Ecology of Bird Loss REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates): A comparison of bird abundance and fruit removal between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota
The Ecology of Bird Loss project (http://faculty.washington.edu/tewksjj/ebl) examines the effect of bird loss on forests through changes in seed dispersal and food web dynamics. Our research focuses on the Mariana Islands, comparing forests on Guam, where forest birds are functionally extinct due to predation by the invasive brown treesnake, to forests on three of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian and Rota), where native avifauna populations are still intact. REU project description: This summer, the REU student will conduct surveys and feeding observations of frugivorous birds on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota in order to quantify the differences in bird communities and seed removal between islands. The student will work with project leaders to develop methods, conduct the research independently, and present results in a seminar at the University of Guam at the end of the summer. The REU student will also participate in general research activities undertaken by the Ecology of Bird Loss project. Stipend: The REU student will receive a stipend of $4400.00. A roundtrip flight from any major US airport to Guam and housing and will be provided. Duration: The REU position lasts 11 weeks, but the start and end dates are flexible. Recommended start dates are between May 15th and June 13th and end dates between August 5th and August 26th, 2011. Eligibility: Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. They must have completed their sophomore or junior year of college before summer 2011, and be continuing as a full-time student in the Fall 2011 term. We encourage applications from students at primarily undergraduate institutions and from underrepresented groups. Participants must be citizens or permanent legal residents of the US, and must have a valid US drivers license and passport. To apply: Candidates should email a single document (.pdf, .doc, .docx) containing a cover letter, a resume highlighting your research experience (particularly bird-related experience), and contact information for three references to Isaac at [email protected]. Please contact Isaac by email if you have any questions related to the internship. For more information on this position, see pdf at http://faculty.washington.edu/tewksjj/ebl/jobs.shtml
