News & Events

University Events

News & Events

News

Oklahoma Biological Survey to host Fall Field Day on September 30th

The Oklahoma Biological Survey will host a Fall Field Day at Copperhead Ridge in northern Oklahoma on Saturday, September 30th. See the flyer below for more information; registration is required.

Posted September 25th, 2023

Copperhead Ridge Fall Field Day Rescheduled Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Copperhead Ridge Registered Natural Area is a biologically diverse track of 162 acres on the western edge of Pawnee County, about 15 miles south of Ponca City. The upland features tallgrass prairie with Crosstimbers covering the slopes. Springs and seeps can be found along the hillsides creating microhabitats that are refuge for uncommon native plants. Larry Andrews has been managing his family's land for the last 30 years using a combination of grazing, burning, and plant restoration to improve wildlife habitat and native plant diversity. As a retired fireman, Larry does not shy away from utilizing prescribed fire to control brush and other invasive plants. Also an expert in reptiles and amphibians, Larry knows all these species on his property and breeds alligator snapping turtles for rare species recovery. During this first week of fall, we hope to see an abundance of wildflowers and native tallgrasses, migrating monarch butterflies, and maybe a snake or two!

Student job opportunities from the South Central CASC

The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center has two opportunities available for current OU students. Click on the flyers below for the application links.

Posted September 25th, 2023

Native Pollinator Field and Lab Assistant Openings

The Hung Lab is looking to hire multiple field and laboratory assistants to work on an as-needed basis to assess and monitor native bee and pollinating fly species within Oklahoma. See the below flyer for more details and information on how to apply.

Posted January 18th, 2023

Native Pollinator Field / Laboratory Assistants (multiple openings) Salary: $11.00 - $14.00 / hour depending on experience Job description: The Hung Lab (https://hungpollinatorlab.weebly.com/) is looking to hire multiple field and laboratory assistants to work on an as-needed basis to assess and monitor native bee and pollinating fly species within Oklahoma. The primary projects for the 2023 field season include (1) a state-wide survey of bumble bees and (2) baseline surveys of wild bees and hover flies at Oklahoma’s 9 National Wildlife Refuges. Primary duties in the field include insect collection via aerial nets and passive traps, vegetation surveys, and environmental data collection. Primary duties in the laboratory include pinning, labeling, and databasing insect specimens. Field work will occur in areas including (but not limited to) National Wildlife Refuges, national forests/grasslands, national recreation areas, state Wildlife Management Areas, state parks, municipal parks, and roadsides. Field activities routinely take place in remote and rural locations, with spotty access to cell service and public facilities. Assistants must be comfortable working in small teams for long hours (roughly 8AM to 5PM excluding transportation) and potential exposure to hazards including (but not limited to): high temperatures and humidity, biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, and other potentially dangerous wildlife. During overnight trips, food and lodging (research housing and/or tent camping) will be covered by project funds. Due to the weather- and resource-sensitive nature of the work, schedules will be variable and made on short notice (1-3 days in advance) based availability previously communicated by assistants. The field season is expected to begin in April and last until October. Requirements (field assistant):  Background in entomology, ecology, biology, or a similar discipline  No known allergy to stinging insects  Previous experience/comfortable with working in the adverse conditions described above, walking long distances, and carrying equipment/supplies weighing up to 50 lbs  Minimum ONE weekday completely open for fieldwork (field days will always be all day)  Comfortable euthanizing insects  Ability to accurately record field data with legible handwriting  Willingness and ability to work on short notice as needed  Ability to drive 4wd vehicles in rough terrain or willingness to learn  Safety-first mindset Requirements (laboratory assistant):  Background in entomology, ecology, biology, or a similar discipline.  Minimum SIX hours available in chunks of 2-3 hours per week Preferred qualifications (both positions):  Familiarity with one or more of the following taxa: bees, flies, insects, flowering plants  Experience with insect/plant identification and/or curation  Comfortable interacting with various stakeholders, including land managers, government officials, and private citizens  Previous experience conducting field research How to apply: Consolidate the following items into a single PDF titled “Bee_Research_Assistant_your last name.pdf” and email to both Mary Powley (mary.powley@ou.edu) and Dr. James Hung (kljhung@ou.edu): (1) CV/resume, (2) Cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for the position (please indicate if you are applying to the field or lab position, or both), and (3) Contact information of 1-3 references who can speak on your past field, lab, or educational experience as it relates to the advertised project. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling-basis. Any questions regarding the position can be addressed to Mary and/or James.

(click flyer image for PDF)

Events on Campus

Sept. 27 - 2023 Clean Energy & Sovereignty Symposium

2023 Clean Energy & Sovereignty Symposium. Hosted by University of Oklahoma Institute for Resilient Environment and Energy Systems. Wednesday, Sept. 27th

Save the date for the 2023 Tribal Clean Energy & Sovereignty Pre-Summit Symposium.

Symposium Date, Time, and Location: The Pre-Summit Symposium will take place on Wednesday, September 27th at the University of Oklahoma National Weather Center from 4:00 to 5:30 P.M. CST.

Symposium Speaker: Senator Reuven Carlyle

Energy Sovereignty Propelling Clean Energy Policy Overview of Success Stories from Washington, Arizona & Oklahoma) Senator Reuven Carlyle founder of Earth Finance

Summit Events for Thursday, September 28th open to Registrants Dates, Times, and Locations:

Breakout sessions C - Tribal Clean Energy Best Practices - Speaker: Reuven Carlyle and Chris Marts with OG&E - from 1:00 to 3:00 on Thursday, September 28th in Room 1005 of the Gaylord College of Journalism (Space is limited to the first 25 registrants)
Breakout sessions D - Sovereignty Basics & Reforms within Corporate Project Development Moderated By: Tana Fitzpatrick - Speakers: Eric Pollard, ACOG and Kimberlee Adams, OG&E - from 1:00 to 3:00 on Thursday, September 28th in Room 1165 of the Gaylord College of Journalism (Space is limited to the first 25 registrants)
Poster Presentation and OU Lab Tours from 3:30 to 5:30 on Thursday, September 28th at the National Weather Center Atrium (This ticket does not include attendance for the dinner to follow which is a private event by invitation only).

See event details as well as speakers and agenda here.

Audience: University of Oklahoma faculty and students who are interested in the importance of Clean Energy, Tribal Sovereignty and the reforms taken by Canada in energy policy to address environmental justice of Indigenous people.

The events are convened by Oklahoma State Senator Mary Boren (SD 16, Norman) in partnership with the OU Office of the Associate Vice President for Tribal Relations, the OU Native Nations Center, and the OU Institute for Resilient Environmental and Energy Systems.

If you would like us to add a listing please send the information to Cait Davanzo (caitlinanderson@ou.edu), Environmental Studies AA.

Past Events

Apr. 20th, 2023 - Fighting Against Climate Change Today (FACCT)

On April 20th, 2023, Environmental Studies majors hosted a workshop on consumption and climate change. "Fighting Against Climate Change Today" highlighted how the choices we make in our everyday lives can change our carbon footprints.

Over the course of three sessions, attendees tested their knowledge of the "embedded carbon" in our food, sampled climate-friendly treats by a local coffee shop, and learned about the climate consequences of our personal transportation choices.

The F.A.C.C.T. workshop was organized by the Environmental Studies Learning Community class, which is part of the core curriculum for the Environmental Studies major.