Summer REU studying oil spill in Louisiana

Two Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions are available at
the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) for the summer of
2017. The REU students will design and conduct studies that contribute to
the larger Coastal Waters Consortium (http://cwc.lumcon.edu) collaborative
effort studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Louisiana
salt marshes and coastal environments.  Over the past 5+ years CWC
researchers have been studying the impacts of the spill at paired oiled-
unoiled marshes across the southeastern Louisiana coast. The REU students
will be expected to work with a team of researchers (under the supervision
of Dr. Brian Roberts (http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) and/or Dr.
Nancy Rabalais) to develop studies which address aspects of the larger
effort. We are particularly interested in students interested in conducting
projects on wetland biogeochemistry and ecology, plant ecology, microbial
ecology, sediment microalgae and/or subtidal benthos.  The REU students
will be involved in both the field and laboratory components of their project as
well as a variety of related projects and experiments being conducted by
other LUMCON and CWC researchers.

Candidates must be available for a ten week period beginning in early June
2017.  We will provide a $500/week stipend, room and board at the Marine
Center in Cocodrie, LA (http://www.lumcon.edu), and support for their
research.

The ideal candidate should be interested in pursuing a career in ecology or
biogeochemistry, creative, hard-working, detail orientated, dedicated, and
comfortable working as part of research team. Experience with field or
laboratory research in these areas in a plus but not necessary.  Background
or at least one course in ecology, chemistry, biogeochemistry, or
environmental science is required. 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).

Application deadline: March 15th 2017.

Applications should include: copy 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.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Brian Roberts at broberts@lumcon.edu
with “2017 REU application” in the subject line.   Please feel free to contact
me if you have any questions.