THOMAS C WOOD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CONSERVATION STUDIES NEW

PROGRAMS FOLLOW PATHS THOMAS BALL (BELL LABORATORIES LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES)
THE GUY’S AND ST THOMAS’ DENTAL HOSPITAL
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1020 E THOMAS STREET PASADENA TX 77506 TEL 7137400440
13 Indian Mission of st Thomas the Apostle and
16 PROF DR MED DR PHIL THOMAS FUCHS

LAURIE A

THOMAS C. WOOD

Associate Professor of Conservation Studies, New Century College, George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia


Expertise: Conservation Biology, Reproductive Physiology; Ornithology, Coral Reef Ecology; Science Education


Education: B.S. (Animal Science) University of California, Davis 1986

M.S. (Animal Science) Louisiana State University 1988

Ph.D. (Environmental Science and Public Policy) George Mason University, Research conducted at the Smithsonian Institution, 1989-1996


Contact Information: George Mason University, MSN 5d3, Fairfax VA 22030-4444. Phone: (703) 993-3167

Mobil (703) 963-0866 Fax: (703) 993-1439. email: [email protected]


Employment: University Faculty and Related Positions

Tenured Associate Professor, George Mason University, New Century College, 2006- present.

Coordinator of Conservation Studies concentration for the BA and BS in Integrative Studies in New Century College. Focus on science education reform including course development and local and national faculty development. Serve on various committees including NCC Council, past Chair of the NCC Curriculum Committee. Represented NCC scientists on the Faculty Senate Steering Committee regarding College of Arts and Sciences restructuring proposal. Developed and implemented curriculum for the Smithsonian Mason Semester. Responsible for development and presentation of eight learning communities with themes ranging from natural history and conservation biology to general education and public policy. Faculty leader for a seven faculty team that co-teaches an eight credit general education biology, math, communication and information technology learning community. Provide peer mentoring to new teaching faculty. Represents NCC at many national meetings. GMU/Smithsonian Development Coordinator. Member, GMU Teaching Excellence Award Committee.

Co-Director SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibilities) Center for Innovation, Chesapeake Bay 2012-present. NSF Funded, Senior Associate. Coordinate regional initiatives on undergraduate education reform in STEM education between universities, colleges and non-government organizations. Expanding regional involvement of SENCER institutions in the Washington DC region.

Director, Environmental Studies on the Piedmont 2007- present. Develop and fund progressive education reform in K-12 STEM education through teacher training and outdoor experiential learning. Developing and conducting ecology research on 920 acres in conservation easement. Provide for University, K-12 and public programs in environmental and conservation biology programs. Bird banding, amphibian monitoring and deer management plans coordinated with state and national programs. Part of duties as a Mason professor.

Regional Campus Conservation Coordinator 2009-2012. Appointed as liaison for the Vice President of Regional Campuses at George Mason University to coordinate Mason programs and regional and global partners associated with research and education concerning conservation sustainability and the environment.

Founding Director, Mason Center for Conservation Studies, George Mason University office of the Provost. 2007-2009. Rotational position. Developed the first full semester resident science education program between a University and the Smithsonian Institution, the “Smithsonian Mason Semester” with the SI Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal Virginia; an experimental resident undergraduate learning community exploring science education through interdisciplinary Conservation Studies. Resulted in construction of a new $40 million facility with research and housing facilities to accommodate training of undergraduate students, graduate students, conservation professionals and the public.


Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park and Conservation & Research Center. Research in reproductive physiology of rare species as a component of international species survival plans. Ph.D. graduate focus on gamete interaction, semen cryopreservation, in vitro embryo development and endocrinology of endangered mammals. Science education reform through team taught courses in conservation biology.


Consultant. 2006- present. Conservation and environmental education reform, program development and pedagogy reform at the undergraduate and graduate level with universities across the country. Virginia 10 year bear management plan development, 2010-2012.


Developer and Coordinator of Master of Arts in Integrative Studies, Zoo and Aquarium Leadership program. 2003-2008.

