shannon galbraith-kent

Holidays and New Beginnings

2009-01-07T10:04:00.004-05:00

Here's hoping that everyone enjoyed the fall, the Holidays, and are breathing in the crisp days of winter that are still to come. Many congratulations are in order for so many friends, with the arrival of new lives & blessings into their families...

In the family:

Tasha & Brian Riddell welcomed Jack, and

Shelley & Ryan Walters welcomed Sara.

In our extended family:

Myla & Scott Aronson welcomed Sean,

Inga & David LaPuma welcomed Corinna,

Jenny & Eric Momsen welcomed Lily,

Jen & Val Krumins welcomed Art,

and many others.

Obama / Biden = putting Country First with Change & Progress

2008-10-06T21:21:00.010-04:00

If you're still undecided about the Election, please take a look at some of the many reasons I believe that Senator Barack Obama (D) is the best Presidential choice for our country at this time:

1. Do you make less than $250,00 per year? Would you like to pay less taxes (relatively) than those who can actually afford high taxes (multi-millionaires)?

Answer: Barack hears you and wants to level the playing field & give the middle class a fair break. McCain has yet to get your memo.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html

2. Do you feel that military personnel deserve good & appropriate treatment? Of the two (McCain and Barack), who has consistently voted for families with an injured veteran the past few years?

Answer: Barack has supported military families more than McCain.

The Disabled American Veterans group has given Barack an 80% score for helping military personnel, while McCain received a 26%. So much for 'Country First'.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stuart-steinberg/mccain-consistently-works_b_125936.html

3. How about the economy? Who has provided a more intelligent & stable response to the recent economic crisis? Who did NOT state that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, even though it's pretty obvious that most families are struggling to keep up?

Answer: Barack is more knowledgeable and ready to lead on economic issues.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/15/mccain-fundamentals-of-th_n_126445.html

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/ - see how the Middle Class (not big business & tax breaks for millionaires) are real components to a stronger economy

4. Do you think "drill, baby, drill" is not a realistic long-term solution for Future Generations? Is it worth investing in cleaner & more fuel-efficient transportation, rather than be dependent on fuel from other countries? Do you like clean air, water, and greenspace?

Answer: Barack does, too.

The League of Conservation Voters tracks the environmental records of Senators and has given Barack a liftime score of 86%. McCain has scored 24%.

http://lcv-ftp.org/LCV/omchart.pdf

5. Do you think teachers deserve better pay? Would more qualified educators be persuaded to remain as teachers if they were paid better? Should there be a system to promote affordable college educations?

Answer: Barack also says yes to these questions.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/

6. Our relationship with the world is fractured. Having a President who is willing to talk to other leaders is a good thing. Not talking to other world leaders "makes us look arrogant". Who has the vision and diplomacy skills to heal these wounds?

Answer: Barack and Biden both complement each other well in foreign policy and will be an asset to the US, as they represent us abroad.

http://origin.barackobama.com/issues/foreign_policy/

7. Do you believe that each American should have the right to health care? That it should not be a 'country club' system where only those who can afford to have a health insurance card can enter a doctor's office without paying huge fees?

Answer: Barack agrees with you.

Barack & Biden's plan is NOT to socialize healthcare. If you have health coverage & are happy with it - you're set and nothing will change for you. Their plan does allow those without coverage to obtain it without going into large debt. How does this get paid? The Bush Tax Cuts (for the wealthiest Americans) will be rolled back & used to help fund this new plan.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

8. Karl Rove-like tactics + John McCain of 2008 = someone that John "Straight Talk Express" McCain of 2000 would probably not vote for. The negative turn of the McCain campaign since August makes me nervous that he'll misrepresent information (or flat-out lie) to get an outcome he wants - now or in the future. We've seen this bad movie before - the Bush Administration lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction to validate wanting to invade Iraq.

9. Sarah Palin. Seriously. I don't care that she is a woman and she would be an elected woman in the White House (I actually think she sets women in politics back about 7 decades). I think it's awesome she can field-dress a moose. But, really, folks?! Joe Biden is much more ready to be VP.

10. Abortion & the Death Penalty: two values issues that many hold dear. But, on a daily basis, how do these two issues actually affect the lives of most Americans? My guess is not nearly as much as the economy & taxes, health care, education, and the environment -- those are the bigger values issues.

