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2018 EEB Awards

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The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department had their annual awards ceremony on Friday, May 11, 2018. Congratulations to:

o 2018 EEB Outstanding Master’s Thesis: Chad Stachowiak
o 2018 EEB Jim Tanner Outstanding Dissertation: Sara Lipshutz
o 2018 EEB Best Progress Toward Dissertation: Chloe Lash
o 2018 EEB Sandy Echternacht Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student: Melqui Gamba-Rios
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Publication by a Graduate Student: Jennifer Summers
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Outreach and Community Service by a Graduate Student: Maggie Mamantov
o 2018 EEB Tom Hallam Appreciation Award: Angela Chuang
o 2018 Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Award: Daniel Malagon (Kalisz Lab) and honorable mentions Samantha Cahill (Giam Lab) and Alexis Case (Hughes Lab)
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Undergraduate: Alexis Case
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Undergraduate Research: Anna Cameron
o 2018 EEB Undergraduate Award for Professional Promise: Kane Lawhorn
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Outreach and Community Service by an Undergraduate Student: Justin Baldwin
o 2018 EEB Outstanding Administrative Service Award: Jeff Martin

EUReCA award for Cahill

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There were some amazing entries from EEB for the April 16-20 EUReCA (Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement) event!

Congratulations to Samantha Cahill (Giam Lab) for winning an Arts & Sciences Award in EUReCA with her research Spatial Analysis of Mountaintop Mining’s Impact on Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates.

Honorable mention went to Alexis Case’s (Hughes Lab) research Post-fire ectomycorrhizal associations with Pinus sp. in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Year one.

Great job everyone!

NSF Award and Recognition for EEB

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EEB undergraduate Justin Baldwin and EEB graduate student Maggie Mamantov (Sheldon Lab) both received honorable mentions in the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This program selects early career students with high potential in science.

Amanda Wilson Carter (postdoc, Sheldon Lab) was awarded an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology! Using dung beetles, she will integrate thermal plasticity across life stages with maternal behavior to understand the mechanisms driving responses to increased temperature variation.

Congratulations!

Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/10/2018

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Plant Community Ecology REU in Alpine Tundra – Review of applicants will begin April 15th

The Spasojevic Ecology Lab at the University of California Riverside is recruiting one undergraduate to participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this summer at the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site near Boulder Colorado. The successful applicant will contribute to ongoing NSF-funded research investigating the role of early snowmelt on plant biodiversity patterns in alpine tundra and develop an independent project on a topic of their choosing within the field of plant community ecology. Please see the Spasojevic Lab website

(www.traitecology.com) for the types of projects that we work on.

Benefits

Stipend is $5,250 for 10-week session, meals provided in a dining hall and a partial food stipend ($30/per day) for the 18 days that the dining hall is closed, housing in a rustic cabin, travel to the program (one round trip, up to $500).

Qualifications

Students must be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year school.

Students graduating before September 2018 will not be eligible.

Participants must be US Citizens, US Nationals, or permanent residents.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the sciences, first-generation college students, students that attend colleges with limited research opportunities (small liberal arts and community colleges), financially disadvantaged students, students with physical disabilities, and US military veterans.

Application

Please send a cover letter, C.V. or resume, and contact information for two references to markos@ucr.edu. Review of applicants will begin April 15th.

Important Note: Applicants must be in adequate physical condition to live at the Mountain Research Station’s elevation (9,500 feet) and to participate in activities at and above this elevation. For nearly all students, there are no difficulties beyond needing a few days of acclimation. If you have a history of heart or lung problems or have other physical conditions which might limit your ability to participate, please consult with your physician before applying.

Please see (http://mspaso.wixsite.com/traitecology/join-the-lab) for details

 

REU positions in forest invasion ecology – Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2018

The Fei lab at Purdue University is accepting applications for 1-2 Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions. The undergraduate student(s) will be based in West Lafayette and would work on projects for the NSF MSB-FRA Award # EF-1638702, Modeling Invasion Dynamics Across Scales (MIDAS) in collaboration with members of the Fei lab. Two specific areas of research interest are available, including (1) investigating associations between forest understory invasion patterns and forest tree mycorrhizal types, and (2) determining the influences of forest canopy phenology and structure on plant invasion.

The students will primarily be responsible for assisting with tasks related to expanding the current project. In particular, students will be expected (1) to collect species trait and/or remote sensing data, and (2) to assist in analyzing data and producing papers. Preferred qualifications include (but are not required): quantitative and computational skills, and experience with working with GIS and remote sensing data.

This is a 12-week position during the summer term starting during the 2nd or 3rd week in May of 2018 and a successful applicant will be expected to work 40 hours per week. Compensation is $6,000 over the course of 12 weeks. A successful applicant is expected to secure their own lodging, meals, and transportation. Students from underrepresented groups and from institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcript, and one letter of recommendation. The statement of interest should be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant experience. Send application materials in one PDF file to Dr. Insu Jo (jo23@purdue.edu) and Dr. Elizabeth LaRue (elarue@purdue.edu). The letter of recommendation should be e-mailed directly from the recommender with the applicant’s name in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2018.

 

Research Experience for Undergraduates Opportunity in Landscape Planning and Management – Applications due by April 23, 2018.

Are you an undergraduate student interested in conservation, landscapes, and urban sustainability? Professor Kelli Larson at Arizona State University is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate student to participate in research during the summer of 2018. The participant will work with faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students to explore how people manage their yards and what types of landscapes cities are pursuing for water conservation, biodiversity, and other purposes. The student will work with team members to conduct research on current landscape design trends across cities of the U.S.

The position is located in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, and situated in the northern Sonoran Desert, which is home to the iconic saguaro cactus and charismatic desert animals. ASU is located in Tempe, a lively and vibrant college town with accessible public transportation and amenities.

This REU is a 10-week position that runs from mid-May to mid-August, 2018.