Created in 2003 in collaboration with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)., this MAIS program currently has 62 graduate students, 11 GMU faculty, 30 AZA affiliates. As Coordinator I serve as Advisor for 15 students, recruit GMU faculty, coordinate online course offerings and serve as Liaison to the AZA Board of Regents. I also serve on the MAIS Board of Directors representing the Zoo and Aquarium Leadership degree.


Affiliate Faculty, George Mason University, Environmental Science and Policy (ESP). 2000-present.

Graduate Faculty Advisor for Doctoral and Master’s students conducting research at the Smithsonian Institution. Member, ESP Graduate Executive Committee (2005-2008). Developed and teach a senior level course on Coral Reef Ecology. Founded a GMU/SI Fellowship program to support Ph.D. students affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.


Affiliate Faculty, College of Education and Human Development. Health Fitness and Recreation Resources. 1998-2008. Dive Safety Officer for the GMU Chapter of the American Association of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) overseeing all SCUBA related training on the GMU campus. Developed the introductory SCUBA course taught each semester. Oversee all advanced training for student research divers at the undergraduate and graduate level. Serve as advisor to the GMU SCUBA Club.


Assistant Professor, George Mason University, New Century College, 2000-2006.

Served as core faculty for development of learning communities and general structure of the newly developed New Century College, George Mason Universities integrative studies program. Recipient of a FIPSE grant to reform conservation science education in higher education.


Assistant Director and Term Assistant Professor, Center for Field Studies. New Century College, 1996-2000. Course development, faculty recruitment, grant writing and promoting research opportunities for the Bahamas Environmental Research Center on Andros Island, The Bahamas. Developed new courses to promote local experiential learning opportunities for students interested in conservation studies.


Guest Researcher, National Institutes of Health, NICHD, Bethesda, MD, 1988-1996. Reproductive physiology research in domestic cats as models for rare species of Felidae. Developed expertise on in vitro maturation and fertilization of felid gametes and early embryo development.


Part time Faculty and Graduate Fellow, Biology Department, George Mason University, 1989-1995. Coordinated undergraduate biology courses for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory exercise development for 200 students per semester.


Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1986-1988. Louisiana State University, Department of Animal Science Managed 65 broodmares and 20 stallions to conduct research on H-Y antigen expression on early equine embryos used for embryo transfer. Prepared graduate level laboratory courses in reproductive physiology.


Committee Chair, GMU/Smithsonian Partnership Committee, 2001-2008. Appointed by the Provost to oversee development of a formal partnership with the Smithsonian Institution to promote faculty ties and graduate and undergraduate educational opportunities. Resulted in the development of a MOU formalizing our graduate level educational partnership. New courses taught on site at the Conservation & Research Center have been developed and incorporated into the Conservation Studies curriculum, raising the prominence of this program to a national level. Continued development of joint undergraduate curriculum is underway.


Senior Associate, SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibilities). 2001-present. Provide educational reform leadership for over 200 faculty teams from selected campuses around the country. Model course developer for science reform, Mysteries of Migration. Promotion of non-traditional community partnerships as components of learning environments.


Board of Directors, Center for Field Studies, GMU 2005-present. The Board oversees the development of courses and programs serving GMU faculty teaching in field environments. Studies in The Bahamas, the Chesapeake Bay region and other areas of the US dominate these activities.


American Zoo and Aquarium Association Board of Regents Advisor, 2000-2008. Developed and coordinated Master’s degree in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership. Coordination of team taught, experiential learning courses offered through New Century College and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, a large national organization representing approximately 220 accredited organizations in North America. Coordinate 11 GMU faculty, 30 AZA affiliates and all courses and advising associates with this degree.

American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) Dive Safety Officer, GMU chapter. 2003-present. Oversee all SCUBA training and research programs for GMU faculty and students, including Scientific Research Diver, and Student Scientific Diver certification.


Teaching Excellence Committee, 1999-present. After receiving the GMU Teaching Excellence Award in 1999, I have served on this prestigious committee to select new members and serve the Provost in a variety of activities, from faculty development to curricular reform. This prestigious award is only offered to 5 faculty of 2000 eligible each year.