Greg Galbraith for 33rd District Representative

2008-10-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

The first one in the family to run for office is my brother, Greg. Sensing the similar frustration with the status quo that is felt at the national level, he couldn't let the people of his District in Louisville have just one choice on the ballot for State Representative. So, he registered as the Democratic candidate. And then won the primary. And then received the Kentucky State AFL-CIO endorsement.

http://www.greggalbraith.com/FAQ.aspx

If Louisville wants some new ideas, from outside the Frankfort loop, then Elect Greg Galbraith (D) to represent Kentucky's 33rd District!

Family Reunion

2008-10-06T21:05:00.000-04:00

After last year's sad & unexpected passing of my great aunt, Libby, our annual tradition of the Family Reunion was reignited this year. It was great to see everyone and hope the turnout is even larger next year... Libby & Chuck (from 2006)

Saundra & mom
Kitty & Donna
Bob & Marvin
The yellow one is with me
Enjoying food & each other

Buddy Guy and Bobby Z

2008-10-06T20:55:00.001-04:00

We saw two great back-to-back concerts in late August... both of them were actually during the first week of my semester at TMC! Buddy Guy played amazingly and his ability to work a crowd is rivaled by none. Bob Dylan and his band played a straight set and didn't seem to mind the Ohio River Valley humidity, as they wore their black suits & Western hats.

Buddy Guy
The title track of Buddy Guy's new cd, "Skin Deep", speaks of equality and is as relevant now (regardless of your skin color) as when he wrote as a young man.

Bobby Z from 14 rows away

Drinking the Water in Jersey

2008-10-06T20:28:00.002-04:00

After the trip to NJ for Commencement, I headed back to The Garden State in July for a multi-functional trip with research time & friend time. Many dear friends became pregnant this year, so there was a monster baby shower honoring 6 parents-to-be!

No matter how many miles separate us, or what new challenges life presents, the group of friends I made at Rutgers continue to be solid, sustaining parts of my life. I'm so grateful!!!

Here are just a few pics representing the fun: Finnian shows off the masterpieces by Jess
So lavish & tasty... thanks to Amy & Marsha for organizing!!!
Em, Amy, David, Jenn, and Carrie & Nathaniel
Jess, Thyra, Luisa, Myla enjoy their blueberry mojitos (well, Myla's had a little less mo)!!!

Girls Night Out at Manisha's
Hanging out on The Morin's front porch... always the site of good conversation & laughter.
Baby Nathaniel and new Mamma Carrie
Amy, Jennifer, Myla, Emilie, Kristen, Manisha, Carrie, Jessica, me (with Saybren and Nathaniel)
Finnian all grown up! Saybren looks at himself in 3 yrs

Rutgers Commencement

2008-06-02T09:15:00.002-04:00

We had a great day on May 21st for Rutgers Commencement. The ceremony was held outside beneath a grove of very old oak and elm trees, the rain stayed away, and it was a wonderful time. A great symbol of everyone coming full circle & completing their journeys at Rutgers was getting to talk with several other graduates who started the same semester as I did. We hadn't seen each other in years, but there was that knowing, but unspoken, acknowledgement that we had started our time together years ago at RU (as TAs in Gen Bio or as Teaching Fellows in the NSF GK-12 program) and now we'd completed our respective work.

The speaker, Gwen Ifill, was fantastic and spoke of the need to stand up & make our voices known when our voices need to be heard the most. She talked of her moving experience working with the RU Womens Basketball team, which was especially touching since I had season tickets & have been a fan for years.

It was a lot of fun having my parents and Dan there in the audience, as well as the Morins and Jen's family. The participation of my advisor (Steven N. Handel) and great friend (Jennifer Adams Krumins) in the ceremony with me was really special and something I'll remember for a long, long time. RU, Rah Rah!

(thanks to Aabir for the photos!)

Note to Hillary: Pass to the better scorer

2008-03-26T22:28:00.005-04:00

photo credit: http://nymag.com

Okay, the Hillary comments about her arrival in Bosnia, while under sniper fire, have simply amazed me! While I agree that teenagers (who were Hillary's true greeters) can be explosive, hormones and all, they are no match for what our military endures with actual snipers.

Over the past couple of months, Dan and I have also been amazed at the bias The New York Times has had for the 2 Democratic candiates: pro-Hillary, anti-Obama. We love this newspaper. Dan picks it from the front yard every morning and it allows us an emotional connection to the years recently spent in New Jersey and our love of NYC.

The NYT bias has been annoying and disappointing, but one of their more conservative writers (well, relatively for the NYT), David Brooks, beautifully summarizes the problem we yellow-dog Democrats have with Hillary: she's really, really selfish.

It seems that the public spotlight and power are more important to Hillary than the good of the country & the prospect of having the Democratic Party be strong, as we head toward the general election in November.

