AmphibiaWeb: Cataloging amphibian species, traits, and taxonomy for conservation biology
Jimmy McGuire, Professor
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Amphibians are the world’s most imperiled vertebrate group. Confounding efforts to combat amphibian declines is that we have little knowledge concerning most of the species and much of it not easily accessible. Since 2000, we have been developing an informatics platform to create a web page for every species of the amphibians in the world (over 8000 species) where we collate information on biology, natural history, taxonomy, biogeography, known occurrences and conservation. AmphibiaWeb is an authoritative, scientifically responsible, and up-to-date system, which is solidly based on real specimens and data that includes links to authority files (for the legal scientific names of the taxa) and many sources of information on the web. To do this, we need YOUR help.
This apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to learn amphibian biology and conservation, contribute to a public resource with acknowledgments and credit, and communicate with the public in person and online about science while safely social-distancing. We train in all aspects of the apprenticeship. The primary duties for Fall Semester will include literature research, and account writing. Motivated students may also be trained in mapping and creating range maps. Limited openings are available in the Spring with prior approval; please contact us first.
This apprenticeship can be performed remotely.
Role: Apprentices work directly on a bioinformatics project in a major natural history museum that combines amphibian biology and biodiversity conservation with a worldwide user base. Most students will use the literature and internet research to produce accounts for species around the world. They will receive close supervision, but will be given considerable independence in producing accounts and in working on other aspects of systems development depending on interests (for example, georeferencing specimens, creating maps or new data visualizations, creating videos or other new content etc.). Their accounts will be edited for format and content by a central editing group before being published online. Student apprentices are given full credit as authors and/or editors when published to the website, a tangible product of your work.
Students are expected to work at least 5-6 hours per week during the regular semester (5 hours for one credit, or 6 or more hours for two credits). Because of the amount of training required for this URAP, we seek individuals who can commit to a full academic year to this URAP. Come join our new team this year!
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: AmphibiaWeb Coordinator Ann Chang (anntchang@berkeley.edu), and Assoc. Director Michelle Koo (mkoo@berkeley.edu)
Qualifications: Qualifications: Basic computer literacy required. Strong written or graphic design skills desired. Ideal applicants have a passion for amphibians, conservation biology, or biodiversity informatics. A love for learning and motivation to improve are what really count. Preference will be given to students with some biological background or a strong passion for natural history and conservation; however, all majors are welcomed. Students who can read and/or write in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German or Chinese are desired. Please visit AmphibiaWeb.org to learn more.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Michelle Koo, Staff Researcher
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences Arts & Humanities