Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/02/2019
4th Annual Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium
We’re excited to announce the 4th Annual EEB Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium. Any undergrad who has done research related to ecology or evolution is invited to apply. To apply, please use the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcx7El6oqqkR-l7_LdM-nNm8s5A2B1fcgAfsQ06tpVLdRqmw/viewform?usp=sf_link
This year’s symposium will be on Friday, April 26th from 11am-2pm in Hesler 427. Once your application is accepted, we will send information about judging times, set-up and tear down times, and the poster competition. The best poster (as determined by faculty and grad student judges) will receive an award at the EEB awards ceremony.
Archaeology Internship in Colorado
Seeking 2 motivated individuals to serve as archaeology interns in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management in Meeker, CO.
Tentative Session Dates: Early May, 2019 – August, 2019. Full-time, temporary
Weekly stipend of $560 per week
Program Overview:
Archaeology interns will work with a BLM crew chief to conduct Class III cultural resource inventory on range, realty, and recreation projects within the White River Field Office. As part of the survey, the interns will monitor previously recorded sites within the project area and record newly discovered sites found during inventory. If the BLM decides that site mitigation is required, interns will assist in testing and excavating archaeological sites. These positions will be led by a BLM archaeologist mentor. The BLM archaeologist, as well as a BLM ranger, will provide field and GIS support. Cultural inventory data collected by this crew will be used to make informed decisions pertaining to the BLM White River Field’s Office’s land management decisions. This position provides interns hands-on training in archaeological fieldwork, as well as an introduction to the laws, regulations, and policies that guide cultural resource management in the BLM.
The crew will be provided a Trimble unit, a digital camera, and recording forms from the State Historic Preservation Office. On occasion, crews may camp for 1 nights during a workweek when surveying in remote locations. These positions are supervised and mentored by a BLM archaeologist. The BLM archaeologist, as well as a BLM ranger, will provide field and GIS support.
Training will be provided in GPS use, proper data collection, First Aid/CPR, defensive driving, safety procedures, radios, Class III cultural inventory procedures, and the overall cultural resource management process. If time allows, interested interns may receive additional training for a career in cultural resource management. A preference will be given to individuals who have completed an archaeological field school, who are familiar with the archaeology in northwest Colorado, and who can serve the entire season. Interns must be willing to serve four 10 hour days (Monday-Thursday) which may involve camping in remote locations. Start dates range from May 7th – May 28th (May 13th preferred) with ending dates ranging from August 2nd – Sept 2nd. The total internship is expected to be approximately 11-12 weeks, or 450 paid hours, but may be negotiated to be reduced or extended a few weeks depending on funding and the intern’s availability.
Interns must provide some of their own field equipment (pack, boots, compass, and camping gear) and housing. Housing is not provided for this internship, but local assistance can be provided to help find options, reduce costs, etc. Rental rates in Meeker, CO currently vary from $400-$600 for a two-bedroom apartment. The opportunity to explore remote public lands, gain professional work experience in cultural resource management, and contribute to an important land management process awaits those selected for this challenging opportunity.
General Qualifications:
The service varies from sedentary in completing office phases of the duties assigned, to field-based service. The field-based service requires hiking in remote areas over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain for extended periods of time, carrying equipment such as GPS units, cameras, packs, etc. in a variety of weather conditions. Hiking long distances will be required (8-10 miles per day) with a 20-30 lb. pack. Ability to work 10 hour shifts 4 days per week.
Skills:
– Ability to learn new tasks and apply them independently
– Ability to navigate in a remote setting using a map and compass or Trimble unit
Experience:
– Intern must have the ability to serve unsupervised, and use computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Driving: If intern will be driving a RMYC or host agency vehicle, intern must be a minimum age of 21 (required by RMYC insurance policy).
Pre-service background screening required including FBI background check
– Completion of at least two years of post-high school education in anthropology of a related discipline
Forest Ecology REU Application Deadline Extended
We are seeking one paid Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) intern for summer 2019 to study Forest Ecosystem Ecology in the Northern Rockies. This National Science Foundation REU opportunity provides 11 weeks of funding ($500 stipend/week) as well as a housing stipend ($22/day). The project offers ample opportunities for an undergraduate to develop a field research project and pursue a senior-thesis while building the necessary foundation for a career in ecological research.