The successful applicant will be awarded a $5,000 stipend, and up to

$3,000 for room and board. Additionally, funding is available for the REU student to prepare and present a poster at the January 2019 CAP LTER All Scientists Meeting in Tempe, AZ.

About the Project

As part of a NSF-funded Macrosystems grant, Larson’s research group is exploring residential landscapes and how they are designed and managed across diverse cities including Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL. Documenting landscaping trends in residential areas is critical for enhancing the environmental and social value of these common urban ecosystems.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must:

  • Be pursuing a degree in geography, planning, sustainability, landscape design/architecture, or a related field.
  • Have an interest in environmental research.
  • Be able to work in Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Have solid written and verbal communication skills.
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications

  • Interest in developing this research into an Honors thesis and/or for publication.
  • Experience in conducting social science research.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-

time) leading to a Bachelor’s degree. The funding also requires the student to be must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to apply

Please send cover letter, resume or CV, and unofficial transcripts to Kelli.Larson@asu.edu by April 23, 2018.

 

REU at University of California Santa Barbara

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is open for one student at the Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara. Duration is 10-12 weeks, June-Aug, with dates somewhat flexible to accommodate academic schedules. We invite applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from U.S.

colleges/universities to participate in a lab and field-based summer research experience. U.S. citizenship is required. The student will be involved with an NSF-funded project on kelp forests and the role of kelp in sandy beach food webs. The main objective of the project is evaluate how variation in kelp wrack input affects patterns and processes in beach ecosystems and to develop a quantitative understanding of trophic connectivity through physical transport and input of drift kelp from kelp forests to sandy beaches. The student will learn ecological and/or physical oceanographic methods to explore this or a related topic, and will be required to write a report, in the format of a scientific paper, and give a presentation on their project at the end of the summer. Travel costs to and from UCSB will be covered, and the student will be provided with a weekly stipend for living expenses. This is a full-time commitment and any work or educational activities outside the program must be approved.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at least two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree in a related topic (including biology, ecology, or physics),

and you will still be an undergraduate in the fall after the summer program. Students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with scientific diving is desirable but not required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. The University of California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application

Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for one additional reference. The statement of interest should be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in the position, and (iii) relevant experience. Send application materials, preferably in one PDF file, to Robert Miller (miller@msi.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and REU application in file names and subject line. You may also send all application materials in hard copy by non-electronic mail service to: Robert Miller, Marine Science Institute, UCSB, Santa Barbara CA 93601-6150. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender (please include the applicant’s name in the subject line for emails). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted through April 27, 2018.

 

Santa Barbara Coastal LTER REU

Keywords: Biogeochemistry, Organic Matter, Nitrogen, Sediment, Kelp, Santa Barbara

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is available for one student in partnership with the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Duration is 12 weeks, June 18-Sept 7, although these dates are flexible, and the student will be compensated $1,500/month.

We invite applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from U.S. colleges/universities to participate in a 12-week lab and field-based summer research experience. The student will be involved with an NSF-funded project on the cycling of terrestrially and marine-derived organic matter in kelp forests and nearby marine sediments. The main objective of this project is to evaluate how the input of various kinds of organic matter affects nitrogen and carbon cycling in kelp forest ecosystems and surrounding regions and to develop a quantitative understanding of the potential supply of nutrients provided by these organic matter inputs. Applicants should possess a strong analytical chemistry background, an interest in fieldwork, and the desire to conduct an independent project.

There are several potential avenues of research that the REU may pursue, and the final project will be decided upon following a literature review and discussion with their supervisor. The REU will be responsible for conducting an independent project and completing a written report at the end of the summer. They will also have the opportunity to learn R software, participate in fieldwork in the Santa Barbara Channel, collaborate with other undergraduate students, and receive training for several biogeochemical protocols and appropriate instruments.

Eligibility: You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at least two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree in a related topic (including but not limited to environmental studies, chemistry, biology, ecology, or physics), and if you will still be an undergraduate in the fall term following the summer fellowship. Students from underrepresented groups and from institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The University of California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should send a personal statement, CV, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for one additional reference. The statement should be no more than a page in length and should include the following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in the position, and

(iii) relevant experience. Send application materials as a single PDF, to Heili Lowman (heili.lowman@lifesci.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and REU application in file names and the e-mail subject line. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2018.

 

 

Undergrad Research Opportunities 03/22/2018, updated 3/28

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Undergraduate field research: amphibians and microbes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA.

OVERVIEW

An NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship is open for an undergraduate student to participate in a project studying Sierra Nevada amphibians affected by a chytrid fungal pathogen, and the role of the skin microbiome in disease resistance. The aim of this research is to understand if symbiotic microbes on the skin of frogs explain why some frog populations are able to co-exist with the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), while other frog populations suffer catastrophic declines. The successful candidate will work closely with a senior researcher to conduct surveys of frog population persistence, pathogen infection status, and symbiotic microbes.  This work entails strenuous long-distance hiking, back-packing, handling of sensitive amphibians, and collection of microbial skin swabs. The incumbent will receive experience and training in field ecology, disease ecology, and microbial ecology.

SUPPORT, DATES, LOCATION

This fellowship includes a stipend of $500/week. Housing is provided at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab (SNARL). Limited funds for travel are available. Dates of the field work are approximately July 15 through August 30. Exact dates to be determined.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for this position, you must have have extensive backpacking experience, including backpacking at high elevations (>10,000 feet). Must be able to safely carry a heavy pack long distances over rugged terrain, be comfortable spending days to weeks in the backcountry, working in remote areas often in uncomfortable conditions (e.g., inclement weather, mosquitoes, no access to phone, internet, running water while in the backcountry) and be in excellent physical condition. You must have a strong work ethic and a passion for field research, as well as the sensitivity and attention to detail required for handling fragile amphibians and microbial samples. Must have own backpacking equipment, including broken-in boots, tent, and pack. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in microbial ecology or disease ecology.

