenciado candidates and will be conducted in English. Please e-mail your CV, 1 letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page statement explaining your background and reasons for taking the course to Dr. Rachel Collin at: CollinR@naos.si.edu before March 1, 2005. Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
For more information see http://striweb.si.edu/taxonomy/


Robert W. Thacker, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Alabama at Birmingham
109 Campbell Hall
1300 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35294-1170
voice: 205-934-4006
fax: 205-975-6097
http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/thacker.htm