- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
DAVIS--John Lane, an adjunct professor at California State University and a California-registered professional geologist, will speak on “The Hargy Caldera and Surrounding Watersheds Project: West New Britain, Papua New Guinea” at the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology seminar on Wednesday, April 22.
The seminar will be in Room 122 of Briggs Hall from 12:10 to 1 p.m. He will be introduced by his host, Lynn Kimsey, director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology and professor of entomology at UC Davis.
“The Hargy Caldera and Surrounding Watersheds Project was developed in 2007 to discover and describe the unique features of the Lake Hargy/Nakanai Mountains of West New Britain, Papua New Guinea and to help promote world heritage status to this region,” Lane said in his abstract. “The project's focus for this year, 2015, will be fivefold: continued mapping of the Hargy Caldera, including forest density and diversity studies, continued swabbing for the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, continued sampling of herpetofauna, collection of butterflies, and lastly, sampling of avifauna.”
“Although not a primary focus, mammal and invertebrate surveys are also anticipated," he said. "In the coming years, we hope to establish a long-term research station at Lake Hargy. The research station will allow us to continue our collaboration with California State University, Chico, potentially with University of California, Davis and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). With our collaboration we hope to inspire, empower, environmental science students the opportunity to study abroad. Through this opportunity, students will gain both practical field experience and a more comprehensive international perspective, both environmentally and socially.”
Lane holds an master of science degree in geoscience and a bachelor's degree in physical science both from California State University, Chico. He is a Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer.
Lane has more than 23 years experience working as a geologist dealing with issues ranging from air sampling to water rights. He is the principal scientist for Chico Environmental Science and Planning, an environmental consulting firm based in downtown Chico. He also is the founder of the Subterranean Explorers, a group of scientists and explorers who have conducted research expeditions that have led to the creation of conservation areas in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. John lives in Chico with his wife, daughter and son.
The seminar will be video-recorded for later posting on UCTV.
See remainder of the departmental seminars, which are coordinated by nematologist/professor Steve Nadler.
Related Link:
Feature story on John Lane, Sacramento News & Review