You must be an undergraduate student (enrolled in a degree program in biology, ecology, or related field, part-time or full-time, leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree); students graduating in Spring 2018 generally are not eligible.  Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. Students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS

Applications should include the following: current transcripts (unofficial OK), resume, 3 references (include reference’s name, position, affiliation, and context from which he/she knows you), and a statement of interest specifically describing (1) why you are interested in the position; (2) your qualifications, including field research and experience backpacking at high elevations and in remote areas (be specific about when, where, under what conditions you have experience); (3) your professional goals; (4) specify your dates of availability.

Where to send applications:

Send all application materials, PREFERABLY AS A SINGLE PDF FILE, to Andrea Jani. Name the application file with the applicant’s name. For example: Doe_Jane.pdf.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Alaska REU

We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer field research in Alaska for two Research Experience for Undergraduates

(REU) positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess labs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective is to understand the consequences of potential future changes in arctic vegetation for arctic ecosystems and the rest of the world.  In this project, we are focusing on the mechanisms by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra ecosystems may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to further vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry.

You will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, graduate students, and technicians to develop an independent research project of your own that will build on the ongoing research, and will present your work at an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In addition, you will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station.  One student will be based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by nearly

>100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology

projects.  The other student will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska, with frequent trips camping in the boreal forest, and some time at Toolik Field Station.  Both positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting in mid-June, though there is some flexibility.

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics, and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel, and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers’s license is preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall 2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume, including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3) a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your background and research experience, and includes anything that you think would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretharte@alaska.edu by March 25, 2018.  We will contact you to discuss the position.

Summer Research Assistant: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture

Title: Biological Science Aide  Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3 Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A  Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana

Job Description/Duties: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to serve as a biological science aide on projects examining the influence of landscape structure and crop diversity on pest insects and their natural enemies (e.g. ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps).  The research is focused on developing ecologically-based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management in agricultural systems.  This position will involve a mixture of field work (~50%), and lab work to sort samples and identify insect pests and their natural enemies (~50%).  The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect field sampling methods, set up and maintenance of field experiments and insect rearing and identification techniques, as well as the chance to work with the diverse insect fauna associated with cropping systems in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: $11.68 (GS-2) or $12.74 (GS-3) per hour depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above the base work schedule of 40 hours a week.  Housing is not covered, but dorm-style shared housing is available on location for ~$148 per month, including utilities.

Dates: May-September 2018 (this is a 16-week appointment with the possibility of extension).  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Dr.

Tatyana Rand (tatyana.rand@ars.usda.gov).

Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact us directly.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodation:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).

Rock Climbing-Based Undergraduate Field Research Assistant College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Get real-life field experience, rock climbing skills, and have fun!

When: May 2018 – August 2018

About the Assistantship: This individual will be assisting with fieldwork and data collection in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky.  Duties include top-rope belaying (keeping rock climbers safe using a rope system), lead belaying, and setting up safe anchor and rappel systems on bolted anchors.  This individual may also take plant samples, help designate plots used for data collection, use ground-based remote sensing techniques to capture high-quality images of plot areas, and organize this data.

Education/Skills/Experience:

Required:

–        Able to live in a front-country campsite for most days of the week

–        Comfortable being on rappel for a significant period of time

–        Have access to basic camping equipment (sleeping bag, ground pad, backpack)

–        Have access to basic climbing equipment (rope, shoes, harness, belay/rappel device)

–        Has access to a form of transportation

Preferred:

–        Able to lead belay/top-rope belay

–        Able to rappel with multiple rappel devices

–        Able to sport-climb at a 5.10 level

–        Has experience doing fieldwork

Lodging: We will be staying at Miguel’s Pizza Campground located in Slade, Kentucky for research days.

Miguel’s Pizza is a restaurant, campground, gear shop combination, complete with showers, laundry, running water and bathrooms. Camping will be in tents.

Training: There is a ropes-systems training for this position if the applicant is unsure, or unclear, of the safety systems described in the assistantship description.

Compensation: This assistantship is eligible for research credits through The Ohio State University.

Monetary compensation is possible, but not guaranteed at the moment.

Contact: Please contact Jordan Reding at jordreding@gmail.com with a resume and a few sentences on why you are interested.

Arizona REU

 

Are you an undergraduate student who is interested in ecology, plant biology, and sustainability? The Hall Lab at Arizona State University is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate student to participate in research activities in urban ecology during the summer of 2018. The participant will work with faculty, graduate students, and technicians to explore how and why people manage their yards, and the consequences of those choices for biodiversity and outdoor water use. The student will work with team members to conduct field work in residential yards and Sonoran Desert parks across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Metro Phoenix, Arizona, is situated in the northern Sonoran Desert, which is home to the iconic saguaro cactus and charismatic desert animal species.  ASU is located in Tempe, a lively and vibrant college town with accessible public transportation and amenities.

This REU opportunity is a 10-week program that runs from mid-May to mid- August, 2018. The successful applicant will be awarded a $5,000 stipend, and up to $3,000 for room and board. Additionally, funding is available for the REU student to prepare and present a poster at the January 2019 CAP LTER All Scientists Meeting in Tempe, AZ.

About the Project

The Hall Lab at Arizona State University explores ecological patterns and processes in human-dominated ecosystems to find solutions that will benefit people and nature. As part of a NSF-funded Macrosystems grant, the Hall Lab seeks to explore patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban areas. Documenting the social drivers and benefits of native and other plant species will help to inform city managers about sustainable urban practices.

Project Timeline

During the first three weeks of the REU program, the student will work on directed readings of the literature, and will “apprentice” with members of our teams. By the end of three weeks, we expect the student to complete a draft proposal of her/his research project. The following several weeks will be dedicated to collecting and analyzing data under our guidance.