Past Employment Activities. Class 1 Fireman, University of California Davis: Volunteer Bear Management Technician, Yosemite National Park, 2 seasons. SCUBA Instructor.


Grants:

2012-13 $90,000 K-12 STEM education reform. The Ohrstrom Foundation

2011-2014 $60,000/year Biodiversity Stewardship Council private fundraising

2000-2002 Principle Investigator FIPSE. $120,000 Implementation of Educational Reform in Conservation Biology, a Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary (FIPSE) sponsored grant. Working nationally with university faculty, NGOs and government agencies to develop non-traditional partnerships in conservation biology and to revise curriculum to address recognized deficiencies in post secondary educational practices. Provided the initial support for developing formal educational partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.


Fellowship Coordinator GMU/SI Ph.D. Program. ($40,000 annually) Developed university commitment to Fellowship support for up to 8 graduate students supported by GMU and SI. Funds provided by College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of the Provost. Formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding in 2003.


Blackbeard’s Cruises: ($5000) Research funding for education and studies on Diadema antillarum in The Bahamas with the University of Miami. Financial support for education associated with REEF Watch reef fish survey and identification (Supported by The Nature Conservancy).




Current Research Interests:



Ornithology: Banding programs to monitor migratory passerines (MAPS) Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship on the Environmental Studies on the Piedmont field station. Advise and assist graduate students working on migratory passerines in Jamaica with Smithsonian colleagues.


Biodiversity Monitoring on the Piedmont: Coordinating development of a Biodiversity Consortium among landholders in the Virginia Piedmont to facilitate regional evaluation of the impact of conservation easements on biodiversity richness. Public education on bear awareness.


Science Education Reform: Development and evaluation of learning environments promoting science reform. Current evaluation on student’s attitude toward science is being conducted on The Natural World, a general education 100 level course with 125 students annually using the National Science Foundation developed Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG). Other interests include development and assessment of critical thinking skills and research and writing skills in upper division courses presented with experiential learning and writing intensive requirements.


Characterization of Evolution in Northern Swans (Cygnus sp) Evaluation of vocalizations, behavior and correlated genetics in captive and wild populations of Cygnus columbianus columbianus, Cygnus buccinator and their hybrid offspring. Conducted in collaboration with Drs. Patrick Gillevet (GMU) and William Sladen (John’s Hopkins Emeritus).


Reproductive Physiology of Rare Species. Continuation of research in the cryopreservation of gametes and interaction of gametes in vitro as part of a conservation plan for rare mammals. This research in conducted in Front Royal at the Smithsonian Institution Conservation & Research Center.


Reproductive Endocrinology of Captive Mammals. Non-invasive endocrine monitoring of endangered mammals, including Pandas, Eld’s deer and elephants. Support graduate students working In collaboration with Drs. Steve Monfort and Jannine Brown of the Smithsonian Institution.


Population Genetics and Ecology of Rare Mammals in Captivity and in the Wild. Co-coordinating genetic studies with Smithsonian colleagues, advising graduate students working in India on tigers and leopards and in Brazil on Golden Lion Tamarin.


Coral Reef Ecosystems. Functional Role of Diadema antillarum, the long spined sea urchin, as a keystone species on Bahamas coral reef ecosystems. In collaboration with Tom Capo of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine Biology and Dr. Ken Hintz, Electrical and Computer Engineering, George Mason University.



Honors:


George Mason University Teaching Excellence Award: Office of the Provost, 1999.

Advisor: GMU’s SCUBA-club. “Rookie of the Year” for outstanding progress in a new student organization. 1997.

Featured Scientist: The PBS New Explorers Series: “NOAHS the Keepers of the ARK" 1993.

GMU Environmental Biology and Public Policy Graduate Fellowship Award 1989-1994.

Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Graduate Fellowship Award ($8,000/year) 1989-1994.

Outstanding Senior, UC Davis College of Arts and Sciences, 1986.