The intern will be working with the Idaho Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling group (ITEAM). Our research group studies shifting relationships between western forest ecosystems, climate change, policy decisions, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Our current projects explore the use of automated and traditional ecosystem carbon and water flux measurements across Rocky Mountain field sites to better understand forest responses to shifting drought and fire regimes. We use measurements to improve ecosystem modeling of past, present, and future conditions across site to west-wide scales to better inform critical management policies.
During the summer of 2019, the REU intern will assist the ITEAM lab with field work at local and regional sites (Northern Idaho), lab analysis, and data management. The REU intern will learn cutting edge field techniques to measure forest vegetation and soil stocks and fluxes. Fieldwork will involve hiking and carrying heavy equipment off-trail as well as long days outside, occasionally in inclement conditions. The student will learn database usage, statistical/spatial analyses, and will have the opportunity to communicate research findings in both oral and written forms.
Through this hands-on experience, the REU student will develop and implement an independent research project associated with the lab’s field research. There are many opportunities to develop an independent project with ITEAM members from both previously collected and upcoming 2019 field season data. The student will have 11 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) participation in the summer of 2019. For students attending U. Idaho, there is a possibility to continue their independent research with the ITEAM lab in the fall 2019 semester.
This position is located in Moscow, ID, which is a small college town on the Idaho/Washington border. Moscow serves as a base camp for outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northern Rockies, with the Salmon River, the Wallowa Mountains, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and Hells Canyon all within a few hours. Housing in Moscow is very affordable, and sublets are plentiful during the summer months.
Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0; significant interest in forest ecology, field research, and the outdoors; ability to hike off-trail and work long days outside; interest in learning and applying new research techniques to work both with a team and independently; strong work ethic, self-motivated, and critical thinking skills. The schedule can be flexible to allow for summer travel plans but must be able to complete 11 weeks of full-time work between May 1 and October 1, 2019. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled as an undergraduate student. Students with backgrounds that are underrepresented in forest science are encouraged to apply.
Application: Please submit a cover letter (detailing your interest, relevant experience and skills, and summer availability), resume, academic transcripts (unofficial fine), and 1-2 letters of recommendation (minimum one from an academic faculty member familiar with your work) to Dr. Tara Hudiburg (thudiburg@uidaho.edu ). Application deadline extended to April 8th, 2019.
For more information about our lab group, visit our website: https://www.iteamlab.weebly.com/
UREx SRN 2019 Research Experience for Undergrads (REU)
The Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network (UREx SRN) is pleased to announce six (6) potential research opportunities for undergraduate students to participate this summer in interdisciplinary research associated with urban infrastructure resilience and community vulnerability in the face of extreme weather-related events. UREx SRN aims to generate knowledge and promote actions that will ensure urban resilience. UREx SRN is interested in students who have their sights set on graduate school and careers in related scientific research and outcomes. The REU opportunity will provide four (4) selected students hands-on experience in data research, analysis, stakeholder engagement and active collaboration with the UREx SRN team.
Compensation: Each REU student will receive a competitive funding package up to US $4,500 for research stipends and travel (if applicable).
View REU opportunities at: https://sustainability.asu.edu/urbanresilience/.
Submit student applications to: Emily Key (emily.key@asu.edu).Application deadline: Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 5:00 PM AZ-MST.
Opportunity 1: Pleasantville, NY or Corvallis, OR The role of green infrastructure incentive programs in (in)equitably meeting urban stormwater challenges
Opportunity 2: Phoenix, AZ
Mitigating Extreme Heat as Tempe Densifies
Opportunity 3: Phoenix, AZ
How does the establishment of flow-control structures in an ephemeral desert wash influence surrounding vegetation?
Opportunity 4: Phoenix, AZ
Comparative Urban Futures for Flood Resilience
Opportunity 5: Miami, FL
Opportunities in Floodplain Management for Risk Reduction and Natural Systems Benefits
Opportunity 6: Miami, FL
Urban Wetland Restoration
Summer internship available, studying Harmful Algal Blooms
The Erdner laboratory is seeking a Summer Research Intern to assist in studies of the toxic dinoflagellate that causes ciguatera fish poisoning. The position is primarily laboratory-based and will include algal culture and molecular biology tasks such as DNA extraction and PCR. Other studies are possible, depending on background. The position is at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, TX (http://sites.utexas.edu/erdnerlab/). Questions about the position should be directed to derdner@utexas.edu.
