We are pleased to open the application period for the 17th annual Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology Courses, also known as Iso-Camp. These will be multi-instructor lecture (Biology 7473, morning) and laboratory (Biology 7475, afternoon) short courses offered to 27 graduate students and postdoctoral investigators interested in learning more about the applications of stable isotopes at natural abundance levels to environmental, biogeochemical, marine, and ecological studies. We will set aside an additional 5 openings for the lecture course only (Biology 7473) for postdocs and faculty wishing only the lecture and an introduction to the lab. The courses will: 1) be offered June 11-22, 2012 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City 2) be limited to 27 participants (Biology 7473/7475) in order to maximize laboratory and instrument access; an additional 5 openings will be available for the lecture course (Biology 7473) will be made available for postdocs and faculty 3) consist of a morning lecture-discussion course and an afternoon laboratory course; there will be 17 course instructors, experts selected from across the country for their breadth and for their interest in teaching and interacting with students 4) include a hands-on laboratory experience each day, including full access and use of all SIRFER ThermoElectron isotope ratio mass spectrometers and Picarro cavity-ring down spectrometers; the IRMS is equipped with elemental analyzers, continuous flow capacities, GC, TCEA, pre-con, laser, common-acid-bath; available also are vacuum preparation lines for organic and inorganic compounds of biological and environmental interest Many of the evenings will be set aside for discussions of current research interests, group dinners, additional talks, and also there will be opportunities for social events in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Typically our applicants have come from all across the United States as well as from many different foreign countries. We select students with a diversity of academic interests, geographical diversity, and research experiences in mind. We seek students with broad interests who are interested in learning broadly about stable isotope applications and in interacting with both other students and faculty. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Past participants have had backgrounds in different disciplines, including animal and plant physiology, ecology and ecosystem science, biogeochemistry, anthropology, atmospheric science, marine science, oceanography, paleontology, forensic science, industry, and geology. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012. Please check out the home page at http://stableisotopes.utah.edu. We will notify applicants about February 28, 2012 regarding acceptance into the course and how to begin planning for lodging arrangements, tuition payments, reading materials, etc. This year we will be offering a limited number of scholarships to support course fees and lodging expenses. If you are interested in being considered for one of the scholarships, additional information beyond the initial application is required. Details are posted on the course website. We will announce scholarship recipients on or about February 28, 2012 as well. On behalf of the other instructors who participate in this course from my campus as well as from across the United States, let me say that we look forward to your application and encourage you to explore our website. Happy Holidays. Jim Ehleringer ([email protected])

--------------James Ehleringer Department of Biology University of Utah 257 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Tel. 801-581-7623