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.

A field technician is needed to assist in the evaluation of nest success of

colonial nesting waterbirds in southwestern Louisiana. The study area

supports several rare species of colonial nesting waterbirds, including a

few thousand nesting brown pelicans. Due to its low elevation and eroding

shoreline, the island is slated for restoration. This study will provide

pre-restoration baseline data for the project and will provide important

habitat information of several nesting species that will assist in future

restoration activities.

The project will start in mid- to late March. The technician will work with

an M.S. student. Conditions will be hot and humid and mosquitoes could be

challenging at times. A strong work ethic is essential and relevant field

experience is highly desirable. Pay is $9/hour and housing is provided.

Please email a CV with names and contact information of 3 references and a

cover letter to Dr. Sammy King at sking16@lsu.edu. Application review will

begin by 15 February and will continue until a successful applicant is

identified.

The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Department of Mathematics and

Statistics is proud to offer a 10-week Summer REU in mathematical

ecology, held in the beautiful city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. This summer

program will provide eight summer scholars with the opportunity to

perform cutting-edge research under the mentorship of university faculty

and government scientists working at the interface between mathematics

and ecology.

Our two projects this year are “Using Decision Models to Investigate

Interventions Against Fungal Blight in American Chestnut Trees”,

mentored by Martin Allen (Computer Science) and Anita Davelos Baines

(Biology), and “Investigating Population Level Animal Movement Through

Fractal Geometry”, mentored by Kevin Aagard (United State Geological

Survey) and Robert F. Allen (Mathematics). You can find information on

the projects and how to apply at uwlax.edu/mathematics/activities/reu/

<http://uwlax.edu/mathematics/activities/reu/>

Program Dates:  June 5, 2017 – August 11, 2017

Stipend:  $5000 and a $75 weekly food allowance.

Priority Deadline: February 15 th

Application Deadline: March 1 st

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 =932017 REU application=94 in the subject line.   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.