Multidisciplinary Aspects of Plant-Insect Interactions: Symposium of Junior Faculty, Toronto, Ontario, February 15-18, 2004

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

Adler 0330166 Abstract This proposal requests funds to bring together junior scientists actively involved in multi- disciplinary work in plant-insect interactions. The central goals of this symposium would be to 1)exchange ideas on how to expand theory and multidisciplinary experiments, 2) work in small groups, with meaningful input of graduate students and postdocs, to address specific research questions, and 3) brainstorm ideas on specific issues relating to junior faculty development. The topic was chosen because of its long historical importance in ecology and evolution and because recent technological developments and integrative approaches are rapidly changing the face of the discipline. The request is for funds to support airfare and subsistence for 6 junior participants (3 grad students/post-docs and 3 junior faculty) and 3 senior faculty. The Ecology Program supports a broad range of work in the area of plant-herbivore interactions making the topic relevant. Moreover, the University of Toronto is contributing much more to the workshop than NSF, meaning there is an excellent leverage of NSF funds. Broader Impacts: The focus on young investigators and foreign collaborations translates into very strong broader impacts.