This volunteer position is open to undergrads, recent grads, or those holding a BS in biological sciences looking to gain experience working in the tropics. Field work will be conducted in the canal zone of Panama in areas dominated by the exotic grass Saccharum spontaneum that have been recently reforested.
Work will focus on identifying traits of plant functional groups that allow them to better compete against the exotic grass Saccharum spontaneum in areas under restoration. The goal of this work is to help identify traits tree species that allow them to perform well in areas dominated by exotic grasses and help expedite reforestation efforts in Panama. This work is part of a PhD thesis being conducted through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Requirements to be considered: * Must be enrolled in a BS program or have a BS in a biological sciences field * Must be capable of working in hot, humid, uncomfortable conditions and willing to work long hours at times * Must be physically capable of doing fairly strenuous work * Must be able to maintain composure and patience in stressful situations * Good understanding of Spanish is preferred but not required. Timeline: Now - December (time line negotiable) Although this is a volunteer position, this is a good opportunity to gain experience working in the tropics, make professional contacts, potentially find a paid position for when the time line of work is over, and is a good CV builder. If interested a more detailed description of the work will be provided upon contact, and additional requirements will be requested at that time. If interested please contact: Justin Cummings [email protected] Thank you, Justin Cummings PhD Candidate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz 1156 High St. Santa Cruz, Ca 95064
