We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in conducting collaborative Masters research in plant community ecology and insect ecology. The successful candidate will assist in research across the state of Kansas comparing grazed and ungrazed grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In Kansas, the CRP program currently has over 2 million acres=97much of which is re-established, native grassland; however, there is currently no dominant grazer on most of these sites despite the critical role that bison historically played in these systems. Our study will test how two CRP plantings (CP2 and CP25), which differ in the number of forbs planted, influence the restoration of 108 grassland sites across the precipitation gradient in Kansas and whether periodic grazing can enhance habitat diversity for plants, insects, and birds.
The ideal student for this position is self-motivated, works well with a team of field researchers, has a basic understanding of statistics, has knowledge of grassland ecosystems, and has a strong interest in ecology and entomology. However, strong students with the aptitude to learn quickly will also be considered. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to plant community ecology and entomology and desire to learn a range of tools/techniques/methods. Proficiency in oral and written English required. Applicants should have a B.S. in ecology, biology, or entomology and must meet the requirements for admission at Wichita State University (http://webs.wichita.edu/?
u=3Dbioscience&p=3D/academics/mdindex/). Successful applicants will receive a 2-year assistantship with stipend, full tuition waiver, and health benefits. Deadline for applications is 1 March 2017, but early applications are encouraged. Anticipated start date for the plant ecology position is Fall of 2017 or January of 2018, while the entomology position start date is summer 2017 or August 2017. Interested applicants for plant ecology should email CV, transcript, and a letter describing your research interests and future goals to Dr. Greg Houseman (Greg.Houseman@wichita.edu); interested applicants for entomology should email CV, transcript, and a letter describing your research interests and future goals to Dr. Mary Liz Jameson (MaryLiz.Jameson@gmail.com).
Wichita State University is a metropolitan research-intensive university set in a suburban area (~640,000 people) with a diverse student body, yet close to numerous high quality grasslands including the iconic Flint Hills. Wichita offers many opportunities for cultural/artistic activities and low cost-of-living. The Department of Biological Sciences at WSU includes core facilities in environmental biology, imaging and bioinformatics, an animal care facility, greenhouse, and a Biological Field Station. Previous graduate students have gone on to Ph.D. programs or are employed with state or federal management agencies. More information about the Department, including a complete list of departmental facilities, and current Graduate Faculty and their teaching and research interests is available on our web site at: http://www.wichita.edu/biology/. Information about graduate school at WSU is available at http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=3Dgradschool.