The 79th Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists will sponsor up to 12 graduate students during its meeting on July 27-31, 2008 in Woodland Park, Colorado. The C. C. Burkhardt Memorial Graduate Student Award will be presented to the student judged to give the best presentation. The award is a $100 cash prize, plaque and sponsorship the following year. Second place will receive a $50 cash prize and certificate. Third place will receive a certificate. The conference offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, increase knowledge, collect insects, and make important professional contacts.
Sponsorship Criteria
One student from each university/ college is eligible. NOTE: If the quota of 12 students is not met, the conference will consider more than one student from a department.
Each student is responsible for transportation costs. Registration fees, lodging, and meals at the meeting site during official meeting times will be paid by the Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists.
Students are required to make an oral presentation on their research.
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is nearby. Past meeting participants have collected several nice insect specimens at a fee site near the National Monument.
May Natural History Museum near Colorado Springs has 7000 of the world's most beautiful and unusual invertebrates including many insects from all the tropical areas of the world.
Many areas for hiking, fishing, and sight-seeing. Several miles of paved trails for jogging, cycling, or in-line skating. Fly-fishing trout streams are nearby. Fly-tying equipment will be available and anyone interested can receive informal instruction. An abundance of tourist attractions in the Colorado Springs area less than an hour away.
Directions: 23 miles northwest of Colorado Springs to Woodland Park on Highway 24; then 4 miles north on Highway 67; watch for the wooden grasshopper sign on the left, follow the dirt road west for one mile to the camp.
Templed Hills Camp contains 160 acres and is located in the Pike National Forest. There is space for your recreational vehicle (RV) or tent. The camp also has small, rustic cabins to accommodate family groups. The cabins have beds and mattresses, but you need to bring your own blankets and bedding. Cabins have electricity. Bathrooms are centrally located with hot showers and flush toilets. The camp is located at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Mornings and evenings are chilly, and August weather can be unpredictable. Bring sweaters, jackets, and rain gear, plus warm bedding.
Registration: Pre-registration is essential to plan for meals.
Program: The format is informal, with topics of interest for everyone. Participants are encouraged to present a paper at the Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists. Submit a title and time needed with your registration. Abstracts can be submitted when you register or can be brought to the meeting.
