MS opportunity: Clemson University’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, based in Georgetown, South Carolina, is seeking a highly motivated BS graduate to study mangrove ecosystem ecology at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in south Florida (Sanibel Island). This experimental research will assist scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in linking nutrient amendment (N and P) as a physiological stress to water use in the refuge’s 3 mangrove species.  This research will contribute to larger questions related to soil CO2 flux, net ecosystem exchange of carbon, and forest growth as part of how the capacity for carbon sequestration changes as nutrients are added to the Caloosahatchee River upstream of the refuge into the future. Methodology will involve and require that the successful candidate have instrumentation skills and can utilize Dynamax sap flow equipment (heat dissipation technique), Li-6800 (transpiration, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance), Li-8100 (soil gas flux), and atmospheric data from a nearby weather station after an appropriate training period. Federal DOI boating certification will be provided and required. A $17k annual stipend will be provided for up to 2.5 years but studies could progress into new hypothesis tests and ideas leading to the potential for a Ph.D. if additional funding can be found. Housing in south Florida for this project is provided (~1/3 of the time), but housing is the responsibility of the student while on campus when in residence at Clemson University in South Carolina (~2/3 of the time). If interested, email a short summary of your research interests, unofficial transcript(s), and your current CV to Dr. Jamie A. Duberstein (jdubers@clemson.edu).

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