During the final two weeks, the student will write a report of her/his work and prepare an oral presentation of project findings for our research group.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must:

  • Have an interest in ecological research.
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Be a quick learner and be able to work on projects with minimal direct supervision.
  • Be able to work outside during the summer in Phoenix and be able to perform job duties in a variety of climatic conditions, including high temperatures. Summer temperatures in Phoenix can reach over 110 degrees F.
  • Have a positive attitude.
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Be able to walk and stand for extensive periods of time, often stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting.
  • Be able to lift or carry equipment, and supplies, not to exceed 40 lbs.

Desired Qualifications

  • Students who are majoring in an environmental discipline (natural resources, conservation biology, plant or soil science).
  • Flexibility in working on different tasks as needs change over the course of the project.

Eligibility

Undergraduate student participants supported with NSF funds in either REU Supplements or REU Sites must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. An undergraduate student is a student who is enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree.

How to apply

Please send cover letter, resume or CV, and unofficial transcripts to Laura Steger (e-mail: Lsteger@asu.edu) by April 13, 2018.

REU at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest LTER

Oregon State University

We are seeking applicants for an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in summer 2018 to do tree physiology research at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest LTER on the west slope of the Oregon Cascades near Blue River, Oregon. This project will focus on characterizing the physiology of old-growth and second growth Doug-Fir trees, as well as their response to environmental conditions, using a combination of lab experiments and field observations. This research will contribute to a larger Ph.D. project on the impacts of heat waves and drought on Pacific Northwest forests, as well as facilitate research into needle endophytes. The student will be encouraged to participate in tree climbing, sample collecting, data analysis and lab experiments.

The position will be based at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and travel will be required for short trips to Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon). The Andrews Forest was established in 1948 as an US Forest Service Experimental Forest, and since 1980 is one of the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. The field station has modern apartments with full kitchens, a well-equipped computer lab, and wireless internet (see http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu for more information on the site, facilities and research programs at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest). The landscape is home to iconic Pacific Northwest old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, and moss-draped ancient Douglas firs; steep terrain; and fast, cold-running streams.

The goal of this program is to provide undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of mentored, paid, independent research. The program includes a weekly seminar series and an opportunity for the student to interact with a multitude of scientists, OSU faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students conducting research in the area. Participants will work with the PI of the project (Dr. Chris Still) and a PhD student (Adam Sibley) on the grant. The REU student will conduct supervised and guided research and be encouraged to tailor the research project to his/her own individual interests.

This position lasts for 10 weeks, starting in June (dates flexible) and going through mid August 2018, working at least 40 hours/week. The student will be responsible for 1) meeting all requirements of the mentors and 2) writing a final research report on his/her research experience. Housing and a weekly stipend of $550 will be provided ($5500 total). There are also some funds to defray the cost of travelling to the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest.

Position Requirements: Applicants should have a valid driver’s license, the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) and be comfortable spending long days on their feet in the field. The position will involve working in inclement weather. Students with experience and/or interest in plant physiology, field measurement techniques, tree climbing, and data analysis are particularly encouraged to apply. Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduation date no sooner than fall 2017. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: Please submit a brief cover letter (1 page) indicating your interest, experience and professional goals after graduation, curriculum vitae or resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) and 3 professional references (names, addresses, phone number, and email address) as 1 document to: adam.sibley@oregonstate.edu and chris.still@oregonstate.edu . Please include in the subject: HJA REU 2018 Application. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will start Apr. 1, 2018 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Summer Research Assistant Job: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture

Title: Biological Science Aide (GS2 or GS3)

Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana

Job Description/Duties: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to serve as a biological science aide on projects examining the influence of landscape structure and crop diversity on pest insects and their natural enemies (e.g. ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps).  The research is focused on developing ecologically-based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management in agricultural systems.  This position will involve a mixture of field work (~50%), and lab work to sort samples and identify insect pests and their natural enemies (~50%).  The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect field sampling methods, set up and maintenance of field experiments and insect rearing and identification techniques, as well as the chance to work with the diverse insect fauna associated with cropping systems in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: $11.68 (GS-2) or $12.74 (GS-3) per hour depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above the base work schedule of 40 hours a week.  Housing is not covered, but dorm-style shared housing is available on location for ~$148 per month, including utilities.

Dates: May-September 2018 (this is ~a 16-week appointment with the possibility of extension).  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Dr.

Tatyana Rand (tatyana.rand@ars.usda.gov).

Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at http://bit.ly/2Hst9xV or contact us directly.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodation:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).

We are seeking highly motivated undergraduates broadly interested in plant-insect interactions to assist with on-going research examining the basis of plant host use by yucca moth species.  The research includes recording pollination behavior, mating behavior, feeding by larvae, as well as measurement of insect morphology and plant morphology.

Student Experience: Students will work in a laboratory and outdoor setting.  Moths are nocturnal and active from twilight to midnight.  Students will learn how to handle moths, conduct behavioral recordings, basic experimental design, and will receive training in species interactions.  Depending on student motivation, there is the possibility to design and implement an independent project.  The student will join a group of undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty conducting research on the patterns of host use by yucca moth pollinators (althofflab.syr.edu).

Requirements:  Ability to stand for long periods of time, and work in changing weather conditions.  Good communication skills and ability to work in a team-setting is essential.

Application process:  Please submit a CV, detailing any relevant skills, unofficial transcripts, a one to two paragraph rationale for your interest in the position, and the names and contact info for two references to Dr. David Althoff at dmalthof@syr.edu.

Application evaluation will begin May 5th and will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct questions about the position to Dr. Althoff at the above e-mail.

Funding:  Students will be paid $12/hr for eight to ten weeks depending on the field season.

