Coastal Ecology Research | University of California, Santa Barbara

Keywords: Marine 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 field work 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 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 or resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for one additional reference. The statement 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 as a single PDF, to Heili Lowman (heili.lowman@lifesci.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and REU application in file names and subject line. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender (please include the applicants name in the subject line for emails). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2018.