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REU position in desert stream ecology at ASU

by Marissa M. Donohue on March 7, 2017
We are seeking two summer undergraduate researchers to participate in a
project investigating how variation of streamflow affects energy
transfer through stream food webs. The goal of the Food Chain Length
(FCL) project is to link the mechanisms of temporal variation in
streamflow and intensity of disturbance regimes to FCL in aridland
streams. Ongoing research conducted in streams across Arizona includes
repeated measures of variation in food chain length, ecosystem
metabolism, nitrate concentrations, and experimental nitrogen pulse
manipulations. Additionally, we are investigating how flood pulses of
water and nitrogen stimulate production in the riparian ecosystem by
measuring changes in soil processes, primary producers, and consumers.

Students will contribute both to the field campaign and laboratory
sample processing. Students will also collaborate closely with the
principal investigator, graduate students, and technicians to develop an
independent research project that will build on the ongoing research.
Fieldwork will consist of traveling to rivers across the state of
Arizona for aquatic biological surveys, water quality measurements,
sensor maintenance, and requires spending long days in the desert during
the Arizona summer, often carrying heavy equipment. Lab work will
consist of processing samples for stable isotope analysis, invertebrate
sorting, and soil microbial activity and nutrient assays.

Applicant requirements: Students must have demonstrated interest in
ecology. The position lasts 12 weeks, preferably starting in early May,
though exact dates are flexible and is based at Arizona State
University. Application is restricted to currently enrolled
undergraduates that graduate no sooner than fall 2017. All applicants
must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Desired qualifications: Previous experience with laboratory or field-
based research; coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and
math/statistics; enthusiasm about conducting both field and lab work,
with occasional long days in the field or multi-day field trips; valid
U.S. driver¹s license. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons
with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: 1) letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2)
list of relevant coursework, and 3) CV to Dr. Tamara Harms
(tkharms@alaska.edu) by March 21, 2017

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