**Under-represented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply**

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UT’s Sheldon lab in collaboration with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Fisheries and Wildlife Management is seeking an undergraduate education coordinator for a summer research program. Please forward to qualified undergraduates:

We are seeking an undergraduate education coordinator to facilitate a summer research program (late May to mid-July) with high school students in the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The coordinator will develop and lead lessons related to climate change and the natural history of native beetles. The coordinator will also help guide students through a hands-on field research project, data analyses, and presentation of findings. Lastly, the coordinator will help organize field excursions with our collaborating wildlife biologists to provide a diversity of STEM experiences for students. The Sheldon lab and EBCI Fish and Wildlife have the expertise and know-how, so students should not be discouraged if they are new to a particular subject—like beetle natural history, for example. Housing will be provided on-site in Cherokee, NC and the coordinator will be compensated with a summer stipend. Highly qualified undergraduates will have a record of excellence in STEM education through teacher-education courses and/or outreach hours with K-12 students.

For more information, check out —this website— which contains recruitment materials for the high school student participants. Interested undergraduates should contact Amanda Wilson Carter at acarte82@utk.edu. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible, so don’t delay!

Undergrad Research Opportunities 03/16/2018

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Hiring – undergrad summer researchers at the KBS LTER

The Kellogg Biological Station Long-term Ecological Research (http://bit.ly/kbslter) program investigates the ecology of agricultural landscapes. We have two summer Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) positions open. These positions are based at Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI.

  1. Impact of production system on soybean microbiome with Drs. Greg Bonito and Frances Trail: This REU project is based on Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI. There, the student will work on a project aimed at characterizing leaf, stem and root microbiomes of crops in a wheat- maize-soy rotation under three production systems: conventional, organic, and no-till. The overall project goal is to understand the impact of production systems, plant species, and chemical inputs on the assembly and function of the plant and soil microbiome. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2018. For more information on the position and how to apply, read the project description at http://bit.ly/kbslterREUmicrobiome.
  2. Remote Sensing Irrigation with Multi-Platform Imagery, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning with Drs. Anthony Kendall and David Hyndman: This REU project is based on Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI. There, the student will work on a project consisting of three primary components: 1) working with remote sensing data from different platforms within cloud-based tools such as Google Earth Engine, 2) developing a robust training and validation dataset for machine learning algorithms, and 3) helping to improve those algorithms and incorporate advances from the fields of deep learning and artificial intelligence. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2018. For more information on the position and how to apply, read the project description at http://bit.ly/kbslterREUirrigation.

Job: Summer Research Assistant on Frogs in Pennsylvania

Amphibian ecology research assistants needed

We are looking to hire research assistants to work on a project investigating the effects of climate change, stress and disease on amphibian populations.  The positions will involve conducting field surveys and/or assisting with animal husbandry. Applicants must be available to work from May-August 2018, and the positions may be extended. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing or possessing undergraduate degrees in biology or related fields.

Job description.

Field and mesocosm and animal husbandry assistant in Linesville, PA: We are looking to hire 3 assistants to help with both field surveys of amphibians and maintenance of amphibians colonies in Linesville, PA at the University of Pittsburgh’s field station, the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology.  The animal husbandry will involve maintaining and monitoring a large-scale mesocosm experiment, including taking measurements, checking water levels/quality, and transporting metamorphosing animals, as well as maintaining animals in a field laboratory. The field research will involve amphibian surveys both at night and during the day at multiple sites per month.  Previous experience in husbandry and field research is desirable. A valid drivers license is required. Positions are paid hourly and housing in Linesville, PA is provided.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact details for two references to Dr. Laura Brannelly laura.brannelly@pitt.edu by March 16th, 2018. Please indicate for which position you are applying.

If interested in the broader research of the group, please visit our website at

http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu

summer Research Experience for Undergraduates, Arizona

Research Experience for Undergraduates opportunity Arizona Summer 2018

A summer undergraduate researcher position is available to join a team based in Arizona studying the effects of floods and droughts on food chain length and ecosystem processes in desert streams. The undergraduate researcher will contribute to field work including measuring whole-stream metabolism, maintaining continuous observations of stream nitrate and organic matter collected by sensors, and quantifying food chain length by sampling stream food webs. The student will also learn to identify stream invertebrates and their trophic role in food webs. See harmslab.org & sabo.lab.asu.edu for further information about the research.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in ecology and enthusiasm about both field and lab-based work, including multi-day field trips under hot, desert conditions. Coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry and math or statistics is needed to successfully contribute to the research.

Applications from students expressing interest in conducting an independent research project will receive priority, as will those with previous research experience, particularly with techniques relevant to aquatic ecology.

To apply for the position, please send a single pdf document to Dr. Tamara Harms (tkharms@alaska.edu) by March 16, 2018 including: 1) letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2) list of relevant coursework, and 3) CV. The student will be paid a stipend for the position, which runs May/June-Aug/Sept.

NSF REU position – plant evolutionary ecology – Rocky Mountain Biological Station

Jill Anderson at the University of Georgia is searching for an enthusiastic undergraduate with a strong interest in evolutionary ecology for field research in an NSF REU position (National Science Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates) from June- August 2018. We study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate change for natural plant populations. We focus on research on Drummond’s rockcress (Boechera stricta in the plant family Brassicaceae), a mustard plant native to the Rocky Mountains.

Our studies take place around the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (http://www.rmbl.org/), which is located in Gothic, Colorado near the wildflower capital of Colorado (Crested Butte).  We quantify plant fitness and traits to ask whether climate change could disrupt long-standing patterns of local adaptation, and to test whether phenotypic plasticity will enable populations to persist in the short-term. We perform large-scale reciprocal transplant experiments to examine patterns of adaptive evolution and natural selection in contemporary landscapes. Since fall 2013, we have planted >150,000 seeds and seedlings into five experimental gardens ranging in elevation from 2500 m to 3340 m (8202 feet to 11000 feet). Our summer research involves intensive monitoring of these experimental plants to record data on germination success, survival, growth, reproductive success, as well as life history and morphological traits. We conduct most of our work in the field, with a small proportion of indoor lab work.