In short (and in March Madness-speak) -- Hillary is not a team player and would prefer to go 5-for-40 shooting and have her team lose in the NCAA tournament than to pass to a better-shooting teammate. It's time to pass, Hillary, and assist the country.

(Also: please see an excellent piece about Obama's speech on race by my cousin, Brad Riddell)

---------------------------------------------------------
March 25, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times

The Long Defeat

By DAVID BROOKS

Hillary Clinton may not realize it yet, but she’s just endured one of the worst weeks of her campaign.

First, Barack Obama weathered the Rev. Jeremiah Wright affair without serious damage to his nomination prospects. Obama still holds a tiny lead among Democrats nationally in the Gallup tracking poll, just as he did before this whole affair blew up.

Second, Obama’s lawyers successfully prevented re-votes in Florida and Michigan. That means it would be virtually impossible for Clinton to take a lead in either elected delegates or total primary votes.

Third, as Noam Scheiber of The New Republic has reported, most superdelegates have accepted Nancy Pelosi’s judgment that the winner of the elected delegates should get the nomination. Instead of lining up behind Clinton, they’re drifting away. Her lead among them has shrunk by about 60 in the past month, according to Avi Zenilman of Politico.com.

In short, Hillary Clinton’s presidential prospects continue to dim. The door is closing. Night is coming. The end, however, is not near.

Last week, an important Clinton adviser told Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen (also of Politico) that Clinton had no more than a 10 percent chance of getting the nomination. Now, she’s probably down to a 5 percent chance.

Five percent.

Let’s take a look at what she’s going to put her party through for the sake of that 5 percent chance: The Democratic Party is probably going to have to endure another three months of daily sniping. For another three months, we’ll have the Carvilles likening the Obamaites to Judas and former generals accusing Clintonites of McCarthyism. For three months, we’ll have the daily round of résumé padding and sulfurous conference calls. We’ll have campaign aides blurting “blue dress” and only-because-he’s-black references as they let slip their private contempt.

For three more months (maybe more!) the campaign will proceed along in its Verdun-like pattern. There will be a steady rifle fire of character assassination from the underlings, interrupted by the occasional firestorm of artillery when the contest touches upon race, gender or patriotism. The policy debates between the two have been long exhausted, so the only way to get the public really engaged is by poking some raw national wound.

For the sake of that 5 percent, this will be the sourest spring. About a fifth of Clinton and Obama supporters now say they wouldn’t vote for the other candidate in the general election. Meanwhile, on the other side, voters get an unobstructed view of the Republican nominee. John McCain’s approval ratings have soared 11 points. He is now viewed positively by 67 percent of Americans. A month ago, McCain was losing to Obama among independents by double digits in a general election matchup. Now McCain has a lead among this group.

For three more months, Clinton is likely to hurt Obama even more against McCain, without hurting him against herself. And all this is happening so she can preserve that 5 percent chance.

When you step back and think about it, she is amazing. She possesses the audacity of hopelessness.

Why does she go on like this? Does Clinton privately believe that Obama is so incompetent that only she can deliver the policies they both support? Is she simply selfish, and willing to put her party through agony for the sake of her slender chance? Are leading Democrats so narcissistic that they would create bitter stagnation even if they were granted one-party rule?

The better answer is that Clinton’s long rear-guard action is the logical extension of her relentlessly political life.

For nearly 20 years, she has been encased in the apparatus of political celebrity. Look at her schedule as first lady and ever since. Think of the thousands of staged events, the tens of thousands of times she has pretended to be delighted to see someone she doesn’t know, the hundreds of thousands times she has recited empty clichés and exhortatory banalities, the millions of photos she has posed for in which she is supposed to appear empathetic or tough, the billions of politically opportune half-truths that have bounced around her head.

No wonder the Clinton campaign feels impersonal. It’s like a machine for the production of politics. It plows ahead from event to event following its own iron logic. The only question is whether Clinton herself can step outside the apparatus long enough to turn it off and withdraw voluntarily or whether she will force the rest of her party to intervene and jam the gears.

If she does the former, she would surprise everybody with a display of self-sacrifice. Her campaign would cruise along at a lower register until North Carolina, then use that as an occasion to withdraw. If she does not, she would soldier on doggedly, taking down as many allies as necessary.

"Yes, we can!"

2008-01-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

Sen. Barack Obama has convincingly won the primary in South Carolina. His acceptance speech was eloquent, intelligent, and perhaps above all, inspiring.