Dean appointed UC Davis student representative to U.S. Senator Allen Cranston of California. 1985.


Expert Testimony: The National Academies of Science Committee on the Review of the Smithsonian

Institution's National Zoological Park. “Training in Zoological Institutions”. Keck Center, Washington DC. March 18, 2004. Presented information to the panel for consideration in their report to Congress on the National Zoological Park. Emphasis on the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership that I coordinate at GMU and the history of educational efforts in zoos and future visions on a national scale.

Invited Speaker. Society of College Science Teachers 25th Anniversary Symposium on Environmental Literacy and Decisions. April 1-4, 2004, Atlanta Georgia. SENCER and Environmental Education. Panel presentation and discussion with Dr. Trace Jordan, New York University.

Invited Speaker. American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) Learning Communities: Promising Practices for Deepening Learning. April 4-6 2002. Atlanta Georgia. Invited panel organizer on community partnerships. In collaboration with Dr. Jim Berkson (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Eleanor Sterling (Columbia University).

Invited Speaker: SENCER Summer Science Institute supported by the National Science Foundation. Annual Institute in August, 1990-1995 Senior Associate. Santa Clara University. Work with three new administration/faculty teams from selected universities annually. Activities include, peer-review of proposed course reforms, and guidance throughout the following year. Model Course Presentation (NCLC 311, Mysteries of Migration); Presentations on Educational Partnerships between Universities and Museums.


Invited Speaker: SENCER annual planning conference. January 2004. Washington DC, The Natural World, NCLC 120, Student Assessment of Learning Gains. Presented with Dr. Robert Furey, New Century College.


Frequent Presenter at AAC&U (American Association of Colleges and Universities) and AAHE (American Association of Higher Education) Conferences (1998-2004). Recent presentations include portfolio development, utilization of community partners in learning community environments and panel discussions of diversity and learning: experiences with general science education in NCC.


Synergistic activities:


Senior Associate NSF Funded Project SENCER. Developed a model learning community course for this national dissemination STEM education reform initiative in 2000. Conducted faculty development workshops at the annual Summer Institute every year from 2000-present.


Dept of Education FIPSE (Fund for Improvement of Post Secondary Education) PI 2000-2002. Conceptualized, developed and implemented what became the “Smithsonian Mason Semester”, the first resident semester program for undergraduate students residing at a SI facility. Interdisciplinary and active learning community focused with informal science education components. Initiated with Provost Dr. Peter Stearns and Dr. Chris Wemmer, and Dr. Steven Monfort, Directors of the Smithsonian Conservation Breeding Institute in Front Royal, VA.


Consultant for Education Reform. Promote faculty development for science education reform around the country, including Gettysburg University; Ohio State University, Akron; James Madison University; Florida Gulf Coast University. 2004-present


Developed K-12 education reform. Fauquier County School District STEM education reform with the Superintendent. Training teachers and implementing outdoor experiential learning, interdisciplinary science program with Funded with private foundation grants (50K annually). 2011-present


Learning Community and Course Development. Tenured faculty in New Century College, a Boyer model, competency based college at George Mason University. Developed many interdisciplinary STEM learning communities in Conservation Studies since the inception of the college in 1996.


Doctoral Dissertation: Major Advisors Dr. David Wildt, Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park; Dr. Geoffrey Birchard, George Mason University.

Masters Thesis: Dr. Kenneth White; Louisiana State University now at Utah State University


Advisor to Students at Mason:


Dissertation and Thesis Students Major Advisor graduated: Siddiq Kalay 2013; Herlitz Davis 2013; Sandeep Sharma 2012, Trishna Dutta 2012: Wendy Kiso 2011; Candice Dosey 2009; Karin Schwartz, current. Serve on additional dissertation committees in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University.

Masters Students: 62 students supervised in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership Master’s degree and individual studies MAIS program at George Mason University.



Book Chapter:


Sterling, E.J., J. Lee and T.C. Wood. 2007. Conservation education in zoos: an emphasis on behavioral change. In: Zoos in the 21st Century: Catalysts for Conservation? Edited by Matthew Hatchwell et al. Cambridge University Press.


