Two Graduate Assistantships (MS) available in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University
An ideal candidate for either of these positions has a strong interest in plant ecology or natural resource management, holds a B.S. in botany or ecology, is self motivated, works well independently, and has experience working in a field setting. Both positions will require long hours in the field under moderate conditions (often alone). Familiarity with Eastern North America flora and/or experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants is highly desirable. Prior experience with field research, plant sampling techniques, and data management are helpful but not required. Applications for either position must be received by March 1, 2011. Position #1 Successional Dynamics at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is a 1021 acre undeveloped county park located in Howard County, MD. Principle activities at the MPEA include natural resource conservation, environmental education, research, and passive recreation. The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region. A Master’s level research opportunity is available through the Biological Sciences Department at Towson University to assist the mission of the MPEA by re-sampling the herbaceous and shrub layers of long term monitoring plots within the park. Comparisons with older data sets (2001 and 2009) will allow for quantification of changes over decadal and shorter time scales to determine how management efforts need to be altered to facilitate the development of a diverse secondary successional hardwood forest community. The successful candidate will be co-advised by Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp and Dr. Roland Roberts. The successful candidate will be supported by a research assistantship for two semesters and a teaching assistantship for the remainder of the project. Both assistantships are funded at $8,000 per year, plus a full tuition waiver, with an additional $3,000 per year available as summer support. To apply for this position, send an application package that includes 1) your CV; 2) a letter of interest explaining your research interests and how the experience will benefit you in your graduate career; 3) a description of your coursework background and relevant research experience (if any); and 4) names and contact information for three references and/including your academic advisor to: Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp Department of Biological Sciences Towson University 8000 York Road Towson, MD 21252 Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-704-2286 Fax: 410-704-2405 Position #2 Plant Ecology and G6-12 Education The successful candidate will undertake a floristic inventory of the newly acquired Towson University Field Station located in Monkton, MD. This 92 hectare parcel will serve as a long term ecological research site to investigate impacts of successional processes, herbivore pressure and climate change. Results from this study will serve as the foundation for future projects at this site. Additionally, for the first year of the project, the student will participate in the NSF G6-12 Fellowship Program and will contribute to a new project that is developing environmental science literacy frameworks and teaching resources for teachers and students in grades 6-12. The student will be advised by Dr. Sarah Haines (ESL Project PI) along with Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp and Dr. Roland Roberts. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental education and will be supported for one year on a NSF G6-12 Fellowship as part of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) research and education community. The Fellowships are an integral part of the Environmental Science Literacy (ESL) Project funded by the National Science Foundation at four Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites around the nation. While supported by this fellowship, the student is expected to: • Spend 20 hours per week during the school year as a participant in the project. The school year schedule is flexible. • With a classroom teacher, develop classroom applications of ecological research being carried out during the project. • Join the ESL Project’s Research Team to participate in research into teacher and student thinking and learning. • Participate in professional development workshops during the summer and school year. • Receive on-going support from Project scientists and educators as they help 6-12 teachers implement new teaching approaches in their classrooms and schoolyards. • Participate in an annual symposium involving all participants in the project During this fellowship, the student will be supported by a stipend of $25,000 (with no tuition waiver). For the remainder of the project, the student will be supported by a teaching assistantship funded at $8,000 per year, plus a full tuition waiver, with an additional $3,000 per year available as summer support. The start date for this position is July/September 2011 (tentative dates, some flexibility is possible). To apply for this position, send an application package that includes 1) your CV; 2) a letter of interest explaining how the experience will benefit you in your graduate career; 3) a description of your coursework background and relevant teaching experience (if any); 4) names and contact information for three references and/including your academic advisor to Sarah Haines Towson University Department of Biological Sciences 8000 York Road Towson MD 21252 410-704-2926 FAX 410-704-2405 [email protected]