His most recent endorsement is from Caroline Kennedy, author, philanthropist, and daughter of JFK and Jackie Kennedy. Her moving words about Obama follow:

"Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign... And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html

Why Hillary is Not The One

2008-01-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

In 2000, the US Supreme Court ultimately decided the Presidential election. In 2004, the Democratic candidate was a bit passive when campaigning against the incumbent from 2000.

Now, in 2008, there is the chance to make some significant changes for many Americans, including the populous, yet shrinking, middle class.

As a Clinton supporter during the 1990s, I am disappointed and dismayed at the tactics that Hill & Bill are using against the two other remaining candidates: Barack Obama and John Edwards. To see a former President, whom we supported and admired, stoop to a nasty campaigner is really discouraging.

If that wasn't enough, the thought of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate makes me concerned that there will be yet another Republican victory in November. (I hope that other Democrats are feeling this way, too... especially those in the upcoming primary states.)

This was nicely summarized today by Michael Gerson of The Washington Post:

"But even amid this ideological discord, there are three words that cause nearly every Republican to forget their differences and join hands in common purpose: President Hillary Clinton."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012402797.html?referrer=emailarticle

We need Barack Obama or John Edwards to be our Presidential candidate. Both are positive candidates and present very good ideas to renew our relationships with other countries and to improve American lives at home.

Fall fun in NJ

2008-01-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

During the week of my defense in mid-November, I had a great time hanging out with all the great NJ friends I've gotten to know over the past 5 years... a few of the highlights...

Kyle (my brother), Brooke, Renee, Julie, Ben, myself, Inga, and David enjoy pre-game festivities and awesome food provided by Brooke and Renee.

Jeremy Ito warming up... we had great seats (6th row).

Head coach Greg Schiano instructs his team.

Earlier in the week, Jenn, Tavis, Jonathon, myself, and Bill have a very tasty Ethiopian lunch at a local favorite, Makeda.

Ph.D. journey complete

2007-12-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how many great people I've met during my time at Rutgers. Equally amazing is that I've reached a personal goal of attaining my doctorate in ecology. Through the guidance and support of many RU folks (especially my advisor, Steven N. Handel - in the photo on the left) and family (especially my dear husband - he also deserves the degree), I share this with so many people.

Here's to at least one of your wishes coming true within the next several months. Happy Holidays, everyone!

[The red frame contains a wonderful gift I'll always cherish (thanks Steven!). It's an autographed photo of C. Vivian Stringer, the Hall of Fame coach of the Rutgers womens basketball team. Thanks to Steven's request, she sent this to him as a gift for me... it reads, "To Shannon - Best Wishes for your Teaching Career - C. Vivian Stringer - Go RU!"]

If you're going...

2007-09-13T22:11:00.000-04:00

During the week of the ESA conference, we (Myla, Manisha, and I) took a day to go adventuring in San Francisco. We rode on the 2nd deck of a train that was somewhat similar to Amtrak, but a little nicer than NJ Transit. Had a nice boat ride, ate some great clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, enjoyed Ghiradelli ice cream, and walking the hills of Lombard Street (we needed to after the ice cream).

LA & Hamlin House

2007-09-13T21:49:00.000-04:00

I had the great opportunity to stay with my cousin Brad and his lovely wife, Tina, for a few days en route to the ESA conference in San Jose. They were such gracious hosts and it was nice to spend time with them and Brad's mom, Saundra, who was also visiting from Greater Cincy.

Some highlights include hearing about their life in LA, learning how the movie business works and how hard the industry truly is, navigating the Metro bus system to go on the Warner Bros Studio Tour, hanging out at the dinner table over good home-cooking, attending a lovely baby shower in Woodland Hills, and talking about Sophie who has now arrived!

Thanks to Brad and Tina for providing such a gracious home... there's nothing like family hospitality ;-)

B, L, & The Herd pt1

2007-07-29T18:54:00.000-04:00

Cousin Brian and lovely wife Liz did the reverse Oregon Trail (aka Struve Tour Summer 2007), visited relatives in the midwest and made a stop in Northern KY for the day. We were really grateful to see them and thrilled to meet & greet The Herd in 3-D. What a great family :-)

Sebastian gives South Fork Park a look from above...
... and then poses nicely for me mid-slide...

Dylan generates enough electricity to power a small microwave on his slide down...

.. and then uses his self-generated energy to scarf the watermelon... Skyline Chili was next on his list (and ours)...
Folks, she's not that cute and innocent ;-) Seriously. The girl has power (physical & social) and knows how to use it. No doubt, she has some Zimmerman in her.

