The Idaho Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling Lab (ITEAM) at the University of Idaho is seeking one paid undergraduate Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) intern for summer 2019. This National Science Foundation REU opportunity provides 11 weeks of funding ($500 stipend/week). The project offers ample opportunities for an undergraduate to develop a research project and pursue a senior-thesis while building the necessary foundation to pursue a career in ecological research.
The ITEAM lab studies forest ecosystems in relation to the interactions between climate change, policy decisions, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Current research projects include: exploring the use of ecosystem measurements in differing forest types to estimate carbon balances in the context of climate conditions; modeling forest ecosystem responses to changes in climate, wildfire, and forest management.
During the summer of 2019, the REU intern will assist the ITEAM lab with field work, data management, and research project development. The REU intern will be exposed to field techniques associated with forest inventories, and terrestrial vegetation and soil sampling to quantify ecosystem properties. The student will learn database usage, statistical/spatial analyses, and will communicate research findings in both oral and written forms.
Through this hands-on experience, the REU student will have to develop and implement a unique and independent research project associated with the lab’s field research. There are many opportunities to develop an independent project with the mentoring of ITEAM members from both previously collected and the upcoming 2019 field season data. The student will have 11 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) participation in the summer of 2019. For students attending U. Idaho, there is a possibility to continue their independent research with the ITEAM lab in the fall 2019 semester.
This position is located in Moscow, ID, which is a small college town on the Idaho/Washington border. Moscow serves as a base camp for outdoor recreation opportunities with the Salmon River, the Wallowa Mountains, the Frank-Church Wilderness, and Hells Canyon all within a few hours. A housing stipend is not provided but housing in Moscow is very affordable and sublets are plentiful during the summer months.
Requirements: Junior-standing undergraduate (as of Fall 2019); minimum GPA of 3.0; significant interest in forest ecology, field research, camping, hiking, and outdoor elements; ability to take direction and learn from others; strong work ethic, self-motivated, and critical thinking skills with a desire to learn and develop research and professional communication skills. The schedule can be flexible to allow for summer travel plans but must be able to complete 11 weeks of full-time work between May 1 and October 1, 2019. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled as an undergraduate student. Students with backgrounds that are underrepresented in forest science are encouraged to apply.
Application: Please submit a cover letter (detailing your interest, relevant experience and skills, and summer availability), resume, academic transcripts (unofficial fine), and 1-2 letters of recommendation (minimum one from academic faculty member familiar with your work) to Dr. Tara Hudiburg (thudiburg@uidaho.edu) by April 1st, 2019.