Undergraduate Research Experience Studentship in Soil Isotope Ecology
Spring and Fall 2012
We are seeking an undergraduate research assistant to participate in
a study investigating the dynamics of C and N from leaf litter to the
soil and atmosphere by the use of isotopic techniques (NSF DEB grant 0918482).
The research involves the development of an established laboratory
method to extract amino sugars (proxies for microbial-derived organic
matter) from soils and analyze them for their specific isotopic
composition. Further, this method will be applied at our study site
at the Konza tall grass prairie (KN), to trace C and N dynamics from
litter to microbial residues, and their fate in the soil with respect
to soil depth and physico-chemical stabilization. This study will
enhance our understanding of the microbial contribution to litter-C
and N stabilization in SOM.
The student will be involved in the development and application of
the method to extract amino sugars from the soil and analyze their
15N and 13C values by a gas chromatography-combustion-Isotope Ratio
Mass Spectrometer at the EcoCore analytical facility at Colorado
State University (http://ecocore.nrel.colostate.edu/). The student
will be mentored by Dr. Francesca Cotrufo and Dr. Karolien Denef, and
will also be an integral part of Dr. Cotrufo's research group
participating in lab meetings and discussions,
(http://lamar.colostate.edu/~fcotrufo/Francesca_Cotrufo/Research_Group.html).
This will be a most valuable educational experience for an
undergraduate student, who will have great opportunities for
high-quality interactions with scientists, from faculty to graduate students.
The selected student will receive a studentship of $4000, for 16
weeks of work, during the Spring and Fall semesters 2012. The
proposed stipend support is aligned with the suggested NSF rate ($250
a week). The student will be encouraged to present results from this
work at suitable venues and conferences.
The scholarship recipient shall:
1. Be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time and majoring in
relevant disciplines;
2. Demonstrate an interest in soil ecology research;
3. Demonstrate outstanding academic credentials with an aptitude for research.
Analytical skills and previous experience working with soils and/or
coursework on soil science, ecology, or environmental science is preferred.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Dr. Cotrufo or
Dr. Denef at the addresses below. For application please send: 1) a
letter stating your interest; 2) your resume and 3) the names and
contact information of two references. Deadline for application is
February 3rd.
M. Francesca Cotrufo
Professor, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
Senior Scientist, Natural Resource Ecology Lab
NESB B250, Colorado State University
Tel. 970 491 6056
[email protected]
Karolien Denef
Managing Director, EcoCore
Research Scientist, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
NESB A244, Colorado State University
Tel. 970 491 5580
[email protected]