Okay, Elle really is that cute :-)

the Herd pt2

2007-07-29T18:37:00.000-04:00

The Negotiator... "I'll trade this whole piece for just one of your chippies"...

... Dylan contemplates the trade with his brother.

Brian and Amy... uh, yeah, they're related.

Kitty exchanges diaper stories with Brian...

Elle meets the masses with grandma... Dylan wonders why someone other than Poppy is taking photos ;-)

Obama

2007-07-27T18:19:00.000-04:00

We saw Senator Barack Obama speak at the Westin in Cincinnati last week and really enjoyed it. I've never seen a Presidential candidate in person before, so that whole experience was pretty exciting. Barack has really good ideas and it's clear his intellect is dynamic and deep.

Then, we watched the CNN / You Tube debate a few days ago and felt he performed the best (and Biden and Edwards did well, too). Since the debate, it's interesting to see struggle over foreign policy emerge between the Hillary & Barack camps. I think we side more with Barack... our country has soured so many relationships w/ countries across the world during the current administration, we need to do some relationship repairing... in a hurry.

Soul food

2007-07-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

Plenty o' sunshine and water (read: humidity) have given our plants some girth over the past few weeks. Should have lots of Heirloom and Roma tomatoes soon, followed by some nice red peppers! Tending the garden is good for the soul... happy summer, everyone...

Yankee fun

2007-06-30T22:12:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate to get to Yankee Stadium to see Boston's nemesis (well, maybe not this year) in interleague play against the Arizona Diamondbacks. What a great game filled with homeruns, Cracker Jacks, a chill in the air, hearing the best baseball announcer, a NY win, and continuous commentary by the great Stefano.

Whether you're a Yankee fan or hater, you cannot deny the mystique and magic that that Stadium exudes. Too bad it's going down soon...

Check the Yankees ground crew do their best to clean, groove, and move... it's hard to see them stop b/n 2nd & 3rd, but yes, they're doing the dance. The best part -- the guy in the row in front of me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBY31PVTR0M

Exciting award

2007-04-21T22:39:00.000-04:00

I was recently named the recipient of the Graduate School Teaching Award (in the sciences) at Rutgers for 2006-2007. I'm really grateful for the diverse opportunities I've had to educate and am thankful for all of the students and professors (in the GenBio course, NSF GK-12 program, Plant Ecology course) I've worked with -- they've made it a great deal of fun. And, I'm very proud of my friend, Jennifer A. Krumins, who was also an award recipient this year.

http://gsnb.rutgers.edu/awards/teaching_awards2007.php3

http://gsnb.rutgers.edu/awards/kent.php3

And, special thanks to Dr. Christina Kaunzinger who gave me such freedom in the Plant Ecology course... what a great time we've had teaching together!

Sweet Home

2007-04-16T22:57:00.000-04:00

A little trip up to Chicago... the best steak I've ever had, a little dissertation work at The Allerton, seeing Buddy Guy (kind of), and a walk around the really cool Millenium Park.

Snow & Ice

2007-02-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

After the move back to the Midwest, the winter gods greeted me with two snowstorms... they were absolutely beautiful, as I gazed out among the boxes. One of the storms had some crazy ice associated with it, which remained for a week and created a real-life Winter Wonderland.

Happy New Year! part2

2007-01-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

Thankfulness for friends...

Happy New Year! part1

2007-01-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

Good times with good folks during the holiday season... no words needed.

Happy Christmas & Hanukkah!

2006-12-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Brooke, Renee, and Big D for the great bash :-)

Plant Ecology course: supplement to Landscape Ecology lecture

2006-11-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

To further emphasize that when you look at habitats at different spatial scales you may get different conclusions, I've uploaded these Google aerial photos.

Both photos are of HMF:

1.) In the first photo, the scale is smaller. By looking at this, you might think the HMF forest is simply part of a larger surrounding forest.
2.) In the second photo, the scale is quite larger. Here, it's pretty obvious that the forest patch at HMF is not surrounded by much forest at all. In fact, residential areas and farmland are the two main patch types that are around the HMF property.

You can see how different ecological questions can be answered at different spatial scales... of course, you need to make sure the question you're asking is answered at the correct scale!

Rutgers: Plant Ecology course - HMF report comments

2006-10-26T00:04:00.000-04:00

Based on the HMF report, here are some of the more common mistakes made. Please keep these in mind when you write the Duke and Greenhouse reports.

1. Do not use quotes: You shouldn't use quotes. Paraphrase the information and then go ahead and cite the author(s). Using quotes looks a bit lazy, since you're just copying and pasting.

