The Levine laboratory at UC Santa Barbara has a summer research experience for undergraduate (REU) position focused on the maintenance of species diversity in annual plant communities. The REU student will explore the coexistence of annual plants living in serpentine soils with models based on our field system. He or she will use simulations to explore how temporal fluctuations in germination and fecundity influence the coexistence of the competitors. This project is ideal for an REU student because the student will gain experience with ecology at the interface of theory and experimentation and will have the opportunity to explore independent ideas within the scope of a larger ongoing study. In addition, the REU will spend considerable time helping out on the broader NSF project, and in the process, interact with scientists at the University of Washington who are collaborating with our UCSB group. The position is 12 weeks and pays a $5000 stipend. The REU will be responsible for their living accommodations. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to Jonathan Levine at [email protected], by April 25th, 2009. The student must be returning to school in the fall to be eligible for the position.
