2nd Workshop on Dark Energy Biosphere Institute
October 19-21, 2009
Site: Kona Coast, Hawaii
Local Host: University of Hawaii (UH)
Theme: a) CORK Observatories b) Hydrogeology
Meeting steering committee:
- Jim Cowen (Chair), University of Hawaii
- Brian Glazer, University of Hawaii
- Andy Fisher, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Jan Amend, Washington University in St. Louis
Click here for more conference information: http://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/meetings/2009.html
Scientific Conference
The theme of the conference is Subseafloor Observatories and Exploration of the Deep Biosphere. The conference will comprise a series of keynote speakers covering aspects of CORK subseafloor observatory history and design, technical specifications and options for future modifications, drilling and other operational considerations, monitoring and contamination concerns, key results from earlier subseafloor experiments using observatories, and future directions for subseafloor biosphere science involving observatories (for description of CORKs and details of how they have been used see (Jannasch et al. 2003). In addition to oral presentations, all participants will be asked to present during a series of poster sessions (to be scheduled throughout the day in association with coffee and meal breaks) highlighting work completed or in progress involving subseafloor observatories and/or the deep biosphere, or conceptual proposals describing how to move the science forward through novel application of observatory technology for passive (monitoring) or active experiments. Our intent is to mix lecture and poster/discussion formats so as to encourage engagement and development of collaborative opportunities between individuals and groups that have not previously worked together or have had difficulty understanding each other’s science.
Educational Workshop
The training workshop at this meeting will focus on crossing over between microbiological sampling and monitoring and marine hydrogeology, with the primary goal of on developing a basic level of understanding among two disparate groups: those involved in development and use of CORK systems for marine hydrogeological studies, and microbiologists working in the deep biosphere or in other settings. It is important to note that this is a technologically challenging area of research and one that is extremely new to science and in particular microbiology. In order to succeed, this workshop will need to move beyond the standard introductory lectures that attempt to survey an entire discipline in 45 minutes. Instead, the workshop will comprise a series of linked discussion and practical calculations, introducing basic concepts in biogeochemistry, fluid flow, and solute fate and transport. It is not possible to provide a comprehensive curriculum in any of these topics given the short time available. Instead, workshop leaders will develop a series of presentations and exercises that provide a mechanism for non-specialists to gain a basic grasp of one or more key concepts (e.g., carbon fixation and accumulation of biomass, driving forces for fluid flow in the crust and associated budgets for nutrients, exchange between more and less biologically-important microenvironments during fluid transport).
Hazard Preparedness Pocket Card
Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, with support from Hawaii County Office of Research and Development, will be releasing the first printing of the “Hazard Preparedness Pocket Card”. This innovative educational tool will be distributed throughout the community and to visitors on the Big Island in a limited release edition at the end of March.
The first such tool of its kind, the Pocket Card, and the accompanying website http://hazardprep.com/ (under construction), will provide vital information on “HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM” during a natural disaster.
Included in the guide is information on disaster preparedness actions in the event of tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, windstorms, rainfall, flooding, storm surge, high surf and volcanic hazards. Specific, and immediate instructions are recommended and the guide also containes a listing of medical facilities, fire stations, tsunami evacuation zones, radio stations. Information on basic disaster kits supplies is also provided.
With the help of Civil Defense and the USGS, Dr. Walter Dudley and the UHH Conference Center, have undertaken the project to provide as much comprehensive information as possible in this small and convenient Pocket Guide. With the invaluable support from the Big Island Visitor’s Bureau, commending the slogan of “We Prepare Because We Care”, KGMB, Hui Ka Ua and Green Collar Technologies, the informational guide will, hopefully, set a model for innovative delivery methodologies in terms of disaster mitigation.
The HICC Tourism Committee, Chaired by Judith Fox-Goldstein, undertook this project with the full enthusiasm and support of the HICC Board. Committed to sustainability and developing healthy communities, the HICC, once again, has taken a very pro-active lead in contributing to our community.
Evaluating The George W. Bush Presidency
University of Hawaii at Hilo
July 29-31, 2009
This conference evaluates the presidency of George W. Bush, whose tenure in office brought about vast changes in the institution of the presidency. Participants in this conference will evaluate a number of aspects of George W. Bush’s presidency, including:
- War Powers
- Terrorism Policy
- Civil Liberties
- Judicial Politics and Appointments
- Legislative Relations
- Economic Policy
- Management of the Executive Branch
- Public Opinion
- Media Relations
- Presidential Power
- Presidential Campaigning
- Environmental Policy
- Foreign Policy
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael A. Genovese
Loyola Chair of Leadership
Professor, Political Science
Director, Institute for Leadership Studies
Click here for Dr. Genovese’s biosketch
DRESS & WEATHER
Appropriate conference attire will be “Aloha Casual” = slacks & short-sleeved aloha shirt.
Click here to get the latest NOAA weather updates for Hilo, Hawai‘i
REGISTRATION
The conference will be held on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Hilo on the scenic Big Island of Hawaii. A number of activities, including half-day trips to the rainforest and beach are included in the conference. An optional guided trip through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be available to participants.
The number of participants in this conference is limited in order to facilitate dialogue. Please register early in order to secure a space.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
- Deadline for Registration: May 30, 2009
- Registration Cost: $195.00
LODGING
Reserve your hotel room now! We have received a special rate at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel for conference participants, but please reserve your rooms early, as space is limited.
Please reference this conference to receive the discounted rate up to 3 days pre/post.
Conference Dates: July 29-31, 2009.
Optional post-conference field trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: August 1, 2009.
- Standard Garden View Rooms: $95++
- Deluxe Ocean View Rooms: $120++
Contact the hotel directly:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
71 Banyan Drive
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808) 935-9361
Fax: (808) 961-9642Alternatively, download a PDF reservation form here, fill out, and Fax or email in.
CALL FOR PAPERS, PANEL & ROUNDTABLE PROPOSALS
Paper and Panel proposal deadline extended to May 19, 2009.
Proposals and inquiries should be send to Dr. Todd Belt, tbelt@hawaii.edu, 808-974-7375.Abstracts should be limited to 250 words. Please include name, university affiliation, and contact information for all authors/presenters.