The successful candidate will assist with ongoing fieldwork. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to develop independent projects associated with our overall objectives, including studies on: 1) population divergence in ecologically-relevant traits, especially drought, UV tolerance, and herbivore resistance; 2) phenotypic plasticity at multiple spatial scales; 3) population density and species composition of the herbivore community that attacks Drummond’s rockcress; 4) flower color polymorphism; and 5) the importance of maternal effects in biological responses to climate change.

We are offering a stipend of $500/week for a full time REU student (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks.  The exact start and end dates are flexible. We will cover room and board at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and reimburse travel expenses up to $500.

Fieldwork will involve hiking to experimental gardens through rough terrain (1-3 miles one- way daily).

The University of Georgia is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work, and study.  To that end, all qualified applicants from individuals with a strong interest in evolutionary biology will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or age.  The application consists of a cover letter listing your qualifications, a CV/ résumé and contact information for two references, all of which can be emailed to Dr. Jill Anderson at: jta24@uga.edu Applications are due by March 16th, 2018.

Feel free to contact Dr. Anderson if you have any questions about the position.  Additional information about our work can be found at:

http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

summer undergraduate technician University of Alaska Fairbanks

Summer Undergraduate Technician

Fairbanks, Alaska

Summer 2018

A summer undergraduate technician position is available to join a team studying resilience of boreal forest ecosystems to fire and permafrost thaw at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The technician will contribute to field work including installing and maintaining a network of sensors measuring oxygen, nitrate, and organic matter in streams. Field work will also include tracer experiments measuring nutrient uptake and gas exchange in streams. The student will learn laboratory-based methods for analytical chemistry and will contribute to visualization and analysis of biogeochemical data from streams. The student will have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project.

Applicants should have demonstrated interests in ecology and enthusiasm about both field and lab-based work. Coursework in ecology, chemistry, environmental science, and math or statistics is required to successfully contribute to the research. Applications from students with previous research experience, particularly with techniques or instrumentation relevant to aquatic ecology, as well as experience working within a collaborative group will receive priority.

To apply for the position, please send a single pdf document to Dr. Tamara Harms (tkharms@alaska.edu) by March 20, 2018 including: 1) letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2) list of relevant coursework, and 3) CV. The student will be paid a stipend for the position, which runs May/June-Aug/Sept.

LUMCON Summer 2018 REU Site Program Applications Due March 20th

LUMCON’s 2018 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program:

Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) (www.lumcon.edu) invites highly motivated undergraduates to apply for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions in our NSF-sponsored summer 2018 REU program in Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments.

REU participants will spend ten weeks (June 4th – August 10th) at LUMCON conducting independent research projects with guidance from scientific mentors / mentor teams and participate in a series of career and skill- building workshops and activities while interacting with peers participating in other aspects of LUMCON’s summer programs. Each student is paired with a scientific mentor(s) based on mutual research interests. The REU program is designed to give students a meaningful, hands-on research experience that takes advantage of state-of-the-art methods and technologies available at LUMCON. This summer, mentors are interested in supporting interns to conduct research in a number of topic areas, including: biogeochemistry, behavioral ecology, microbial ecology, invertebrate diversity and ecology, aquaculture and fish physiology, ecosystem ecology, coastal geology and hydrology, wetland science, and oil spill impacts. More information on the program and details on potential mentors and projects can be found at http://lumcon.edu/REU.

Candidates must be available for the entire ten week period.  Successful applicants will receive a $500/week stipend; room and board at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA; funds to support transportation to and from LUMCON; and funds to support their research.

The ideal candidate should be interested in pursuing a career in coastal and/or marine science, creative, hard-working, detail orientated, dedicated, and comfortable working as part of research team. Experience with field or laboratory research is a plus but not necessary. To be eligible you must be returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall (e.g., if you will graduate in May or June, you are NOT eligible). Students from underrepresented groups in sciences, from small colleges, and first generation college students are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: March 20th 2017.

Instructions for completing application packages which include (an online application form, copies of unofficial transcripts, contact information for two academic references, CV/resume, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and any previous research

experience) can be found at http://lumcon.edu/REU.

Questions about the program and/or application process should be addressed to LUMCON’s REU Site Program Director, Dr. Brian Roberts, at reu@lumcon.edu.

Summer Research and Land Mgt. Internship Opportunity in Southern NY

College Internship in Suburban Ecology

Mianus River Gorge

Program Description: Mianus River Gorge, a conservation organization and 900-acre nature preserve in southern New York, offers 8 week summer internships for college students interested in the conservation of natural areas in urbanizing landscapes.

— Each intern will work alongside Gorge staff and graduate students on a variety of projects including wildlife monitoring, non-native species management, and GIS applications.

— Interns will work with and supervise high school students in our authentic research program (Wildlife Technician Program).

— We work with our interns to provide a learning experience that fits their interests and long-term educational goals.

— Stipend: $25/day or combination of school credit and stipend (depending on university requirements).

— Internships last for a period of 8 weeks. 10-week internships may be available in 2018. Internships typically run from June to July, but some flexibility is possible.

— We usually need to give preference to local students or those that can commute daily to Bedford, NY, as summer housing is not always guaranteed.

Projects for 2018 include:

o Monitoring coyotes, black bear, and other wildlife in Westchester, NYC, and Fairfield

o Vegetation sampling, monitoring, and restoration

o Initiating design and construction of a new educational trail

o Invasive species control and other land management work

o Data management, GIS work, and analysis on several long-term projects

Applicant Eligibility

  • All undergraduate students are eligible to apply. We do not require applicants to major in a particular discipline; however, exposure to the fields of ecology, environmental science, or geography is encouraged. We do accept interns that have graduated the academic year just prior to the internship.
  • Interns must be self-motivated and work well in group settings.
  • Applicants should be prepared for strenuous work outdoors (e.g., field research and land management projects) as well as performing indoor work (e.g., data entry and GIS projects).
  • This year the internship will run from June 4 to July 27 — applicants need to be available during this period.