2. Monster paragraphs: Some of you just made each section one huge paragraph. You need to work on this. Please separate your thoughts into coherent paragraphs.

3. Primary literature: This is information that has not been published anywhere previously. This includes journal articles, which report on studies that are unique and haven't been done before. You can access these by going to the RU Libraries website -> Find Articles -> Indexes and Databases -> Select a search engine (e.g., Scopus, BioOne, Agricola) -> use a keyword that's appropriate and get article results!

Some journals you may come into contact with in this course, include: Ecology, Conservation Biology, Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society, Journal of Ecology, Restoration Ecology, and so forth.

4. Citations: I think you must be taught in another class how to cite in a different format. In the text, instead of showing the page number you got the information from, you should state the year. And, many of you used websites, but didn't give proper descriptions in your reference section - please see below!

a.) in the text - "... succession is the change in plant abundances and species over time (Collins and Anderson 1994, Duke Farms website 2006, Gurevitch et al. 2006).

b.) in the reference section -
for a book:
Gurevitch, J., S.M. Scheiner, and G.A. Fox. 2006. The Ecology of Plants, 2nd ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, MA.

for a website:
Duke Farms website. Duke Farms: History. Website accessed on October 31, 2006: http://www.dukefarms.org/page.asp?pageId=4.

c.) citing journal articles - please look in the back of the Gurevitch et al. textbook and you can see examples of how to do this.

5. The Results Section: This is often the hardest to write, because you do NOT want to write in the text the exact same numbers that are in your Table or Figure. That's redundant, unnecessary, and boring to read. You want to "guide the reader" by highlighting the trends and showing what specific data you believe are important to your study. You also need to make sure you refer to your Tables and Figures in the text.

For example - "... in the 20-yr old field, the species density of goldenrod was less than the density in the 2-yr old field (Table 1). In Figure 1, it is also evident that the density in both fields was greater in the field interior than the plots at the edge."

Rutgers: Plant Ecology course - DukeFarms RW

2006-10-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Plant Ecologists...

I've posted some photos from Duke Farms (Hillsborough, NJ) and our lab field investigation on the impact of deer herbivory on the forest seedling layer. This entry has photos from Research Woods (RW), while another entry has photos from Lower Woods (LW).

RW eastern forest edge (parking lot) - deer exclosure fence is visible to the right. The fence was built in June 2002.

RW northern forest edge (forest is to the left)

RW - measuring seedlings in 1m x 1m plot

seedling layer in RW

RW forest interior

Red maple (Acer rubrum) seedling

measuring seedlings (background: he's pacing off the 25m transect)

a friend (garter snake) helps out with measurements

Google map of Duke Farms with LW and RW identified

Rutgers: Plant Ecology course - DukeFarms LW

2006-10-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

Here are the photos for Lower Woods at Duke Farms. For more info please see the other page:
http://shannongalbraith-kent.blogspot.com/2006/10/rutgers-plant-ecology-course-dukefarms.html

LW forest interior

measuring seedlings in LW

LW

LW forest edge - forest interior is to the right

LW forest interior

The Best Concert

2006-10-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

The best concert I've ever been a part of was this past Sunday, Oct. 8th. We went to NJPAC and saw James Taylor at his finest and it... was... unbelievable. His One Man Band Tour features just JT and a talented keyboardist/pianist (Larry Goldings). The venue was remarkable and allowed the warmth, sincerity, and the amazing songwriting, guitar playing, and voice of JT to shine through. I'm so grateful we were a part of that evening. We've seen JT with his full band during summer concerts (which are also incredible), but the intimate setting full with family photos and stories introducing the songs made it feel like we were hanging out in his living room. He's a great host.

Making this concert especially memorable was getting the chance to briefly meet JT before the second set. I was able to shake his hand and have him autograph a photo I'd taken of him. A dream come true!

Photos:
http://www.theclaycenter.org/shared/content_objects/Event_objects/ImageFile/James%20Taylor%20small.jpg
http://glen.utdallas.edu/Glen/CDs/James%20Taylor/James%20Taylor.jpg

The Elected President gives context

2006-09-25T22:11:00.000-04:00

If you didn't see this on NBC Nightly News yesterday, please play this now. President Bill Clinton (doesn't that sound nice.. remember the good ol' days?) gives Chris Wallace an honest response to the context of Bin Laden and the current presidency.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=aad618a0-dda5-4233-9200-4ae8d086adfb&f=00&fg=copy

Who Dey?!!!

