NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ecosystem Ecology

Overview of NSF-REU program:
The National Science foundation seeks to increase research training for undergraduate students through mentored research experiences. These opportunities seek to involve students in the process of investigation and further their research skills.

Ecosystem impacts of sudden oak death:
We seek one student to assist in efforts to quantify the impacts of Sudden Oak Death on forest nutrient cycling. Ecosystem impacts of forest pathogens are relatively unstudied thus, this represents an opportunity for a student to gain experience working on a frontier of ecological knowledge. The student will also gain valuable interdisciplinary experience through working with plant pathologists, ecologists, and natural resource managers. Field measurements include rates of infection, mortality, N turnover, and litter decay. Summer research has three objectives: 1) quantify pathogen distribution in a large-scale restoration experiment in Southern Mendocino County; 2) assess the effects of multiple pathogens on nutrient cycling across a network of long-term study plots; and 3) monitor changes in litterfall, N mineralization, and litter decay in forests impacted by Sudden Oak Death. The student will conduct independent study based on one or more of these objectives.

Location and timing:
The position is full time for 3 months over summer 2008. The month of June is expected to be mostly based in the field with additional field work in July and August. Field based research will be conducted in coastal California forests, many of which are remote, and have limited access. Additional meetings, laboratory processing, and data analysis will be conducted at the UC Davis Rizzo Lab in Davis California.

Expectations and qualifications:
Students pursuing a bachelor degree or with significant training in one of the following areas are encouraged to apply: forestry, soil science/nutrient cycling, botany/plant ecology, plant pathology, and mathematics or statistics. Students who graduate in spring 2008 may be eligible. This position is field intensive, students must be in good physical shape, be willing to work in remote field settings, and carry a heavy pack over rough/steep terrain. At the end of the summer, the student will make a poster presentation of their research that will be displayed within the Plant Pathology department.

The stipend is $1800/month. Accommodations in the field will be provided.

To apply:
Please send a 1-2 page letter describing your qualifications, research interests, and career goals, a copy of (unofficial) transcripts, and two letters of reference to Richard Cobb electronically or by mail. Submission of a resume is encouraged. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Please write for clarifications or more information.

Richard Cobb; Care of David Rizzo
1 Shields Avenue 152 Hutchison Hall
Davis, California 95616