Recent Publications:


Sharma, S., Dutta T., Maldonado, J.E., Wood, T.C., Panwar, H.S., Seidensticker, J. (2013) Selection of microsatellite loci for genetic monitoring of sloth bears. Ursus 24 (2):164-169.


Campbell, S, Wood T.C. (2013) Influences of Acorn Mast, Temperature, Precipitation and Snow Accumulation on White-Tailed Deer Body Mass in the Northern Piedmont of Virginia. Northeastern Naturalist 20, (3) 469-477


Dutta, T., Sharma, S., Maldonado, J. E., Wood, T. C., Panwar, H. S., Seidensticker, J. (2013) Gene flow and demographic history of leopards (Panthera pardus) in the central Indian highlands. Evolutionary Applications: DOI: 10.1111/eva.12078


Sharma, S., Dutta, T., Maldonado, J. E., Wood, T. C., Panwar, H. S., Seidensticker, J. (2013) A highly informative microsatellite panel for individual identification and sex determination of jungle cats (Felis chaus). Conservation Genetics Resources DOI: 10.1007/s12686-013-9873-0.


Sharma, S., Dutta, T., Maldonado, J. E., Wood, T. C., Panwar, H. S., Seidensticker, J. (2013) Spatial genetic analysis reveals high connectivity of tiger (Panthera tigris) populations in the Satpura-Maikal landscape of Central India. Ecology and Evolution. 3(1) 48-60. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.432


Dutta, T., Sharma, S., Maldonado, J. E., Wood, T. C., Panwar, H. S., Seidensticker, J. (2012) Fine-scale population genetic structure in a wide-ranging carnivore, the leopard (Panthera pardus) in central India. Diversity and Distributions. DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12024.


Dutta, T., Sharma, S., Maldonado, J. E., Wood, T. C., Seidensticker, J. (2012). A reliable method for individual identification and gender determination of wild leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) using non-invasive samples. Conservation Genetics Resources 4(3): 665-667.


Older References:


Barry, B.E., D.L. Thompson, Jr., K.L. White, T.C. Wood, K.E. Hehnke, M.H. Rabb and D.C. Colborn. 1989. Viability of inner cell mass versus trophectodermal cells of frozen-thawed horse embryos. Equine Vet. J. Suppl.:82-83.


Hehnke, K.E., D.L. Thompson Jr., B.E. Barry, K.L. White and T.C. Wood. 1990. Formation and characterization of vesicles from day-10 horse conceptuses. Theriogenology 34:709-720.


Monfort, S.L., G.W. Asher, T.C. Wood, M.C. Schiewe, L.R. Williamson, M. Bush, D.E. Wildt and W.F. Rall. 1993. Successful intrauterine insemination in Eld’s deer (Cervus eldi thamin) using frozen-thawed spermatozoa. J. Reprod. Fertil. 99:459-465.


Monfort, S.L., J.L. Brown, M. Bush, T.C. Wood, C. Wemmer, A. Vargas. L.R. Williamson, R. Montali and D.E. Wildt. 1993. Cirannual interrelationships among reproductive hormones, gross morphometry, behavior, ejaculate characteristics and testicular histology in Eld's deer stags (Cervus eldi thamin). J. Reprod. Fertil. 98:471-480.


Monfort, S.L., J.L. Brown, T.C. Wood, C.Wemmer, A. Vargas, L.R. Williamson and D.E. Wildt. 1993. Seasonal patterns of basal and GnRH-induced LH, FSH and testosterone secretion in Eld's deer stags (Cervus eldi thamin). J. Reprod. Fertil. 98:481-488.


Monfort, S.L., J.L. Brown, T.C. Wood, M. Bush, L.R. Williamson and D.E. Wildt. 1995. Effects of long-term continuous GnRh administration on the pituitary-gonadal axis in Eld's deer stags (Cervus eldi thamin). Can. J. Zool. 73:1609-1619.