2006-09-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

The last time I saw so much Bengals apparel being worn around Cincinnati was in 1988 and we happened to be cheering them in the Super Bowl. This city has typically been a baseball town (being home to the first professional team, the Reds), but football has obviously become King. Orange and Black are everywhere. Most players are known by one name. And I've never seen shopping lots so lacking in cars on a Sunday afternoon... they're all at home watching the game!

No longer are Sundays the time for errands, leisurely meals, and wondering when baseball spring training starts. The Game is on - Who Dey!

the oregon herd

2006-09-06T21:45:00.000-04:00

A great site to visit is the triplet world of The Herd out in Portland, Oregon... http://3theherdscorner.blogspot.com/. My cousin, Brian, and his lovely wife, Liz, are the proud parents of 1+ yr old triplets: Sebastian (Sebmo), Dylan (Birdman), and Eleanor (Growly Bear). Have a look and some smiles... they truly rock.

1st and goal

2006-09-01T23:24:00.000-04:00

as summer slips away, so does the need to excessively use OFF! bug spray in the woods & buy an iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts ev-e-ry sing-le morning. and, w/ the flipping of the calendar today, that also means something else - football season is on.

of course, i'll be watching my friend and former BCHS classmate, Shaun Alexander (brother of dear friend, Durran) defend his reign as NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. i'll also be cheering for my local team, the New York Jets... hopefully Chad can find some good health & success this year. and, thankfully, the hometown Cincinnati Bengals is once again an exciting team to watch... and the team sells enough tickets per game, so games aren't blacked-out and we can actually watch them. thank you, Marvin Lewis et al!

ocracoke

2006-08-30T23:57:00.000-04:00

some fun down in NC...

also, check out a rehabbed website for one of NC's native sons...

The Handel Group @ Rutgers

2006-08-30T23:49:00.000-04:00

Our world of urban restoration ecology at Rutgers University is led by Steven N. Handel...

The research our group does is diverse, including areas in plant community dynamics, invasive species, pollination resources in restoration, forest regeneration, resource competition among herbaceous species, urban genotypes, phenotypic plasticity, plover habitat restoration, and much more. Also, a new venture for Steven and our group is his role with Ken Smith LA as a Principal in designing the Orange County Great Park in CA.

Many of our research projects are being conducted at Duke Farms (Hillsborough, NJ) and other locations within the NJ/NYC Metropolitan Area.

Our group includes: myself, Brooke Maslo, Carrie Norin, Niall Dunne, Amy Karpati, Mikael Forup, Myla Aronson, Hadas Parag, Jeanne Gural, Elena Tartaglia, and Lea Johnson.

The CV (curriculum vitae)

2006-08-30T23:48:00.000-04:00

updated 4 January 2008

Shannon L. Galbraith-Kent
Rutgers University
Graduate Program in Ecology & Evolution
1 College Farm Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
t: 732-932-4520
shannongalbraith@yahoo.com

► Educational Background

Ph.D., Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Dissertation defense date - November 12, 2007

September 2002 – present, Graduate Program in Ecology & Evolution
- Research interests: Plant community ecology, urban restoration ecology, invasive plants, ecological education, policy
- Dissertation Research Title: "Effects of experimental invasive communities on forest dynamics".
(Field site: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ).
Advisor: Steven N. Handel, Ph.D.

M.S., Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Richmond, Kentucky
August 1998 – May 2000, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (Applied Ecology)
- Thesis completed in 2001: “Three Decades of Change in an Old-Growth Mixed Mesophytic Forest: Lilley Cornett Woods, Letcher County, Kentucky”
Advisor: William H. Martin, Ph.D.

B.A., cum laude, Thomas More College (TMC), Crestview Hills, Kentucky
August 1994 – May 1998, Major: Biology
- Independent Study: "Soils and G.I.S. in developing a vegetation map for Boone County, Kentucky”
Advisor: William S. Bryant, Ph.D.

