Independent Research in Ecology for Undergraduates at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York
www.ecostudies.org/reu.html =20 The Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES) is pleased to announce its 19th summer of undergraduate research opportunities through our "Ecology in Context" program. In 2006, 10 students will join the unique IES research community to carry out cutting-edge investigations of their own design, working closely with a mentor scientist. The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise. As participants design and complete their independent research projects they consult with other scientists, present their plans for critique, and then speak in our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and write a paper for a peer-reviewed IES Occasional Publication. The program provides students many opportunities to reflect upon and think about the process of science and its place in the world. Seminars and informal meetings provide for training in many facets of the process. Through a case study of a regional environmental issue, a career forum, and a day spent teaching high school students from a nearby city; students explore the social, political, intellectual and personal dimensions of being an ecologist. =20 The twelve-week program for 2006 begins May 30 and runs through August 21. Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Participants receive a $4650 (tentative) stipend for the twelve-week program, and free housing in an Institute dormitory. Some assistance is available for travel to and from the program. =20 =20 Please note: The availability of the program for 2006 is contingent upon funding. The proposal for the IES REU Program for 2006-2010 is being reviewed by the National Science Foundation this fall. We expect to receive word by the end of the year. The information will be posted on the IES REU website as soon as it is available. =20 Projects for 2006: =20 * Ecology of freshwater pearly mussels (Unionidae) - Dr. David L. Strayer =20 * Ecological functions of Hudson River marshes, shallows and tributaries - Dr. Stuart E. G. Findlay. * Microbial processes in urban ecosystems - Dr. Peter M. Groffman. * Community ecology of a "hub" species, the white-footed mouse - Drs. Felicia Keesing and Richard S. Ostfeld. * Changes in nutrient limitation in Mirror Lake - Drs. Gene E. Likens and Darren Bade. * Carbon and nitrogen processing in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest - Drs. Gene E. Likens and Kristin Judd.=20 * Effects of air pollutants on forests - Dr. Gary M. Lovett. * Investigating people's ideas about earthworms - Dr. Alan R. Berkowitz and Peter M. Groffman. * Neighborhood dynamics of forest ecosystems: finding simple models for complex phenomena - Dr. Charles D. Canham. =20 About the Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES History <http://www.ecostudies.org/about_history.html> ): The Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES) combines research and education in fulfillment of its scientific mission. Central to the Institute's mission <http://www.ecostudies.org/about_mission.html> is the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge about ecological systems. A society with a basic understanding of ecological systems and an appreciation of their role in the quality of human life is essential if natural areas are to be sustained. IES is a highly interactive, research-oriented environment with a staff of 250. Students will exchange ideas with each other, staff scientists and educators, and visitors and speakers working in public policy and academics. The Institute occupies the 800-hectare Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum, approximately 117 km north of New York City, in rural Dutchess County, N.Y. The modern laboratory and greenhouse facilities, library, computers and other resources of the Institute are available to program participants. =20 For more information and to apply (applications must be postmarked by 15 February 2006): See our website at: www.ecostudies.org/reu.html Online application available. =20 Or contact: =20 Heather L. Dahl Undergraduate Research Coordinator Institute of Ecosystem Studies=20 P.O. Box R, Millbrook, NY 12545=20 (845) 677-7600 x326 =20 Fax: (845) 677-6455 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 Alan R. Berkowitz, Ph.D.=20 Head of Education=20 Institute of Ecosystem Studies=20 PO Box R (181 Sharon Turnpike)=20 Millbrook, NY 12545=20 Phone: (845) 677-7600 ext. 311 Fax: (845) 677-6455 =20 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 =20 =20 =20