More info and application forms are below:

http://www.mianus.org/research-and-education/internships-in-suburban-ecology/

http://www.mianus.org/research-and-education/undergraduate/internship-application/

Questions, please contact research@mianus.org or 914.234.3455

Seeking field assistant for summer 2018

Field assistant for summer 2018

Overview: Two research groups at Duke University are seeking a shared research assistant for fieldwork in plant and insect ecology and evolution.

This is a unique experience for students enthusiastic about plant ecology to gain experience working on two different projects in one summer! The projects are non-overlapping in time; there is opportunity for leisure time between project dates, or if the technician desires to stay at the field station for the duration of the summer, start dates for project 2 are flexible.

Location: Our research is conducted at and around the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, located in southwestern Colorado (www.rmbl.org). We will provide all transportation to and from the field station and from the station to research sites.

Dates:  June 18 – June 29 (project 1) and July 16 – August 10 (project 2; somewhat flexible) 2018

For a PDF version of the project descriptions, please visit:

http://bit.ly/RMBLfield18

Project 1 Summary: The time of the year when a plant begins to grow, produces flowers, and loses its leaves is important for successful reproduction, survival, and potentially future growth. Plants rely on environmental cues, such as temperature and the amount of sunlight, to time these life cycle events. Therefore, the time when a plant begins to flower can be very sensitive to climate change. For example, snow has been melting earlier in the season in sub alpine regions than the recent past as a result of warming temperatures. Since the time of flowering for some plants occurs shortly after snow melt, they track these warm temperatures and emerge or flower earlier in the season. Interestingly, not all plants respond similarly to the same environmental signals; some flowering species do not flower any earlier. As each plant species responds differently to earlier snow melt, species that didn’t flower together in the past have the potential to overlap now. If plant species grow and flower at the same time, they could compete for resources (water, nutrients, soil). Our research examines the link between climate change, the timing of life cycle events in plants, and how they compete for resources. We propose to manipulate flowering phenology of plants in resource competition experiment. We will observe how competition for soil and light resources between two co-flowering species changes under early snow melt conditions. The results from this research have the potential to help us predict how climate change may affect species interactions in the future. For more information, visit:

Project 2 Summary: In the Mitchell-Olds lab at Duke University (https://sites.duke.edu/tmolab/), we study plant evolution, ecology, and genetics. We are broadly interested in understanding how the diverse traits present in natural plant populations have arisen via natural selection, and what the consequences of trait variation are for ecological interactions.

Much of our research is centered around understanding how chemical anti-herbivore defenses have evolved in the wildflower species Boechera stricta. We have ongoing experiments monitoring how interacting selective pressures of herbivore consumption and drought stress influence the evolution of defensive chemicals, and for discovering the genetic basis of plant chemistry as well as other complex traits (e.g. flowering time, mutualistic plant-insect associations, plant architecture, fitness). Our technician would help with data collection and experimental maintenance on both of these projects (see “Expectations” below).

Expectations: The field assistant will be asked to aid in data collection, entry, and analysis for both projects. This includes assisting in demographic data collection on perennial plants, assessing phenology of plants in pre-existing plots (project 1) and measuring plant survival, growth, flowering, reproduction, and herbivore damage, as well as taking environmental measurements such as soil moisture (project 2). Fieldwork can be strenuous and often involves long days in the sun and hiking. Applicants with previous experience doing fieldwork are encouraged to apply, but no prior experience is required and we will happily train first-timers with a strong interest in ecology.

In addition to helping with fieldwork five days per week, the technician will be expected to be an active participant in the research community, which includes attending weekly seminars at RMBL, attending in a weekly lab meeting, and participating in discussions about scientific articles and ongoing research projects in the lab.

Compensation: This is an unpaid position, although housing and travel expenses will be provided. Transportation from RMBL to all field sites will be provided (car or hiking).  The technician will be required to pay for their own food expenses, but all other costs (housing and station fees) will be covered.

Application: Please send a short cover letter and resume to both Rebecca Dalton (rmd34@duke.edu) and Lauren Carley (lnc14@duke.edu) by March 20, 2018.

Links:

http://bit.ly/RMBLfield18

www.rmbl.org

rebeccadalt.weebly.com

sites.duke.edu/tmolab/

Internship: Four DataONE Summer Internship Opportunities

We are excited to announce four great internship opportunities as part of our annual DataONE Summer Internship Program.

  • Sharing Reproducible Research through DataONE and WholeTale
  • Supporting Synthesis Science with DataONE
  • Communications & Outreach: Development of a Primer for Early-Career Researchers
  • Extending Libmagic for Identification of Science Resources

Undergraduates, graduates and recent postgraduates are invited to apply to work with DataONE for nine weeks between May and July 2018. Full details of the program, eligibility requirements and project descriptions can be found at www.dataone.org/internships. Applications are due by March 23rd 2018.

Summer research position examining Asian long-horned beetle impacts on New England forests

The University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking an undergraduate research assistant to assist on a field study examining the impacts of Asian long-horned beetle on mixed hardwood forests in central Massachusetts. The students will work with a multidisciplinary team of graduate students and scientists from the University of Vermont, U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, and Harvard Forest.

Applicant requirements:  Applicants should have a background in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology or biology.  A working knowledge of tree identification and common forest measurements is strongly desired.  Applicants must be willing and able to work efficiently in remote forested settings as part of a research team.  Applicants must also be able to hike through varied terrain to reach study areas and be willing to work long hours outdoors.

Responsibilities: Work will involve extensive field work, including the collection of vegetation and woody debris data. The position begins early June 2018 and ends mid/late August and will be based out of the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA.  Housing expenses will be provided.  Hourly wage will vary from $11-$12 depending on work experience.

