Graduate Assistantship in Arctic Plant Physiological Ecology is open for the
spring of 2011. A M.S.
Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to
work on a large
interdisciplinary project at Toolik Lake Arctic Research Station. The student's
research interests
should focus on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology.
The project will
focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of winter physiological
processes for two
tundra ecosystems. The student will have the opportunity to interact with
scientists from the
University of Alabama, Florida International University, and the Arctic LTER. A
general knowledge of
LI-COR photosynthetic equipment and Campbell Scientific equipment is a plus.
Rationale for this study: Inverse modeling studies of atmospheric [CO2]
and 13CO2 have
identified northern latitudes as regions that are sequestering CO2 derived from
anthropogenic
activities. However, the status of these ecosystems as a global sink of C in
the future hinges upon
the physiological responses of ecosystem components to changes in climate.
There is
overwhelming evidence for rapid climate change in the Arctic. These changes
include the physical
environment, carbon balance, plant community structure. Furthermore, warming in
the high
latitudes is predicted to predominantly occur in the winter, and climate data
support that
prediction. However, the vast majority of research on tundra vegetation has
focused on
physiological processes during the short 2-3 month growing season, with only a
handful of studies
of physiological processes during the 9-10 month cold season. Although the
rates of these
processes are low, summed over the long cold season they are extremely
important. A
comprehensive understanding of cold-season physiological processes of tundra
vegetation is
critically needed given the large potential for further climate changes in the
Arctic. This is a fully
funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, travel and
living accommodations at
Toolik Lake. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of
research interest,
and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr
for more details
([email protected] or 352-846-0889).
