Reminder: Biology TAship applications

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at biology.taship@ubc.ca or myself at gigi.lau@ubc.ca.

We would like to invite you to apply for TA positions in the Biology program for the 2023 winter session. These are full TAships, at 192hr per term.

Please:

1. Go to http://www.biology.ubc.ca/
2. Click on the “teaching assistants’ tab” for various documents related to the 2023W TA hire.
3. To apply, click on “Biology TA application 2023W”.
4. Fill the form and please read info given on this form.
5. Application must be submitted by May 8^th 2023 (Monday).
6. Offer acceptance must be sent by July 15^th 2023 to ensure that your first paycheck will not be delayed. (Note: if you miss these deadlines, you can still be hired, BUT there is a possibility of delay for your first paycheck).
7. We will start sending offers by late June/early July (offers to internal Zoology and Botany graduate students will be sent first and followed by external applicants). Please check your email daily so that you can reply to our offer promptly. Offers to external applicants will continue throughout the summer up to the start of terms 1 and 2 until all positions are filled.
8. Do not forget to get permission from your PI to TA for Biology.
9. All communication regarding TAship application must be sent to this email address: biology.taship@ubc.ca

If there is a problem or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Biology TAship Team

Gigi Lau PhD
Biology Program Manager
Science | Zoology and Botany
The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus | Musqueam Traditional Territory
6270 University Boulevard Biological Sciences Building | Vancouver British Columbia | V6T 1Z4 Canada
Phone 604 822 3367
gigi.lau@ubc.ca

Land and Food System Scholar Series

Invited scholar: Dr. Ermias Kebreab

Hosted by:  Marina von Keyserlingk, Applied Animal Biology

Title: Agriculture’s Transition to Net Zero Emissions – What is Livestock’s Role?

Abstract: Agriculture is a key source for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. It is responsible for more than half of (human-driven) sources of methane, a GHG responsible for 30% of global temperature rise since the industrial revolution, as well as almost three-quarters of the sources of the nitrous oxide released annually. The Paris Agreement set a goal of reducing global agricultural methane emissions by between 24% and 47% by 2050 to limit warming to 1.5°C. Analysis of mitigation options show that the greatest reductions that can be achieved from agriculture are related to livestock, particularly ruminants. There are several mitigation strategies developed or under development to reduce enteric methane emissions. These can range from direct intervention in the adult through the use of inhibitors or even vaccines, to several indirect methods, modulation of rumen microbiome and breeding towards low methane-emitting animals. An analysis conducted to assess how the world can reduce global methane by at least 30% by 2030 (Global Methane Pledge) showed that it is possible to do so in animal agriculture, however, attaining net zero emissions from the sector will largely depend on reducing nitrous oxide emissions.

Biography: Ermias Kebreab is Associate Dean and Professor of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Director of the World Food Centre at the University of California-Davis. He also holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Agriculture. He conducts research in animal nutrition, mathematical modeling of biological systems and impact of livestock on the environment. He is contributing author to 2019 IPCC update on enteric methane emissions. He co-chaired the feed additive and methane committees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles and received several awards including Excellence in Ruminant Nutrition and International Agriculture from American Society of Animal Science, and 2022 Chancellor’s Innovator of the year award. He served on two committees of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on methane and nutrition of dairy cattle. He is a regular invited speaker including a TED talk that has been featured as one of the ‘must-watch climate talks of 2022’ by ted.com. His research was in the top 10 of all research conducted at the University of California system in 2021. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Asmara, Eritrea and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Reading, U.K.

Join in person or via Zoom:

Date: May 15, 2023

Time: 10:00-11:30 AM PDT

Location: In-person at MCML 160, or via Zoom

Meet and greet after the presentation: 11:30 – 12:30 PM, please register here by May 11.

 

Dear colleagues,

The grassroots organization called “Support Our Science” (https://www.supportourscience.ca/nationwide-walkout) is organizing a Nation-Wide Walkout on May 1st for graduate students, post-docs, and all who support them.

The purpose of this Walkout campaign is to demonstrate how integral graduate students and postdocs are to institutions, how many are affected by funding decisions, and demand a federal increase in funding for graduate students and postdocs through awards and grants (yes, we are demanding increased to grant funding too!).

The walkout time will be synchronized across institutions all over the country, with the UBC Walkout from 10 am to 12 pm, assembling at Lee Square (by the bookstore), with a march to the plaza by Walter C. Koerner’s Library, followed by speeches from graduate students, post-docs, and faculty. There will be media coverage. Support is strong within many departments and institutes at UBC, and continues to grow!

Best wishes,

UBC Support Our Science Team

FFCF is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Board to bring a collaborative, joyful, and courageous approach to bolster our work in continuing to build sustainable food systems where people and the planet thrive.

Membership in FFCF is a requirement for all candidates, in accordance with our bylaws.  We encourage you to join us as an organization if you are currently part of the sustainable food systems ecosystem in BC.  Please see our membership opportunities for more information.

Application Process:

• See attached FFCF Board Director posting for complete information
• Please complete and submit the FFCF Board Nomination Form by Friday, May 12, 2023.
• Should you have any questions, please contact us at board@farmfolkcityfolk.ca

FFCF Call for New Board Members Posting 2023