Eligibility: We are looking for motivated and dedicated applicants with an interest in being an active part of our lab group. We encourage applicants from groups that are underrepresented in marine science. You should be an undergraduate student, i.e. expected to be enrolled during the Fall 2019 semester. Coursework in molecular biology and prior experience with basic techniques is desired, but not required. The pay range is $10-15 per hour, depending on experience, with a 40-hour workweek expected. Dormitory housing is available at the Institute, and it is included as part of the internship.
We will begin to review applications on April 15, 2019, and may continue to accept applications after that date if needed. To apply, please send the following to Dr. Deana Erdner at derdner@utexas.edu:
1) Cover letter/email stating why you are interested in the internship
2) Resume or CV
3) List of coursework: either an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or list of courses taken and grades.
4) The names and contact information of two references
If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy applications can be mailed to:
Dr. Deana Erdner
University of Texas
Marine Science Institute
750 Channel View Dr.
Port Aransas, TX 78373
BLM Botany Internship in CO – Application deadline extended to 4/4
Seeking individuals with strong plant identification skills (experience or coursework) for priority conservation projects in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management in Northwest Colorado. Deadline to apply extended to 4/4. See below for more details. To apply e-mail resume, letter of interest, and a copy of your transcripts to: lizd@rockymountainyouthcorps.com
Service Details:
Provides botanical or soils expertise to the project. Botany specialist will be primarily responsible for completing the species inventory, maintaining and tracking botanical specimens of known and unknown species throughout the field season and keep records updated as needed. The soil specialist will be primarily responsible for soil stability and pit characterization, collect soils found throughout the field office to develop and maintain a unique soil library for the field office, and providing guidance on soil texturing techniques to the crew. Both crew members will serve closely with the crew lead to discuss and come to consensus of which ecological site or soil series the plot falls on.
Program Overview:
Members will serve on a 3-person crew (one crew lead mentor and two technicians) to monitor vegetation communities on BLM lands. Members will visit randomized points across range and forested lands and follow specific monitoring protocols using the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM Strategy can be found at: http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org/. Within each plot, all plants are identified to species level; Line-Point Intercept, GAP and Soil Stability measurements are taken along three 25m transects; and soil layers to a 70cm depth are described. Data is entered electronically at the plot using computer tablets. Data collected through the AIM Strategy will be used in land management decisions, evaluating land health, addressing concerns with T&E species and supporting BLM’s mission.
General Duties
• Collect vegetation data using Line Point Intercept (LPI) methods
• Assist in plant identification at each plot by using dichotomous keys
• Press and document unknown plant species to be identified back at the office
• Assist digging holes to a depth of 70 cm and record soil layers, textures and hues
• Measure canopy gap and herbaceous heights at frequent intervals along a transect line
• Record quality data and routinely do quality data checks
• Endure long periods of standing, bending, crouching, or stooping
• Orienteering using maps, GPS units, iPhone Collector App (ARCGIS)
Qualifications
• Ability to attend AIM Method Training (May 13th-17, Grand Junction)
• Experience with ArcGIS Online Interface and 1-2 years experience with using taxonomic keys
• College Graduate with a degree in ecology, botany, range science, soil science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or a related field.
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record, ability to drive a 4×4 truck on 2-track roads or the willingness to learn
• Ability to serve in and respond to adverse weather conditions including extreme heat, monsoonal rains and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions) while carrying a heavy pack over uneven terrain
• Applicant must be self-motivated and able to serve as a member of a small team as well as independently
• Since tasks can be tedious, having a good work ethic is essential
• Previous knowledge of AIM or Indicators of Rangeland Health and basic knowledge in Rocky Mountain Flora and botanical terminology is highly preferred
• U.S. Citizenship or permission to work in the US
• Must be 16 to 30 years old at the start of the service opportunity
• This position is supported by the Public Lands Hiring Authority which requires candidates to be between the ages of 16 to 30
• Members will need to pass a Federal Background check prior to working