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).
2008 Spring Commencement Testimonial from Chancellor Rose Tseng
Aloha,
I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for all the hard work and dedication by UH Hilo’s ohana for another beautiful and memorable commencement exercise. I think that President McClain, Regents Dahilig and Hapai, and keynote speaker Connie Lau were impressed with the aloha and joy we share with the students and their accomplishments that day.
I’d especially like to recognize Judith Fox-Goldstein and the staff of the Conference Center for their many months of work to coordinate this event. It takes months and a lot of hours to make sure every detail is planned and taken care of.
With so much involvement by so many, UH Hilo’s commencement exercise went very well.
Please know that everyone appreciates the memorable ceremony and your efforts. Mahalo to all for your kokua!
Rose Tseng
Chancellor
University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 974-7444
Fx: (808) 933-3304
Protostars & Planets V Testimonial from Dr. Bo Reipurth
“This meeting was exceptional in every way! This astronomy conference, Protostars and Planets V, which was held in October of 2005, was the largest gathering of astronomers to meet on the Big Island. With delegates coming from over 30 different countries, the meeting was hailed as a huge success.
With its strategic location in the mid Pacific, Hawaii proved to be an excellent meeting venue. The function space at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel was extraordinary – meeting all of our needs and more.
What sets Hawaii apart from other meeting destinations is the demonstrable feeling of Aloha and hospitality combined with the greatest professionalism and expertise offered by the University of Hawaii at Hilo Conference Center. This – together with the high quality of astronomical research on the Big Island – makes the Big Island the perfect meeting destination.
Dr. Bo Reipurth (Chair), Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
Site: Hilton Waikoloa Hotel
(U.K.) International Conference with over 30 participating countries
MSA-MSJ Mycology 2005 Conference Testimonial from Dr. Don Hemmes
“The answer is….because it’s the Big Island!. The question….Where is the best place in the entire world to hold a Mushroom conference? The Big Island!! “
“Our Mushroom (Mycology) Conference just grew and grew until we reached our capacity and more as we prepared for the Mycology Society of American and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Japan Society of America.
But, by working in conjunction with the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the University of Hawaii at Hilo Conference Center, there was nothing they were not able to accomplish! They were a “Miracle Workers” as they assisted in all facets of developing and implementing our conference. Whether it was technology or hospitality….they were on top of every detail.
With delegates from more than 16 countries (all of whom needed special accommodations and assistance), there was always someone willing to help, willing to assist and willing to share Aloha with our delegates.
What an outstanding meeting! It was touted as the BEST MYCOLOGY meeting in the history of the Society…and after 2 years of planning, that made us feel very proud. We are indebted to the University of Hawaii at Hilo Conference Center for sharing their expertise, their mana’o, and their hospitality. The foundation of excellence in service and hospitality would be hard to beat in Hilo. What a magnificent event! Mahalo to all!
Dr. Don Hemmes, Conference Chair
Mycology Society of American and Japan Mycology Society
Site: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel & University of Hawaii at Hilo