► Teaching Experience

- Laboratory/Field Instructor, Rutgers University (2005, 2006) - Plant Ecology

- National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Teaching Fellow, Rutgers University and South Plainfield Middle School (2004–2005)
- Assistant Head TA, Rutgers University (2004) - General Biology II
- Laboratory Instructor, Rutgers University (2002-2004) - General Biology I
- Laboratory Instructor, Rutgers University (2002-2004) - General Biology II
- Laboratory Instructor, EKU (1998–2000) - Clinical Microbiology

► Representative Research Experience

- Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Urban Restoration Ecology (NJ Urban Parks Design Competition) (2006)
- Project Consultant, Center for Urban Restoration Ecology (Rutgers University College Avenue Greenway design, NJ; Sebonack Golf Course, NY; Doris Duke Farm Estate, NJ; Orange County Great Park, CA) (2004–present)
- Ecological Designer, Butterfly Courtyard Habitat, South Plainfield Middle School, South Plainfield, NJ (2005–present)
- Graduate Intern, Environmental Education, Baltimore Ecosystem Study & Parks and People Foundation, Baltimore, MD (2003)
- Graduate Research Assistant, Herbarium curator, EKU (1998–1999)
- Undergraduate Research Assistant, Biological surveys of the Ohio River, Thomas More College Ohio River Biological Field Station, KY (1995-1997)

► Representative Publications, Presentations, and Lectures

Articles (peer-reviewed)
- Galbraith-Kent, S.L. and S.N. Handel. 2007. Invasive Acer platanoides inhibits native plant growth in forest understory communities. [In Press, Journal of Ecology].

- Galbraith-Kent, S.L. and S.N. Handel. 2007. "Lessons from an urban lakeshore restoration project in New York City.” Ecological Restoration 25(2).

- Galbraith, S.L., and W.H. Martin. 2005. “Three decades of overstory and species change in a mixed mesophytic forest in eastern Kentucky.” Castanea 70(2): 115-128.
- Bryant, W.S., S.L. Galbraith, and M.E. Held. 2004. "Classification of terrestrial natural communities in Boone County, Kentucky.” Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science 65(2): 132-139.

Manuscripts in Preparation

- Galbraith-Kent, S.L. and S.N. Handel. 2007. Interactions between Acer platanoides L. (Norway maple) and Acer rubrum L. (red maple): interspecific competition and soil effects on seedling growth. [In Preparation].

Conference Abstracts & Presentations
- Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting: Tucson, AZ (August 2002); Portland, OR (2004); Montréal, Québec (2005); San Jose, CA (2007)
- Society for Ecological Restoration International Meeting: Austin, TX (November 2003)
- Baltimore Ecosystem Study Annual Meeting: Baltimore, MD (October 2003)
- Association of Southeastern Biologists Annual Meeting: Chattanooga, TN (April 2000)

Invited Lectures
- Garden Club of America, Somerset Hills, NJ (March 2006) and Short Hills, NJ (September 2006) Chapters, “Native and invasive plant community research in New Jersey”
- Rutgers University, Plant Ecology course: “Invasive species” (October 2005, 2006), “Landscape Ecology” (November 2005, 2006)
- Dinsmore Historical Foundation Annual Volunteer Banquet (Keynote address), Boone County, KY, "Soils and GIS in developing a vegetation map for Boone County, Kentucky." (November 1997)

► Representative Awards & Honors

- The Graduate School Award for Teaching Excellence by a Graduate Student, Rutgers University, Graduate School: $1,000 (2007) http://gsnb.rutgers.edu/awards/teaching_awards2007.php3

http://gsnb.rutgers.edu/awards/kent.php3

- The Academic Excellence Fund of the Graduate Program in Ecology & Evolution (Rutgers University): $1,000 (2006)
- New Jersey Forestry Foundation: $2,000 (2006)
- Garden Club of America, Caroline Thorn Kissel Scholarship: $1,500 (2005)
- NSF GK-12 Fellowship (Rutgers University): $30,000 (2004–2005)
- Eagleton Institute of Politics, Eagleton Graduate Fellowship in American Politics (Rutgers University): $5,000 (2003–2004)
- EKU: Graduate Research Assistantship Award, Dept. of Biological Sciences (1999–2000)
- TMC: Dean’s Honor & Athletic Dir. Honor Lists; Dept. of Biology Achievement Award; Co-Captain, Women’s B-ball team (1995–1998)

► Representative Outreach & Service

- Co-leader, “TAs answer your questions: Biological Sciences”, Rutgers University, Teaching Assistant Project, New TA Orientation (2006)
- Co-advisor, “Habitat Club”, weekly after-school club, South Plainfield Middle School, South Plainfield, New Jersey (2005–2006)
- Organizer, “Q&A on the Quals Exam”, Rutgers University, Ecology & Evolution Graduate Program (2006)
- Vice President, Rutgers University, Graduate Student Association (GSA), Ecology and Evolution Graduate Program (2004–2005)
- Leader, “Tree Tour” for middle school youth, Cook College's “Ag Field Day”, Rutgers University (April 2004, 2005)
- Director of Youth Programs, Florence Christian Church, Florence, KY (August 2000-2002)