Summer 2020 Forest Ecology REU at the University of Idaho

Forest Ecology REU (Summer 2020) at University of Idaho

The Idaho Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling Lab (https://iteamlab.weebly.com/) at the University of Idaho is seeking two paid undergraduate Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) interns for the Summer 2020. The NSF REU opportunity provides 11 weeks of full-time (40 hrs/week) funding ($500 stipend/week) and a housing allowance.

The ITEAM lab uses field data and ecosystem models to study the impacts of climate change, policy decisions, and natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystem processes, with a current focus on disturbance-prone conifer forests in the Northern Rocky Mountains. We have two local field sites in the UIdaho experimental forest where we conduct automated and survey measurements of forest ecosystem growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration in the context of thinning experiments. This summer, we’ve also planned rapid forest carbon inventories at subalpine lakes.

The REU student will develop and implement a unique and independent research project associated with the lab’s research.  There are many opportunities to develop an independent project with the mentoring of ITEAM members (PI, grad students, post-docs).

Description: Field (40%) and lab/project (60%) work at UIdaho and field sites. Weekly visits to 2 local field sites. Several multi-day field excursions to subalpine lakes in ID, MT, and CO. Interns will assist with sample processing and field data collection, including: carbon flux survey measurements, downloading automatic flux measurements, tree coring, root/soil sampling, and tree inventories.

Location: REU positions will be based out of the UIdaho campus in Moscow, ID. Lab work will take place on campus. Field projects are currently on-going near campus on Moscow Mountain, in the Northern Rockies in the Idaho Panhandle and NW Montana, and in the Colorado Rockies. The REU interns will have the opportunity to work weekly on all field and lab-based projects.

Requirements: Junior-standing undergraduate (as of Fall 2020) who can move to Moscow, ID for summer 2020; interest in forest ecology, field research, camping, hiking, and outdoor elements.
Ability to complete 11 consecutive weeks of work between May 1 and October 1, 2020.
While a vehicle is not a requirement for the position, it will be helpful for completing field work and allow the intern the ability to travel to local recreation opportunities more easily on days off.

Application:  Please submit the following by 3/13/20 to Kristina Bartowitz (kbartowitz@uidaho.edu) – 
1) cover letter (detailing interest in position, relevant experiences and skills), 2) resume, 3) academic transcripts (unofficial OK), and 4) two letters of recommendation