Interested candidates should e-mail a letter describing their background, qualifications and interests along with a resumé to Emma Sass (Emma.Sass@uvm.edu) by March 23, 2018.

Course Offerings Spring 2018 (updated 1/9/18)

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In addition to the regular course offerings this spring, the following new courses may be of interest!

 

Course Number Credits Schedule Course Title Instructor(s) Poster
FWF 590, s.1; CRN 29418  3 11:10am-12:25pm
Tu Th		 Rare Species Biology, Conservation and Management Charles Kwit poster
EEB 461, CRN:31987 9:40-10:55am
Tu Th		 Behavioral Ecology poster
EEB 461, CRN:31595 3 8:00-11:00am
M		 Mixed Severity Wildfires Karen Hughes poster
EEB 461, CRN:26971
EEB 504, CRN:26273		 3 12:40-1:55pm
Tu Th		 Invasion Biology Dan Simberloff
Christy Leppanen		 poster 1
poster 2
EEB 461
EEB 602		 3 Landscape Ecology, an online course poster
EEB 475, Conversational Biomathematical Modeling Kellen Myers poster
EEB 493, CRN:32085 2:10-3:25pm
Tu		 Professional Development Seminar Jen Schweitzer poster

Herbarium Awards and Fellowships Available, 2017

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The EEB Collections Committee is pleased to announce the following three awards from the Hesler Fund to support and enhance herbarium-based research at UTK. Please share these award announcements with any students, colleagues, and collaborators who might be interested in applying.

Student Research Awards – http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/HeslerInternalFacultyAwards.pdf

Awards are available for research in the areas of systematics, ecology, biogeography, conservation, and biodiversity of plants and fungi to undergraduate and graduate (Masters and Ph.D.) students currently working under the supervision of a faculty member affiliated with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Projects must be herbarium-based, either using or vouchering herbarium specimens or analyzing herbarium specimen data. This includes but not limited to, taxonomic revisions using herbarium specimens, phylogenetic analyses using data from herbarium specimens, ecological studies that will result in vouchers deposited in the TENN herbarium, and biogeographic studies using spatial data from herbarium specimens. A maximum of four Undergraduate (up to $1000 each) and six Graduate Student awards (up to $2000 each) will be given out in the 2018 competition.

Visiting Scholar Fellowships –  http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/HeslerVisitingResearcherAward.pdf

Visiting Scholar Fellowships provide opportunities for scientists to use the collections at the University of Tennessee Herbarium (TENN) to enhance and facilitate a biodiversity-focused research project in collaboration with an EEB-affiliated faculty sponsor. Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and independent researchers from any country are eligible to apply. Funds are for travel, housing, and other visit-related expenses while conducting research at the TENN Herbarium. A maximum of two awards ($3000-$5000 each) will be given out annually.

Internal Faculty Awards – http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/HeslerStudentAwards.pdf

Internal Faculty Awards are available to support activities that directly result in improvements to the TENN herbarium. Possible uses include funding of student workers to database specimens, costs associated with improving collections management, and validation of species designations using DNA or other procedures.  One to two awards will be granted annually for a period of one year for a maximum of $5000.

If you have any questions about these awards, including the fit of your proposal for the award, please contact Jessica Budke <jbudke@utk.edu>.

Undergrad Herbarium Research Opportunity at UT

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1) Student Assistant – Herbarium Curation Technician, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The TENN herbarium is seeking highly organized, detail-oriented individuals, to join our team as an Herbarium Curation Technician. Students will assist members of our staff with plant specimen curation. The TENN herbarium houses over 600,000 plant and fungal specimens, which is one of the largest plant research collections in the southeastern United States. Research in the herbarium focuses on taxonomy, systematics, conservation of rare plants, floristics, and field botany.

Duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to: Mounting dried plant specimens and labels onto archival quality paper;  Quality control: Confirming that plants and labels match each other;  Sorting and filing plant specimens by geography (TN county, state, world region) and by taxonomic relationship (family, genus, species); Assisting introductory botany students with class projects during the semester.  Training will be provided.

Qualifications: All aspects of this position require strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.  Good verbal and written communication skills are required.  Students majoring or minoring in a biological science, information science, or a related field are preferred.  Previous experience with plants and familiarity with geography is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references as a single document. Send applications to Dr. Jessica Budke (jbudke@utk.edu).  Please put “Student Assistant – Herbarium Curation Technician” in the subject line.

Paid hourly, approximately 8 – 15 hours per week. Work study students are encouraged to apply.

 

EEB Departmental Awards 2017

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Congratulations to all the graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff who received awards at the EEB Awards Ceremony on May 1.   To view more photos, please visit the EEB Facebook page.  For more information about any of the awards below, please visit the Departmental Awards and Scholarships page.

2017 EEB Outstanding Master’s Thesis
Alix Pfennigwerth (Schweitzer Lab)

2017 EEB Jim Tanner Outstanding Dissertation
Michael Van Nuland (Schweitzer Lab)

2017 EEB Best Progress Toward Dissertation
Sam Borstein (O’Meara Lab)

2017 EEB Sandy Echternacht Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student
Tyson Paulson (Fordyce Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Publication by a Graduate Student
Rachel Wooliver (Schweitzer Lab)

2017 EEB Tom Hallam Appreciation Award
Angela Chuang (Riechert Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Outreach and Community Service by a Graduate Student
Alannie-Grace Grant (Kalisz Lab)

2017 Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Award
Sarah Ottinger (Classen Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Undergraduate
Patrick McKenzie (Armsworth Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Undergraduate Research
Hannah Anderson (Riechert Lab)

2017 EEB Undergraduate for Professional Promise
Katie Plant (Williams Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Outreach and Community Service by an Undergraduate Student
Heiler Meek (Schweitzer Lab)

2017 EEB Outstanding Administrative Service Award
Marva Anderson

Going Above and Beyond Award
Jess Welch (Simberloff & McCracken Labs)