White, K.L., L.F. Rickords, L.L. Southern, K.E. Hehnke, D.L. Thompson Jr. and T.C. Wood. 1989. Early embryonic development in vitro by co-culture with oviductal epithelial cells in pigs. Biol. Reprod. 41:425-430.


White, K.L., D.L. Thompson Jr. and T.C. Wood. 1988. Evaluation of the presence of a specific histocompatability protein on equine embryonic cells. Animal Genetics 19:373-378.


Wood, T.C., T.O. Brooks and W.J.L. Sladen. 2002. Vocal Characteristics of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans and their Hybrid Offspring. Proc.Fourth International Swan Symposium. Waterbirds 25:360-362.



Wood, T.C., A.P. Byers, B.E. Jennette and D.E. Wildt. 1994. Influence of protein and hormone supplementation on in vitro maturation and fertilization of domestic cat eggs. J. Reprod. Fertil. 104:315-323.


Wood, T and Ellis, S. 2001. George Mason University FIPSE Workshop 1 – Final Report. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.


Wood, T. C. and E.M. Gunn. 2001. Mysteries of migration, consequences for conservation. SENCER Cluster Affiliations: Integrated/Interdisciplinary Science Learning Communities. American Association Colleges and Universities, Washington DC.


Wood, T.C., R.M. Montali and D.E. Wildt. 1997. Follicle-oocyte atresia and temporal taphonomy in cold-stored domestic cat ovaries. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:190-200.


Wood, T.C. and D.E. Wildt. 1997. Effect of the quality of the cumulus -oocyte complex in the domestic cat on the ability of oocytes to mature, fertilize and develop into blastocysts in vitro. J. Reprod. Fertil. 110:355-360.


Invited Book Review:


Wood, T.C. 2004. Lions, Mice, and Pandas: Sleuthing the Mammalian Genome. Review of: Tears of the Cheetah and Other Tales from the Genetic Frontier. S.J. OBrien author. Bioscience 54: 1042-1044.



Other Significant Activities:


Journal Reviewer: Peer Reviewed Journals: Science Education and Civic Engagement: An International Journal. Theriogenology


NSF, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) Faculty for the 21st Century. Member of the class of 2001. Active participant in production of science advisory reports directed at federal science education reform.


Grant Reviewer: National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution and other federal grant agencies.


Grant Reviewer: 2005, 2007, 2009. 21st Century Museum Professionals Grant Panel: Institute of Museum & Library Services. Final review for $1,000,000 in federal awards.


American Association of Underwater Scientists. (2003-Present) Founding Dive Safety Officer representing George Mason University. Oversee all research diving and training activities at George Mason.


Advisor GMU SCUBA club. 1988-present. Providing basic scuba instruction to promote learning of the natural history of the underwater world.


Personal Interests:

Music (past principal cellist, UC Davis Symphony), bird watching, SCUBA instructor, skiing, canoeing. rock climbing, ceramics.


Additional Professional Affiliations:

Society for Conservation Biology,

American Zoo and Aquarium Association,

Sigma XI,

American Association for the Advancement of Science.


Additional collaborators outside George Mason University:

Dr. Steven Monfort, Smithsonian Institution Dr. Chris Wemmer, Smithsonian (emeritus)

Dr. David Wildt, Smithsonian Institution Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, Heintz Foundation

Dr. Susie Ellis, The Nature Conservancy Dr. Alix Fink, Longwood University

Dr. Francisco Dallmeier, Smithsonian Dr. Eleanor Sterling, Am Museum Nat History

Dr. John Ballou, Smithsonian Institution Dr. Jannine Brown, Smithsonian Institution

Dr. John Seidensticker, Smithsonian Inst. Prof. David Burns, Rutgers: project SENCER




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17 MATHEMATICS AND CIVIL SOCIETY [DR P G THOMASKUTTY
2 DE LA MUERTE NATURAL LEWIS THOMAS1 EXISTE TAL
20 Thomas (“tim”) Borstelmann Department of History 6048 Cross


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