ACE Lab: Applied Cultural Evolution Laboratory

PhD student Sandra Goff created a poster on a preliminary agent-based model designed to explore the effect of group selection on sustainability in social-ecological systems.  The poster may be downloaded as a pdf.

Current versions of this model are being used to evaluate the conditions under which group-funcational sustainable behaviors arise and persist. Future versions will explore the ability for group selection to explain the emergence of Elinor Ostrom’s core design principles for robust social-ecological systems.

Katie Quirk’s first book, “A Girl Called Problem” is now getting national reviews!  The story is set in early independence Tanzania, and involves a young heroine in a mystery that deeply entwines her family with the fate of her village.  See more at: katie-quirk.com, and read the Kirkus review at Barnes and Noble, or pre-order on Amazon or IndieBound.

From jobs.maine.edu:

Assistant Professor of Anthropology

January 24th, 2013
The Department of Anthropology at the University of Maine seeks an academic-year tenure-track Assistant Professor of Anthropology to begin September, 2013.  The successful candidate will help initiate two new programs: a PhD program in Anthropology and Environmental Policy and a major in Human Dimensions of Climate Change.  S/he will teach four courses a year.

Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in Anthropology by date of appointment; specialization and active research program in economic anthropology or political ecology, with demonstrated interest or expertise in policy issues; record of publication; excellent teaching credentials with ability to teach courses in Economic Anthropology, Institutions and the Management of Common Pool Resources, Natural Resource Management in Cross-Cultural Perspective, and Anthropological Dimensions of Environmental Policy; proven track record of attracting external funding; fieldwork area to complement departmental specializations; effective oral and written communication skills. Preferred qualifications include a  demonstrated interest in environmental and/or climate change.

To apply, send a cover letter, a C.V., copies of graduate academic transcripts, and the names and addresses of three references to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Anthropology, The University of Maine, 5773 S. Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5773.  Review of applications will begin February 15, 2013 and continue until the position has been filled. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Appropriate background checks will be required. For additional information about the department, visit our website at www2.umaine.edu/anthropology/.

With Connotea closing, Mendeley gobbled up by Elsevier, it seems that Zotero may be the last, best, free (as in freedom) reference manager.  Many people have noted that Mendeley’s business model may well have been to be bought up by a larger company.  In contrast, because of the way Zotero is run as a non-profit, it is likely to survive.  It’s also free (as in no money)!